Monday, July 31, 2006

One regret...

As I go through my email and see all the wonderful stuff people sent me to put on the front page, I hang my head. I really wish I'd been able to keep up with my mail, and get everyone up there! Next year, we will find a way to do that. To everyone who I missed, I apologize.

by...frykitty... 7/31/2006 09:58:00 AM ... ~link~
Sunday, July 30, 2006

So, this is good bye for this year's blogathon from the Shabbat Schedule bloggers. All together, a lot of money was raised, new friends were made, and everyone got to have fun at the expense of sleep. I want to send a thank you to the sponsors who supported me, my wife for tollorating this, the other bloggers who came by, and the staff who put all this together. I'll be back next year, that's for sure. Once again, thanks to ALL of 'Team Shabbat'. Thanks to our success at pulling thru, FryKitty has announced that Shabbat schedule WILL be official from now on. Next year I'll likely help us Shabbat bloggers have our own chat area from the get go so from start to finish we can all work as one team for our goal. It's been fun, but for now I'm saying farewell to blog land until next year.

by...Renegade Kosher... 7/30/2006 08:47:00 PM ... ~link~


So, while ALL the Shabbat bloggers need your sponsorships, ONE has a special challenge. Dreama of Random Again, who is blogging for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, was offered a special deal by her husband! If she receives more Blogathon sponsors tonight, before the Blogathon ends for her, and the pledge total meets or exceeds $200, he will match the -entirety- of her pledges, dollar for dollar, up to $350. ^^ Now isn't that a charitible husband? Let's make him regret those words! Sponsor Her!

by...Renegade Kosher... 7/30/2006 05:05:00 PM ... ~link~


Note to sponsors:

The event isn't really over yet! There are still folks on the Sabbath Schedule (click Surf at watch the ticker at the top), and you can still sponsor for another 48 hours or so after that. Reminders will go out soon after the dust has settled. And...THANK YOU FOR PLEDGING! YOU ROCK!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 03:30:00 PM ... ~link~


Okay, to liven up the last 6 hours, I've decided to hold The First Annual Trayfe-to-Kosher Challenge! The rules are simple! Give me your favorite non-kosher recipes and I'll work to make them kosher & post the recipes! Come on, stump the student chef!

by...Renegade Kosher... 7/30/2006 03:14:00 PM ... ~link~


I'm about to head outside. While I'm gone, the Renegade and Dreama may or may not post here, depending on how busy they are.

One thing before I go: you simply must check out What the hell is a Blog?, blogging for The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. WTHIAB is doing a William Holden thon, with lots of cool info and pretty pictures. Well, pretty if you like William Holden. And who doesn't like William Holden? Go check 'em out!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 03:00:00 PM ... ~link~


The Magnificent Seven

Here are the Sabbath Schedulers still with us:

Random Again
Baby Got Blog
The Litterbox
Renegade Kosher
Official Pack Memory
What the hell is a Blog?
Domestic Geek

I expect them all to be comment bombed by anyone reading this. Share the love!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 02:22:00 PM ... ~link~


Snu...wha?

I'm awake! I've had my seven. Good morning, Sabbath Schedulers! Do pop in to the this topic at the forum and let me know how you're holding up!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 01:23:00 PM ... ~link~


24 hours and 81 posts later, we have come to the end of the standard schedule for Blogathon 2006.

As always, I got to know some neat people, learn about some wonderful charities, and raise a lot of money.

For those on the Sabbath Schedule, I hope to check back in with you after I've had a few hours sleep! Keep plugging!

For everyone else: goodnight!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 05:48:00 AM ... ~link~


And our last winner of the Blogathon is...

Dawn of justdawn! Dawn is blogging for the National MS Society, and has won a $20 sponsorship from Olive Tree Media. Her answer to the question:

I would have to say an absolute and resounding HELL YEAH!

Despite all of my pissing and moaning...this has been a fantastic experience. It warms my pea-pickin' little heart to witness the extreme generosity and kindness of others. You all ROCK:)

Yeah Dawn, me too. Me too.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 05:41:00 AM ... ~link~


Rachey doesn't realize that if she sends me a late email to post, that I'm probably just going to post it. So without further ado:

So sorry! Any chance of another plug for people to do my quiz before the :30? There's a folder of mood icons for your blog up for grabs (I didn't make them tho!) and I've threatened to do somehthing desperate if nobody takes part!!

Don't make Rachey do something desperate.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 05:21:00 AM ... ~link~


For those waiting...

This is the point in the 'thon where I get pretty incoherent, and do my best to stop answering any emails or doing anything serious in the database. There were a lot of emails that went unanswered during these last 24 hours because there simply wasn't time. I will get back to each of you over the next day or so. If you have made a pledge you need verified, don't panic--it will not be too late by the time I get back to you. It's all good. You have at least 48 hours to make pledges after the Blogathon.

Thanks for your patience.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 05:16:00 AM ... ~link~


Lady Lunchalot, blogging for World Vision Australia, has cooked up a storm. Lasagne, bagels, tagine, chutney, brownies... mmm. And pictures of everything. Now I'm hungry.

She's less than ten dollars from $1000; won't someone help the widow's son sponsor her
for that last ten dollars?

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 05:00:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 19

It's THE LAST GAME! Also the last $20 sponsorship from Olive Tree Media. It just started raining here, and it's like applause from the heavens for making it this far. You know if you get to this point, you'll make it all the way. So the question for this game is: will you do it again next year? Games@blogathon.org, GAME 19 for a subject line. You have, oh, 45 minutes or so. It's been a lot of fun doing this with everyone!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 04:40:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 18 Winner

Sparks does it again! Sparks of Sparks and Butterflies has just won a $20 sponsorship for Fisher House, for sharing this memory:

My most treasured memory is my second date with Poe. He formally asked permission to kiss me. No one had ever asked that before. They just swooped in for the kill, or let me. I remember thinking it was so sweet. And it actually made the kiss sweeter.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 04:18:00 AM ... ~link~


Rachey at Racheys Ramblings is blogging for SOS Childrens Villages, and has this crazy dream of raising £1000. So far she's got...£46. Can we get her a little closer?

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 03:50:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 18

This game is for another $20 sponsorship from Olive Tree Media: What is your most treasured memory? Games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 18. You have 30 minutes.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 03:41:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 17 Winner

Congratulations Mel of Koko.Love, who is blogging for The Gorilla Foundation. She has won a $20 sponsorship from Olive Tree Media for what she likes best about her life:

What I like best about my life right now, is my job. I seriously am happy to get up and go to work every morning. I love my kids, they're my world. They make bad days humorous and fun. And my co-teacher is a wonderful wonderful woman whom I am oh-so-fond of, we get along SO well, it makes our days much more fun than work! I enjoy getting up in the morning and getting there 15 minutes early, and knowing when I arrive "V" will be there with her kids in my classroom, will have been there 5 minutes already and will stay another 5. I love that when my little babygirl comes in she will walk straight to me and grab onto me. I love that one of my little ones is too smart for his own good and sends another child into the bathroom where he can't get back out from, daily (it's evil but SO funny). I also, like that I have a very kind considerate caring respectful loving man in my life.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 03:21:00 AM ... ~link~


Suzi at The Write Coast has some questions for everyone. Help her out by giving her some answers about you and your blog!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 03:05:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 17

Now the second of the Olive Tree Media prizes. If you win this one, it will mean a $20 sponsorship! Such are the rewards of staying awake. For GAME 17, tell us what you like best about your life. It's late, it's time to get sappy. Send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 17. You have 40 minutes.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 02:35:00 AM ... ~link~


Fembat Wins!

And she didn't even know she entered anything. Olive Tree Media (obviously under construction right now) are sponsoring some late-night prizes, the first of which is a box of Thorntons for a U.K. blogger that's still awake. I did a random drawing, and up came the lovely Fembat Unhinged (who is creating some beautiful templates!), blogging for Macmillan. Congrats!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 02:31:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 16 Winner!

Congratulations to Suzi of The Write Coast, who is blogging for Puppies Behind Bars. Suzi wins a $5 sponsorship for a phobia that will not get her a part in a Hitchcock remake:

What scares me? BIRDS. Alive, dead, real, fake. I can't even stand to look at pictures of birds, or hear their sounds. It's such a deep phobia that even looking at the WORD creeps me out. Was it caused by Hitchcock's infamous movie? No, although that didn't help! When I was a child, we lived in a house surrounded by huge maple trees. Those trees were full of bird's nests. And our yard was always littered with dead birds of varying ages. I didn't like to wear shoes anymore then than I do now. I'd go running through our yard, or down the sidewalk, and C-R-U-N-C-H! Or S-Q-U-I-S-H, if it was a baby. I used to have nightmares in which I was buried in a pile of dead birds, and couldn't claw my way out. Yeah, they make my skin crawl.

I've shuddered almost continually while typing this.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 02:23:00 AM ... ~link~


Quick Highlights

Fuzzy Poptart Inc. is having a ton of contests....Temporary Insanity is writing some wonderful fiction....Abstract Utopia is posting hilarious Top 5 lists....a vestige of thought features an unorthodox retelling of Pride and Prejudice using her digital camera and little figurines she collected from around the house....and finally, Geeks R Us has cool music trivia!

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 01:49:00 AM ... ~link~


It's getting to be that time. I looked at the clock and went ooh! 1:30! I need to post a game! Wait...did I already post a game! I wonder what game it was....

So yeah, I hope everyone is hangin' in!

For GAME 16, tell me about what scares you. That sounds good for the dark hours. Let's get spooky. You know the routine by now, right? Games@blogathon.org, GAME 16, and you have 30 minutes to scare me for a fiver.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 01:35:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 15 Winner

Congratulations Gretchen of Gretchen, The Villain Everyone Wants to Bang. She is blogging for the Hurley Foundation, and wins a $10 sponsorship for her winning answer: The Wilhelm Scream.

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 01:14:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 15

Great turnout on the last game! I think this might be the last Google puzzle of the night. Remember, search for the answer! Post it on your blog, then send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 15. You have 40 minutes to win a $10 sponsorship, and here's your clue:

Scream a little scream
When et by alligators
Scream it to the Nazis
And scream it to the Vaders

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 12:35:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 14 Winner

Serge at Dustyhawk :: Broken Mirror wins another one! Serge is blogging for Unicef, and he wins another $5 donation with his wake-up tip:

The clock has stuck 1500hrs at Serge’s zone, his body is aching madly. He wants to sleep.. actually he doesnt feel sleepy, his body is just tired that’s all. Of course if he closes his eye right now, he’ll definitely knock out. So how is he keeping awake ?

Well first of all is by running to the shower and performing the mantra of mantras. The QUICK-COLD-SHOWER mantra, believe Serge when he says this. Go into the shower room turn the tap full blast and let the cold water spray on you. Do not turn it on slowly, and once you turned it on and get sprayed.. immediately turn it off. Take your towel pat dry yourself from any visible water droplets but leaving your body moist.

If you do not have a shower, at the place where you bath…take a bucket and fill it with cold water. Lift it up and pour it on top of yourself. Once you’re done, take your towel pat dry yourself from any visible water droplets but leaving your body moist.

This is the best way to keep awake

by...frykitty... 7/30/2006 12:29:00 AM ... ~link~
Saturday, July 29, 2006

Looking for radio? Try Lewis' BlogExplosion Radio Blogathon all night long!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:55:00 PM ... ~link~


Well it took me so long to get to this email that the critters are probably asleep, but there's always the archive...

Kat and Brant of How Animals Save Us (sponsor link) is blogging for Glendale Humane Society, a no-kill shelter. They're also, for much of the event, blogging live FROM Glendale H umane. Go meet some critters!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:52:00 PM ... ~link~


More cool stuff from the Napping Unit:

I haven't the time or patience to follow it far enough to find out who started it, but the monitor chain is fun. (That's computer monitors, not blogathon monitors!)

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:37:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 14

Hmm...participation in these games is dropping. Could people possibly be...sleepy? Let's try this:

Post about what you're going to do to stay awake for the next 6-1/2 hours (if you're on regular schedule--the Sabbath Schedule folks have a loooong way to go!). Then after you send your permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 14, go do the thing you posted about! See you in 30 minutes for a $5 sponsorship.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:32:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 13 Winner

Congratulations Aden of Dreaming in Atomic Pajamas, who is blogging for Last Chance Forever. Aden wins a $5 sponsorship for talking about luck:

I am not one of those people who have lucky underpants, or carry dead rabbit’s feets. I am not a firm believer in luck. I am more a “believer” in karma. If anything good happens to me, I think that it is some kind of direct result of karma. I have done something good to someone, for someone, and my turn on the wheel will come around at sometime.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:22:00 PM ... ~link~


From the Spousal Unit, who is now napping...

WebKittyn was the very first to take me up on my offer (which, by the way, is still open -- you can sponsor all day today, and for at least 48 hours after -- but be sure to check whether the bloggers in question have dropped out), so I thought I'd sorta return the favour with a front-page plug (being married to the founder has its perqs!).

First, if you can guess how many energy drinks WK will consume by the end of the Blogathon, you win a $50 donation to the charity of your choice. This one's open to all Blogathonners, and as I write this there are about a dozen guesses up. (I hope one of the lower guesses wins, because that stuff looks toxic to me!)

Second, she's having a random draw from all her sponsors; the winner gets: WK is blogging for the Humane Society of New York, so prize or no prize there are worse things you could do with the price of Monday's latte than sponsor WebKittyn.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:08:00 PM ... ~link~


Steve from BronxBloggers is blogging for the Turn 2 Foundation, and has a deal to make:

With the pledges I am collecting, I plan on matching the total amount, and then doubling that amount. Right now I have $95 in donations, double that is $190, double that is $380 that I will pay out of my own pocket. What I am looking for is people to break the bank and "force" me to donate more on my own money.

Whadd'ya say? Sponsor him?

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:53:00 PM ... ~link~


Doug of Henderson Home Online is blogging for Half the Sky Foundation.
HTS establishes early childhood education, personalized learning and infant nurture programs in Chinese welfare institutions to provide the children stimulation, individual attention and an active learning environment. Their purpose is to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for the babies and children in China who still wait to be adopted, and for those who will spend their childhoods in
orphanages.
Doug's goal is $600, which will pay for one nanny, who will care for 3-5 children, for one year. As I write this he's up to $470; please drop by and cheer him on, and even consider sponsoring him.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:51:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 13

Do you believe in luck? Do you consider anything lucky or unlucky? Talk about your lucky charms or omenous curses. Send your permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 13. Y'all have 30 minutes to win a $5 sponsorship!

As for me, I don't believe in luck, though socially the concept is so pervasive that I'll still say "I'm fortunate" or that something was "just bad luck." When I say it, it's more about random chance than the influence thereof.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:27:00 PM ... ~link~


SPONGE! BOB! SQUARE! PANTS!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:15:00 PM ... ~link~


From the Spousal Unit:

Marfan Life is blogging (natch!) for the National Marfan Foundation (sponsor link). Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder, and it just so happens that the gene in question, fibrillin-1, was discovered (pdf!) by Prof Lynn Sakai -- whose lab is just down the hall from me at the Shriner's research center (for the curious, I work with Peter Hurlin). Lynn was also closely involved in the work that tied fibrillin mutations to Marfan Syndrome. There's a good brief explanation of the role of fibrillin in MS here.

Just thought I'd share, since the 'thon is all about connections between people. (For the record, Lynn's a sweetheart and has been very kind to this junior researcher.)

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:06:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 12 Winner

Look at me, all late because I made a run to Krispy Kreme. Not that I'm going to eat any sugarbombs until the wee hours, but at least they're there.

Congratulations to Sparks of Sparks and Butterflies. Sparks is blogging for Fisher House, and wins a $5 sponsorship for talking about striving:

What I most strive for in life right now is balance. There are so many things pulling at me, wanting me, calling me, depending on me. There are so many things I want to do. The elusive things are peace and balance. Money, health, employment, nonemployment, issues upon issues opon issues.

I don't think you can balance all of that without trying to find a measure of peace.

Balance and peace is what I strive for. As much as anyone else. I wish some people in my life could see how lonely I am without it.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 09:49:00 PM ... ~link~


Spousal Unit sez:

Cathy of Cathy's Rants and Ramblin's, blogging for the Alzheimer's Association, set herself a Blogathon goal of $500, and is only ten dollars short. Seems a shame not to top that up! I'll sponsor her for five bucks if someone else does.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 09:07:00 PM ... ~link~


Holy Cojones, Batman

A note: many of today's wonderful highlights are written by my Spousal Unit, Bill Hooker. I mention this here because this is a more personal post, and it comes from him.

Danielle of Occasional Ramblings (sponsor link) is blogging for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):
i picked this charity because i was date raped almost six weeks ago, and this has become part of my healing. you know, my way of giving back to the world. or something like that. (i already had a wake n bake session. hehe.)
That, folks, is a kind of courage you don't see every day. Rape is a difficult topic, and abusers only profit by an all-too-common tendency to push it away from conversation and contemplation. Brave women like Danielle make everyone a little safer every day. My hat's off.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:58:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 12

What do you most strive for in your life: accomplishment, security, love, power, excitement, knowledge, or something else? Post about it on your blog, and send the permalink to games@blogathon.com with the subject line GAME 12. You have 30 minutes for a $5 sponsorship.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:36:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 11 Winner

Congratulations Jen of This Is Most Certainly True. Jen is blogging for Lutheran World Relief, and wins a $10 sponsorship for her correct answer of: Coral Castle.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:24:00 PM ... ~link~


I've heard bloggers say their lives flash before their eyes somewhere around hour 23, but Ellen of Catecumen (sponsor link), blogging for the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, is going them one better. She's telling her life story:
There is a tradition at The College of Saint Rose that if any girl ever graduated still a virgin, the statue of Saint Rose of Lima on the outside of Lima Hall would fall off. I didn't want to be the one responsible for such a disaster.
If that weren't enough, there's blue face paint and Law School and Star Trek and cats and religion and war and -- oh, just go read it.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:34:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 11

I think it's time for another Google puzzle. Remember, this is the puzzle where you're expected to look up the answers. Clever searching will get you the answer quick-smart! Post it, then send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 11. You have 40 minutes for a $10 sponsorship.

The Clue:

In Florida, at night, unseen
He built it for his "sweet sixteen"
He levered tons of coral stone
And there he lived and died alone

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:26:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 10 Winner

Congratulations to Adelle of Dell's Diner. Adelle is blogging for National Alliance for Research On Schizophrenia and Depression. She wins a $5 sponsorship for writing about where she lives:

Ha! How do you explain the hole/pit of NYS? Hmmm… Well, I grew up here, which is the only reason I am back here. Let me explain the town I am in. We have Wal Mart. We have CVS. We just got Dunkin Donuts, which goes with Mc Donald’s and Burger King. Most people here don’t have a full set of teeth. There are a lot of 80’s hair do’s (men with long hair in pony tails or mullets, women with crusty bangs). Everyone here drinks beer. High class wine is White Zin.

Even so, there are some real down to earth people here. What you see is what you get. I don’t get looked down at here (if I do, I make sure to make a comment). People are definitely real.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:20:00 PM ... ~link~


What is that?

Kamigoroshi of Footsteps in the Mirror is posting close up pics every first half of the hour for readers to guess and the first commentor with the right answer with have their blog pimped on the subsequent post along with the picture of what it’s supposed to be. Every picture has an underlying philosophy to it too, both relating to the answer and to life itself. Read it carefully and see how the pieces fit.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:07:00 PM ... ~link~


The OTHER Blogathon Radio

Looking for a little musical entertainment? Lewis is running BlogExplosion Radio Blogathon all night!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 06:39:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 10

Since we had a break, let's start out easy: tell us about where you live. Send a permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 10. 30 minutes for $5.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 06:28:00 PM ... ~link~


False Alarm!

The blogger who sent me the notice was actually looking at an old posting. Thank goodness.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 06:13:00 PM ... ~link~


A Sound Recommendation To All Bloggers

Take a shower. I just did, and I feel ever-so-much better.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 06:04:00 PM ... ~link~


Blogger has planned an outage between 9-11 PST. There is no way on their site to contact them. If you have a contact at Blogger, please let me know right away.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 05:36:00 PM ... ~link~


Going to be a bit longer for a game...sorry! Hang in there!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 05:31:00 PM ... ~link~


Rachel of Snoopy and Woodstock (sponsor link) is blogging for a no-kill animal shelter, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Among other things, she's running a Fandom trivia game: 12 posts, 10 questions each, plus a movie quote and a song quote post. You have until 6am tomorrow to answer, you're allowed to google, and scores will be tallied at the end of the event -- surprise prizes for the top three! As I write this, four fandom quizzes and the quote quizzes are already up. Get googlin'!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 04:34:00 PM ... ~link~


We're going to skip another game for admin duties. Be ready for a puzzler at 5:30PT!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 04:34:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 9 Winner

Congratulations to Tasha-Rose, who is blogging for Global Fund For Women. Tasha wins a $5 sponsorship for talking about some people she admires.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 04:30:00 PM ... ~link~


VS Dobbs of WTFTTFG is blogging for Sweet Relief, and has really gone above and beyond.

Not only is he writing for 24 hours straight, posting the latest instalment every half hour, but he will be raffling off prizes (to get "tickets" in the "raffle", sponsor him; explanation here). He's got pMachine to donate a license for Expression Engine and the EE Discussion Forum and the record labels Secretly Canadian and Jagjaguwar to donate a 9-CD prize pack. On top of that, VSD himself is forking out for another prize, a 4GB iPod Nano.

But wait, there's more. He contacted a bunch of his favourite bands and got them to donate unreleased mp3s, which are free downloads to all visitors during the event. It will be up to the artists whether the mp3s remain available after today, and you cannot get most of these tracks any other way -- they are "demos, home recordings, live recordings, outtakes, remixes, and tunes from forthcoming albums". So go visit already.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 04:06:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 9

Who is your role model? Tell us about him or her. Send your permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 9. This is deep, so you have 40 minutes to win a $5 sponsorship.

My role model is my Aunt Diana. She is calm, has infinite patience, lives simply, and is a hoot. I probably have the last one down.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 03:34:00 PM ... ~link~


Game 8 Winner!

Congratulations Peter Lavina (who just happens to be a city councillor in Davao City, Philippines). Peter is blogging for Save The Children, and wins a $5 sponsorship for posting this great picture of him at a tree planing in 1980.


Edit: Oops! I meant Game 8!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 03:04:00 PM ... ~link~


Not A Light Subject

Blogs Against Torture is doing an amazing job of education on their Blogathon blog. If you are curious about the state of torture around the world, tune in.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 03:01:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 8

There's been some confusion about what, exactly, your subject line should be when you write in for a game. It should be: GAME X, X being the number of the game.

This hour, post a picture of yourself! It can be old or new, just post any old thing with you in it. Send a permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 8. You have 30 minutes.

This is me:



by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 02:33:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 7 Winner

Congratulations to Mallory of Mallory's Blog, who is blogging for Compassion International. Mallory wins a $5 sponsorship for talking about her earliest memory:

My earliest memory was sometime around Christmas-time, because I remember a Christmas tree with lights on it. I was being wheeled around on something inside...could have been a stroller or some type of ride-on car toy I got for Christmas. I'm thinking I was probably 2 or 3.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 02:19:00 PM ... ~link~


Beautiful People

B at The Love Blog is chronicling 48 people she's known, and she's doing it with pictures and beautiful prose. Grab a cuppa and have a nice read.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 02:11:00 PM ... ~link~


GAME 7

Well I'm almost caught up, so let's get back to it, shall we? Post about your earliest memory. Send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 7. Remember, if the subject line isn't correct, your email goes to the wrong folder, and doesn't get counted. You have 30 minutes to post for a $5 sponsorship.

My earliest memory...hmm...I can remember my sister's face as she picked me up out of a crib. I have no idea how little I was, but I'm thinking that's the earliest I've got.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 01:27:00 PM ... ~link~


Name that tune!

I'll Meet You on The Other Side is playing name that tune. There are clips to play, and prizes to win! Go see!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 12:44:00 PM ... ~link~


Spies! Darts! Super Mario!

Have you stopped by your monitor's team blog yet? If you have a minute, drop in on the bSpies, The Yellow Darts and the Super Mario Monitors today to see what they're up to!

by...Sheana... 7/29/2006 12:41:00 PM ... ~link~


I have a ton of admin catching up to do, so I'm going to leave you gameless at 12:30. Don't cry! More games soon!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 12:26:00 PM ... ~link~


Game 6 Winner

Congratulations to Cindy of Inspiration Korner. Cindy is blogging for VOM, and wins a $5 sponsorship for her food plans:

My food plans for the day are: Breakfast, I cooked some sausage, biscuits, and gravy in between posts. For lunch I had a left over Chili Burger from last nights supper. For supper, well we live with my mother-in-law and she will cook dinner (Yeah Me). Snacks, I have plenty of Diet Coke, chips, popcorn, and some sweet stuff for later on when I need that sugar rush! Ya know, BRAIN FOOD and STAY AWAKE FOOD!!!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 12:20:00 PM ... ~link~


Games at Incogblogo!

Yes, it's your favorite blog with the hard-to-say name, with the wonderful Luka at the helm. She's got fun games and prizes going. Go say hello!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:41:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 6

Let's go back to the easy stuff for a while...what are your food plans for the day? Right now, I'm munching popcorn. Post about your munchies and send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 6. You have 30 minutes to post for a $5 sponsorship!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:29:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 5 Winner

Congratulations to Cricket of Cricket's Corner. Cricket is blogging for the Terre Haute Humane Society, and wins a $10 sponsorship for getting the puzzle answer: Hypnerotomachia Poliphili.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:23:00 AM ... ~link~


Mysterious Clay

Blogathon veteran Clay Hasychak is thrilling his audience with So You Want to Murder A Racecar Driver. The story is getting juicy!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 11:11:00 AM ... ~link~


Bunni Spiegelman is nuts. (and we love her!)

She's blogging for the American Heart Association from her regular blog, Bunniblog (sponsor link), where she's running a horror movie trivia game. She's ALSO -- yup, two concurrent Blogathons! -- blogging for the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation from a purpose-built blog, All About Boys (sponsor link), where she'll be posting 48 of her own real life stories about boys.

Like I said, nuts. But nuts in a good way.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:40:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 5

Okay, this is a harder one, and playing is a little different. This is a Google game, and is intended to be played with a search engine. That's right, you're supposed to look up the answers! Post the answer to your blog, and send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 5. You have 40 minutes, and it's worth a $10 sponsorship!

Clue:

The Rule of Four was surely vexed
By this fifteener, puzzling text

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:34:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 4 Winner

Congratulations Aurora of The Beauty of Love. Aurora is blogging for Lupus Foundation of America, and wins a $5 sponsorship for talking about her kitties:

"My favorite animals are my cats Princess and Nicodemus. I would not be able to chose one -- they are joined at the hip. They play together, sleep together, fight together, everything. Princess lives up to her name - she believes she is meant to be the center of attention. Nic is not as secure but is very jealous so attention has to be doled out equally. They have both become very cuddly in their older years (they are about to be 10)."

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:21:00 AM ... ~link~


Hot spot: Someone's In The Kitchen With Moozie

Moozie and friends are spending all day in the kitchen, cooking up some fantastic yummies. I've definitely marked Tofu and Vegetable Thai Curry!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 10:20:00 AM ... ~link~


Blogathon Radio Live!

Looking for Blogathon Radio? Luka's broadcasting now and you can tune any of the following ways:

Main link
Winamp

Curious about what else will be on today? Check out the official Blogathon Radio page!

by...Sheana... 7/29/2006 09:58:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 4

Oh no! Game 4 is late! (My firefox crashed) Let's make it easy: talk about your favorite animal! Post to your blog and send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 4. You have 20 minutes to send your entry. Winner gets a $5 sponsorships.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 09:48:00 AM ... ~link~


Treasure Hunt Clue

Not what you’re used to – this is a place to gather for a chit-chat.

If you want to know what this is about, see Willo's Web.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 09:35:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 3 Winner

Congratulations Dustyhawk of Broken Mirror! Dustyhawk is blogging for Unicef, and won a $5 sponsorship with his favorite place: "The favourite place for Serge will be his bed. For it’s comfy, you can have questionable fun on it and it’s the place you can laugh your worries away. Besides that, when one is under the sheets you can look at your mummy, flutter your eyelids and say that you’re sick. And you’ll be able to skip school."

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 09:25:00 AM ... ~link~


Galaxygoo

As always, Galaxygoo is producing some truly beautiful work. Check out this "sticky" periodic table, or this diffusion fractal growth demonstration.

This is definitely a blog to watch.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:33:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 3

What's your favorite place in the whole world? It could be favorite park, or Paris, or your room, or anywhere! Post about it on your blog, and send the permalink to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 3. You have 30 minutes to post for a $5 sponsorship.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:24:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 2 Winner!

Congratulations to Kat of Lament Configuration Redux. Kat is blogging for People's Dispensary for Sick Animals and wins a $5 sponsorship for "attacking Enforcer headquarters, and he is moving toward City Hall."

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:12:00 AM ... ~link~


Prizes at Mew.nu!

Mew.nu is handing out the goodies for sponsorships:

I was originally saying it would be a minimum of $10 per sponsorship, but I’ve dropped that to $5. The prizes to be raffled off will be “What Blogathoners Need to Survive” themed:

1. Coffee & Coffee Mug - a Blogathoner’s lover. Believe me, we need this stuff!

2. Beaver Buzz Canadian Energy Drink - You don’t know how much you’ll need this in those last few hours.

3. A Set of Candles - Because it’s dark at 2am.

4. Candy - A nice sugar rush never hurt anybody.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 08:05:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 2
  1. Play the I AM game! Google your name followed by "is", and post the first several results to your blog.
  2. Send a permalink (or your URL if you don't have perms) to games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 2.
  3. You have 30 minutes to post and send!

The winner gets a $5 sponsorship. My results?:

Frykitty is looking for people to join her in her 24 hour charity Blogathon.
frykitty is not a member of any public groups
FRYKITTY IS A FART-EATING GRANNY SLAPPER
"frykitty" is of no consequence
Frykitty is my new hero!!!

Heh, I like that last one.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:32:00 AM ... ~link~


GAME 1 Winner!

Our Game 1 winner is Juliet of juliet42@livejournal. Juliet is blogging for C.S. Mott Children's Hospital (Child and Family Life Program), and has won a $5 sponsorship for listening to Britney Spears.

Next game announced soon!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:17:00 AM ... ~link~


Blog trouble?

It never fails, the big day comes, and your ISP flakes, or your host crashes, or...you get the idea. What to do? Make a quick blogspot blog and use the contact form to tell me what happened, and send me the new URL. Good as new!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 07:04:00 AM ... ~link~


Game the first!

We'll be playing a bunch of games, having drawings, and giving away tons of sponsorships at Blogathon.org today! Mostly, they'll be games where you post something to your blog and send in a permalink, and I'll draw from the responses. We'll usually play at the :30. Here's the first:

Are you listening to music? Post what's playing right now (me: Snow Patrol, Chocolate). If you aren't listening to music, just say you aren't, with a few words about why (can't wake up the family? hate the stuff?). Send a permalink* to your entry to: games@blogathon.org with the subject line GAME 1. Don't put anything else in the subject, or it won't get where it's going. The winner of a $5 sponsorship will be announced before the next game. You have 30 minutes to submit your entry. Let the games begin!

*No permalink? Just send your URL.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 06:32:00 AM ... ~link~


WOOHOO!

Welcome, everyone, to BLOGATHON 2006! Pull up a surfing frame and stay a while. We'll be playing games, highlighting cool sites, and generally getting crazy.

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 06:07:00 AM ... ~link~


aaaaaand...GO!

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 05:59:00 AM ... ~link~


Monitoring Teams

Wondering who your monitor is? Take a minute and check out the master monitor list to see which team and monitor you've been assigned to.

It wouldn't be a Blogathon if there weren't some fabulous team websites, so here they are: Heather's team is the bSpies, Jade is heading up the The Yellow Darts and Colleen is the ringleader for a new pack of monitors, the Super Mario Monitors. Their team sites all have links sorted by monitor as well, and throughout the day they'll be highlighting their monitors, having games and getting into all kinds of shenanigans. If you can, stop by and say hello!

by...Sheana... 7/29/2006 05:49:00 AM ... ~link~


How's everybody feeling this morning?

tick...tick...tick...

by...frykitty... 7/29/2006 05:49:00 AM ... ~link~
Friday, July 28, 2006

How to Surf The Blogathon

See that "Surf" item on the menu? When you're ready for some 'thonny goodness, click it. It will start you at a random site, and you can surf through the Blogathon. You can even choose to surf only our Hot Spots. I recommend keeping one window for surfing, and keep another on Blogathon.org, to keep up with games and news.

If you're a Monitor or Team Leader, log in first and you'll get to surf just your sites.

And with that, I'm getting some sleep. See you tomorrow!

by...frykitty... 7/28/2006 09:10:00 PM ... ~link~


ART!

Yep, I'm still looking for 2007's key art. I'm looking for something funky and fun. Interested? Use the contact form and we'll talk.

by...frykitty... 7/28/2006 07:31:00 PM ... ~link~


Blogathon Status

Just in case bad things happen tomorrow, I've created a status blog on Blogspot. Check there if things go awry at blogathon.org tomorrow.

by...frykitty... 7/28/2006 06:17:00 PM ... ~link~


Unverified sponsors, Hot Spots

Hey bloggers! Two things:

1. If you have unverified sponsors, and you know them and are pretty sure they meant to verify, just use the contact form to tell me about it, and include the sponsor's email address, and your blog ID.

2. Are you doing something extra-special for the Blogathon? Writing a novel? Having a cook-off? You can now edit this part of your profile so you will be one of our "Hot Spots."

by...frykitty... 7/28/2006 05:01:00 PM ... ~link~
Thursday, July 27, 2006

Information, please

Attention Bloggers: there are now three things in your profile for you to edit: direct donation link for your charity, sponsor email customization, and webcam information. Log in and click on Edit Profile to see them.

If you entered this earlier, you may need to enter it again, as we had a bug and had to clear the information.

The details:

First, go to your charity's website and find their donation page. This is the URL you will copy into the "URL of your charity's donation page". This URL will be sent to your sponsors after the event, so they can fulfill their pledges. If you are blogging in Malaysia, you may ignore this field.

Next, add a custom message to your sponsor, if you like. Most bloggers use this to say thank you, as it reaches even anonymous sponsors. Sometimes there are special instructions to pass on to your sponsors, and you can do that here. Malaysian bloggers: this is where you will instruct your sponsors on how to donate to your charities.

Finally, if you have a webcam, enter the URL of the image in the webcam field. We will use that to display your webcam on our portal, and it will include a link to your site.

by...frykitty... 7/27/2006 05:19:00 PM ... ~link~


Blogathon Live On-air!

Want to listen in to the WVOX interview live today at 1:30pm EST? Go over to their main site and click "PLAY WVOX 1460am on your desktop" (it's the big blue link under the Windows Media Player window on the front page). Voila!

by...Sheana... 7/27/2006 10:31:00 AM ... ~link~
Wednesday, July 26, 2006

WVOX 1460am, NY

Am I terrified? Probably. I'll be on the air live tomorrow with one or two other bloggers on the Lisa Tolliver show. Also featured are the folks behind Feedburner, and I've got a few questions to ask them about next year...

by...frykitty... 7/26/2006 12:18:00 PM ... ~link~


Blogathon Frappr

Hey bloggers, Franky has set up a Frappr map for Blogathon 2006. Go add yourself!

by...frykitty... 7/26/2006 11:22:00 AM ... ~link~


My husband is trying to bankrupt us. But in a good way. Thinking of sponsoring someone who has no pledges so far? This doubles your fun!

by...frykitty... 7/26/2006 10:00:00 AM ... ~link~




Isn't this cool? I've been meaning to put this up for ages, and just got the chance. Nick at Another Friday made it for us. You can get yours here.

by...frykitty... 7/26/2006 09:50:00 AM ... ~link~


The last push, who to sponsor?

Hey everyone--it's the last Wednesday before the Blogathon! Boy, I get jittery just typing that. Woo! So pushpushpush today.

For sponsors: want to sponsor a blogger, but you're not sure which one? I recommend sorting by Top Fundraisers, then scrolling to the end of the page. Give those folks some sponsor love!

by...frykitty... 7/26/2006 07:39:00 AM ... ~link~
Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Sponsor Premiums

Many of our bloggers are offering great prizes and thank-you gifts for sponsoring this year, so I've added a Sponsor Premiums section for you to peruse. From art to music to teddy bears, there's something very cool for everyone.

by...frykitty... 7/25/2006 08:44:00 PM ... ~link~


Unverified sponsors?

If you have folks who have forgotten to verify their sponsorship and no longer have the email, just have them use the contact form, using the same email they signed up with. I should be able to verify them manually in the database.

by...frykitty... 7/25/2006 02:15:00 PM ... ~link~


Calling Pittsburgh!

If you are blogging from Pittsburgh, or for a Pittsburgh charity, let me know. A reporter from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review would like to talk with you.

by...frykitty... 7/25/2006 01:35:00 PM ... ~link~


Check your email!

I did my first post-lockdown run through the sites last night, and I had to write a lot of folks about private pages. Remember, your page must be publicly viewable.

Also, some bloggers have been letting me know they need to drop. That's totally okay if you can't do the Blogathon--we understand. Please log in to your account and use the drop button there, as it's a lot easier for the admins.

by...frykitty... 7/25/2006 06:48:00 AM ... ~link~
Thursday, July 20, 2006

Bloggers: Now or never!

Tomorrow, 7/21, is lockdown. That means no new bloggers can sign up, and you won't be able to make any changes to your profile. No charity changes, URL changes, etc. So get it done now! We'll be locking things down some time tomorrow afternoon.

Note: this does not affect sponsorships! You can sponsor all the way through the event, and for at least 48 hours afterwards.

by...frykitty... 7/20/2006 08:11:00 PM ... ~link~


Admin will be a little slow today while I'm at Webvisions. If you have a charity change waiting for approval, or a question waiting for an answer, hang in there. I'll catch them tonight.

by...frykitty... 7/20/2006 06:19:00 AM ... ~link~
Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Wednesday Publicity Push

Post, post like the wind, my lovelies!

Also, if you're waiting for me to post something you've sent me, I will be doing some catch-up tonight. I haven't forgotten you!

by...frykitty... 7/19/2006 02:09:00 PM ... ~link~


Calling Georgia!

If you are a blogger from the Atlanta area, use the contact form to get in touch!

by...frykitty... 7/19/2006 01:50:00 PM ... ~link~
Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Missing Link Discovered!

Thanks so much to Jade and her friend for figuring this out:

If you have Norton ad-blocking enabled, you may not be able to see sponsorship links. Adjust your ad-block settings to see what you've been missing.

by...frykitty... 7/18/2006 05:45:00 PM ... ~link~
Monday, July 17, 2006

More Bug Hunting

Help us out? If you go to the List of Bloggers and don't see a "sponsor this blogger" link below every entry, please use the contact form to tell us:

--What browser and browser version you're using.
--What operating system and version you're using.

This one is driving us nuts because we can't repeat it, but we know lots of people are seeing it.

Thanks!

by...frykitty... 7/17/2006 09:09:00 PM ... ~link~


No Bear Puns! Nope, Not One!

Pandora is offering up some great sponsor prizes:

This is going out to one of my sponsors. Anyone who donates at least five dollars will be thrown into the drawing to win this adorable bear. Of course, if you donate in multiples of five, then you have more chances, right? Right! $10 = two chances, $20 = four chances, etc. And the Grand Prize is ever so cute.

What could be so cute? Go take a look! This plus much more for generous sponsorships.

by...frykitty... 7/17/2006 08:58:00 PM ... ~link~
Saturday, July 15, 2006

Slow Mail

Our host is having some issues today. They are mostly cleared up, but mail will be a little slow. Hang in there waiting for verification emails.

by...frykitty... 7/15/2006 07:13:00 PM ... ~link~
Friday, July 14, 2006

Blogathon Radio

Webkittyn is shifting into high-gear for Blogathon Radio, and looking for folks interested in broadcasting for 3-hour time slots. Interested? Send the following to radio@blogathon.org:

If you can't go for 3 hours, be sure to let Webkittyn know.

by...frykitty... 7/14/2006 08:55:00 AM ... ~link~
Thursday, July 13, 2006

Sort of nice!

If you wander over to the List of Bloggers, you'll see that the list can now be sorted alphabetically, by top fund raisers, by charity, or randomly. The default sort is random. Thanks, Rob!

by...frykitty... 7/13/2006 07:47:00 PM ... ~link~


Win an iPod Nano!

Dobbs is blogging for Sweet Relief, and he's having a prize drawing for those who donate $20 or more. After the pledges have been fulfilled, he'll give a 4gb iPod Nano to one lucky contributor. Be sure to check out the details at the site. Go Dobbs!

Have something fabulous going on, or need contributors for a project? Let me know via the contact form, and I'll try to post as many as I can.

by...frykitty... 7/13/2006 02:28:00 PM ... ~link~


Thanks, Bruce!

Every year we have a bunch of enthusiastic bloggers from Open Diary. This year, Bruce Ableson has set up some special treats just for OD. He's created a new circle for Blogathon entries, and a new forum to talk about the event.

by...frykitty... 7/13/2006 07:07:00 AM ... ~link~
Wednesday, July 12, 2006

It's Wednesday!

Time for a Wednesday publicity push! I know you guys are posting like mad about the Blogathon--it's great! Let's keep it going, with a special effort today.

by...frykitty... 7/12/2006 06:52:00 AM ... ~link~
Monday, July 10, 2006

Press Page

We now have a press page available. It includes a flyer, press release, quick blurb, and our past press mentions.

by...frykitty... 7/10/2006 09:44:00 PM ... ~link~


PUSH!

I'd like to do a concerted publicity push on the next three Wednesdays, starting this week. If we all push at the same time, our technorati rank goes up, and other wonderful things happen.

Here's my thought: find one blog friend who isn't participating, and ask them if they'll post Wednesday. They'll be your "publicity partner". Then both of you do a post about the Blogathon this Wednesday, July 19. Be sure to link the site.

Right now we're linked from 232 sites. Let's double it!

EDIT: Of course as soon as I mailbomb my friends, one of them asks if I have a blurb they can post. Everyone who likes can use this:

On July 29, hundreds of bloggers from around the world will put their endurance to the test for charity, blogging every 30 minutes for 24 hours straight. This is the Sixth Annual International Blogathon, an event that creates a worldwide community for a day, serves up fascinating content, and most importantly, raises tens of thousands of dollars for dozens of charities. Bloggers choose the charity and collect sponsorships. At the end of the event, those sponsors fulfill their pledges directly with the charity.

It's not too late to sign up if you'd like to blog! You can also help by sponsoring a blogger, just check out the List of Bloggers at the site. Stay up late, make a difference.

by...frykitty... 7/10/2006 02:25:00 PM ... ~link~
Sunday, July 09, 2006

No More Clipart!

In 2002-3, talented friends created the key art for the Blogathon website. It was a joy to feature their work, and original art is something I've sorely missed this year. Yes, that clever globe-clock is clipart.

In 2007, I want real art again!

Got chops? Here's the deal: use the contact form to send me a link or links to your work. There's no need to make something special for the Blogathon at this point--I'm just looking for a style I like. If you're chosen, we'll work out the details of the piece. You need not be a participant or sponsor in the Blogathon (so tell your artsy friends, everyone!).

In 2007, I'll use your artwork to design the site and all the accompanying schwag. I'll also feature you in an "artist" section, and promote you from the front page. If you sell prints or would just like some attention drawn to your work, this is a great opportunity to build traffic.

There's no deadline, but I'll probably choose someone before the event this year.

by...frykitty... 7/09/2006 09:52:00 PM ... ~link~


Beware Minimum Sponsorships

The Blogathon is especially good at allowing people to give within their means--a dollar here, five dollars there. It's important that your charity have a reasonable minimum sponsorship. We've seen some charities that won't accept less than $25 via their web form.

So check your charity. If you find they have a high minimum sponsorship, look them up on Network for Good or JustGive, and you may be able to find a donation link with a lower minimum. We'll be asking for a direct donation link later.

Special note to sponsors: while the Blogathon does not have a minimum donation, some charities do. Keep that in mind when making very small pledges.

by...frykitty... 7/09/2006 09:34:00 PM ... ~link~


Two Milestones

In the last 24 hours, we've passed 200 bloggers and $10,000! Go bloggers!

by...frykitty... 7/09/2006 08:02:00 PM ... ~link~
Thursday, July 06, 2006

Squish!

The bugs of yesterday should be gone now. Let us know if you experience further problems via the forums or the contact form.

by...frykitty... 7/06/2006 05:45:00 PM ... ~link~


Calling all Berkeley bloggers!

Doug at Tyger-blog has posted an email he received from a "prominent Berkeley blogger" hoping to organize a group for the Blogathon. Check out the entry and write Doug if you're interested!

by...frykitty... 7/06/2006 01:14:00 PM ... ~link~


A Welcome Change

In the past, the Blogathon has required that bloggers raise a certain minimum number of sponsorships before the event. This rule was written back when there weren't as many blogs, and the Blogathon caused quite a bump in readership. It was to prevent people from joining up just to increase pageviews, and to decrease the number of sites we were administering during the event.

This restriction no longer makes sense for the event. People join up to raise money for their favorite charity, and to have fun. These are two things of which we heartily approve, so we have dropped the minimum sponsorship requirement.

Sure, this is going to mean we're administering a lot more sites, but we figure it's worth it.

by...frykitty... 7/06/2006 08:21:00 AM ... ~link~


A note to bloggers: please make sure your charity accepts online donations. Charities in Malaysia are the only exception at this time. Your account may be temporarily suspended if your charity does not qualify.

You can change your charity information on your profile. When you change charities, your account will be put on hold shortly.

by...frykitty... 7/06/2006 07:36:00 AM ... ~link~
Wednesday, July 05, 2006

We have a serious bug affecting charities, sponsorships, profile changes. Please check this forum thread before contacting us. Add your blog URL to the thread if you are experiencing any of these problems:

--Sponsorships never showing up.
--Profile changes suspending your blog.
--Inability to make changes to your charity.

We are working on fixing this as quickly as possible.

by...frykitty... 7/05/2006 08:02:00 PM ... ~link~


If you have a Digg account, now would be a good time to use it.

by...frykitty... 7/05/2006 02:40:00 PM ... ~link~
Tuesday, July 04, 2006

I'm seeing tons and tons and tons of blog mentions from participating bloggers! Wow!

Want to take it to the next level? The one thing that gets more sponsorships for everyone is web publicity. So if your friends have blogs, even if they aren't participating, ask them if they'll mention the Blogathon. Special request for LJ folks: if there's a way that Blogathon could make it to LJ Spotlight, that would be fantastic!

Now, I don't want anyone to spam, just use your contacts. Making a post about Blogathon is a big way someone can help, even if they can't sponsor or participate as a blogger!

by...frykitty... 7/04/2006 12:08:00 PM ... ~link~
Monday, July 03, 2006

ONE! HUN! DRED!

Signups have been open less than two days, and already there are as many bloggers signed up as there were for the first Blogathon in 2001. Woohoo!

by...frykitty... 7/03/2006 06:11:00 PM ... ~link~


Rules, schmules

I'm not a fan of having a long list of rules. I like to keep things very simple and clear. But once in a while, something important comes up that must be added.

Because the public will be browsing the event, and monitors must be able to see every blog, all blogs must be publicly available. If you have a password-protected blog, or a friends-only LiveJournal, it's important to either drop those restrictions, or set up separate page for the Blogathon as soon as possible. Blog information can be changed in your profile.

by...frykitty... 7/03/2006 07:44:00 AM ... ~link~
Sunday, July 02, 2006

What time to start?

Many folks are wondering when they should start blogging in their part of the world. Here is a chart of the time in cities worldwide on July 29, 0600 Pacific. I'll be adding this link to the FAQ as well.

by...frykitty... 7/02/2006 08:34:00 PM ... ~link~


Bugs? Errors? Well, possibly...

If you find a problem with the site, be sure to tell us right away in the Bugs and Problems board at the forum.

The forum is also the best place to ask questions about the site if you're confused about how something works. There are a bunch of people there to help, so you get an answer very quickly.

If there's something up with your account specifically (e.g., a question about your charity or your site), drop us a line using the Contact form.

by...frykitty... 7/02/2006 02:33:00 PM ... ~link~


Our host says email is back to normal. Yay!

by...frykitty... 7/02/2006 11:29:00 AM ... ~link~


We will be launching signups shortly, with one caveat: because of webmail problems (see details here), it may take as much as 24 hours for you to receive a verification email. We apologize for the delay, and hope email will be running more smoothly in short order.

by...frykitty... 7/02/2006 07:03:00 AM ... ~link~
Saturday, July 01, 2006

Almost there...

We are having some trouble with our host. We'll launch signups as soon as we are able. Hang in there!

by...frykitty... 7/01/2006 10:25:00 AM ... ~link~