Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Whack on The Side of The Head: A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss...

Yesterday, Treye wrote in his congratulatory post... "Let's hope next 5,000 doesn't take as long as the first." - 77 days.  Another friend of mine sent a celebratory email, signing it "Reaching for 10,000." Many others have inquired about what comes next.  All I have to say is... you all have some serious stamina!  I considered taking some time off before rolling out our next fun initiative, but seeing as how you all are all revved up... I figure I should give you someplace to go.  Or actually... 

Give ME someplace to go!  That is your teaser.  But first, some announcements!
  • Go ARKANSAS!  A month ago... not even registering as a state who viewed highlowaha. Monday... the fourth largest number of readers... out-read by only Texas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Julie, I have a sneaking suspicion you had something to do with that.  THANK YOU!  With 17 people in one day, you helped me reach 5,000.
  • Did you know when you click on a picture from a post - other than the most current - that it blows it up to be bigger?  I mistakingly figured it out while looking at Dine By Design (pictures worth revisiting).
  • Julie Cole (I dropped the "A," since it seems to be in question).   Are you out there?  If so, we would love you to make a post so we could introduce ourselves.  You are a mini celebrity on our site.  For those of you with no idea what I am talking about, see April 7: On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! 
  • Helena... make a quick post about where Flat Stanley has been and our next most interested reader can claim Next Tour Guide.
  • Nan was nice enough to provide me with a comprehensive list of all the tables present at"Dine by Design."  I will post the table names on Saturday as an added "freebie."  Again, if you don't know what I am referencing.. check out April 14 :Dine By Design.  It's a GOOD one!
Today is Whack on The Side of the Head Wednesday.  This is the day we join forces with Roger von Oech's magical deck of cards to jar our thinking.  It has been responsible for refining many an idea here at highlowaha and I have no reason to believe that today will be any different. 

First, I must lay claim to the idea/challenge.  Then we'll apply the creative "whack."...

This is where my little clue comes into play... "Give me someplace to go."  That's right.  We are embarking on our next fun initiative and it involves me taking a trip.  Where?  I don't know. Only you, the readers can determine.  Now for the overview...

August 20 represents the half way point to the year of my blogging (the first post was February 18).  In order to assure the second half of the year is as much fun for me (... and YOU) as the first part, I need to meet with readers.  I want to host a fun, high-energy, and of course CREATIVE brainstorming session with representatives from highlowaha.com...IN PERSON! So, I am planning to take a trip at either the end of August or the beginning of September.

Where will I go?... That depends.  I will go to the state mustering up the greatest number of enthusiastic readers, between now and July 16 (Treye... exactly 77 days from today!).  For Helena, Debbie M. and all you other international readers... your day will come.  I just need to strike it rich first.

How will this work?  We will embark on a state-wide roll call of sorts.  Each week I will post the names of 4-5 states.  On the day that your state is "up," your challenge will be to have as many individuals read the blog and post something about your state (more about that later). At the end of the 12 week period I will determine the state with the greatest participation and then off I go. Once arriving at my destination, I will host a fun-filled two hour brainstorm... guaranteed to be a good time, complete with treats and giveaways.

Before we get started a couple of things... 
  • According to Google Analytics (a favorite site for anyone who loves information), there is a state participating, but listed as "not set," instead of your actual state's name.  The fact that your state name does not appear means I don't know where you are from.  There are five states whose names are not represented on my list.  They are: Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.  "Not set" must represent one of these states.  If you are a reader from one of these states, make a post telling me the state in which you live.  That way I can give you credit.
  • I don't want to start "Roll Call" until all states show at least three readers per week.  The following states currently show only one reader per week and need two more: Michigan, Kansas, Alaska, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, Connecticut, New Mexico, New Mexico, Vermont, Utah, Nebraska, Florida, and Minnesota.  This won't be hard if you just share the site with one co-worker, friend, or neighbor. 
  • The states that are good to go - already showing four or more readers a week are: Georgia, Ohio, Missouri, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Iowa, Arkansas, Maryland, California, Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Kentucky.
Ok, so a goal for this next week - while continuing to explore and share creative ideas - is to (1) increase readership in the states currently showing three or fewer a week; (2) find readers from the four states holding out; and (3) determine who the person is titled, "Not Set." 

Now for the idea/challenge to be whacked...  What is it, that "state representatives" should post about their state on their designated date?  It seems a waste to simply have them post their name.  Maybe I should have them post a "must see" from their town or state.  Or should it be something fun and creative... a tag line or slogan?  Hmmmm...  Let's see what von Oech has to say... 

Combine Ideas.  "The time has come," the walrus said, to talk of many things: of shoes - and ships - and sealing wax - of cabbages - and kings."  Combining unusual ideas is at the heart of creative thinking.  The ancients mixed soft copper and even softer tin to create hard bronze. Gutenberg combined the wine press and the coin punch to create movable type and the printing press.  What different ideas can you combine?

So readers... check out items on your desk, in your kitchen, in today's paper, or from past blog postings.  What different ideas can we combine to come up with the the perfect criterion for posting during your state's Roll Call?
 
Signing off until tomorrow...

27 comments:

Layne said...

hey claudia its layne i just wanted to let you know that my birthday is oct 12 1966 hope all is well

Anonymous said...

I love it! Another Libra and sharing the best birthday every
10-12

Cheryl Houston said...

Could "Not set" be someone who does not live in the US?

As far as the challenge, here goes:
There are the usual suspects of stating the flower, tree, bird, capital...
Or your favorite thing about your state.
What about your HLA about your state...that's your HighLowAha.
It could be the name of your towns newspaper.
What about your favorite "hometown" restaurant- chains excluded.
How about a song that you think represents your state.
A song or poem that has your states name in it.
Name a famous person from your state and what city they were born in with the challenge of not repeating the same person.

If I think of something else, I'll another post. :) Have a great day

maureen said...

Cheryl, as someone in charge of all the Girl Scout troops in my community I am always probed for ideas. I usually don't have a mental block and Claudia can tell you I am never lost for words (ha ha)

I just thought I would let you know that meeting you here on this site and hearing all your great ideas has been my HIGH. Keep the ideas flowing , it gives me a rest LOL. Have a great day:)

Keep brainstorming!!!!

maureen said...

Claudia, I missed you at Christmas and would love a second chance LOL. If I can't get you back here I may have to come and see you. I have never actually been in Texas. I flew over it once does that count? LOL

Im drawing a blank at the moment but Cheryl is on a roll. Im going with whatever Cheryl says!!!!! LOL

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Layne... Yes you share a birthday with the fabulous Heather. Though you don't know each other... I know you both and I can say... you should both consider it a compliment.

Here is the Colostrology Profile...

October 12. Eggshell Blue (Picture a beautiful Robin's Egg blue). Popular, Clever, Expressive. If you were born on this day, you are socially adept, and people love to have you at their gatherings. You absorb data easily, and your mind is quick as a whip. You need to be stimulated and exposed to different types of people and experiences. The challenge is to know how and when to communicate to be conscious of what you are saying to others. Compatible Birthdays: March 12, September 13, November 12.

Also... Maureen... I making good on Michael's girl friend's profile. I forgot to post the other day.

January 19: Lion (a soft shade of brown). Unusual, Complex, Innovative. If you were born on this day you have an enormous amount of energy at your disposal. Leading others and sharing insights are just some of your abilities. Te creative arts are a natural for you. You were born on the cusp of the old and new ways of doing things, so you are often part of revolutions and new ways of seeing things. Learn how to balance spontaneity with stability. Compatible Birthdays: May 10, July 19, September 2.

Cheryl. I think the "Not Set" has to be someone in the US, because the google analytics breaks viewer participation down by country. I click on US and it lists all the states participating. It is in this section that "Not Set" appears. Good thinking though.

I especially love your ideas about famous person, favorite non-chain restaurant, and name of newspaper.... What about front headline of your newspaper on the designated date... That way I'll know how happenin' of a town it is that I might be visiting.

Keep the ideas coming...

maureen said...

Claudia, knowing your passion for keeping "writing" alive I think it should be part of the challenge. Maybe the HLA's of the day for that particular state or peom, song etc. Something that tells everyone why you call the sate you live in home and why you wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

I think Im rambling...............Bye!!

Anonymous said...

How about coming up with a "Taste of [insert your city]" list, that includes 3 things Dr. Beeny would get to see & experience if she visited your city or state?

Readers would be encouraged to use creativity when creating their lists. Maybe write a poem or a riddle. Quote song lyrics. Reference a movie or historical event!

Anonymous said...

Can we have a Flat Stanley do over?

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Treye.. what I like about your idea is that there is lots of room for people to get creative. The "taste" of your city/state could include anything from a restaurant, to a site,to person. I think you could be on to something.

Cassie... Hope springs eternal and I believe Helena is out there. Before we clone Flat Stanley, I want to be certain he is MIA... for good.

Helena... if you are out there, let us know Flat Stanley is alive and well.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to host Flat Stanley! If I can be picky, I'd love to take him to California with us on our honey moon in the middle of July! He'd be sure to have a good time! If not, whenever will do...there are plenty of places to take him here in Erie!

maureen said...

We are Flat Stanley pros! Send him to NY and we can take him to the ocean,NYC etc.....

Cheryl Houston said...

I like Treye's "Taste of"... I love a good street fair, carnival, festival... it's the best time to go visit a place!

Just other ramblings to think about: What's the name of the largest or most travelled street, Population, what's on your state quarter and why, your favorite of your state professional sports, Favorite college, best places to vacation in your state, If your state was a car or a drink or a (insert item here), what would it be. What are the cool facts about your state that others might not know.

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Oooohhh...Cheryl, those are good. Would you mind taking over the role of PR manager for this stunt? I'm serious!

We can work something out where each day you post a fun promotional piece hyping it up. Don't say, "no," otherwise I'll sit outside your house singing 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Only... I'll start at 100,000 and won't stop until you say, "yes."

Anonymous said...

I think "not set" doesn't necessarily mean a new state... perhaps it just means that the person didn't choose a state when s/he created a profile?? Or could it be one of us who doesn't have a google ID?

I love the "Taste of" idea. Can't think of much to top it, really, and I think you'd have more comments with that than if you didn't require us to write poems or riddles. While we may all WANT to be creative, not all of us are quite so comfortable in the creative writing realm. However, I am a huge fan of haiku, so if we're taking that route, I vote for making folks post a haiku about their home state (or town).

Anonymous said...

I meant to say you'd get more comments with the "Taste of" idea than you'd get if you DID require us to write creatively in our comments! Oy. Didn't wake up with my head screwed on tightly today...

Cheryl Houston said...

I'm trying something new this year... not being afraid of failure. So, yes. Sounds like fun.

And, I hate to have your ass hauled off to jail for disturbing the peace!

Anonymous said...

Okay another maven post:
Tonight (yes two days of ice cream posts in a row) is 31 cent cone night at Baskin Robbins from 5pm until 10 pm.
www.baskinrobbins.com to find a store near you.

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

I see we have another ice cream lover in the house. Yet another reason I think you're so cool, Heather.

Cheryl... YES! I love this. I'm going to call you so we can talk more about this over the phone. I would love to steal some time with you before I leave town on Saturday, but I don't know that can happen. If not... maybe the week after I get back.

Hang on tight readers... this is going to be some fun.

Anonymous said...

OHHHH.. If I can get Flat Stanley before Tera's honeymoon, Mark and I will be out that way and are hoping to also visit Hershey, PA stop. Imagine Flat Stanley swimming in chocolate, Augustus Gloop style!

Cheryl Houston said...

Whoa... wait a minute here. Tera, you want to take Flat Stanley on your honeymoon? What kind of honeymoon is this? Don't let his cute demeanor fool you! Flat Stanley is a party animal! He's even run out on Helena. He's currently out partying with some scantedly dressed, hot girls. He'll have your hotel room over run by Girls Gond Wild! Are you sure you want to invite another man on your honeymoon?

jk... couldn't resist. I'm sure he'll be on his best behaviour!

Anonymous said...

Question on the "state" identification - and I'm sure that I am not the only one in this dilemma. I am finishing up my graduate degree (in 17 days, but who's counting?!?!) and for the past 7 years I've been going to school in NY. HOWEVER, I was born and raised in Erie, PA and still consider myself a Pennsylvanian. So, therefore, since I usually post an "anonymous":
1. Can you tell what state I am represeting?
2. When we get to state by state facts, do I post as a Pennsylvania girl or a NY girl?

Thanks!
Julie (NOT Julie Cole!)

Anonymous said...

Dr. Beeny,
I have an idea. Nothing against Flat Stanley - I've heard he's a real stand-up guy, who's always up for a new adventure - but I was wondering: shouldn't we have our own unique traveling friend. I just really think this community deserves their its companion; someone who embodies what hilowaha is all about ... a "MASCOT" so to speak (I would suggest Sir Travelot but he's a little too heavy to mail).

And as he's passed along, we could keep track of everyone he's visited (maybe a travel log on his back). Just an idea ...

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Julie... First things first... CONGRATULATIONS on graduation in 17 days, after 7 years of schooling! Quite an accomplishment.

I appreciate you taking your state status seriously. This roll call is serious business. We can't afford to have hanging chads or any other form of voting fraud that would compromise the integrity of our process.

So, in answer to your question... hard as it might be to swallow, I think people must vote in the state where they are residing on the day its name is posted. So, if you are still in New York, where by the way... some very fun readers live, you will call yourself a New Yorker (not to shabby, seeing as how I am a New Yorker too!). If, however, you've worked your way back to Erie (where some other VERY fun readers live), then by all means vote PA.

Anonymous said...

Maybe we could also post the craziest, oddest, most fun, most memorable, etc. thing we've done in our state...then we can get to know each other more thru that little piece of disclosure.

Cheryl Houston said...

um... what's this site rated? PG-13? I can't answer any of those questions!

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Ummmm... but you bring up a good point, Shari... getting to know one another better.

We actually will do this in a few weeks. I have something in store - hoping to grow this sense community we are developing. Come to think of it... I should get some counsel to make sure it is as good an initiative as it can be. Wanna help? Post a way for me to get hold of you and maybe we can brainstorm on the phone.

Hmmm... Cheryl, Coordinator of PR; Shari, Blog consultant... Do you think it's time to form a Highlowaha Board of Directors?