Double Doozie: Blogging Less to Write More
I quit one of my writing gigs. Why? Because I couldn't bring myself to post here at Velveteen Mind when I knew I owed a post elsewhere.
I told a friend today that it felt like calling in sick and then being caught 
shopping at the mall, wandering around with a Diet Coke and a Double Doozie from Great American Cookie, a satisfied grin slapped on my smug little face.
What I am saying is: my plan is to start posting here at the ole joint with the tattered book more like 3 times a week, rather than the usual 3 times a month. Hence, the cutting back of distractions. And if I don't? You can call me on it.
Mrs. Fussypants certainly already does call me on it. So does Missives from Suburbia. And damn Jennifer from Playgroups are No Place for Short Blog Titles. If she suggests one more time that posting frequently is a great way to build a good blog, I'm going to poke her in the butt with a fork.
Um, so yeah, I know I should post more. I totally get that. (I'm planning on memorizing Jennifer's Blog Tip Sharing series. I see that she has up a post about maintaining uncluttered Sidebars. Good Lord, do I even want to know? Jennifer, side offer: if you will come over to my blog and critique it, I will offer you my butt's ability to warm a bed for 3 nights at BlogHer. You in?)
The irony is that while you may think I've fallen off of the blogosphere, the reality is that all I have been thinking about is blogging for the last month. I'm talking about Blog Nosh Magazine... again. 
I keep mentioning it because a lot of work is going into that project and I am not only inundated with emails every day from bloggers and editors, but I am also flooded with pride and a fiery passion for all that we are banging out and building up.
Not to mention The People's Party. And, yes, I will be mentioning BlogHer a few more times (insert laugh here) in the next few weeks. I'll try to do it without annoying those of you not going, but talk about a huge project! And worth every second.
So while you have been seeing no new updates at Velveteen Mind, I have been thinking about you for hours every day. Thinking of how to best promote your work on Blog Nosh Magazine, how to entice the most click-through to your blogs, how to let you shine. I've been thinking about meeting you at BlogHer, helping to make you feel welcome, introducing you to our sponsors who are interested in you, plotting ways to keep you entertained and engaged, all the while taking into consideration how to include those not attending the conference.
Speaking of you broke folk (holla!) and shy peeps not going to BlogHer: Don't forget to send me your bloggy business cards for distribution at The People's Party if you are unable to attend. Just email me for my address. And you absolutely have to tune in to the live feed of the party (details soon), 
call your friends-in-attendance and encourage them to make fools of themselves on camera while giving you a shout-out, and see that, "Hey, I should go next year because it's not that big of a deal."
(and if this isn't the most arrogant post ever, I don't know what is--- just bear with me, because I am trying to convince myself that I can pull my weight despite my traffic currently being dismal --post more post more post more-- and my patient readers growing impatient... hey, look! another cookie distraction!)
One more thing: Jennifer from Playgroups are the Longest Blog Name in History also says that all of our posts don't have to be long and eloquent. She encourages us to keep it quick and dirty.
If anyone has a needlepoint that I could hang over my computer that says "Keep it quick and dirty," I'd love to have it.
*Double Doozie photos via the flickr page: turbo binge
(**Consider this fair warning: if you visit turbo binge, you will immediately gain 5 pounds. Man, I am hungry. Starving. mmmmmmm....)
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I had been wondering what happened to you, but I figured Blog Nosh was keeping you pretty busy. Thanks for the compliment on my cards! Sparta, huh? I went to Mt. Vernon. Did we compete sports wise? I can't remember. I am really looking forward to meeting you and all the gals at the People's Party, I can't believe it's only a week and a half away. (the butterflies started as I typed that)(and I just realized how ADD my comment is, but I can't seem to think any other way today)
Posted by: Bri | July 07, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Yay! So glad to see you're back -- you've been missed. And more Velveteen Mind to look forward to? I's a happy girl.
Posted by: mommypie | July 07, 2008 at 03:53 PM
I don't have a needlepoint, but I would be happy to make you a cute little blog badge that says, "I keep it quick and dirty." You can put it in your sidebar, since you have so much room!
Posted by: heather | July 07, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Awww... yay!! Now the whole world knows I'm a nag!!
Okay, WHAT are those delightful cookie things all over your post and where do I get a dozen? I mean one?
I'm gradually becoming more depressed about not coming to BlogHer. This could result in a last-minute decision. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, it's so good to see the rabbit alive!
Posted by: Deb (Missives From Suburbia) | July 07, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Bri- I moved away at 12, so before I played sports. Wait, I never played sports. Ever. Ever. Ever. Does eating Double Doozies count?
mommypie-- I always feel guilty if someone uses the word "missed." Crap. And do you know how many posts like this I've written that result in "yay- you are back" comments? Man, I suck. Ass. Big Double Doozie ass.
Heather-- Shut up. I can't figure out how to simplify my sidebars. You know I can't edit!
Posted by: Megan | July 07, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Deb- I didn't realize it was even an option that you could change your mind. Hello?!
Posted by: Megan | July 07, 2008 at 04:02 PM
My Moo cards are on the way. I think you're a great blogger, smart and funny with no typos I've seen yet. It was a little hard to find your comments link though...
Posted by: All Adither | July 07, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Oh, lord. That is all I need after adding buttons to my sidebar today and writing the world's longest post about blogging jealously. GAH! The guilt!!
Still, I am glad you are going to be around more.
And?
My moo cards came and are adorable. Thanks for the awesome discount.
Posted by: Loralee | July 07, 2008 at 04:30 PM
As long as you are damning me, here I am! via twitter.
What 'job' did you quit? Cuz lately I keep piling on more and more and more...
Still checking in with Blognosh. But ah...lately the posts there seem kinda long and I just don't have the time!
How about a quick and dirty highlight once a week there?? I have a couple quick and dirty ones I could suggest....? Hint, hint...
Posted by: good&crazy | July 07, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Hey, I kept checkin' in every so often just to see if I missed a post (which is saying a lot b/c I haven't been ready much of anyone lately...due to alligator patrol).
And I can confirm--THE GIRL'S BEEN WORKIN' HER TAIL OFF ON THE SCORCHIN' NEW BLOG NOSH! She should be makin' a million bucks for the effort!
Are you serious about sending you biz cards and you'll put 'em out? Cause I accidentally have a thousand....
Posted by: Robin | July 07, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I would LOVE it if you wrote here more, but I know what it's taken for you to get Blog Nosh launched so I definitely understand the lack of posting!
I never got my business cards made, so just name drop me at BlogHer a little, k? ;)
Posted by: catnip | July 07, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Oh, Megan, how I love you.
But I HATE you for all the cookie pictures.
<3
Posted by: Sarcastic Mom | July 07, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Welcome back!! So glad to see, er read, your stuff.
Posted by: Jess | July 07, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Holy hell, I said Jennifer could critique my blog! You guys are ripping me a new one.
Post more/ more prominent comment link/ spelll gud/ shorter posts on Blog Nosh/ stop making you fat.
What the hell?
;)
And of course I'm serious about you sending me your business cards. Planning a cute table at the party to pimp them to everyone. Mail them to me now!
Ooh, and Robin & catnip, you get a raise at Blog Nosh as thanks for backing me up. I will pay you double what you are getting now. Brace your bank accounts.
Posted by: Megan | July 07, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Gee, thanks Megan. Can someone refresh my memory, what's $0 x 2? You know, so I know what to expect! *snort*
Posted by: catnip | July 07, 2008 at 04:57 PM
I don't have cards anyway.
Oh wait.
I don't have blogher...
I have all of you instead. Thanks for caring.
Posted by: Good&Crazy | July 07, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Wish I had more time, I'd make ya that needlepoint. I'd make one for myself too, but I might be inclined to hang it over my bed.
Posted by: Shannon | July 07, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Yes, you've been very missed! But Blog Nosh is awesome, great job.
Hey, I hope you got my business cards I had done through Moo. Thanks again for taking them to BlogHer.
Maybe next year I can do it myself and actually get to meet you all!!
Posted by: Mrs. Schmitty | July 07, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I could totally stitch you up something quick from Subversive Crosstitch if you'll really hang it... and what the heck. I thought we talked about the cravings. Now you're waving cookies in my face. Um, thanks.
Steph
Posted by: Adventures In Babywearing | July 07, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Quick and dirty. Just how I like it. Preferably with frosting in the middle.
Posted by: moosh in indy. | July 07, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I love you. And I missed you. And I'm glad you're back. And I can't wait to meet you in less than two weeks. And I can't wait for you to introduce me to your sponsors. :0)
And the fact that you listed Jennifer's blog as "Playgroups Are No Place For Short Blog Titles" is quite possibly the funniest thing I've read all week.
Posted by: AMomTwoBoys | July 07, 2008 at 08:07 PM
You're exempt from most of my blog tips. You have that little thing called "writing ability." SOME of us have to resort to trickery. Or bribes, like in my case.
Posted by: Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children | July 07, 2008 at 08:07 PM
No blog guilt necessary! I'm totally digging BlogNosh Mag.
Posted by: Lauren | July 07, 2008 at 08:49 PM
"Keep it quick and dirty"
That's what she said. I don't know if that will ever get old...
As for Blog Nosh, I have told you already, but I SO APPRECIATE all that you are doing.
The talent. U Haz It.
Posted by: Angella | July 07, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Please, PLEASE rub it in just one more time that those of us who can't make it to BlogHer will be missing one rocking good time. Because I can't quite drown in my pool of self-pity tears yet. *SIGH*
BlogNosh Rocks and you should sure be proud of that baby, it's awesome and has that great new blog smell.
Posted by: Anissa @ Hope4Peyton | July 07, 2008 at 11:55 PM
YAY @ the return of Velveteen Mind!!
Also, Blog Nosh is awesome, as in I am in total awe - Am really sorry I won't be at the People's Party.
Posted by: CharmingDriver | July 08, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Ya'll are killing me. I know you are sick of me disappearing and then you having to write stuff like "so glad you are back" when what you really want to say is, "good grief, learn how to blog already!"
My paper journals never talked back to me, so I'm still not used to being bossed around and missed, even after over a year of this. Although I think you are pulling my leg on that last bit.
Posted by: Megan | July 08, 2008 at 12:49 AM
N i c e...a raise in my first month!
If there were awards for Pimpin' Queen, you'd win...hand's down.
(That's a compliment, just in case you're wondering.)
Posted by: Robin | July 08, 2008 at 08:41 AM
I think that Feedreaders are changing that old common thought that frequent posting is necessary. As long as you feel like you have flow with your frequency, I don't think a minimum number of posts per week matter anymore...at least to me as a reader. But Feeds diminish commenting, too, so who knows. I know I want a cookie now. Two cookies. Can I have 3 cookies?
Posted by: Deb on the Rocks | July 08, 2008 at 09:00 AM
ROFL at Adventures in Babywearing!
Posted by: threeundertwo | July 08, 2008 at 09:39 AM
You're worth the wait!
Posted by: Amy in OHio | July 08, 2008 at 09:43 AM
hey there meghan....
you inspire me....i found you over the weekend when i read a link on a guy blogger's site to the people's party...good for him for posting the banner...i'm a new blogger...hoping to meet you and others at the party....but i hear you on this post. sometimes everything else demands our attention...but your blognosh is so worth every bit of your nurturing care. what an amazing site you've birthed..seriously.....i would value learning more about how contributors can participate...but this isn't a marketing pitch. i have um maybe 8 readers :) of my blog...i'm sooo soo new...finally got a host yesterday and a real domain...www.thoughtbythought.net...i'm now shopping for a wp theme :) something pretty, feminine, spiritually warm...and practical :)
lemme know if you'd recommend anyone..your theme is beautiful...
i volunteered at blogher 07 in chicago last summer and was sooo excited...then fell into a 6 month panic of 'um, is what i have to say worthy of sharing' (stupid but true) and now i'm emerging gently..butterflying it :)
thank you for your honesty and your depth....your image with your baby is so tender and warm....the image and your words pervade the genuine heart you speak from. i'm excited to read you....here or at blognosh.
be well...and oh yeah, i gotta still sign up for the people's party :) cool name.
peace to you and much joy, tre ~ :)
Posted by: Tre~ | July 08, 2008 at 12:20 PM
About time you posted again.
~ducks & runs~
,# um <# um ,3 um <3.
Posted by: Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants | July 08, 2008 at 03:02 PM
quick and dirty with a cookie... just the way I like it :)
Posted by: Her Bad Mother | July 08, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Welcome home....I missed you and was so glad I stopped by today to see where the hell you been....
Dorothy from grammology
remember to hug gram
grammology.com
Posted by: Dorothy Stahlnecker | July 08, 2008 at 07:05 PM
I am one of the poor saps that wont be there, but hopefully you will meet me anyway. Lots of awesome chicks are taking me along anyway.
Off to check out this Blog Nosh you speak of. Do I need a fork?
Posted by: Kelley | July 09, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Funny, that is the EXACT needlepoint that I have hanging over my bed.
Posted by: manager mom | July 14, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Very nice!!
Posted by: AnnelldeholI | August 02, 2008 at 04:57 PM