Big, Big Stars
In tandem with the piece being published in the June issue of Good Housekeeping, I was asked last week to complete a brief "interview" to be posted on the magazine's web site. Most of the questions were standard "getting to know you" fare -- boxers or briefs? plain or peanut? -- but question number eight stumped me a wee bit.
"What blogs or web sites to you visit every day?"
The question itself was harmless, but I knew my answer wouldn't be.
When I started Dad Gone Mad five years ago, I wanted so badly to be noticed. Somehow I convinced myself that the true measure of my writing was the number of visits and comments I received. To a certain extent, I still do. And I have reason to believe there are others who feel the same way about their web sites, too. To quote one of my favorite songs, "We all want to be big, big stars, but we've got different reasons for that."
I tried VERY hard to be noticed. I wanted some sort of validation from the bloggers I idolized, the bloggers everyone read, the psuedo-famous folk in this little community. When comments were left on this site by the authors of Dooce, Amalah and the other heavyweights, I felt this weird feeling that I had finally arrived. That I was legit.
(Please forgive the inherent arrogance and presumptuousness of the following paragraph.)
I'm aware now that there are writers within the blogosphere who feel the same way about me as I felt about the aforementioned heavyweights, and I'm humbled by that. It warms my heart (and my wife's), and I make an effort to validate that support as much as I can. Whether you know it or not, I do visit the sites of regular commenters here. Sometimes I leave a comment, sometimes I don't. But I'm there. I promise.
That's why it was so hard to answer the question posed by Good Housekeeping. How do I pick five or six sites out of the 150 or so that I read? They're all worthy of recognition and praise. They all should benefit from a mention in a big magazine. I owe all of them that much in exchange for their support of me.
So here's what I want to do:
If you're a blogger, give us the name and URL of your site, and tell us in a sentence or two what it's about. If you have a favorite post, give us a link. Don't hold back. Don't be shy. Don't waste the opportunity to shout from this platform.
If you're a reader without a blog, tell us about your favorite blog. Give us a link to an entry you like most.
And to all, let's set aside some time to visit these blogs and support one another. Read something new. Broaden your horizons, leave comments, and show the many talented writers in this little corner of the internet that their work is worth bragging about.
I check dad gone mad daily. It's great.
Ok, ok - I'll be the first. Ahem...My name is Kerrie. And I'm a blogger. But not a very good one. www.theminivansoapbox.com. My husband gets tired of listening to me bitch - so I blog. You can get back to Dad Gone Mad real quick from the link at the top! :)
One of my faves that makes me giggle is http://ashleygailey.typepad.com/is_this_thing_on/ she is hilarious!
M~
Ok my blog is called BS of the Day and the URL is http://bsoftheday.blogspot.com/
My initials are BS (awesome, I know) and I basically write about all the crap that happens in a small town and the small Christian company I work for. I am sarcastic and not meant to live in a small town. I just started it like a week ago so no one really reads it yet.
I feel dirty doing this...
I am Xbox4NappyRash, from http://xbox4nappyrash.blogspot.com
I started blogging almost a year ago in what I thought would be a cute past-time as my wife and I became parents.
How fucking wrong were we. 303 days later I still can't knock her up and it's tipped me over the edge.
I've named and tried to motivate my sperm, almost turned tranny, and waged war on the frogs which mock my laboratory proven sub fertility from outside my very own window.
The most clicked entry to date is here:
http://xbox4nappyrash.blogspot.com/2008/02/sperm-runner.html
I feel dirtier now than I've felt in at least 18 hours.
Nevertheless, thank you DGM for a shot.
Cheers.
I love reading DGM because it's a guaranteed laugh and I love hearing a dad's perspective on parenting. I am no where near the likes of our beloved DGM but I do have my own blog. I can't say that I really care whether or not I have a following because I mostly write to keep from going nuts. I wish I made more time to devote to writing but I'm lazy. Here's one post from when I first got started. Why not introduce myself to all of you by telling you about my panties??!!
I put the link in the URL spot so I hope it goes through. Did I also mention I'm a little dingy sometimes?
I am new to blogging myself, but have been reading your site and other blogs for quite some time. I really enjoy your humor and insight to parenting. I'm not a parent, but I can relate in the factors of being an adult and trying to find your direction.
My blog is about launching my fine arts career, mostly posts about recent paintings or drawings. Some writing about my thoughts on the arts, my situation currently, etc. Nothing ground-breaking. Stop by if you get a chance: http://painttilyoufaint.blogspot.com/
Why not, right?
I'm SarahThe, and my website is http://sarahthe.wordpress.com . I would qualify my blog as a mostly-daily blog that follows me and most of the ridiculous things that happen to me. I'm 24, married, working and in college for the second time, with a new puppy, and my little sister lives with us. And my In-Laws live really close. So that makes for fun times, right?
Awesome for you! Congrats! And who wouldn't want their blog mentioned in GH? I sure would and since I have zero pride and I'm a big fat hoo-er, my blog is vintagethirty.blogspot.com and it's about the often ridiculous tales of my life as a suburban housewife/mother! Doesn't that just make ya wanna pick me! Pick me!
Okay, but really, what blogs did you give them?
I would not do this unless what you describe is exactly what goes through my head in terms of how I view my own blogging.
I don't have a favourite post of my own but one I did that I recently liked myself can be found here. It's about me and driving and how young men can often be stigmatised.
Another one I like is this one that just talks about a meal between me and my grandfather
I hardly ever comment here but I read often. I'm glad to see you keep writing and look forward to more in the future
Hi there! My SIL actually turned me on to your blog (apparently she bought one of your Hot Moms shirts, it wasn't the right size, and you emailed with her, helping to get the problem solved). Ever since, I've loved reading you.
ANYWAY - my name is Amy and I blog at my site Sweetie & Me - Spina Bifida Moms (http://www.spinabifidamoms.blogspot.com). I started blogging about 3 years ago and, I must say, I'm proud of myself and my blog - and tons of my readers as well!
See, I'm a disabled mom with spina bifida. My husband and daughter are healthy. I blog about my experiences as a physically disabled mom raising my healthy and active daughter. Several of my readers have personally emailed me, telling me how thrilled they were to find my site, as there aren't that many disabled mom - specifically with spina bifida - blogs out there. Nor is there a ton of info for women with SB who'd like to have children. So I feel that I'm at least one place where they can hear my story and feel a connection.
Currently life with Sweetie - who's 5 - is pretty "normal" and my disability doesn't necessarily come into play on a daily basis. So over the last several months or so, I've much more turned into a "regular" mom blog than a "disabled" mom blog. But that's good too, because it shows I can be and am just like anyone else out there - in a good way.
I also blog at disaboom.com (http://www.disaboom.com/members/SweetiesMom.aspx) and at newenglandmamas.com - both excellent reads as well.
Thanks for the interest! This will be great to find some new wonderful reads.
Have you picked up the Counting Crows new album yet? I got it last week. Very good!
I've been blogging for 5 years and I think that's about the number of readers I have. I try to tell myself that I never wanted to do it professionally, and that I never even aspired to be a writer, so it's no big deal that almost nobody reads, but who do I think I'm kidding? I'd love to have a bigger readership, if only for the connection to that many more awesome people.
My blog is random- about me and my family. It's also pink (for the time being), but don't let that scare you off.
http://heels.crumpled.com/
i'll bite!
my site is called Cheaper Than Therapy
http://www.alimartell.com.
i'm part georgia peach. part midwest cheesehead. part canuck. all kinds of crazy.
i write about my kids. my co-workers. my bad eating habits (cookie dough for dinner anyone?). my inability to grow up. my nutty family. my struggle to be funny (because i am not. at all.)
I love that you are doing this. And I will keep checking back for more recommendations from new commenters. I have already added two new blogs to my Google Reader just from the previous comments here.
I write me, my husband, and raising twin 3 yr old boys. I cant say this is my favorite post, but since it involves one kids first use of the F-bomb, and his growing fascination with boobs, I feel that my fellow DGM readers would feel the synergy. Ha.
Stuff I thought came much, much later
Damn you. You're the devil. How do I, who feels exactly like you describe about their own blog, stand back and NOT post the link?
So, here's my at-home dad blog, and my favourite story:
http://backpackingdad.blogspot.com/2008/03/dadness-mortified.html
Wow - I now have all these new blogs to read!
I've had a family blog for 4 years, but only blogging publically for about 6 mos now. I write about my life and how it's changed since my long-term marriage (28 yrs!) ended. I also write about my ex, my 2 kids (ages 8 and 25), my boyfriend, and my friends. I think most of them read it, at least. :)
I started it just to have somewhere to put the goofy crap I think up sometimes. I'm a pretty odd duck, especially for a 48 yr old white woman, and it's cheaper than therapy.
Also, I'm thinking about doing NaNoWriMo this year and I wanted to see if I could find a voice. Other than the ones in my head.
http://anywayiwasjustthinking.blogspot.com
Thanks!!
Hi there, long time lurker. Congrats on your success.
I blog at hilarities ensue and New York City Moms Blog
I write about motherhood, marriage, and our real-life struggles with family, money, health, and happiness.
I've been having a discussion about what defines a "good blog" with one of the people from AllTop recently. It's definitely a huge can of worms when you really think about it. But that's a discussion for another time.
Today, it's all about the oldest profession, right? Right.
I wouldn't call myself a regular commenter, so I doubt you've been to my site, Tales From The Dad Side (http://talesfromthedadside.blogspot.com/). It's a personal blog where I try to find the balance between humourous and insightful.
You asked for a favourite post, but I couldn't decide between two recent ones:
http://talesfromthedadside.blogspot.com/2008/04/tws-another-one-really.html
- Tuesday's April Fool's gag post... funniest because the commenters are all mortified
http://talesfromthedadside.blogspot.com/2008/03/tps-press-release.html
- (what I think is) a different spin on making a big announcement
If you (any of you... DGM readers or the Dad himself) do stop by, a comment or an email letting me know what you think would be appreciated.
Ok, I'll play along!
My name is Jenni and I have a blog called "Because I Said So."
From my home page:
I'm a 30-something mom from small-town Iowa -- trying to get out of debt, lose weight, and keep my sanity juggling our family calendar. I have 2 children, 2 stepchildren, a husband, a cat and a puppy. Oh yeah, and I work full-time, too! It's just another day in PARADISE and I forgot my sunscreen!
I am a regular reader of yours, I bought the tshirt along time ago, and I'm a horrible commenter.
Can't wait to read your interview!
You are too nice. No seriously. I LOVE your blog, and I feel like I'm being annoying or something to be even commenting right now. *sheepish grin*
I blog at http://iamabiggirl.blogspot.com
I talk about everything, but mostly just try to laugh at myself. It's called cheap therapy.
My husband and I have a blog at www.karenanderik.com. It's mostly me writing, with my husband chiming in. It started as a blog leading up to our wedding, and now it's a blog about our marriage and lives. It's the stupid TV shows we like, the things that inspire us, the dumb arguments we have (like if it's ok for girls to wear Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers). And it's also nearly impossible for me to complete a post without cursing.
I might take up the blogging again some day, but until then
if it's not dadgonemad it's:
www.mikeadamick.com or
www.davidlebovitz.com or
sfgirlbybay.blogspot.com or
www.zooglobble.com
so many more...
I found your blog by accident and I absolutely think its great.
My blog, http://www.lifeandtimesofchantel.com - been around for 4 years. Its about me and my life as a tall, mouthy, single mother, who's been around the block and learned all the niceties in life at the same time.
Food, wine, swearing, photography and me.
Mine is at BretCB Speaks His Mind. I just ramble on about my life and thoughts, that's all. Thanks for the forum to share it, though.
And FWIW, I've been addicted to DGM (and dooce, since you mentioned, too) since the first post I read.
Corey Greenberg's ShaveBlog has been very important to me during my conversion to a shavesnob. He writes with a great sense of humor, and recognizes that most people don't care nearly as much about shaving as he does.
Unfortunately he's not updating it very often any more.
My all-time favorite entry was his reversed-roles "shaving moment" with his dad at http://shaveblog.com/?p=148.
My blog is www.lilfoot2007.wordpress.com
I would generally put my blog in the "mommy blogger" category.
How do I not take this opportunity to whore out my site? And I'll only do mine - not DadCentric or any of the others. mrbigdubya.blogspot.com - that's it, my little piece of Al Gore's internetowebosphere aka "The Tubes." It's about me, the wife, the two children who have already entered this world and the one on the way and anything else I feel like chatting about.
That's all I got. Thanks, Danny
Groovy. What a great way to find some new blogs. I'm actually only about 3-4 weeks into reading your blog. Your's is a new discovery that I'm very glad I found, mainly because I like to laugh. A lot. That crop dusting post had me in tears.
I've been blogging for a bit over 3 years now. It all started as a way for me to keep my friends and family informed of what was happening with us. We had moved and I'm a sucky email returner. I thought blogging would help with that.
It has morphed and has turned into a place where I can share my smart assed-ness, horrible pictures from the 80's, photos of my kids, and humiliating stories such as hot pink thongs stuck to my kid's coat with the world. Oh, and scrapbooking crap too. I know, I know... I'm a crafty smart ass.
Well, holy crap... I just noticed that someone already posted a link to mine. That is insane!
Errr... In case you missed it: http://ashleygailey.typepad.com/
Thank you, Danny. While I say that blogging helps me remember the important moments in my life since I'm too lazy to write them down, I sure do get a big happy grin on my face when a new person leaves a comment. I've become friends, albeit e-friends, with a few gals who found my blog. I mentioned that here: http://amylynn1313.blogspot.com/2008/03/internet-suddenly-doesnt-seem-so-big.html Thanks for the opportunity to say hi. I tried to find a favorite entry and simply couldn't decide. Since you have such a knack for potty-humor, I thought maybe you'd like this entry: http://amylynn1313.blogspot.com/2007/05/day-in-life.html
Thanks again,
Amy
OK, I'll bite. I write a Dad blog and have an insanely small readership (my wife and parents). The blog is called Daddy's Little Tax Credits and my favorite post so far is this one:
http://www.daddyslittletaxcredits.com/2007/12/battle-of-christmas.html
Thanks for the opportunity to thump my own chest. ;)
I haven't actually posted anything in a while, so I feel like a super-whore doing this (more so than usual, even), but maybe if I become a big, big star I'll be able to sit down and write something again someday.
My blog is called Cans and Jars. I started it to write while also avoiding doing any real writing, and I think I've been pretty successful so far (at avoiding doing any real writing, I mean).
This is a post I wrote in November that I think was pretty all right.
DGM...love the site. You make me Laugh Out Loud and I really enjoy that.
My blog is http://www.TheElliotts.org
Just about my family and life's daily irritations.
Jen
I don't have a blog. But here's my top 5 (excluding you only because clearly everyone already knows how much you friggin rock! and hot wife too - she got me cooking artichokes!)
www.jennsylvania.com
www.amalah.com
www.nopasanada.org
www.wherehotcomestodie.blogspot.com
www.boobsinjuriesanddrpepper.blogspot.com
Since we're on the subject of you (gawsh it's always about you isn't it!!) I do totally love what you do here. Not only what you write, but the way you write it, keeps this single mom from the east coast totally checking back every day (sometimes twice a day) for more. Thank you for being you and sharing.
This is actually quite funny, because the very first comment I ever left on your blog was followed by a quick re-comment back to mine. I had just started my blog, so I was actually quite star-struck!
Anyway, I'm here: http://tayloropolis.wordpress.com
Hi, I'm Taylor (should I be saying I'm a compulsive somethingorother here?). I write about nothing in particular and my favorite entry is about the time that I had a bat in my kitchen and I had to call the fire department.
http://tayloropolis.wordpress.com/2007/06/21/and-all-my-hopes-of-being-a-wildlife-wrangler-are-dashedpart-i/
I have to admit to feeling a bit more legit when you started following my super-lame twitter feed recently.
lizardek.livejournal.com - lizardek's obiter dictum. The name, I suppose, says it all.
I read here all the time but hardly ever comment so hopefully this won't be looked down on that I've chosen to jump on board this time.
I blog at http://www.serenitysjournal.com
I used to do a lot of politics but I've realized that it's near pointless and I'd much rather talk about personal experiences anyway. Once in a blue moon I'll spout something political but overall, it's more personal stories.
That's basically what it's about..my opinions on every day life and how I see the world. I used to be a lot funnier than I am now...I think I need a vacation, actually.
Heh, of course I'll bite. If we blogger's weren't just a tad narcissistic anyway, then why would we all need sitemeter badges?
So, yeah, DGM is in mah google reader, because it helps me get through the day knowing OPKs are sometimes worse behaved and yet just as loveable as mine. My blog is called We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto, even though we really are.
Hi DGM! I have been reading your blog for a few years now and just about every entry makes me nearly pee my pants!
I just recently started blogging and don't get to it often enough, because I'm busy reading yours! If you like, you can visit me at www.2babybumblebees.blogspot.com I mostly write to keep family and friends updated on what goes on with the kids and our family, but have found that it very therapeutic for me and coping with the stress in my life. My husband hears my griping way too much - but I'm not a complainer or anything *crickets*
Keep it up and I can't wait to buy your book. Got a title yet?
I have just this very day come upon your blog, and I must say that I'm enjoying my first visit. I attempt-to-blog at mteblog.blogspot.com, where I also dish about my three kids and family life, you know, AKA the minutiae of staying at home with a new baby who always seems to be stuck to my boob and a toddler who loves to scream her little redhead off and a big kid who HATES to do homework and is just trying to make in the public schools while living with ADHD. **out of breath** I guess that's my blog in a nutshell. A very big, wordy and drawn-out nutshell.
Thanks for letting us have our shameless little plugs. :)
I will also play along. I think I have exactly 2 readers...but I don't have a lot of exciting things to talk about.
I am the mother of 2 boys, I work full time and avoid housework part time. I can't cook or clean and I hate any kind of manual labor.
The post that most describes me and my life right now is: http://theskyisfallingandotherrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/10/its-my-life_06.html
Thanks for the opportunity!
I remember the days when you were a small blog, just out of nappies. I was around then as I am now. Back then I was more popular, I had a blog called Lala Land, now I hide behind a password and spill my guts a bit more honestly. At least I can say I knew him when..........
Hi, I'm Meaghan. I call myself the Gay Housewife and I blog at http://queeringdomesticity.blogspot.com. I post crafty things, recipes, cool finds, stories about family, friends, faith and nonsense. I also have links to the other things I'm involved with, both online and in the local community.
Favorite post is one of my first posts, about my Mom (my inspiration): http://queeringdomesticity.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-inspiration.html
I also blog at Raising a Buckus with my best friend. It's a Q&A sort of blog, and we're always looking for questions! E-mail us at bucko@raisingabuckus.com and check out the blog: http://www.raisingabuckus.com
Thanks for this! Wooooo!
I recently have started a blog...it's mostly for my own sanity.
alwaysal.blogspot.com
My name is Travis and I run a website called www.howtokillpeople.com . It's a humor and satire site that has nothing to do with actually killing people... it's mostly about dick and fart jokes...
I am a fan... the kind of fan that prints out your posts for all to read, laugh and pass along!!! In fact at the dinner table I was given the chance to share your "Crop dusting" story with the family, I know very sick people!!! Farts, poop and insults are our speciality.
I do however also read a little blog called Sarah's Fab Day
http://sarahsfabday.blogspot.com/
She is a close friend of mine and wouldn't care if I pimp her out to everyone to enjoy. She is like that.
Her flare is tres chic and a cross between Martha Stewart, Vanity Fair and the Food network. Its a blog about "Day to day life with a mom, a dad and a couple a crazy kids"
Enjoy...
Even though this feels all sorts of wrong, I'm a naughty girl, so I'll play!
I'm Jennifer and my personal blog is Playgroups Are No Place For Children, a blog about my kids, my incredible and award winning parenting*, my deep love for shopping at Meijer, and cocktails.
*I haven't actually won any awards...yet.
My favorite post...http://playgroupsarenoplaceforchildren.com/2007/12/12/my-kid-want-to-potty-all-the-time-potty-all-the-time-potty-all-the-ti-ime/
Tracie here. I started my blog, a Day over 50, three years ago next week on my 49th birthday as a way to chronicle turning 50. I try to write about aging, growing up as a Boomer, being the parent of almost-grown sons. For a few entries recently, it turned into a travelblog (spent two weeks in China!) My favorite on-topic post: http://notaday.blogspot.com/2007/09/gray-matter.html
Thanks for the opportunity to share, DGM.
I have a family blog, but just my family read it.
But the blog I feel deserves attention is JustLinda and one of my favorite posts (which got printed in her local paper as well) is http://justlinda.net/blog/2006/11/01/nina-do-not-read-this-post/ that one.
She struggles with a weight issue and is considering a gastric bypass surgery. I really hang onto every word she says about it as I want nothing more than for her to succeed.
And ironically, I found her blog through a comment on yours...