The Canadian Weblog AwardsThe Canadian Weblog Awardshttp://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013-02-08T22:20:47ZSquarespace http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/2/8/meet-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-jurors.htmlMeet the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Jurorshttp://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/2/8/meet-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-jurors.htmlElan Morgan2013-02-08T21:34:05Z2013-02-08T21:34:05Z2013 Canadian Weblog AwardsAre you wondering what makes the Ninjamatics' Canadian Weblog Awards tick? As awards that are ruled by jury rather than popular vote, it's our jurors that make these awards possible.

Every year, our jury is made up entirely of volunteers from all over the world, and this year was no exception. This year, we had 51 jurors from not only Canada but also places like the United States, England, and Australia, and they each put in hours of work over the month of January through two rounds of adjudication, narrowing down 461 blogs to find our 2012 winners. I am so proud of the work they do, and I am thrilled to introduce you to some of them (we're still adding bios). Click through to meet some of our esteemed Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards jury:



To all of our jury members, you have our deep gratitude. Thank you so much for all you do, and thank you for making these awards what they are!

]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/37986859/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/3/let-the-adjudicating-for-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-beg.html">Let the Adjudicating for the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Begin!</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/13/meet-the-ninjamatics-2011-canadian-weblog-awards-jury.html">Meet the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards Jury</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/2/5/nominations-for-the-ninjamatics-2013-canadian-weblog-awards.htmlNominations for the Ninjamatics' 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards Are Open!http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/2/5/nominations-for-the-ninjamatics-2013-canadian-weblog-awards.htmlElan Morgan2013-02-05T21:03:07Z2013-02-05T21:03:07Z2013 Canadian Weblog AwardsThe Ninjamatics' 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards nomination form is now live!

We will gather nominations throughout the year from now until October 31, 2013, and each nominated blog will be added to our growing 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards nominees blogroll as they are nominated. The weblogs will be adjudicated by a volunteer jury through two rounds during the month of November, and the winners of the Ninjamatics' 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards will be announced on December 1, 2013.

As we do every year to better accommodate our nominees, we have made a number of changes to the categories for this year's awards. New categories and those with changed names are in bold.
  • Art & Photography and Crafting have been combined to create Art, Crafting & Photography.
  • The Best Designed and Best Written categories have been removed. These categories will be nominated by our volunteer jurors during adjudication of the nominated blogs.
  • Best New Weblog has been removed, because, by the time the awards are announced, some of the nominated weblogs are already well over a year old.
  • We have added a brand new category called Finance for all things both home and business finance, including couponing.
  • We have added another brand new category called Green Living for those blogs about living ecologically mindful lives.
  • Nature & Gardening has become Gardening, and Science, Technology & the Internet has become Technology & the Internet, and the leftover Nature and Science have been combined to create Science & Nature.
  • Pop Culture & Entertainment has been absorbed by Arts & Culture.
So, check out our full list of categories and head on over to our Ninjamatics' 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards nomination form to nominate great Canadian blogs for our new 2013 awards season! ]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/37876243/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/11/30/nominations-close-at-midnight-est.html">Nominations Close at Midnight EST!</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/4/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-calendar.html">The Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Calendar</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/31/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-winners.htmlThe Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Winners!http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/31/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-winners.htmlElan Morgan2013-01-31T17:20:54Z2013-01-31T17:20:54Z2012 Canadian Weblog Awards winners 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards winners 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards winners

The Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards winners are here!

Over the past year, the Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards saw 467 weblogs nominated across 36 categories. Our 51 volunteer jurors worked hard over the course of this January using our ten criteria to judge each of the 467 weblogs in the first round and each of the approximately 180 weblogs in the second round to arrive at our winners. Our jurors have been an incredible group to work with, and I wish I could adequately express the level of my gratitude, because they are what really make these Awards possible as a tool to promote weblogs of quality across Canada.

And now, without further ado, we are thrilled to announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards!


Best Weblog About Activism & Social Justice
Activisme et la justice sociale

First: Weighty Matters
Second: Mind of Change
Third: PhD in Parenting


Best Weblog About Art & Photography
Art et photographie

First: Just a Smidgen
Second: Kelly Neil
Third: Postcards from the Mothership


Best Weblog About Arts & Culture
Arts et culture

First: Production Ottawa
Second: Vancity Bride
Third: CVV Magazine


Best Designed Weblog
Meilleur design

First: Everybody Likes Sandwiches
Second: Suzy Krause + the Skyscrapers
Third: Pepper + Paint


Best New Weblog (for weblogs created after July 31, 2011)
Meilleur nouveau blogue (blogues créés après le 31 juillet 2011)

First: Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Second: Mondays with Mac
Third: A Swell Place to Dwell


Best Written Weblog
Meilleurs textes

First: Finding Me In France
Second: Simple Bites
Third: Farewell Stranger


Best Weblog About Business & Career
Affaires et carrières

First: Kyla Roma
Second: Women On The Fence
Third: Productivityist.com


Best Comics Weblog
Bande dessinée

First: Comics! The Blog
Second: Hark! A Vagrant
Third: Mui-Ko


Best Weblog About Crafting
Artisanat

First: A Swell Place to Dwell
Second: Dragonfly Designs
Third: All About Ami


Best Weblog About Disability
Disability

First: Rolling Around In My Head
Second: wildheart
Third: Painfully Optomistic


Best Weblog About Education
Education

First: Figure/Ground Communication
Second: IP Osgoode IPilogue
Third: The Canadian Homeschooler


Best Weblog by an Ex-Pat (a Canadian living abroad)
Expatriés

First: Finding Me In France
Second: Planting Dandelions
Third: Journey Mama


Best Weblog About Family & Parenting
Famille et enfants

First: Mondays with Mac
Second: PhD in Parenting
Third: Farewell Stranger


Best Weblog About Fashion, Style & Design
Mode, style et design

First: Vancity Bride
Second: Lili Brunette
Third: Style Blog


Best Feminist Weblog
Féminisme

First: Gender Focus
Second: Brilliant Woman
Third: the spirit that moves me


Best Weblog About Food & Drink
Cuisine et breuvages

First: Everybody Likes Sandwiches
Second: Les Tuyaux bouffe de Katerine-Lune Rollet
Third: Simple Bites


Best French Language Weblog
En français

First: Lili Brunette
Second: Les Tuyaux bouffe de Katerine-Lune Rollet
Third: Quelquepart


Best General Interest Weblog (for weblogs that cover a range of topics)
Intérêt général

First: Calgary is Awesome
Second: The Best of This Life
Third: Beams and Struts


Best Group Weblog
Blogue collectif

First: I Dig Your Girlfriend
Second: Calgary is Awesome
Third: Simply Stacie


Best Weblog About Health & Wellness
Santé et bien-être

First: Weighty Matters
Second: PlayGroundology
Third: Sober Julie Doing Life


Best Humour Weblog
Humour

First: The Art of Doing Stuff
Second: Dirty Rotten Parenting
Third: Welcome to Kafkaville (Pop.1)


Best LGBTQ Weblog
GLBTQ

First: I Dig Your Girlfriend
Second: Mondays with Mac
Third: Crazy Lesbian Mom


Best Life Weblog
Mode de vie

First: Oh Clementine
Second: Planting Dandelions
Third: Farewell Stranger


Lifetime Achievement Award (for weblogs created before January 1, 2007)
Prix d'excellence pour l'ensemble de son œuvre (blogues créés avant le 1er janvier 2007)

Miss Tracey Nolan's Blog


Best Media & Journalism Weblog
édias et journalisme

First: Concert Addicts
Second: Production Ottawa
Third: CMS Critic


Best Weblog About Nature & Gardening
Nature et jardinage

First: You Grow Girl
Second: Empress of Dirt
Third: Strattons Farm


Best Placeblog (contains local political/social/arts/community articles about a place)
Placeblogue (contenant des articles sur la politique/vie sociale/arts/communauté dans une localité)

First: Vancity Bride
Second: CVV Magazine
Third: CornerBrooker.com


Best Podcast & Vlog
Podcast et vlog

First: The Glory, The Glory
Second: Erin's Tea
Third: Chonilla.com


Best Political Weblog
Politique

First: On Procedure & Politics
Second: CalgaryLiberal.com
Third: Russ Campbell's Blog


Best Weblog About Pop Culture & Entertainment
Pop culture et spectacles

First: Sidewalk Hustle
Second: Style Blog
Third: Scene Creek


Best Weblog About Religion, Spirituality & Philosophy
Religion, spiritualité et philosophie

First: Sarah Bessey
Second: The Conscious Perspective
Third: Pineapple Pieces


Best Weblog About Science, Technology & the Internet
Science, technologie et Internet

First: Michael Geist
Second: CMS Critic
Third: Productivityist.com


Best Weblog About Sports, Fitness & Recreation
Sports, condition physique et loisirs

First: PlayGroundology
Second: Calgary Playground Review
Third: Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies


Best Weblog About Topical
Topique

First: One Smiley Monkey
Second: BuyCanadianFirst.ca: The Good Shopper Blog
Third: An Italian-Canadian Life


Best Weblog About Travel
Voyage

First: Candice Does The World
Second: I Backpack Canada
Third: SpunkyGirl Monologues


Best Weblog About Writing & Literature
Écriture et littérature

First: Bella's Bookshelves
Second: Intralingo
Third: Mike's Bloggity Blog


Congratulations to all the winners! If you are a winner, grab a button for your blog and sing it from the rooftops.

Nominations for the Ninjamatics' 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards open tomorrow, so nominate your favourites for the coming year once the form goes live again at midnight! ]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/37734417/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/9/22/exclusive-interview-kraig-furtado-of-troops-of-doom.html">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Kraig Furtado of Troops of Doom</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/20/exclusive-interview-jeannine-fehr-of-vancity-bride.html">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jeannine Fehr of Vancity Bride</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/27/exclusive-interview-lindsey-reeder-of-reeder-reads.html">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lindsey Reeder of Reeder Reads</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/15/the-2012-ninjamatics-canadian-weblog-awards-nominees-shortli.htmlThe 2012 Ninjamatics Canadian Weblog Awards Nominees Shortlist!http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/15/the-2012-ninjamatics-canadian-weblog-awards-nominees-shortli.htmlElan Morgan2013-01-15T14:37:28Z2013-01-15T14:37:28Z2012 Canadian Weblog AwardsIn this first of two jury rounds, 51 jurors have adjudicated 465 weblogs using our 10 criteria to narrow down our search to the top five blogs shortlisted in each of 36 categories.

Our jurors have done an incredible job over the last two weeks reading through hundreds of nominations, weathering my many exclamation marks in emails, and taking a critical eye to some of Canada's best. We are thrilled to finally bring you the 2012 Ninjamatics Canadian Weblog Awards nominees shortlist!

The following list shows the top five blogs in each of 36 categories in no particular ranking order:


Activism & Social Justice / Activisme et la justice sociale

Beams and Struts
PhD in Parenting
Weighty Matters
Working Mother Chronicles
Mind of Change


Art & Photography / Art et photographie

Suzy Krause + the Skyscrapers
All About Ami
Kelly Neil
Just a Smidgen
Postcards from the Mothership


Arts & Culture / Arts et culture

Production Ottawa
Vancity Bride
Pepper + Paint
Calgary is Awesome
CVV Magazine


Best Designed / Meilleur design

Everybody Likes Sandwiches
I'm an Organizing Junkie
Suzy Krause + the Skyscrapers
Pepper + Paint
Style Blog


Best New Weblog / Meilleur nouveau blogue

Mondays with Mac
Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Dirty Rotten Parenting
Voodies
A Swell Place to Dwell


Best Written / Meilleurs textes

Simple Bites
Seven Spoons
Clockwork Lemon
Farewell Stranger
Finding Me In France


Business & Career / Affaires et carrières

Women On The Fence
Kyla Roma
Strattons Farm
On Product Management
Productivityist.com


Comics / Bande dessinée

Comics! The Blog
Mui-Ko
Hark! A Vagrant


Crafting / Artisanat

All About Ami
A Swell Place to Dwell
Le Système D
Dragonfly Designs
Holly Knitlightly


Disability

Rants n' Rascals
Painfully Optomistic
wildheart
Rolling Around In My Head
writesfromtheheart


Education / Education

Figure/Ground Communication
Canadian Unschooler
The Canadian Homeschooler
Nour-ish
IP Osgoode IPilogue


Ex-Pat / Expatriés

Finding Me In France
Planting Dandelions
Munchin With Munchkin
Journey Mama
Suma Lifestyle


Family & Parenting / Famille et enfants

Mondays with Mac
Women On The Fence
Farewell Stranger
PhD in Parenting
Planting Dandelions


Fashion, Style & Design / Mode, style et design

I'm an Organizing Junkie
Sidewalk Hustle
Vancity Bride
Lili Brunette
Style Blog


Feminist / Féminisme

Dammit Janet
Brilliant Woman
Gender Focus
The Spirit That Moves Me
Caraz Comment


Food & Drink / Cuisine et breuvages

Simple Bites
Seven Spoons
Everybody Likes Sandwiches
I'm an Organizing Junkie
Les Tuyaux bouffe de Katerine-Lune Rollet


French Language / En français

Les Tuyaux bouffe de Katerine-Lune Rollet
Lili Brunette
Quelquepart
Le Système D
Les imaginaires de la table


General Interest / Intérêt général

Beams and Struts
Calgary is Awesome
Simply Stacie
CVV Magazine
The Best of This Life


Group Weblog / Blogue collectif

I Dig Your Girlfriend
Calgary is Awesome
Simply Stacie
365 Attempts (At Life)
Tales from a Bar Stool


Health & Wellness / Santé et bien-être

PlayGroundology
Weighty Matters
Crazy Lesbian Mom
Voodies
Sober Julie Doing Life


Humour / Humour

TVDoneWright.com
The Art of Doing Stuff
Just Making Convo
Dirty Rotten Parenting
Welcome to Kafkaville (Pop.1)


LGBTQ / GLBTQ

Mondays with Mac
I Dig Your Girlfriend
Crazy Lesbian Mom
Pineapple Pieces
Milk Junkies


Life / Mode de vie

Suzy Krause + the Skyscrapers
Hopscotch the Globe
Farewell Stranger
Planting Dandelions
Oh Clementine


Lifetime Achievement / Prix d'excellence pour l'ensemble de son œuvre

Seven Spoons
Cheaper Than Therapy
Miss Tracey Nolan's Blog
HelloMelissa.net
Rolling Around In My Head


Media & Journalism / Médias et journalisme

Production Ottawa
CMS Critic
Figure/Ground Communication
Concert Addicts
iPhone In Canada


Nature & Gardening / Nature et jardinage

Strattons Farm
You Grow Girl
Empress of Dirt
A Canadian Foodie
Cooper Road CSA


Placeblog / Placeblogue

Vancity Bride
CVV Magazine
CornerBrooker.com
Calgary Playground Review
Save Money In Winnipeg


Podcast & Vlog / Podcast et vlog

Erin's Tea
Chonilla.com
Foloos.org: Live. Work. Play. Dubai.
The Glory, The Glory


Political / Politique

Dammit Janet
On Procedure & Politics
Russ Campbell's Blog
CalgaryLiberal.com
Real Deal Economics


Pop Culture & Entertainment / Pop culture et spectacles

Pete Hates Music
Sidewalk Hustle
Style Blog
Scene Creek
TVDoneWright.com


Religion, Spirituality & Philosophy / Religion, spiritualité et philosophie

Sarah Bessey
Figure/Ground Communication
Whatever He Says
Pineapple Pieces
The Conscious Perspective


Science, Technology & the Internet / Science, technologie et Internet

CMS Critic
iPhone In Canada
Productivityist.com
The Barefoot Nomad
Michael Geist


Sports, Fitness & Recreation / Sports, condition physique et loisirs

PlayGroundology
Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
I'm a Hockey Dad
Calgary Playground Review
Down Goes Brown


Topical / Topique

An Italian-Canadian Life
Canadian Free Stuff
Save Money In Winnipeg
BuyCanadianFirst.ca: The Good Shopper Blog
One Smiley Monkey


Travel / Voyage

Les Tuyaux bouffe de Katerine-Lune Rollet
SpunkyGirl Monologues
Candice Does The World
Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
I Backpack Canada


Writing & Literature / Écriture et littérature

Pickle Me This
Quelquepart
Intralingo
Mike's Bloggity Blog
Bella's Bookshelves


We have one more jury round in which our volunteer jury will again use the ten criteria to find the top three finalists in each category, so stay tuned for our announcement of the 2012 Ninjamatics Canadian Weblog Awards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners on January 31st! ]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/37257254/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/12/31/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-nominees-are-her.html">The Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Nominees Are Here</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/3/let-the-adjudicating-for-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-beg.htmlLet the Adjudicating for the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Begin!http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/3/let-the-adjudicating-for-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-beg.htmlElan Morgan2013-01-03T17:06:37Z2013-01-03T17:06:37Z2012 Canadian Weblog AwardsNow that the Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards full nominees list has been announced, what are we up to?

Last night, I disbursed 467 blog nominations in 2 languages among our 51 jurors (51!), taking care to spread out the work load as evenly as possible, and so far so good! No jurors have run screaming for the hills (yet), so the jury process is humming along as planned.

We have an amazing jury this year, and I wish I could tell you who they all were before the judging process is over, because all you nominees would be thrilled to know the incredible talent that is adjudicating these awards. I feel so honoured to have such a talented and dedicated group of jurors, and this really speaks to the great community we've been growing in Canadian blogging.

We will announce a shortlist of five blogs for each category on January 15th, and then we will whittle those five down to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category, which will be announced on January 31st. I can't wait! ]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/36973193/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/2/8/meet-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-jurors.html">Meet the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Jurors</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/13/meet-the-ninjamatics-2011-canadian-weblog-awards-jury.html">Meet the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards Jury</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/12/31/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-nominees-are-her.htmlThe Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Nominees Are Herehttp://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/12/31/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-nominees-are-her.htmlElan Morgan2013-01-01T02:57:56Z2013-01-01T02:57:56ZPalinode and Schmutzie) have worked our way through the 885 nominations that were submitted over 2012 for the Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards, and we finished just in time to greet the new year and begin the jury process. That's right, there were 885 nominations. Not too shabby, Canada.

us

After thinning the list — during which we removed duplicate nominations, foreign dating sites, and non-Canuck submissions — we came up with our list of 468 impressive nominees. FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT. That's nothing to sneeze at.

2012 Canadian Weblog AwardsAllow us to introduce all 468 Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards nominees!

Blogging Canada, we officially love you.

What happens next? We will organize our volunteer jury members, and each nominated blog will be judged by at least three jury members using our ten criteria. There will be two jury rounds; the first round will decide the top five blogs in each category, which will be announced on January 15th, and the second round will decide the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category, which will be announced on January 31st.

So, all of our nominees can sit back and relax. There is no shilling for votes here.

Let the adjudicating begin!

----------------------------

PS. If you were notified of your nomination but don't see your name on our list of nominees, please let us know! Rest assured you are still on our master list for the jurors, but a couple of technical glitches yesterday means that there may be a couple of corrections necessary on our public blogroll. ]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/36898377/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/1/15/the-2012-ninjamatics-canadian-weblog-awards-nominees-shortli.html">The 2012 Ninjamatics Canadian Weblog Awards Nominees Shortlist!</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/12/20/a-call-for-jurors-for-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards.htmlA Call for Jurors for the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awardshttp://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/12/20/a-call-for-jurors-for-the-2012-canadian-weblog-awards.htmlElan Morgan2012-12-21T02:47:33Z2012-12-21T02:47:33Z2012 Canadian Weblog AwardsThe 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards needs you!

There are more than 850 nominations across 37 categories, and it is now time to organize a jury to judge each weblog against our set of 10 criteria to celebrate the best quality blogs in Canada.

Are you a blogger, or are you a blog reader? Are you Canadian, or are you from another country? Whether you blog or just love reading blogs, whether you are Canadian or not, the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards might have a spot saved just for you. We need people of all ages, genders, education levels, and professions, so if you are wondering if you have what we are looking for in a jury member, don't worry. You do.

Please fill out the juror application form below and pass it along to anyone you know who might be interested by December 29th!

]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/36605300/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/11/30/nominations-close-at-midnight-est.htmlNominations Close at Midnight EST!http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/11/30/nominations-close-at-midnight-est.htmlElan Morgan2012-11-30T15:23:25Z2012-11-30T15:23:25Znominations to the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards!

Just to keep you abreast of our annual schedule, it runs like this:
February 1 – November 30, 2012
Nominate your favourite Canadian weblogs. January 1 – January 14, 2013
A volunteer jury chooses the top five weblogs in each category using our ten criteria for content and design.

January 15, 2013
The Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards nominee shortlist is announced.

January 16 – January 30, 2013
The volunteer jury chooses the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category using our ten criteria for content and design, plus points for category fit and a registered domain name.

January 31, 2013
The Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards winners are announced!
So, you have until midnight EST to nominate your favourite Canadian blogs for the 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards. Have at it!

You can find the full list of nominees entered thus far here. If a blog you've nominated is not on the list yet, not to worry. I will be working through the remaining 600+ nominations over the next few days. ]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/36031915/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2013/2/5/nominations-for-the-ninjamatics-2013-canadian-weblog-awards.html">Nominations for the Ninjamatics' 2013 Canadian Weblog Awards Are Open!</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/4/the-ninjamatics-2012-canadian-weblog-awards-calendar.html">The Ninjamatics' 2012 Canadian Weblog Awards Calendar</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/9/22/exclusive-interview-kraig-furtado-of-troops-of-doom.htmlEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Kraig Furtado of Troops of Doomhttp://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/9/22/exclusive-interview-kraig-furtado-of-troops-of-doom.htmlElan Morgan2012-09-22T18:15:17Z2012-09-22T18:15:17Z
Kraig Furtado authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Troops of Doom, which placed 1st in Best Comics Weblog.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

I've always wanted to create a comic since the first time I picked up a newspaper. The silly cartoons and jokes appealed to me right away. They're just fun. Garfield was the first to catch my interest. That's embarrassing to say now, but it was funny a long, long time ago. With newspapers dying out and comic strip syndication along with it, creating a webcomic was the natural route to take. It's change for the better. With a webcomic, I'm completely independent, no limits on format and content. I can do whatever I want and reach a worldwide audience. I'm having a lot of fun with Troops of Doom, and that's what keeps me going.



How did you come to the live photo style of web comic that you use in Troops of Doom?

Laziness. Photos were also a way to stand out from the millions of other webcomics, but mostly I was motivated by laziness. I thought photographing action figures would be simple compared to drawing a comic. Turns out I was horribly, horribly wrong. It's so much more work, not to mention time consuming and expensive. Whenever I want something new in the comic I have to buy or build it. Have you ever tried to build a Death Star? Even the Empire at the height of its power couldn't complete the second one, but for some reason I thought I could do it all myself.



If you could have it all, what are your dreams for Troops of Doom?

As I mentioned before, I've always wanted to be a comic creator. I started Troops of Doom in hopes that some day it could generate a large enough readership that could support turning it professional. There's nothing I'd like more than to make comics for a living and deliver a laugh to the audience on a daily basis.



If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

Troops of Doom itself provides a lot of inspiration. When I'm stuck creatively I'll go back and read previous chapters which often sparks new ideas for stories and jokes. It's not foolproof though, writer's block can be brutal. When in doubt, resort to violence. Can't go wrong with a good kick to the crotch.



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

Somewhat open? I know the comic isn't for everyone, so if I don't think someone would be interested, I don't waste their time. On the other hand, I've passed complete strangers a card with the web address because they were wearing a Star Wars shirt.

When Troops of Doom comes up in conversation with people that don't know about it, I get weird looks. What's an adult doing playing with toys? Once they check it out, they either love it or think I'm even more weird than they could have possibly imagined. It's hard to argue.



Which weblogs are your current favourites? Which weblogs have been most influential in the shaping of your own blogging?

My current and long time favourite is Sinfest by Tatsuya Ishida. The best comic strip since Calvin and Hobbes. I imagine it's kind of what Calvin's world would be like when he got older. Ishida has an endless imagination and the artwork is fantastic.

I generally avoid sites that are similar to my own, because I don't want to be influenced. I try to keep Troops of Doom original as possible. Since starting Troops of Doom, I discovered lots of super talented toy photographers, diorama makers, and Lego builders on JoeDios and Flickr that I look up to. It's amazing how they can suspend belief and give you a look into another universe with their creations. I've learned a lot from them and am constantly inspired to try new things and raise my own standards.



What advice do you have for new bloggers?

I have no idea what I'm doing, I'm the one that needs advice. I guess the obvious thing is always try to improve. Even if it's only in minute steps, it adds up over time. You want to be able to look back at your early work and say "Damn, that sucks."

CHEAT SHEET

Name:
Location:
Weblog:
Social Media:


2011 CWA Winner:
Kraig Furtado
Nova Scotia
Troops of Doom
Facebook
Flickr
JoeDios
1st in Best Comics Weblog
]]> <div style="clear:both;padding-top:0.2em;"><a title="Add to FaceBook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/2/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fbshare20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Like on Facebook" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/fblike20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Share on Google+" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/googleplus20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Stumble This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/12/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/stumble20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Tweet This" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/twitter20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by email" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/email20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&#160;<a title="Subscribe by RSS" href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/34090950/canadianweblogawards"><img height="20" src="http://assets.feedblitz.com/i/rss20.png" style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0;"></a>&nbsp;<h3 style="clear:left;padding-top:10px">Related Stories</h3><ul><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/20/exclusive-interview-jeannine-fehr-of-vancity-bride.html">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jeannine Fehr of Vancity Bride</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/2/27/exclusive-interview-lindsey-reeder-of-reeder-reads.html">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lindsey Reeder of Reeder Reads</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/3/14/exclusive-interview-jeannette-ordas-of-everybody-likes-sandw.html">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jeannette Ordas of Everybody Likes Sandwiches</a></li></ul>&#160;</div> http://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/5/2/exclusive-interview-alana-parsons-of-dream-create.htmlEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Alana Parsons of Dream, Createhttp://www.ninjamatics.com/canadian-weblog-awards/2012/5/2/exclusive-interview-alana-parsons-of-dream-create.htmlElan Morgan2012-05-02T15:22:05Z2012-05-02T15:22:05Z
Alana Parsons authors the Ninjamatics' 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards winner Dream, Create, which placed 1st in Art & Photography and 1st in Fashion, Style & Design.

Why blogging? Why did you start blogging, and what drives you now?

As a graphic designer I had a million non-work related projects that I did on the side, which had no place in my portfolio, but I wanted to share with people. I had a previous blog called "the Functional Geek", but I soon realized that, while I like technology and sci-fi, I wasn't passionate about what I was writing. When I started "Dream, Create", I made it my creative outlet focusing on art, photography, style, random acts of creation, and I've been obsessed with it ever since! I'm driven by sharing creative, beautiful ideas, and by growing everyday in my knowledge, skill, and purpose. I want to make the world a more beautiful place!



Being that you are a primarily a professional digital creative, how has blogging impacted your creativity and professional choices?

Blogging has really made my life and career more inspiring than ever. My profession is relatively new to me, as I graduated from university a year and a half ago. In job interviews employers liked my passion and portfolio, but told me that I was lacking in experience. It's a real catch-22 when you need experience on the job, but do not have the opportunity to gain it. My blog has really drawn attention to my skills, and I currently have more projects than I can manage! Even when a project is sucking the life out of me, my blog revitalizes and inspires me to keep going. Now I have a million ideas at a time and an actual platform to showcase them!



As someone whose work ends up tying them closely to social media, how do you manage your online life to keep it balanced and constructive?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. On one hand, it is the strongest traffic driver, specifically for my own site. It allows people to follow me through different platforms, and it can really connect and create a dialogue between people. On the other hand, it can devour time and allow people to know too much about you, which makes me a little uncomfortable. I think the balance comes from monitoring what you share with people. I like to share funny stories, pictures, sweet life moments, and updates on my work/blog, but I keep my personal life off the table. I can share enough to let my personality shine through, but to keep it balanced and constructive I don't put anything out there that would embarrass me, complicate my life, or compromise my work.



If you are feeling less than inspired, where do you look for inspiration?

I feel like inspiration comes and goes like the tide. When I really need a boost I usually get dressed up, go out with my camera, and start taking photos. A regular occurrence for me is thinking "I will never be able to top that last post, it's all downhill for me now," and then I will take a few photos that will change my whole perspective! I find inspiration from colours, people, photographs, light reflected in beautiful ways, the flow of fabric, really anything that evokes a sense of beauty. I'm also inspired by looking at old posts from my own blog, it inspires me to grow, push myself, and always be better than I was last week!



Are you open about being a blogger? How do people offline react to your online writing?

For the first month or so, the only person I told about my blog was my sister, simply because I was posting photos of her and needed her consent! I'm always very shy about my work, because I truly want people to love it and connect to it, so I usually wait until I feel 100% proud of something before showing it off. I let my friends find it naturally, through facebook or my website, and was overwhelmed with the positive feedback to my blog, which was a real confidence booster! Now, when I introduce myself to people I say I'm a graphic designer and I have a blog. I think that stating my profession before blogger gives me a little more credibility with those who don't know the true potential of bloggers! I still get excellent feedback from unlikely people (friends of my parents, team mates, co-workers), and the support really makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile.



Which weblogs are your current favourites? Which weblogs have been most influential in the shaping of your own blogging?

Favorites: 5 Inch and Up, The Glamourai, Cheyenne Meets Chanel, Fashiontoast, and Cupcakes and Cashmere.

All of my top blogs are fashion related, but they are helmed by these creative, beautiful, intelligent women who are out there making a name for themselves, traveling, and working on creative projects with amazing people. As for my own blog, I really tried to create a unique space, not based or influenced by anyone else. I do look to these women in terms of career aspirations, though, and blogging is their main avenue for opportunities. I hope I can be an inspiration to people, and I feel like a blog can be a pathway to success if executed well.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

Create compelling and original content. Be genuine, don't try to be someone else. People will respond to your individuality! Post as often as possible, without sacrificing quality. And lastly, remember that success and readership doesn't happen overnight, and don't get discouraged. It takes hard work and time, but people will notice!

CHEAT SHEET

Name:
Location:
Weblog:
Other websites:
Social Media:
2011 CWA Winner:

Alana Parsons
Victoria, British Columbia
Dream, Create
Alana Parsons
Facebook
1st in Art & Photography
2nd in Fashion, Style & Design
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