Best Post of the Week: Week 137

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Help Tornado Victims Just by Blogging

I am sure that many of you, like me, had some serious anxiety as you went to bed last night. After last April, I will never again react in the same way when I hear tornado warnings. I know all too well how unbelievably devastating they can be, and the thought of living through another nightmare like that is at times too much to process.

My husband stayed up from 3 to 5 AM watching the Polygons this morning. They came within two streets of our house, and he was ready to wake us all and race us to the basement. Fortunately, that didn't have to happen, and I was able to sleep soundly, knowing that my husband was on the watch to protect our family.

So many other families were not as fortunate, though. I watched the news today and saw the photos of Clay - some of them were so reminiscent of last April, and my heart broke for the individuals, families, and neighborhoods that were affected. My wheels began turning as to how I could help.

Immediately I remembered a project that had been in the works for the last few weeks. A great company that I've worked with had contacted me a few months ago, wanting to know how they could help Alabama recover from last year's devastation. We talked about several ideas as to how they could partner with Alabama and bloggers in particular, and they asked input on what local charities they could donate to. I immediately suggested the Christian Service Mission, an organization that has been crucial in our state's recovery process. They agreed, and just recently set up this great page to pledge their donations to the CS Mission.

They have pledged to donate $25 to the Christian Service Mission for every blog post that is written about how last April's tornadoes (or today's tornadoes) affected you. All you have to do is write the post, then comment on their page and let them know about your post. Their goal is to donate $1,000 by March 1!

I am excited about helping our state. Won't you join me?

Please help me spread the word to other bloggers statewide so that we can all help raise money for our state, while at the same time raising awareness for the needs that are still so urgent. I am so thrilled to be a part of this, and I hope you will join me!

Best Post of the Week: Week 136

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

First #AlaBlogMeet of 2012!

Our next Alabama Blogger's meet-up will be on Friday, February 3. We will meet at 11:30 in the back room at Jim N Nick's in Homewood (Oxmoor Road). We're always around for a while, so if you can't get there on time, get there when you can!

Everyone is invited, and we always have a couple of new people at every meet-up, so don't be shy! We enjoy getting to know each other in real life and chatting about blogging, Birmingham, and pretty much everything else.

If you would like to join us, RSVP on this post. Be sure to help us spread the word - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

Hope to see you there!!

Best Post of the Week: Week 135

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Best Post of the Week: Week 134

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

WordCamp Birmingham Quickly Approaching!

Are you looking for an opportunity to take your blogging to the next level?

Do you use WordPress, but know that you're not using it to it's fullest potential?

Or have you wanted to make the switch from Blogger to WordPress, but just didn't know how?

WordCamp Birmingham is a great solution - and it's local, inexpensive, and a wonderful way to get to know your fellow Birmingham bloggers!

WordCamp Birmingham takes place Jan. 14 at the BJCC Birmingham and Jan. 15 at Samford University. Attendees will learn everything they want to know about WordPress, blogging, content management, site design and development. The cost is $35, which includes lunch on Jan. 14, T-shirt and after-party.

There's a fabulous line-up of speakers, who will be covering every level of WordPress use. They will be sharing practical information for everyone, from beginners to professionals.

For more information, visit http://wpyall.com.

Best Post of the Week: Week 132

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Best Post of the Week: Week 131

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Best Post of the Week: Week 130

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Best Post of the Week: Week 129

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

ALsocme Collecting Clothing for Tornado Survivors

The Alabama Social Media Association is having a mixer on Wednesday, December 14, of the tacky variety.

They will be having a Tacky Christmas Sweater contest at Rogue Tavern from 6 to 8pm, and the worst sweater will receive a door prize. They ask that you bring new clothing to donate to tornado survivors, of which they will distribute to appropriate charitable organizations.

“Our organization is glad to continue giving back to the community as we’ve done throughout our inaugural year,” said executive director Stephanie Hutcheson. Past donations have included food and cash for various charities.

It's a great opportunity to get out and socialize with other Birmingham social media users and give back to the community all at once. The event is free, they just ask that you RSVP on their Facebook page.

Best Post of the Week: Week 128

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

#AlaBlogMeet This Friday!

Our next Alabama Bloggers meet is being hosted by the fabulous Alison Lewis from Ingredients Inc!

Alison has been busy traveling to promote her new book, 400 Best Sandwich Recipes, but has generously made time in her crazy schedule to join us at lunch. Alison's blog always has a delicious recipe that is both healthy and kid-approved, so be sure to check it out!

The meet-up will be held on Friday, December 2 at Cantina Downtown. We will meet at 11:30, but feel free to come late if you need to - we're usually there for a while!

We always have a wonderful time at meet-ups, discussing everything related and unrelated to social media. And everyone is invited!! Help us spread the word on Twitter and Facebook - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

Please RSVP on this post or the original post by December 1 so that we can save you a seat!

Best Post of the Week: Week 127

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Best Post of the Week: Week 126

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Next Alabama Blogger Meet!

Our next Alabama Bloggers meet is being hosted by the fabulous Alison Lewis from Ingredients Inc!

Alison has been busy traveling to promote her new book, 400 Best Sandwich Recipes, but has generously made time in her crazy schedule to join us at lunch. Alison's blog always has a delicious recipe that is both healthy and kid-approved, so be sure to check it out!

The meet-up will be held on Friday, December 2 at Cantina Downtown. We will meet at 11:30, but feel free to come late if you need to - we're usually there for a while!

We always have a wonderful time at meet-ups, discussing everything related and unrelated to social media. And everyone is invited!! Help us spread the word on Twitter and Facebook - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

Please RSVP on this post by November 30 so that we can save you a seat!

Best Post of the Week: Week 125

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Best Post of the Week: Week 124

It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Find Out What Motivates Your Social Media Audience!

Have you ever wondered why your social media audience does what it does? What motivates people to respond to your tweets, to comment on your blog posts, and to interact with you? Why do some people pay attention to everything you say, and others never bother to even check?

The next ALsocme meeting will address this subject. Jenny Schmitt from Cloudspark will be sharing a talk on “The Digital Divide: The Psychographics of Social Media,” where she will discuss how different generations use and integrate social media into their lives and what motivates their nearly every move online.

The luncheon is on November 9th from 11:15 am to noon at the Hill Event Center. The event is free, and lunch will be provided. If you haven't been to an ALsocme event yet, this is an excellent one to attend!! I highly recommend coming to network with others and learn from Jenny's talk.

For more information, click here.