The A to Z Blog Challenge--Reflections

This was the third year I've participated. The first two times my topics were random, so this year I picked a theme. Mathematics is a weird choice for a group composed of writers, travelers, food buffs, and homeschooling moms, but I did find an audience. Infusing the Mad-Cool-Math Nuggets with a blend of humor and info was actually tons of fun.

This was also the first year I've had something to promote. I offered free downloads of three different short stories to promote a collection and that worked pretty well. Besides buying books from other authors, I found a free download of a book on one site and a price-reduction for a book on another. I wondered what other giveaways and price-reductions might be hidden among the 2000 participants.

It made me wish there could be a separate list where bloggers could sign up to promote a giveaway, contest, or price-reduction. It would be a nice tool for both the promoters and folks looking for a bargain. This isn't a new concept. Last year, there was a separate list for bloggers having less than 100 followers, but I didn't see it this year.

This idea does have drawbacks. First, there might not be enough manpower to run separate lists. (As a minion, I only had to check 7 blogs, but it still took time.) Second, if the giveaway or promotion only lasted part of the month, keeping such a list (or lists) current and verifying links could be painful. Third, if bloggers offering a giveaway or price-reduction got their own list, then shouldn't other bloggers selling their wares at their regular price get a separate list too? Keeping things "fair" could quickly become impossible, plus the intent of the challenge isn't commercial, it's social.

But still, if I could have one wish, it would be a "freebie" list.