Sunday, October 2, 2011

100!

This is my 100th post!

I know it is quite the accomplishment.  Actually it isn't an accomplishment at all.  It literally means I've sat down at my laptop 100 different times to write something that may or may not get read by anyone but me and my wife.  When you think of it that way, it's pretty sad.

Think of all I could have accomplished in the time I spent thinking about, planning and writing my blog:
-Learned an instrument
-Trained for another marathon
-Read more books
-Start a fight club
-Watch Lost over again
-Written 50 really excellent posts instead of 100 mediocre ones
-Solve the budget problem
-Take over the world

All would have been a better use of my time.  But here I stand (or more accurately sit), writing my 100th post.

I mentioned to Erin that I was approaching 100 posts, and that I was going to write something about my 100th post.  I told her that I thought it was meta and funny (any time I use the term "meta" she looks at me like I have no idea what I'm talking about).  She insulted me and told me it was lame.  I actually write the blog and don't care if she insults me, so I win.  She immediately asked me what I would be giving away.

This caught me off guard for three reasons:
1.  I don't like the idea of trying to buy readers.  I know that it is more about rewarding your loyal readers, but there always seems to be a component of asking your readers to spread the word on your blog in order to win swag.  I want people to spread the word on my blog because they dig it not because they'll get a gift card or something like that.

2.  I don't like spending money.  Isn't that why people write blogs?  It is a free form of entertainment and therapy.  There is no overhead.  I can just pop on my computer at any given time and post something.  I don't have to charge anyone as a result, so they can enjoy my vent for the low, low cost of $0.00 per month.  Whether I actually write something good or it is my normal mediocrity, you can enjoy (or despise) it for free.  Not saying you get what you pay for with my blog...

3.  I wouldn't even know what to give away or how I'd do it.  There are businesses that I would gladly pimp out simply because I am a happy and loyal customer.  More often than not though I'd promote something local.  This of course is a problem in the blogging world because every blogger has readers in other parts of the country.  I don't want to punish someone because they live far away from me.

But I still wanted to reward my readers for being loyal and (hopefully) liking my blog.  So I decided to do a giveaway anyway.  Since I frequent the joint and have posted pictures from there a number of times, I'll be giving away a $20 gift card to Icing on the Cupcake.  I love that place.  They didn't pay me to say this, and they wouldn't have to because it is just that great.  I realize this doesn't help my readers in other parts of the country.  If you're not in the Sacramento area and just so happen to win, we'll figure out some other method of reward.

So here's how you enter:
-Start following my blog publicly and that will earn you an entry. I know I have readers that check me out through their Google Reader accounts, and I appreciate that.  I would like to see who some of you are though.  For those of you that already follow me publicly, congratulations you have already earned an entry.
-Leave a comment on this post, and you'll get an entry.  It doesn't need any substance to it.  Just typing "Enter me into your contest" is acceptable.  Or if you want to tell me how much you love me to stroke my ego, that works too (you won't get an extra entry, but I do appreciate it).

That's it.  That's all you have to do.  Easy as cupcakes (because pie really isn't all that easy).  Just enter by next Monday, October 10th.  I'll use random.org to pick the winner and announce it on next week's Twitter Machine Tuesday post.

Thanks for reading.  Thanks for entering.  Good luck.

16 comments:

erin - mutterings of eringirl said...

Can I win? Because I've already got one entry since I follow you. And this comment means I am entered twice. That would be awesome, because it would be like paying ourselves to go somewhere we already spend money! Sweet!

Kezzy said...

If I comment AND follow you publicly, do I get entered two times? like, twice the chances?

I don't even know if I could USE the gift card, living in the midwest and all, but I like winning things!

Unknown said...

I'm going public...as a follower. Actually, I don't really know how to publicly follow you, so I am commenting which is the next best thing. And, potentially worth a bunch of awesome cupcakes!! Here's to another 100
Kevin

Shelby said...

nice post. got yourself a new reader'

Brandon said...

@Erin - You cannot win. That would just be me buying cupcakes for me.

@Kevin - You just go to the main page and click the Join This Blog button on the righthand side of the page.

Katie said...

I want some cupcakes.

Shannon said...

Hey, I am a former student of your wife and I love your blog. I have been reading since you started. I love the pics of the girls and you have an interesting view of the world. Also I would love some cupcakes :)

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

I don't actually like cupcakes all that much, but I know three kids who do.

Marie said...

Too fun! I love reading your blog and I can win cupcakes too? Score! :)

Marie said...

Oooh! And I'm now officially not a stalker as I am publicly following you.

Brooke said...

I'm also a former student of your wife and I love your blog, especially your "Twitter Tuesdays". All the pictures of the girls are so cute too! Yay cupcakes :).

Becoming Supermommy said...

How's this- I'm coming out as a follower!

You've talked me into it, I'll accept your cupcakes, if I win.

Since you're so dedicated to the cupcake cause and all. :)

Jeff said...

Just for you, Brandon! And because I take waaaay too long to play Hanging with Friends.

Brandon said...

@Marie - I appreciate you reading even if it was in stalker fashion.

@Brooke - Thanks for reading. Now you should convince my wife to start writing again.

@Supermommy - You're an early adopter to my blog, and I truly appreciate that. And cupcakes can make the world a little sweeter, so it's a cause worth getting behind.

@Jeff - Trust me you don't take as long as some others.

The Howard Bunch said...

Your girl's are SERIOUSLY adorable!! And I love spending time with your wife at Mom's Nights Out!!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm Kelly820, but this thing won't let me post a comment. Let's hope this works! I love reading about your girls!