Do you remember that childhood story, The Emperor’s New Clothes? It was a fairy tale by Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen about an emperor who hires two swindlers to create a new suit of clothes for him. The swindlers tell him the cloth is invisible to anyone who is either stupid or unfit for his position. The Emperor can’t see the (non-existent) cloth, but pretends that he can for fear of appearing unfit.The Emperor then goes on a procession through the streets showing off his new "clothes". As he parades down the street naked, the crowd says nothing for fear of upsetting the emperor. During the course of the procession, a small child cries out, "But he has nothing on!"
I feel like that little boy right now. We receive these ‘awards’ from fellow bloggers that reluctantly pass it on to us with their apologies attached, but they don’t come right out and say what they’re thinking. They have unwittingly received the awards from other dear blogging friends and they don’t want to hurt their feelings. Then there’s the horrific issue of whom do you pass it on to without hurting the feelings of several other bloggers you adore but don't select. We just can’t stop the procession, can we? Well I’m going to:
“These Blog Awards are just chain letters!”
You know! I know it! Everyone knows it! You don’t have to participate in it! Just Stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing these awards are missing is that line ‘great misfortune will befall you if you don’t pass it on to 10 of your friends immediately.’
I received two of these awards this morning from two of my very favorite bloggers. I attempted to participate but then it occured to me. I know both of these people went through exactly the same reaction I did in receiving the awards: " Thanks- but Damn!"
I’m officially starting a campaign to ban the Blog Awards. The icon at the top is my symbol. It’s will be called, “Vikki’s Ban on Blog Awards Revolution.” You can put the icon on your site if you wish to join my revolt. The most important thing is- you don’t have to. It won’t hurt my feelings at all.If you want to read some terrific blogs, the first two I would suggest is Deepwater Journal and Lou Ceel. Then go down to my links on the right side of this blog. I have the best of the best under the title: Links to other Artist Blogs and The Dearest of Friends.
The truth is, none of us want to hurt anyone else’s feelings and these awards are just chain letters.
Tell me how you ‘really’ feel, but be careful to not hurt my feelings.
Vikki
http://www.theredchairgallery.com/
42 comments:
I liked the awards at first because I thought they would help to spread the love...but after getting a bunch that are just a little silly, I'd have to agree to a point. There are some awards that have been good for my blog...and others that were not so much. I have a rule if I like the award and the reason it was created and if it really will help to spread blog readership,then I'm good for it. I usually just award the award I get to anyone who wants it, that makes it easier for me to deal with. I like the chair post too, such wonderful paintings. The little turnip is cute as a button. My chair is an overstuffed old rocker that allows me to in padded softness for my sore bones. Sending love!
Hi Heather,
Your absolutely right about creating more traffic for your blog. I'm also sure there are well meant wonderful awards. My issue is more 'the imposition' on blogger buddies I could create and inadvertantly hurting other blogger's by not including them.
To me that outweighs participating in blog awards.
Vikki
I've almost thought that self-promotion was a troublesome and problematic concept. If you have no qualms about it, that tells me something. If you appear to be uncomfortable with it, that tells me something also. I think that the compromise which I reached in life was to place myself in situations where things were taking place, and if someone saw what I had to offer and appreciated it, they would notice and acknowledge. Always something about self-flagellation that bothered me.
Hi Logisitician,
I agree that shining on your merits is always the best answer. I think the basic purpose for these awards is actually to increase blog traffic. That in itself is fine. It’s also flattering to be chosen. Your blog buddy says nice things about your blog and then you’re put to task to do the same for your selections. That’s my biggest problem with the awards. I referred to it as the ‘Sophie’s Choice Syndrome’ in my first blog award. I can’t select 5 or 7 blogs and say ‘these are my favorites.’ Every blog on my blog roll is my favorite. Each person brings something different to the table and adds to my thoughts and my life in different ways.=That is the greatest award we gain from blogging.
Vikki
The best award isn't found on the blog, but in the joy of writing and reading the responses. Nothing tops that. Nice that they would send it, but not when you have to continue it on like a chain letter. Glad you "stopped the insanity!"
Hi Aleta,
We're are definitely of the same mind set on this.
vikki
Absolutely right! Thanks. For me, my best "award" is being linked.. you made my day last week when you emailed me with that news.
Also really love when a new reader comments. There are so many people who stop by silently and I wish they'd say hi every now and then.
I'm with you. No more awards :)
Hi Tash,
Thanks for your support on this.
- Lurkers- They'll comment when they're ready. I think we're probably all guilty of checking out blogs before we make the effort to comment. Just people.
Vikki
Arrrrgh! Uerk!
Guilty. Caught handing off the excess zuchinni I grew in your mailboxes! I LOVE your revolution and will participate.
I have to state up front that I also passed the turd on to my Heather as well as you, Little Mama. Nothing against either of you, but I sincerely thought that I could give it to every blessed blog I read, negate the concept that way.
The sweetie that gave it to me is a darling from Berlin. She SO meant well.
Martha told me long ago that she thanks the giver for these awards and then finds business to do. Now that she's Word Press, she can't have widgets. That didn't stop me from passing the green weinie to Heather Marie, though!
Okay. I'm conflicted no more! Lou Ceel, Eric, Mike, Tasha, you have been spared the gift that is re-gifted! You all were to be my next victim..recipients!
I lurk. I ponder. I will no more covet the getting rid of the turkey from Thanksgivings past. Vikktoire. You have given me courage.
The first step is admitting that you have a problem.
Hello. My name is Dina Kerik and I'm an blog award passing slut chicken booger.
Right on Vikki! thank you for stopping the awards chain reaction! I rather want other blogger to ask me for a link exchange rather than having to do this award thing.
I agree that some are nice and well thought off but some are just plain desperate claims for visitors.
MV./
I love you.
Hi Manuela,
Thanks for your support. And your right.
The best way to gain an audience is just to go visit other blogs of people you’d really like to get to know . If you leave a comment and let them know, they’ll come visit- but on their own terms.
Vikki
Hi Dina,
You are so funny. I love your comments. I read your award announcement. I noticed how you thanked the sender and then presented it to whomever wished to have the widget on their blog. I thought, ‘that’s one method.’
Then I read Lou’s blog. He referenced the ‘Sophie’s Choice problem’- then made his selections and apologized to all his fellow bloggers who he had not chosen. That’s what I had also done before.
Then I spent a couple hours writing and making my selections with the full intent of sending the blog awards onward into cyberspace. I stopped midstream. I realized I didn’t want to ask 7 or 10 of my readers to spend a good part of their day doing this also. They would thank me profusely for recognizing them and then sit down begrudgingly and be put to task. Enough!! I wasn’t going to do it.
I could be evasive and just not say or do anything, but that isn’t nice. Or- I could be TRUTHFUL. I choose the latter.
Real awards of merit are not given with strings attached. As much as we all like to be flattered with recognition…. these awards are simply chain letters.
As a couple of my readers have stated; if you really want to recognize a blog as one you value, just put their link on your blog.
Vikki
Hi Lou,
I love you, too.
Vikki
I don't know if I responded to your email, but I wanted to say "Thank You" - couldn't ask for a nicer award *wink*
(in response to your email about adding me to your site).
Okay, as one of the bloggers who sent you the award..I have to say, oh yeah I agree with you! You nailed my sentiments exactly. Two people sent it to me and I thought "oh, this is nice, I get to pass this on to others." Then about a half hour into it, I realized how much @#$% work it was, but too late! So thanks for being bold and honest. I love that about your blog. And yeah, I guess it is kinda like a chain letter without the imminent, violent death.
Hi Peggi,
Lol! You’re so funny! I feel like I just got to know the real Peggi. Feels good to be honest about how you feel, doesn’t it?
There’s nothing bad about Blog Awards. It’s just a matter of understanding they are really cyber chain letters.
I didn’t know you had gotten award also and were about to send it to me. That’s too funny! The two awards I got from Dina and Lou yesterday stimulated this segment.
And I have to confess: When I first set attempting to make my selections- your name was on my list of recipients!
I know- ‘Thanks but no thanks.’ Your comment really made me laugh, Peggi.
Vikki
Hi Aleta,
Thanks. You really are a sweetheart and smart woman.
As said, you stated in one simple sentence what took me 100 words to explain.
Vikki
I'm behind posting three new awards on my blog. And I literally don't have room for them, but I hope to reformat to find the space. I just take my time in posting awards, do it when I'm in the mood, and write a big happy award-fest post! I used to worry that someone would feel left out, but as far as I can tell, that hasn't happened.
Hi San,
Thanks for your comment and opinion. That’s one way to look at it, San. Certainly the investment of time you put into blog awards and sending them out to your readers- can only be yours to qualify and figure out. My experience and feelings in regards to them is just different than yours.
Vikki
i just got my first award, and was tickled- because people are actually reading my blog :) this was also no strings attached- no "send to 5 people one of whom must be greean or your garden will wither up and die". in fact, i almost passed to you (b/c there aren't a lot of blogs i read regularly- good think i took a look first! but it is creating traffic, and it did expose me to some other fun blogs that were listed with mine.....
that said, i may resort to any of the other methods on this page in another instance- depends on from whence it comes & what's required. (i spend too much time blogging as is....)
but i do like the idea of listing visited blogs too- i like them on other people's sites, should add to mine-
Hi MK,
Your award sounds like a ‘real award’- yet in visiting your site I see that you do have to pass it on to others. So, I’m a little confused?
What I talk about here is that an award should be given with only the intent of honoring someone’s blogging effort. Just my opinion but most of these are a ‘chain of multiple recipients’ for the real intent of just of being passed on endlessly to everyone.
The difference- The little blue ribbon I have on the left side of my blog was given out to ONE winning blogger. I was very humbled and proud to be that one recipient.
But many congratulations to you. You have a wonderful blog and I really enjoy your work.
And yes- Linking your favorite blogs is the greatest honor you can give a fellow blogger.
Vikki
Vikki, I want to thank you for taking a stand and being so articulate - and brave. Seeing your post just clarified for me why I was so uncomfortable about selecting poeple to give awards to and actually made me pull up my big boy pants and join you in your stand. My post today tells my readers just that - that i am done with awards. Monday will be the last and even then, the Monday list will include the proviso that none of them will be asked to pass the award along. Thank you, Vikki.
Hi Lou,
You always sum up things so nicely. I think you’re way of handling it is beautiful.
The tough thing about taking a stand or just being honest about things like this is your putting yourself up for a rock-throwing contest. Some people will take offense and that’s okay. You have to expect it and also ‘respect their right’ to oppose of your opinion.
It’s tough even on simple little thing like the Blog Awards. But you know what? Even on a simple thing- it sure makes you feel good knowing you tried your best.
Vikki
it wasn't a have to, it was just something i did- and one of the women contacted me & was appreciative- i thought maybe they would feel good about it like i did (and she did)
thanks for the kind words-
I tried to leave comment on this last week, but kept getting kicked off. I think it was my computer though I was having some serious problems with the broad band connection.
I like awards also, but like you, how do you decide who to pass them, on to. I kind of like the way Lou did it. He built up a bunch, and then passed them on all during the one week or so.
Memes I am not a big fan of. I always feel guilty about passing them on, because I don't like to get tagged.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your comment. Everyone has to deal with the Awards/chain letters in a way that they feel comfortable with. Some people like them as indicated by the comments and that's okay.
Fortunately, my dear friend Lou was one of the people that sent me one of the awards. He followed it with a blog of his own requesting a 'reprive' from receiving any more blog awards.
BTW- I love your blog post about the candy store.
Vikki
Vikki, thank you for articulating for me what I already had in the back of my mind. In fact, I started a draft post on the same subject and then abandoned it for fear of hurting someone's feelings too! I am going to join your crusade! Kudos to you!!
Martha
Hi Martha,
Thanks. Remember that old saying, 'the truth hurts.' I think it's appropriate here. I just can't help myself. These awards are just insanity and we all do it so afraid we're going to hurt someone's feelings.
It comes back to- "But he has nothing on!"
Vikki
Well said.
Hi John,
Thanks.
Vikki
Finally someone speaks the truth! I've been looking for away to get away from these blog awards, not that I didn't appreciate the thought, but I know they are a lot of work and I felt I had to pass them on... but now, with your logo, and your link I can graciously give them up.
Hi Odd Chick,
Yes, I've seen my little tag show up on lots of people's blogs, some that I don't even know.
You are welcome to have it. I'll check out your blog. Come back and visit again.
Vikki
I have enjoyed them up to a point and I applaud you for taking a stand.
They are sort of a meme, and I decided I couldn't do the meme's thing. I am not a visitor driven blog or a sales blog so it is a distraction to the flow of what my blog is about.
Anyway I have enjoyed your blog entry and the comments as well. All the best everyone :)
You're right, the best way to build is to do the work yourself, find blogs you like, build r/ships with people and be genuine: these awards are not the indication. Also things like this "Secret In the Sauce." It's so fake: you'll get a hundred comments, but how many come back? They're doing it because it's how that thing works, and it's like a pyramid scam almost :) I like it this way: read someone's comments, find others in there who's blogs you haven't read, go there, and leave a comment, then they come to you. Simple.
So. Hi, Vikki :) Nice to meet you, nice blog, and hop on over to mine if you're inclined...
Hi Braga,
Nice to meet you also.
When I first put this blog up I honestly didn't know what the reation would be. Oddly- when I go to blogs-(even of people I don't know), my little "I don't participate..." badge is showing everywhere! It always give me a chuckle.
And I will definitely go check out your blog also.
Vikki
At last! Thank you for finally giving me to courage to "just say no." And, of course, I swiped your little graphic for my blog (with a link back to this post).
And I enjoyed the rest of your blog as well as this great post.
Hey Simplyred,
Feels good huh?
Yes- I got a bit of flac on this blog . Then the strangest thing started happening. My little icon started popping all over. Isn't that amazing?
I made it for us all to use
Vikki
I just happened on this idea yesterday, but I love it. I agree with you, so I added your graphic to my blog. Thank you!!
Thanks Scrappy
Hi Vikki,
Thanks for making this button for us to use. I have the same feelings, and posted a "I don't accept awards" statement on my comment box. It caused a few ripples at first but soon everything settled down. Then people started saying thank you to me and followed my lead.
I'll link back to yo on this~
Hi Lillie,
You're most welcome. I had no idea the stir I would cause when I published this. It's been the most popular blog I've written. lol
Vikki
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