Saturday, March 31, 2007

Aussiejourno's Weekly Blog Awards

Top Blogs For Week Ending 31 March

Aussiejourno's Weekly Blog Awards are meant to encourage bloggers from all round the world and they give new bloggers the chance to get their work noticed in an increasingly popular forum, alongside the world's most-visited blogs. There is no monetary reward, no live TV coverage, no red carpet interview, but the exposure comes with international bragging rights. If you would like your blog (or someone else's) to be considered for next week's awards, please leave the url here, in the comment section. You can nominate as many blogs as you want. Entries close at midday Greenwich Mean Time each Friday.

1. http://toiletpaper56.blogspot.com
2.
http://www.autopartsplace.com/bg/
3. http://www.blogguelph.com
4.
http://www.ramblingtraveler.com/
5.
http://aquarius2626.blogspot.com/
6. http://www.bartraeke.com/
7.
http://chewy-myblog.blogspot.com/
8.
http://querkeyturkey.blogspot.com/
9. http://www.megabluewave.com/blog/
10. http://jenerahealy.blogspot.com
11.
http://shrinkwrappedscream.blogspot.com/
12. http://mur38.blogspot.com/
13.
http://colorado-bob.blogspot.com/
14. http://web.mac.com/allancook/
15. http://invisiblestudio.blogspot.com
16. www.mcglinch.com/blog
17. http://andreajoseph24.blogspot.com/
18. http://thatblueyak.blogspot.com
19.
http://thedanmega.blogspot.com/
20.
http://dancewithsun.blogspot.com/
21. http://www.no-fing-way.blogspot.com/
22.
http://cash4blogging.blogspot.com/
23.
http://daubdujour.blogspot.com/
24. http://unforeseenpaths.blogspot.com/
25. http://www.storybookphotos.blogspot.com
26.
http://www.dressedandpressed.blogspot.com/
27.
http://grumpyandfarting.blogspot.com
28.
http://profbush.blogspot.com
29. http://uncommonnotions.blogspot.com/
30.
http://bobs-diary.blogspot.com/
31.
http://mrjoeblogs.blogspot.com/
32. http://bonniescalhoun.blogspot.com
33.
http://geraldthemajesticgoat.blogspot.com/
34. http://mybitswontbyte.com/
35.
http://scooterguy-doug.blogspot.com/
36. http://adarkershadeofblack.blogspot.com/
37. http://magickriver.blogspot.com
38. www.thechosenonesupports.blogspot.com
39. http://gun-totin-wacko.blogspot.com/
40.
http://allthegoodnameshadgone.blogspot.com

And honourable mentions go to:

http://webolee.blogspot.com
http://aletterneversent.blogspot.com
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/VisitorsMemories.htm
http://rodentia.blogspot.com/

In conclusion, I would just like to say I've been mentoring several bloggers for a while and it is important to know that the work of a blogger whose url has only 10 hits can be ranked alongisde a blogger whose url has 10,000 hits or more. I would like other would-be writers and bloggers to benefit from the fact that I am a bestselling novelist (`Vegemite Vindaloo', published by Penguin) and career journalist with almost 30 years' experience in writing, editing, design, newspaper technology and production.

62 comments:

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

Gee, I'm in again - and climbing - Wow!! Can't tell you how motivating this is, (but I will, anyway)your comments, tip and encouragement sends me flying to my blog, every time.. thanks, David.

david mcmahon said...

Hi Shrink Wrapped Scream,

That's the intention. I'm glad it sends you flying to your blog. The funny thing is, there are so may good blogs that just miss out by a fraction.

But I think you do a great job and it's always a pleasure to visit your site.

Cheers

David

mcglinch said...

thanks again. I appreciate your props. nice to see the hits from your neck of the woods.
mcglinch.com/blog

david mcmahon said...

G'day Big Mac,

No worries at all. It's so nice to actually get feedback from bloggers whose work is featured in the weekly list.

I'm so glad you're getting some Australian traffic and believe me, you deserve it.

Take care and if you need any help or feedback, you know exactly where to find me.

From one Mc to another

David

Deb said...

Thanks, David once again. It feels so exhilarating after working a full-time high-pressure job during the daytime, return home, write my little heart out and become recognized. And to imagine 2+ months ago, I didn't even know what a blog was!

Take care
Deb

david mcmahon said...

Hi Deb,

I understand exactly where you're coming from. When I started this blog, I had no idea just how swiftly things would snowball.

But I had no one to turn to for advice, no one to use as a benchmark, no peers to use as a litmus test.

I guess that's why I try and be as accessible as I can. I would like to help other bloggers; it's as simple as that.

And if it means that you come home at the end of a long day at work and you still want to update your blog - then hey, we're all doing something right.

Correct?

Thank you too, Deb. Thank you for coming back here and acknowledging what I do, and what we do.

It's not important to me that people acknowledge my role. That's not why I help people and advise them. But it's wonderful to know that it is appreciated.

Cheers. Keep smiling. And enjoy blogging. And willingly share the knowledge you acquire ....

Take care

David

Stacy said...

Hi David, thank you again for the mention. I admire your dedication to helping other blogs, and I like the new ones you bring to my attention with your weekly list!

Thank you again,
Stacy

david mcmahon said...

Hi Stacy,

You're most welcome. You really deserve the honour, if I might call it that.

The intention is simply to build a stronger blogging community, especially among those who would like feedback on their work and who I'm sure would help other newbies in return.

I'm so glad the new names on the list make an impression.

Lovely to hear from you and do stay in touch.

Best wishes, as always

David

Marianne said...

Hi David,

Wow, I made it onto your favourite weekly blog awards list! I'm quite chuffed. Ta.

Mind you, I know how it feels sometimes to keep posting stuff and feeling like you're screaming in the darkness and all you hear is your own echo. How grand of you to help promote people and their given voices.

Well done, and thanks again.
Cheers
Marianne

Finn Haverkamp said...

Hey David,
Thank you for your continuing support of my blog. I enjoy writing for it more and more each post, and am constantly finding new things to talk about.

Sincerely,
-Finn Haverkamp (Gryffin)

Bonnie S. Calhoun said...

Well thank you very much David, I feel honored to have made your list!

Anonymous said...

David, thank you so much for the encouragement! (and the spell check) I really appreciate it and hope things are well for you. Best of luck in the future and I will continue to read your posts.
Thank you
Pj's and Coffee

F.J. Delgado said...

Thank you so much for the Honorable Mention, it means a lot!

Cheers and thanks again,
FJD

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

Oh no! I've sunk to 30! Was it the haiku about the Ozzie biscuit???

david mcmahon said...

Dear Marianne,

Many thanks for your message. I've been lucky, with the amount of people who read this blog. So I guess it seemed the perfect vehicle to showcase the great work being done by so many other bloggers.

You're on the list because I admire your work.

Keep blogging. And keep smiling. If there's ever anything I can do, you know exactly where to find me!

Cheers

David

david mcmahon said...

Dear Finn,

You're most welcome. I guess you hit the nail on the head when you say you enjoy what you do.

It really does show - which is why your blog is on the list.

Have fun blogging.

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Bonnie,

You're most welcome. Unfortunately, there is no real ``prize'' to be had - apart from peer recognition, which is probably the highest praise.

Good luck and do keep in touch.

David

david mcmahon said...

Dear PJsandcoffee,

I'll always be there, looking over your shoulder to help and provide guidance.

Stay in touch and buzz me if you have any issues.

Good luck and keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
david mcmahon said...

Dear FJ,

You're most welcome. I honestly don't know how you find the time to write more than one blog!

Good luck and stay in touch.

David

david mcmahon said...

Dear Bob,

Relax - I'd never taken anything personally!! No, I'll explain what happened. There's been so much great work that even people who improved their sites (like you) got overtaken by others. You'll even see that some great sites like Copper Stiletto fell away, as did moviesandfrontiers (a wonderful benchmark for film buffs) and TravellinMama.

You're still on the list. Keep smiling. And keep blogging with all that enthusiasm and energy that you show.

Bear up!

David

Deborah Gamble said...

David -

I'm thrilled to have made your list! As a brand-spanking new blogger, I'm still getiing over the excitement of having anyone other than my husband and my mother read my blog.

You are a great example of a very fine blog. Maybe someday you'll make it on my Top Blogs List.

Just kidding, you'll be there, that is if I ever make such a list.

Cheers!
Debbie

david mcmahon said...

Hi Debbie,

Nice to hear from you. That's the whole reason behind the Weekly Blog Awards - so that we get more people reading good blogs.

Hopefully there will be many more, in addition to your husband, your mother and me!

I look forward to the day my blog is on your list!

Seriosuly though, well done and happy blogging.

Cheers

David

Buscador said...

Thanks David once again for recognizing my blog on your prestigious list! I am truly honored. It was completely unexpected this week and such a delight to see not only was my blog on the list but it had moved up!!! Very cool! Thank you again!

- Buscador

My Blog:
"Meandering Through Unforeseen Paths"

Joel said...

David,

I was thrilled when you visited my blog and left such a nice comment. And, I am once again thrilled to be mentioned on your list and especially to be moving up. Knowing that you are watching really does motivate me to keep improving.

Some days it's harder than others to face the keyboard and come up with interesting ideas to write about. Luckily for me I’m easily amused and find nearly everything interesting (As a child I read encyclopedias alphabetically for entertainment). That doesn’t always mean that others will find them interesting as well. Frankly, I am surprised that anybody is interested in reading the ramblings of an old man who is losing weight, lowering his blood pressure, sharing recipes, and generally obsessing about food. I appreciate knowing you are there.
Best,

david mcmahon said...

Hi Buscador,

Nice to hear from you again. From memory (and I may have got this wrong, due to the vast number of blogs I check for the awards) I think I also looked at a second site of yours, which came close to getting in with the honourable mentions.

The competition is getting tougher, though. So it's terrific to see your blog is climbing the list.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Joel,

No worries at all. It;s my pleasure to look over your shoulder and give you some honest feedback.

Why is your blog on the list? Because it's relevant. Because it's not boring. Because it reflects your life experience.

Good luck with the blog and do be in touch.

Cheers

David

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

Cool. Let me know if you can think of ways I can improve my blog. I think it might look a bit crowded but can't find anything I don't want on there. LOl.

Fan cu!

Bob

Hey- does anyone else notice that if you put the letters in wrong on the word verification, it comes back a second time clearer- and then, if you get it wrong again it swears at you. This is my third attempt and it says USILYFKR.

Is that just me?

david mcmahon said...

Hi Bob T Bear Esq,

Yes, I've been known to stuff up the recognition letters too!

Re: improvements. There's one thing I would suggest. Have a look at some of the new templates around on Blogger. Some very cool ones indeed.

It would give your blog a whole new look. Experiment with a couple, have a look and tell me what you think.

I waited a long time to change to one of the new templates - and as Terry Fletcher, webmaster and oracle of the Anglo-Indian Portal will tell you, I waited far too long to change.

Just a thought ....

Keep in touch and let me know what you think.

Cheers and keep smiling.

David

Ubertramp said...

Hi David,

I've no idea just where exactly you find all these blogs - but some of them are simply superb.
Right, time to get working through the list again...
Looking forward to reading more
Kind Regards
Nathan

Ubertramp said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ubertramp said...

Hi David

Heres my blog/site for you:
Ubertramp Web
Ubertramp blog
I'd like to know your thoughts on it if you get time.
Regards

Nath

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

Hey there, David, as I'm off to London for a few days, I wanted to nominate my last post, for your consideration. "Dig a hole, and bury me". I look forward to your comments, as ever. We all love what you do, it makes blogging that much more fun! I've met many fellow-bloggers, thanks to your site, and they're fast becoming my second family - thanks for that.

http://shrinkwrappedscream.blogspot.com/

TheGeek said...

Hey David,

Thanks for reading my blog and leaving a comment. Its great to know that I made your list!

:)

Cheers,
Dan

Buscador said...

Hey David! Thanks again for the nice comments on my blog. Also I do have another blog (actually 2 other blogs but I don't update the 3rd one often). I was wondering if you have any suggestions about my art blog (possibly layout suggestions) to enhance the website. It's awesome knowing that my other blog almost made an honorable mention as that one is more of an indulgence for me.

Well keep up the great work. You have an amazing eye for capturing moments & that's apparent in your photographs.

david mcmahon said...

G'day Nathan,

They really are great sites - and it's my absolute pleasure to help other bloggers.

Tell you something else - it gets harder each week to decide between the sites. So many have improved, so many other new ones come on board.

Will definitely have a look at you sites in the next 24 hours or so and give you some honest feedback.

Thanks for getting in touch.

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Shrink,

I'm so glad you like what I do. I guess it's good all round because you know you're going to get a fair, honest assessment - based not only on editorial content and writing ability, but also in overall terms of pictorial/ design elements as well as photography and layout.

I thought your beach pebbles picture was superb, not just because of the range of colours, but also because of the angle.

Enjoy your time in London and thanks for that nomination.

Take care

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Dan,

No worries at all. Great work all round - and the competition is becoming tougher, so you've done well to stay on the list.

Happy blogging

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Buscador,

Certainly. Will look at your art blog. You'll have some feedback in the next 24 hours or so.

Three blogs! Tell me, where do you find the time to do all this!

Glad you like my photography. I do have a lot of fun with the camera.

Take care and stay in touch.

David

chris said...

David,

Wow, I can't say how happy I am to have made number two. :) The motivation it gives me to write and improve my blog is just so effective. I was actually a little stressed lately because I had another bug in my database that makes the look of my blog homepage a little "bloated".

This award just taught me that sometimes a little glitch should not be seen as a hindrance in still striving to do well.

Thanks David. I know that to him who gives, more will be given. And to him who gives not, it will be taken even that which he already has. :) I am grateful for always being there to help and to leave an inspiring comment or remark.

ipodwheels

Doug said...

Hi David,
Thank you once again for my
inclusion on your list!
I haven't been posting as
regular the last week or so due
to poor health but should be
back on track soon.
Once again many thanks and
congrats to all bloggers who
have made the list.
Cheers,
Doug

david mcmahon said...

Hi Riddick Race,

Congratulations. But don't sweat over glitches. Everyone hits these hurdles. You ain't the first and you certainly won't be the last.

Just enjoy your blogging, as you always do.

I'm so glad you find my feedback useful. You can always rely on my help and the fact that it is always genuine, honest advice.

Take care and stay in touch.

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Riddick Races,

My apologies - I just left the S off Races!

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Doug,

Very sorry to hear about your health. Look after yourself. The most important thing is to take care of health issues - all else takes second place.

Keep in touch and let me know if you're getting better.

Keep smiling

David

Jenera said...

Thanks David! I was suprised I made it again because I did so little to it while out of town and dealing with a sick youngin'.

I would like to be considered again this week. I've done some 'freshening up' to make the blog look cleaner and easier to follow. I think anyways!

Thanks!
Jenera

david mcmahon said...

Hi Jenera,

I think you did wonderfully, all things considered. I hope Aidan is on the mend and that life is a little more relaxed - well, as relaxed as it can ever get for a Mum.

By the way, if you ever have the time and you want to see the debt I owe to my Mother, have a look at a blogpost called `We Bring Ye Gifts' just beore Christmas 2006.

I love the fact that you experimented with your camera and shared the results with us.

Keep smiling

David

Anonymous said...

David, Thank you for the inclusion in your list of Aussiejourno's Weekly Blog Awards. I appreciate it!

Thank you and greetings from around the world...

Marek from Milwaukee, WI, USA

david mcmahon said...

Hi Marek,

No worries at all. Good luck with the blog.

Cheers

David

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

Hi!

I have tried to look new templates, but, despite being in 'new blogger', I still only get the old list of templates up, and I don't prefer any of those to the one I have!

:@{

Anonymous said...

Wow! 49 Comments. This'll make 50. I wonder what the record is for comments on a single post?

david mcmahon said...

Hi BT Bear,

I'm glad it's all sorted and that you're up and running again.

Take care

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Chewy,

Very interesting point. I honestly don't know the answer.

Might have to scout around a bit. I guess many of the people on the Weekly Blog Awards list leave comments on each others' work, which is great rapport to have.

Take care

David

Deb said...

Hi David, me again, I know this may sound greedy, but I would like to nominate myself for this week's blog awards.

Also to nominate someone else:
http://inthenuthouse.blogspot.com

Thanks,

Deb

Have a good Easter

Deb said...

David: Help! How do you link posts in the middle of your post. What I mean is, in the middle of a sentence I have seen others with a word underlined, click on it, and it's linked. I'm befuddled.

Thanks
Deb

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

Hey is it too late to nomnate someone?

Have you seen
http://chalkhills-collective.blogspot.com/

???

She's a great Bear doctor.

:@}

david mcmahon said...

Hi Deb,

Got that nomination, thanks.

Will check out the new site you've given me. Great to see people nominating other sites as well.
Have a wonderful Easter.

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Deb,

No worries at all. My good friend Terry Fletcher taught me this, but I don't think html code is recognised here in the comments section.

The other problem is that I'm in Sydney, away from home and I can't use my email to send you the link html.

Thinking laterally, can you go to Terry's site (Google search Anglo-Indian Portal) and he'll tell you exactly how to do it.

In the meantime, here is the code string that you need to copy and paste in Rich Text (copy into Word Pad or Note Pad and then copy and paste into your blog)

No, I just tried posting the comment with the code string and it won't accept html, just as I thought.

Try Terry and he's a wonderful help.

If he's away for Easter, Colorado Bob (he's on my Aussiejourno's Weekly Blog Awards List) has a post on how to do links, maybe about three or four weeks ago.

Let me know how you go, Deb

Cheers

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi BT Bear,

Never too late to nominate someone.
Great to see people nominating the work of others ... that's what it's all about.

Cheers

David

Deb said...

David,thanks for the quick reply, will look into Anglo-Indian Portal today.

To everyone else out there, hope we all do well with our blog awards.

Deb

david mcmahon said...

Hi Deb,

Terry's a great guy, always happy to share his knowledge.
Meanwhile, I've been a real klutz - even forgot to bring my USB cable to download/ upload pictures taken here in Sydney!

Let me know how you go. And good luck, everyone, with the awards.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter.

David

Anonymous said...

Slipped off... bummer. I'll have to try harder next week.

Keep up the good work and lots of new sites to explore from this list.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.