Saturday is October 1st!
That’s the first day for each our 31 day series. Have you finalized your topic? If you are joining in the *plan* is for each of the 8 original 31 dayers to have a linky on our blogs BUT you only need to link up one time on only one blog, if all goes as planned, the links should show up on every blog. Fingers crossed. So, if you are hanging out at Darcy’s blog and link up at her site, within a few minutes, your link should show up on every blog. There could be some hiccups because of the way we are doing the linky so just in case there is wonkiness, forgive us, this is our first year and we aren’t really sure what to expect. Hang with us and we’ll let you know if something tragic happens like if we blow up the internet or worse, we all have to re-enter our links.
It was so fun to read your comments from the other day about your topics. I know it’s a scary thing to commit to writing on one subject for 31 days but, this is my third year and each year I dread it but also love it. Writing about one thing for 31 days doesn’t mean you are claiming to be an expert on that topic, maybe it’s something you want to find out more about, maybe it’s your passion. I’ve found that it’s a more rewarding challenge to choose more of a specific category than a general category. So instead of 31 days of cooking, I might do 31 days of chocolate chips. Or instead of 31 days of celebrities, I might do 31 days of 80′s teen idols. This helps the reader know what to expect but it also pushes you to go deeper in a subject. And that seems to be where the magic happens.
Please don’t fret about whether or not to join in. If you think you are up for the challenge, great, if not, maybe next year.
Buttons
Some of you had questions about making a button. A button is not required although I like having a few so I can pepper them into some of my posts and use them on my sidebar. Also I like pretty things so buttons are a natural need for me. I made some empty ones if you know how to grab them, you can upload them into photobucket or something and then write in your extra words. If you know of a great button making tutorial feel free to put the link in the comments. Also IF you are a person who makes buttons and you have time in the next few days for a few jobs, feel free to leave a link to your site or your email in the comments along with what you charge for a button. But watch out, if you leave more than one link in your comment Nesting Place will think you are spam and it will not publish your comment.
Linking Up
I made a practice page for you to practice linking up. If you are not completely comfortable with linking up please click on the page and read my many words about it.
This linky party is {hopefully} going to be an image link up along with text. So think about what image you want. I can see the stats to all my past linky parties and it’s always the most eye-catching photo that gets the most clicks. You can also use your button as your linky image. Just PLEASE have an image, I don’t want to see any of those default blue cartoon frogs on the list because you didn’t link to an image. When you link up the linky will automatically allow you to choose an image from the permalink you are linking to {if that sentence didn’t make sense read this so you know what I’m talking about} you will also have the option of uploading a photo from your computer or putting in an image code.
Why your link could get deleted::
- You didn’t link to a permalink
- You didn’t link up an image and you have a blue frog and you are in the first couple of rows, what? me? controlling?
- You aren’t actually doing 31 days, you thought you would but naah, let’s face it, you aren’t and when someone clicks on your site there is no sign of 31 day life. So if it’s October 18th and I click on your site and see NOTHING that tells me you are doing 31 days, and nothing from days before and I just simply cannot find anything? GONE. This is a 31 day series, yes, sometimes I post twice on one day or work in a giveaway but, I have a button or I link to my post or something, I try to always make it obvious that I am in the middle of an ongoing series. Make it easy for people to find.
- You are being sneaking and doing 31 days to selling out your etsy shop and it’s all a big annoying ad to get us to buy something from you. Or anything else I deem sneaky.
- You linked up more than once and I’m deleting duplicates
When’s the link up?
Um, I’m not sure yet. The eight of us are still fiddling around with the best way to make this happen. Again, if the internet melts, it’s probably our fault. You may see a link up post sneak up on Friday afternoon or night, or we might be frantically trying to figure it out by Saturday at midnight. So sorry I don’t have an exact time, but I admit I also like to keep it kind of a mystery. No matter, you won’t be able to link up without having a post published so it wouldn’t hurt to have something ready, and remember, whatever it is that you link to, will be one way people will find your series. Consider what exactly it is that you want a first time visitor to land on if they are clicking over to give you a look see even in the midst of the series. Ideally you want something interesting that explains what you are doing and maybe links to each of your individual posts.
Now go forth and 31!
UPDATED::
I put up a test linky here for a few hours but some people panicked and thought it was the real thing so I took it down. Real linky is coming Friday or Saturday…stay tuned!
Thank you for posting this! Mucho helpful.
I can do a button for TWO people (the first two who contact me). Just leave a comment on my blog if you’re interested. 1everydayartist.com
You can see my button on there already to see what kind of work I do. Oh, and I’ll do it for free because, well because I can and yay!
can you do one for me? http://www.thebossymom.com
31 Days Toward Understanding Autism
I’ve never had a button and have no clue what to do so, if I am one of the lucky ‘two’, let me know. Thanks…Su
How sweet of you! Did you get your two yet? I am a new blogger and need a button. I’ve read about it, but don’t have a good program to edit a picture/text. I was trying to make one with a cute little home, but no success. I am doing 31 Days to Making Your Family Feel Special.
I have a question…if you only have to link up one time for the whole 31 days, wouldn’t you want the link to be to your main url…rather than a specific post?
nope, because in December when someone clicks there, you don’t want them to see your christmas lights and not find your 31 day series. This is why you either want to link up to 1. your FIRST day where it’s an intro and you explain what you are doing and then I like to include a link to every post {obviously you can only do this as you go so by October 17th you would have 17 posts listed or 2. link to a post specifically about your 31days and have it be a welcome page and direct people to where to start
if you just link it to your main url then you don’t get to control what they see when they come to see your 31 days series~remember, people might click on this later in the year or maybe for the first time in the middle of the month. so it’s best to have them click to a “31 days landing page” of sorts so you can guide them, welcome them, whatever, but yes, make it user friendly and very linkable to all of your 31 day posts…but there is no wrong way, maybe you have a better way? I’m sure there are a million ways to do it but, I’m not sure that linking directly to your url is best in the long run.
If you use labels on your posting topics you could link to the label. For example, I did a 30 Secrets in 30 Days once and I could have linked them to
http://indigoamethyst.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20Secrets%20in%2030%20Days
But you have to remember to not remove the label in future or it you wouldn’t be found from the linky again. So that might work.
Or, I guess the better question would be…do you only link up once for the entire 31 days or do you need to link up once per day? I guess a good practice might be to create a new category and link to the category.
yep, only once! and linking to the category will work too, not sure if it will show them in what order, depending on how your blog is set up
If you use blogger, you can create a tab or page where you can put a link to each post you make. You can link that page or tab when you sign up on the first day. That way everyone has a reference point and also you have control over how you want your days to come across. (Does that make sense?)
Each tab or page is written like a blog post and published. The tab is just a quick place to access that info. I’ve created one on my blog if you’d like to see what I’m talking about! I’ve already got mine set up and I plan on using this like I use my “Menu Monday” Tab!
Not to jump in like a know-it-all. I’m a first timer too! Just thought it might help!
derekandnicki.blogspot.com
Darn it! I missed this initial announcement. I’ve always thought I’d like to join in and do something like this…. Great idea to include the masses! Maybe next round…
Donna
You can still join! The announcement wasn’t a sign up sheet :)
Very true. But with no posts in draft mode and hectic days ahead = no sleep for me! :) I’ll be thinkin’ about it…
Donna
Yay! I’ve put up my introductory post, made a button, and even have a better name “31 day of Unlocking Creativity” – so I’m all set and ready to go :)
Can’t wait to get to making stuff – this is gonna be the push I need to break out of my creative slump.
Thanks again for inviting everyone to join in!
what to write about for 31 days???
the options are endless.
I would love to make a button for those that fear making their own. And I won’t charge anything! But of course, would adore a follow.
xoxo michele
Hi Michele, I would love a button and will certainly follow : ) This 31 day challenge is just what I need to get me back into the blogging daily habbit. I have decided to do 31 Days of Repurposing.
I will work on it, stat! :)
xoxo michele
Michele, I would love a button too…Mine is 31 Days of Whimsy! Yes I will follow, our course!! Dianntha
Hi, Michele (my middle name is spelled the same way!)
I’ll follow and I would love a button as well… I;d like to do 31 days of a Kid-Friendly life (recipes, crafts, activities, sales, etc.)! Thanks for the help!
working on it now!
xoxo michele
I have time to work on a few more ~ this has been so much fun! Please come over to my blog and leave me a message so I don’t miss you.
xoxo michele
Michele, if you still have time, could you help me with a button? If not, I understand AND I will still follow you anyway. :) I will be blogging about 31 Days of Living with a Chef. Thank you.
~Sherrill
Is it too late for a button? I have been trying to make one for my blog…ahhh!! Now I need one for 31. Mine is 31 Days of Making Your Family Feel Special. Or maybe it should be 31 Days of Specialness…but it is directly about my home and family. I’m so last minute…can you tell??
Hi, Michele! I left you a message at your site, hopefully you have time for 1 more button! :)
Is it too late?!! I’d love a “31 Days to Getting Fit” button :-) Please let me know! I tried grabbing the blank buttons that Nester posted, but can’t figure it out! Thank you, THANK YOU!
can i make a humble suggestion?
well, i suppose i can.
anywhoo…is there a way that the link ups can shuffle? i don’t know if that’s even possible, but us folks in california don’t typically see the posts until hours after you east coasters…so it would be cool if there was a function where they could shuffle randomly so that not just the first few linker uppers get the most clicks.
that or i’m being bratty.
which is totally likely.
;)
no, I totally agree with you and checked into it, the only thing is a random thing but I don’t think it shuffles I think it just leaves off numbers…BUT, hey, I’m gonna ad one to this post and anyone willing to test it out? just link up todays post and lets see what happens.
also a reason why I don’t say when the linky’s going up, but sadly, I’m on the east coast and I’m a morning person so normally that means bad timing for you, linkies.
OH MY WORD< I think it’s randmizing!!!
So, it’s working BUT, I realized that I have already given out the code for this linky party for the 8 of us and some people are out of town and have already used it and are waiting for it to go live so it will be trouble to change it at this point but NEXT linky? total randomness
who knew blogging could be this dramatic? ha!
Our business, She’s So There, is happy to offer buttons for $8.00 apiece for this project. You can place your order at http://shessothere.com/buttons/ . Our usual button price for sidebar buttons or ads is $10-15 so this is a special price for the 31 Day LinkUp. Just go to http://shessothere.com/buttons/ to place your order and we’ll be happy to get yours back to you shortly!
Warmly,
Sweetie Berry
Looks like it works! Looking forward to 31 Days!
I can also do buttons for anyone that wants them. Just give me a hollar…:) No charge…I just like doing graphics and buttons are fun…:)
Hi Dawn, if you’re still available… a button for “31 Days of Knocking Out the Excuses” would be great ;) (inquicksand – at – gmail – dot – com)
Dawn, I don’t know if you’ve seen my message yet, but I think I’m going to attempt one using the tutorial someone posted, but I’ll email you via your blog if I need help!!
I am really excited to read the series, Nester. :) I also love the little buttons you created–what a smart idea so people can add in their own wording!
I’ve created my button, posted my announcement and linked to the test. I’m nervous and excited all at the same time! I found a great tutorial for creating blog buttons. The one I created for this doesn’t have a grab box, but I might try that on the side bar next. If you want to take a stab at creating your own, I recommend this tutorial:
http://mommybits.net/2009/05/17/tutorial-creating-your-own-blog-button-w-code-box/
Shannon’s done a great job of explaining it.
thanks deborah!
I sent an email to you yesterday but have not heard back from you. Is this a sign? ha ha!!! I know you have been busy but it is in regards to 31 and was looking for advice. thanks..;0)
Heavens to Betsy this makes me sso nervous! I made my blog button, twas not easy….my noggin does not work that way. I am just confused, sorry ;/ if I link up my button above then it will link to everyone everyday? even on my blog all those links will show up or just on “the 8″ . I want to do this right..I’ve put ALOT of thought, time, and prayer into it, I don’t want to mess it up somehow. Thanks Nester you ROCK!
the linky will only be hosted at the 8 host blogs, just like the wreath linky party~it only showed up on my blog but you could click on it and it LINKED to other blogs who “linked” up. I need a word other than link, huh?
So your link is just that, a link to your blog. Nothing more.
no worries at all, you won’t be able to mess it up, I’m the worst and I can’t even mess it up once it’s up and running, just the stuff on the back end here in the coding is crazy but you don’t even need to worry about that.
Oh Yeh and do I need to put my button in each days post? How do I permalink a button to more than one post….ooo yih yih yih.
whatever you want, I usually pop a button in every few days just because it’s cute. but you don’t have to use a button at all. the permalink can link to ONE specific post OR a category, but I cannot teach you how to do that. The easiest thing is to have your button link to an intro post or your first post. But, other than the link up, when I put my button in a blog post, it’s just an image and doesn’t link.
HOWEVER, if you want your button in your sidebar you want it to link to what you would want people to find when they are looking for your 31 dayz…this could be different on the first day than on the last day. I usually have mine link to an intro post during the month, then after October I link it to a round up post that links to every 31 day post.
I’m being confusing.
hate m e
No actually you answered all my questions! hugs! and thanks a million. Can’t wait to get this parteee started!
I think I need more coffee.
I think someone needs to do “31 days to 31 Days of Blogging” :) Just kidding, so awesome you spend the time on this.
Ok, I have been trying to follow along. Please someone correct me if I am wrong. I link up just once during the 31 days. So, if I come and link up on Saturday, I don’t link up againf or the remainder of the series? Nester, you mentioned giving people individual links to my posts. But how do I do that. I am sorry, I am a little linky challenged.
You link up ONE time on ONE of the host blogs.
then on your own blog is where you might want to make a list of all your links, but of course you cannot add each link until you publish each day’s post so it would be a growing list that you update daily. it’s not required, just nice and helps the reader.
the linky that me and the other 7 girls are hosting is just a place for you to let others know, “hey, I’m doing a 31 day series too, come check it out” so you link to something~it can be your day one post, it can be an introductory post, but think about what you want people to have access to when they come~if it’s just your day one post that’s fine, but your goal is to easily direct the reader to the next post or the series as a whole.
the linky at the host sites {the 8 of us from last year} will be open for the first 10 days or so, so you don’t have to link up in the first hour…watch how others do it, then it will make sense
I am so confused…..
just wait till we post the linky and watch and see how other people do it, it will make sense, I promise
Breathe…..just breathe. Now, I tested my sidebar button, and it links to my “intro post” which is perfect. Now, if I am only going to link up once, on Day 1, how do I give the readers a link to all of my other posts? Do I need to keep editing my “intro post” and pop them in there as they are done?
Breathe….just breathe…..!
yes, or you can link up once to an INTRO post instead of your day one post where you will update it daily/weekly whatever, it is work but, it helps the reader and if you put them in a position to work to read your posts, well, then, they’ll probably move on.
the post you link up to can be whatever you want it to be just know it’s the landing page for many people to find your series~what do you want them to find when they come?
Ahhh…what’s a landing page???? I’ve been blogging for a bit, but dont know what this is or how to make one. Any Help??
so glad I am not the only Linky Challenged!
Am I too late? I can do up my intro, first post and linky tomorrow :)
Today is a test, the real linky doesn’t go up for a few days! so you can link up then
Thank you so much. Do you have a “landing page” that you directed your readers to last time, where you listed all the links to your posts? I know, I know, I should just wait and see how it all works. I don’t want to take more of your time. Ha ha!
scroll down to the bottom, right under the comments here OR at the bottom of any of my blog pages and you’ll see last year’s 31 days button next to a compassion button. click it and you’ll see my landing page–I did it at the END of last year’s series, it was the last day. I would have liked to keep it up all along but it worked fine to do it at the end since I wasn’t linking up my series to other blogs, just doing it on my own with friends, click the 31 days to a less messy nest to see it.
Is it too late to sign up, Nester? I just saw this and would love to do something on fonts and graphics…31 days to a…I have to think of a good description. Thanks a bunch, Nancy
Got my button and my commercial posted. What’s gift wrapping without….rapping?
Lame, that’s what.
All ready for take off on Sunday – YEE-HAW!!
Haha looking forward to it, hope there’s going to be plenty more rapping in October!
Hey girl. . . I hope you’re still feeling pumped about doing this series!
I’ve been silently planning to do a 31 Days series myself. Yes, silently. The only people I’ve mentioned it to are people who do not read blogs. Sneaky, huh? What a good way to publicize! I have a graphic artist working on a button for me (fingers crossed it’ll be done in time–eek! It would have been a good idea to order a button, say, maybe back in August or something. But no, I wait until the last week of September. Hopefully someone will write 31 Days on How to Stop Procrastinating. Clearly, that will not be me.
Anyway, I am planning to write 31 Days of Spiritual Formation. And my heart starts beating fast as I think about it! I could talk for hours and hours about it–but can I write about it? We’ll see.
Thank you for being a good sport. Here’s hoping the internets don’t blow up on 10/1. Love you!
Richella this just made me smile.
I love your sneaky ways.
Oh I am so excited to be doing the 31 days this year! I’m doing 31 days of Gods Blessings. If anyone needs a button I can do it fast and I will only charge $5. funkyfaithdesigns at gmail dot com
Thanks! Leigh
excited for the link up! 31 days of newlywedded bliss!
cannot wait! thanks for the opportunity.
Nester for President?!? You just saved my life with your free buttons! Thank you, thank you. I customized one for my series and I just hope I can figure out all of this linky, coding, computery stuff. I have limited skilliz. But I’m joining in anyway.
Scooper…I would probably venture to guess my skills are way more limited than yours. LOL. I have decided not only am I going to participate in this BUT October will also be my month to FINALLY get my site in order. I have been secretly wishing someone would don 31 days on creating an attractive blogging site!!
Oh my word, I just realized I don’t even have my name linked to anywhere like the rest of you. Sheesh do I have a lot to learn!!! *sigh*
I’ve blogged before but have never linked up to anything. I made a button and can’t figure out how to get it on my blog! I think we are in the same boat. We need a Blogging 101 tutorial :o)
We are sooooo ready. I’ll be working on my button after i finish being buried today :) 31 Days of Service, here we come!
Right I have completed 4 posts, only 27 to go…
31 days to the Perfect City is in progress finally!
I have been working on mine too and have several days done and *most* of the other days at least topically outlined. Need to make sure I fill 31 days!! :)
Mine is 31 Days of Romance.
Looking forward to reading everyones!!
I’m not going to link up my bloggy-blog, because it’s still an infant. But I wanted to say “out loud” that I am going to participate in the 31 Days of Change. I’m going to work on the Happiness Project. :)
~andi
Thanks for the blank buttons – made it quick and easy! I’ve made mine and have my introductory post up. {31 days to settle after a move} I even have all my topics covered for the month, now to get to writing! :o)
Leslie..I’ll be reading for sure. I just made a move and I’m struggling with unpacking and I’ve been in the house for over 31 days!!!
October will be filled with 31 Days of Feeling Good! Thank you for inviting everyone. Because of this, I learned how to make a button/logo and enjoyed it so much! Would love to make one for anyone who is interested. Blessings to all :)
So I made a cute little button for my series and can’t figure out how to get it from Photobucket to my WordPress blog. Can someone tel me how to do this? Is anyone else running wordpress? I need help! :o)
Hi Missy! I hope this will be easy for you to follow:
1. While working on a new post or editing, Click “Add an image” (this is the square/frame beside “Upload/Insert” on the upper left side.
2. Then click “Select Files”. Click where your file is and click ‘Open’
3. Indicate title and click ‘Insert post’
That’s it! If you’re not able to upload it,let me know in my place that I can check on it the soonest.
Goodluck!
I’m jumping in which is both exciting and unnerving! Pretty new to blogging but thought this may be a good time to just go for it. I’ve loved reading your past 31 Days posts. I only hope I can keep it up! Still trying to figure out the whole button thing, but I won’t let that stop me. Just posted about the 31 days today, so there’s no turning back now. Looking forward to reading everyone’s. :)
So would we be allowed to have Sundays off? I normally don’t blog on Sunday, but I’d love to join this!
Just write your Sunday posts ahead of time and schedule them to post on Sunday…so you can still take the day off!
This is the first massive linky I have done. I have done a few linky’s, but I think this one will top them all!
Looking forward to it, and looking forward to seeing all the wonderful blogs participating!
I’m so excited about this! I’m doing 31 days of tips for the OUTNUMBERED mom because I’m outnumbered lol!
If anyone else needs a button I can create a few :-) I would love it if you would follow me in exchange lol :-)
Hi Kristina, I would love a button. I have been trying to figure it out for 2 days. Ugh…I’m so challenged when it comes to this. Mine will be 31 Days to Living with a Chef. If you still have time that would be great, if not totally understand and I will follow you regardless.
Thanks, Sherrill
Kristina,
I would love a button. I can’t figure out how to do it! I’m doing 31 Days of Seeking Peace in the Midst of the Mess. Let me know if you’re able to do it. As an outnumbered mom myself, I’m happy to follow you either way. :)
Thanks, Maureen
Hi Kristina!
I would LOVE a button, please, but only if you still have time to do another. :-)
“31 days of Holiday Baking”
Thanks so much.
Cindy
I’m in! It’s Mental Health Month nationally here in Australia so I’m going to do 31 Days of Mental Health. I’m going to incorporate some of the memes I do to fit my topic as well to make it a bit more challenging/fun.
Ok–I’m in for sure.
My topic will be 31 days to surviving an EMPTY NEST!!
Ok, I’m officially excited and ready to jump in!! I desired to do 31 days of Seasoning..I know that sounds weird, but it is a play on words:) I changed my blog name to Seasoned with Grace, because life is all about seasons, valleys, and moments. You look for the grace, and your moments become sweet. I’m going through a rough patch in my marriage right now, and I’m blogging about being a “Seasoned with Grace” woman!
P.S. Anyone want to offer to make me a button? :)
Mmm…if we have until Sunday I am thinking I would like to do this…immediately it came to me that I would like to do 31 days of crafty arty preparations for Christmas…its closer than you think!…lol…I hope I have understood what everyone has been writing….ill cross my fingers that my little guy gets better really quickly….this may be the boost I need…xxx
Hi,
I’m always looking for great home-style ideas and you have lots of refreshing content here
Fantastic work, keep it up and good luck!
Greetings!
I’m also doing a 31 day challenge, but the theme doesn’t necessarily fit the themes of most of these blogs. Since October is the month of Halloween, etc. I’m doing a month of Halloween-themed posts – scary book/movie reviews, posts about traditions, costumes, recipes, interview with horror authors, and other things that go bump in the night. Any way I can participate?
permission granted…oh wait, you don’t need permission, absolutely you’re in!
I’m really excited to be joining in too! I’m doing 31 days of Fall Cleaning. Looking forward to sharing tips on cleaning, my organizational projects, deep cleaning adventures and fall decorating! :) Can’t wait to start!
I’m going to go for 31 Days of a Handmade Home. I can work of some of that creative backlog that’s piling up on me at the moment :) I already have 50 or 60 ideas I can use to fill the days with (some really simple for those hard days) and it’s going to be fun!
I want to join in the fun and will do 31 Days of Holiday Baking (complete with recipes, and cute ways to package food for gift giving)! Got to figure out how to make a button, though!
Looking forward to this October challenge. I will be doing 31 days of simply enjoyable moments.
Hi, I was thinking of doing this and I know someone is doing a 31 Days of Parenting a teenager. I will be doing 31 Days In the Real Lives of Being Teenagers.