I posted that I would do a design contest at 599 followers. I’m doing something very different this go round. You can win a brand new blog design – the works – and a mentor-ship, to get that new blog up and running.
Introducing the Big Sis, Little Blog Mentor/Scholar-ship Program.
Quite a mouthful, but hopefully it will go well. This idea started with me when I began reading back and forth posts regarding the Affiliates programs that are popping up everywhere in our book bloggyverse. So first off I would like to thank Jamie @ The Book Junkie’s Bookshelf & Natalie @ Mindful Musings for sparking my creative juices.
It made me realize that there is some difference between the “big” blogs, and the little start-ups, but it has nothing to do with popularity, or anything of that nature. It is just experience and knowledge. The bigger blogs have been around the block, they’ve promoted their blogs incessantly and have made contacts throughout the bloggy universe.
So, for the latest design contest welcome to my mentor/scholar-ship program.
This is not a number out of a hat kind of contest. This is first an application process and then the finalists will be voted on – sidebar polls on this blog.
Five applicants will be chosen out of all that apply and those five will be posted on a poll on this blog. Winner with the most votes will be the winner.
The five finalists will be chosen by the quality of their reviews, originality, and tone of their blogs. I understand if the blog is “in the works” this is the point of this contest, to get you from “in the works” to “holding your own.”
To qualify as an applicant, you must meet the following criteria:
- New blogger, or a blogger that hasn’t taken off (under 50 followers). Its ok if you have 0 followers, but you must have a blog
- You blog must be devoted to books. It is ok if you do posts off topic once and awhile, but the main focus must be books
- You must also place a Big Sis button on the blog’s sidebar that you are listing (directions and buttons below)
- Fill out the Application below
What the winner will receive!
- A new blog design, complete with header, background, header styling, signature and button
- Mentorship, your questions answered – a step-by-step guide to how to handle getting your blog up in the rankings
- And I will provide a “hot” book for you to give away on your blog
What a package right???!!! Questions, please leave them in the comments. I’m sure I’m leaving some things out, so I will update this posts as things come up.
The application process will go on until March 31st, 2010 (or if the number of applicants is overwhelming I might end early). The five finalist will be notified and posted soon after that.
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Seriously brilliant! Genius really! I would have loved something like this when I just started out.
Sounds great but sadly I crept up to 54 followers so I don't qualify.
I love this idea! I don't qualify, too many followers, but I will post about your program to help you out both you and the other bloggers!
Awesome idea Rachel! I'll be tweeting this to get the word out!
This is a really great idea. It shows how much you care about the book blogging community!!!
Awesome idea! I've tossed my name in the "hat"! Good luck everyone!
This is such a wonderful idea! My blog doesn't qualify but I think it's great that you're so willing to help out other people. Good luck to those who enter! XD
Very cool idea. I blog about more they book so I don't qualify either but I still think it is cool that you are doing it.
Do you have a button that we can put up to help support this without being a participant?
This is a great idea – I know how daunting it was to ask for help when I started and to have someone at the end of an email to help…
Excellent….
well thought out idea…
Good luck to all the contestant…
E.H>
Awesome idea. I'm signing up, but ah…need to check with my blogmates first. Be right back!
This is a wonderful idea! It is so great of you to offer a prize like this. Best of luck to all of the people who enter.
I have an award for you!
http://terraonthebookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-love-your-blog-award.html
Great idea…but I know I don't qualify because i do little bit of everything. You rock on awesomeness. Good luck to those that do sign up and do this program.
I'm out of the running but I can still ask questions right!? I re-tweeted this too to get the word out!
+JMJ+
I think this is a great idea, though I am sorry that I won't be able to join this design contest. =P
I've been blogging since 2003 (though my current blog is less than a year old) and agree that knowledge, experience, and above all contacts can make a huge difference. I'm still new enough to the Book Blogging circuit to be casting about at random for new friends in this corner of cyberspace. I'm content to let luck lead the way, but I think it's great that others can get some real guidance.
Thanks everyone for the warm regards. I keep on hearing that people aren't all blogging about books. Apply anyway! I'll check it out. I mean sometimes I blog about Superbowl, and paranormal movies, and rant a bit. But I still consider myself a book blogger!
@The Book Junkie's Bookshelf – sure ask as many questions as you want!
Oh and there is a button to grab, for people promoting without applying – it is on my sidebar up there ^
this is such a great idea I have too many followers but I know this would have helped me when i first started.
This is wonderful idea and very generous of you. I have decided to apply and wish all the applicants the best of luck.
Great idea and so generous!
It is so intimidating to start a book blog when there are so many wonderful book blogs out there already! For a long time, I spent more time reading book blogs that actually reading books! LOL!
I started my blog to reconnect with reading! And this mentor idea is beyond exciting! I'd love a mentor even if there wasn't any prizes involved!
Thank you for this offering this opportunity!
Fantastic intiative, thank you!!
Parajunkee,
I have a question. When I applied for this contest, I had under 50 followers, but now my number of followers has gone up. Will that disqualify me?
Just wondering.
Thank you.
@Missie: Yes, I usually check right after I get a ping and I notice the starting number. I think both you and Heather have gone over 50 since the process started. So…no it doesn't count against you. Congrats on 50 BTW
Thanks for replying. I was actually apprehensive to get myself out there because of the contest. LOL
I love that you are offering this contest. As a new blogger I would appreciate the opportunity to grow my blog and I need all the help I can get! I hope I am chosen as one of the five finalists.
I love that you are offering this contest. As a new blogger I welcome the opportunity to grow my blog and I need all the help I can get! I hope that I am chosen as one of the five finalists.
Just curious… I'm a newish blogger (still under 50), and I'd love a mentor, but as a graphic designer, I'm working on my own design – so don't want to enter to take the opportunity of a new blog design from someone else.
Any suggestions on finding a mentor?
Here's my blog: http://52selfhelpbooks.blogspot.com
Thanks!
I can't believe that there are so many creative people out there that can do their own designs. I've actually thought about working with someone to purchase a design and help in formatting. I just don't understand everything that is involved in webdesign. That's why I am an English teacher, right?
Sounds like a great idea…its so nice of you! (Ok, maybe I'm tired, but did I miss the application? I did have a virus scare today…so I may be a little wired from that!)
:0)