Giveaway, Discount to Freestyle Motocross!

Freestyle Motocross is coming to the BJCC on Saturday, March 10!

Doors open at 6:30, and the show begins at 7:30.

Riders will be doing mind-blowing tricks, launching their bikes and performing mid-air acrobatics.



If you would like to attend, I have three pairs of tickets to give away!

Simply comment on this post to enter - make sure your email address is included.

For up to three extra entries, you may:

• Follow Alabama Bloggers on Twitter.
• Tweet, blog, or Facebook about this giveaway.

Be sure to leave one comment per entry for your extra entries to be counted!

Winners will be randomly chosen on Monday, February 20 and announced on Tuesday, February 21.

I also have a discount code available to everyone - enter ALBLOG at Ticketmaster or at the arena to get $10 adult tickets - a $6 discount per ticket! Discount not applicable to premium tickets or day of show tickets.

Best Post of the Week: Week 139

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!

Hear the King of Alabama Social Media at the next alsocme meet!

I've been waiting for this moment since I first heard of the forming of alsocme. When I received the email yesterday, it's a possibility that I might have squealed with girlish glee.

James Spann is speaking.

There is quite literally no one in the state of Alabama that deserves more respect and honor for their utilization of social media, and as such, no one more qualified to share innovative and effective ways to use the tools of Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Blogging.

Just recently, after the last tornado hit our area, Mr. Spann was able to leverage his social media presence along with his followers' retweets and responses to gain the attention of ABC's national news, who had reported that Alabama was struck with "surprise" tornadoes with "no warning", which was clearly untrue. They later aired a much more accurate story as well as conducting an interview with Spann, although I'm unaware if the latter was ever aired.

From the alsocme site:

“The secret to social media is all about treating people right, and getting them engaged,” Spann says. Attendees will learn how to increase followers and create more meaningful conversations through his practical examples and insight.

I highly recommend attending this FREE event. It is scheduled for Monday, February 20th at 11:15 at the Hill Event Center. Lunch will be provided by Ted's Restaurant. Be sure to register at alsocme.org before all spots are gone!!

Best Post of the Week: Week 138

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!

Reminder: AlaBlogMeet This Friday!!

This Friday is our next Alabama Blogger's Meet, and it looks like we've already got a fun crowd coming! Here's the information:

We are meeting 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 or the original post. Be sure to help us spread the word - the hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

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!