July 27, 2002

1:08 PM

I posted about it before and there was a mixed response. But Blogathon 2002 actually started this morning at 6 am PST. Bloggers with a gimmick have posted details here and it's not too late to sponsor. Are you watching? And what's your favorite blogger doing?
posted by dobbs (13 comments total)

It seems nice enough in concept, considering it's for charity. But a lot of the bloggers' gimmicks don't seem all that exciting, ranging from the mundane (pictures of the author's cats) to the mundane (haiku and poems). And I'm not even sure what Davezilla's hook entails -- "Who knew humor could be this dangerous?"

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying any of them seem all that bad, but how is it any different than normal? It just seems like the same old shtick with a pledge goal meter added, with only a few bloggers deviating from the normal routine. Though, anyone who sat through the 2001 Blogathon think differently? Any memorable highlights?
posted by jimmy at 3:54 PM on July 27, 2002

jimmy, for a lot of us, for some strange reason, it is fun. Maybe you won't really understand how much work it takes to produce 48 topics for 24 hours and on the other hand, how much fun it could be.
posted by Kevin Sanders at 10:18 PM on July 27, 2002

"It just seems like the same old shtick with a pledge goal meter added, with only a few bloggers deviating from the normal routine."

For me, it's about raising awareness both for my charity and for the disorder it represents.

Last time I checked, my regular readers came around because they like what I have to say and how I present it. That being the case, more of the "same old shtick" is actually a treat for them.
posted by JettSuperior at 10:40 PM on July 27, 2002

Even if everyone posts worthless dribble^* for 24 hours, the $50K will still do a lot of good for the charities.

^*Not that I'm saying anyone is doing that. I'm just using that possibility as an extreme example.
posted by jaden at 1:01 AM on July 28, 2002

Crushing Krisis is streaming music he's recorded, covers and original pieces. Plus, he's adorable. I recommend the visit.
posted by FunkyHelix at 1:52 AM on July 28, 2002

Go blogathoners!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 2:26 AM on July 28, 2002

I was just about to post Crushing Krisis. *grin*
posted by Nothing at 4:25 AM on July 28, 2002

i didn't think it was 'sposed to be any more exciting than regular blogging, outside of the blogger being online the entire 24 hour (which sadly isn't that unusual for a lot of bloggers).

mind you the blogger i sponsored held a "cam show" so i guess that was more exciting than ordinary blogging =) her charity has been the save the tigers fund for the last 2 years...
posted by t r a c y at 10:32 AM on July 28, 2002

From the flipside, I'd have to say that the Blogathon was very much like a marathon. Those participating get a wonderful experience, bond with other participants, and have all the joy that goes with being part of something worthwhile together.

Everyone else looks on and thinks: "why the hell would you want to do that?"

I wasn't able to cruise the ring much, so I can only say that I was proud of my own content during the event. Definitely more interesting than I am on a day to day basis.
posted by frykitty at 1:33 PM on July 28, 2002

frykitty, thanks very much for running the Blogathon. i had a blast! i started with two paragraphs i'd written the week before and turned it into a 17k+ word story that surprised me. in the process i raised $500 for Covenant House and gave myself a good excuse to eat junk food and drink Coca-Cola. definitely the most productive all-nighter i've ever had. kudos to you and your admins!
posted by dobbs at 3:00 PM on July 28, 2002

JettSuperior:

For me, it's about raising awareness both for my charity and for the disorder it represents.

I have nothing against Blogothon Whatever (never knew it was happening, actually), I just think that people can do a hell of a lot more good spending a little on foot time trying to raise awareness in their own communities instead of weblogging for 24 hours straight.

Just my own ignorant opinion.
posted by mark13 at 9:16 AM on July 29, 2002

Just my own ignorant opinion.

Uh-huh.

I'm sure you spent your weekend alleviating world poverty, battling on behalf of the beleaguered and spreading cheer and good will in your community.

Dude, that's what I do all week. I wanna do something different with my weekends.
posted by ceiriog at 2:00 PM on July 29, 2002

I just think that people can do a hell of a lot more good spending a little on foot time trying to raise awareness in their own communities instead of weblogging for 24 hours straight.

1) Why are you presupposing that I don't make efforts toward this end in my daily life? Remember: Assumption=ass outta you and umption.

2) Many people online want to 'see the monkey dance'. I'll be the dancing monkey if it will educate people about an issue near and dear to my heart. Let's not dismiss the raising money thing, either.

I don't expect everyone to back the blogathon or even believe it's a good idea, but you've gotta give the people involved credit for conviction. If not that, then credit for blogging 24 hours straight. It's no walk in the park, I assure you, especially if you are putting effort into doing something creative and original with that block of time.

I earnestly wish the naysayers would attempt to blog for 24 straight hours and then come back --more enlightened-- with their criticisms. Or I wish they'd scribble me out a check for 418 bucks (what my own 'thon efforts garnered in the way of pledges) for my charity.

There you go. If each and every person with a critique of the blogathon would put their money where there mouth is, then I will NEVER do another 'thon (of any sort!) AGAIN. Cross my heart.....because I have one.
posted by JettSuperior at 11:57 AM on July 30, 2002