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blogging, family, humor, Jim Chaney, loyal readers, novel, The Wordslinger, writing
“…so I’m like YOU KIDS TURN THAT MUSIC DOW…huh…what? I’m on? Thanks!”
(sound of me clearing my throat)
Hello World! This is exactly how I opened my very first post here at The Wordslinger (formerly known as 30 Before 30) way back in the fall of 2010. I thought it was rather amusing, a comical take on how your life changes as you get older. Now that I’m reading it again, it doesn’t seem quite as funny as I remembered. Actually, it’s kind of cheesy. You know what, forget what you just read. Let’s start over.
Hello World! I thought I’d use this week’s post as a sort of re-introduction to myself and my blog due to the exploding popularity, massive blogging success, and strikingly handsome good looks I’ve receiving since landing on Freshly Pressed last Thursday. Well, ok, the good looks part isn’t entirely true. I had them well before my fame kicked in.
It seems that a conversation about baby names really strikes a chord in people (as evidenced by the 1,100+ comments I’ve received in the last 4 days), and so I sit here today with a subscriber list that is nearly triple what it was at this time last week. I am both excited and humbled by the feedback I’ve received on the blog, and specifically the Freshly Pressed post, and so to my new readers, I’d like to just say thank you, welcome, and I’m sorry.
As my contractually-obligated loyal readers will attest, I am less a great wordsmith and more a sneaky master of dupery. You see, when you innocently clicked on the subscription tab, you entered into an agreement that requires your complete devotion to The Wordslinger, as well as regularly scheduled “Great post!” and “You are hilarious!” comments to be left for others to see. While I do harbor some guilt for having tricked you into reading my drivel, I must admit you are at least partially to blame. I mean who accepts 18 pages of terms and conditions without reading them, am I right? What? You weren’t presented with any terms and conditions? Hmm…must’ve been a glitch in the system. I’ll get some guys to take a look at that. In the meantime, however, you’re locked in.
But let’s be honest, there are worse things you could be forced to do other than following The Wordslinger. You could…umm… Well there’s, uh… Ok, moving on. Now that you are on board with the rest of us, you might as well make the most of it. Feel free to peruse the neighborhood and maybe even lend a suggestion or snide comment here or there. I’ve recently made a couple of changes that I think you’ll enjoy.
Those who have been with me for a while know that my joy of writing has morphed from a hobby into a more serious desire to achieve professional success in the craft. Amidst the humorous antics of Iz and The Jakester, I’ve sprinkled in some writing prompts and posts about my goal of writing, and eventually publishing, a novel. I’ve received such positive feedback from my readers, as well as other writers, and so I press forward and continue to invite all of you along with me.
I’ve created a new page here on the blog, uniquely titled “My Novel“, where I will post my updated word count every time I sling a few more onto the canvas. I will also use this page to showcase any past blog posts that I’ve devoted specifically to the book, as well as any external articles I’ve run across that I found especially informative or entertaining. By visiting this new page regularly you’ll be kept up to speed on my progress; as well, you will be fulfilling your obligation to visit The Wordslinger at least four times per week (as spelled out in the previously mentioned terms and conditions).
Since its inception, I’ve striven to make this blog more about interaction with my readers and less about me. My goal is the same with every post I write, to make you, the reader, feel something. Whether it’s bringing back a funny memory, sharing the comfort and warmth of my family stories, recalling an emotional moment, or just being ridiculous and nonsensical, I want you to feel engaged and invested in my journey. If you’re laughing, I’ve succeeded. If you’re crying, I’ve succeeded (though probably not in the way I intended).
So that’s what you’ll continue to find here at The Wordslinger and it is what you’ll find one day when you hold my novel in your hand and crack the spine for the first time. At least that’s my hope; that you’ll enjoy yourself here enough to follow me down the road towards being a published author. So while I work on the glitch that roped you in here (this could take a while), sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Wordslinger 
Jim, had no idea you were Freshly Pressed, probably since I’ve been off on my own server now for 2 weeks. Congrats. I’m not surprised though. You see, EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE who commented or followed my blog, The Mainland when it was still on WordPress.com gets Freshly Pressed…except me of course.
Anyway, now that I’m settled in to my new blog home, I will back to read more. Keep up the good work.
You’re a busy man Rob, I understand. Hope things are going well over at The Mainland!
Jim, I must be cheesy too because I dug your opening. 🙂 You have a fantastic sense of humor that shines through in each post. Congrats on being freshly pressed! 🙂
Kourtney,
Such high praise from someone of your caliber. Thanks for the comment and for supporting the blog!
As a new and upcoming star in Blogsville, I’ve chosen your blog as one I will use as an inspiration. Thanks for that. In addition, you’re an exceptionally entertaining writer. Keep on keepin’ on. ~Gerean
New to this whole ‘blogosphere’ and you are one of the first articles that I have read.
The bar has been set high, well done, I just hope everything else is as good a read as this.
I’m not sure if it’s a good thing that you read me first. I appreciate your comment immensely, though I have a feeling once you read other blogs, you’ll realize how mediocre I truly am. Seriously though, thanks for the comment!
WS on WP your way with words is well crafted and sure to have more than just us contracted readers enjoying your regular discourse.
Very kind of you to say, I don’t recall adding that required comment into the contract, but obviously you read it thoroughly. Thanks again!
You had me bursting out loud with laughter right from the very start. Guess what – I actually knew about your blog before freshly pressed. I tend to lurk. I’ll stop lurking in the shadows. 🙂
I see what you were doing, trying to avoid signing the contract. Well played. Glad you enjoyed!
It’s true. I don’t like to sign on the dotted line.
And I can say I knew you when, meaning before Freshly Pressed. At least I I can say I found you before you were famous. Congrats on the FP, by the way. You deserve it. And great post! You are hilarious! 🙂
You’re one of the select few. Now my secret is out and I might actually have to start trying to write well. Thanks for the kind words and for fulfilling your contract!
“You are hilarious!”
You’re welcome.
Good thinking, get your obligation out of the way early.
I would definitely read your novel. Isn’t the best writing “less a great wordsmith and more a sneaky master of dupery”? The kind where something draws you in and then bam! there’s a hook in your mouth and you’re crying and also laughing because it’s pretty funny how easily you were hooked. The best writing keeps you engaged even when the subject matter is not relevant (i.e. baby names to a college student).
Since I’m obligated to keep reading and commenting, I might as well let everyone know that I think readers of this blog might also appreciate mine: EzraWontShutUp.Wordpress.com
Glad to hear you aren’t opposed to a little dupery. And good for you for making the most out of your contractual obligation to stick around!
Great post! You’re hilarious!
Thanks! And you’re cornfreejuly…thanks for stopping by!
While I realize I have been following you for only 4 days…you have become my favorite blog to follow. Really. Mostly because if i can share something with my husband and he will actually laugh wholeheartedly with me (he usually finds what I find funny to be very unfunny!) then it’s a keeper!
Wow, what a compliment. Don’t tell anyone, but you are my new favorite follower. Let’s keep that between you and me though, ok?
Amazing, my day = made! No worries either, I won’t say/type a word!
Do you want me to be honest?I had no idea about this blog not untill i saw in the front page yesterday the hillarious blog post about children names.. Well =)
Nobody knew about it until then, don’t feel bad. Haha. Well, a small and loyal following were tuned in to my wordslinging, but that was it. Thanks for coming by and commenting.
As you realise a small but hillarious but so true post about Children names made things up side down for you. i Think i pressed the following putton just because i found that post hillarious enough to make me smile (and yes with the good way!) is it enough for you someone to follow? Thanks for the reply =)
Whatever made you subscribe, I’m happy you did. Thanks for taking the time to comment as well!
Oh its all right I think we should thank you for the hillarious post for children names.. I dont plan to have a kid sooner or later but that post will hunt me for a very long time… It must be the picture =)
Crap that. I’m going to knock the boyfriend out cold tonight and get a reason to come up with baby names. If that’s what I need to do, that’s what I’ll do. He doesn’t have to agree. He just has to comply. It’s for the greater good.
I want no part of whatever you are planning. But good luck!
Yep, thanks!
You’ve won me over; consider yourself followed :p
Glad to hear it, though I think it was the contract that officially won you over…it says so right there. You see? Page 7, paragraph 4, line 2: “You are hereby and hence-to-forth (or something like that) won over.”