This year there were 418 bloggers who participated in the April A to Z Challenge – a more manageable number than in some previous years. I liked that they were categorised too, which probably limits which blogs you’re likely to read when time is short, but conversely lets you maximise the benefits. I’ve included my list of blogs I read intensively through the challenge – there’s great content in there.
This was my 5th year participating in the A to Z: you can see the links to previous years at the end of this post in case you’ve got cabin fever and need something more to read.
Practicalities
I like to comment on posts, even if I do a batch at a time (eg on Sundays when no posts are scheduled). These are the things I like, or find frustrating when reading a blog:
- A “like” button or similar if you don’t have anything profound to add or are short for time.
- Posts which require completion of a form on each occasion you comment can be frustrating, take more time and can be a deterrent to commenting (hence the added benefit of a like button)
- Responses to comments are always welcome – otherwise it’s a bit like talking to yourself
- Many genealogy bloggers were very generous with their time in commenting at different times throughout the challenge or even on each post.
- A useful tip for those following Australian genealogy/history bloggers is the Facebook group called Australian History Bloggers Fan Group…a one-stop shop for finding interesting blogs.
- I like that wordpress.com keeps my blogs spam free and I only have to be careful the first time someone comments to confirm they’re genuine. Sometimes it does get it wrong, but luckily one of those bloggers contacted me through Messenger to give me a heads-up.
- Try to get your images lined up before you start – always assuming you have your challenge program worked out in advance. This can save a lot of time and angst.
Blogs I followed through the Challenge
Genealogy/Family History
Others
My previous A to Z challenges
2019 – Snapshot memories of my early married life in Papua New Guinea
2016 – How to pursue an interest in family history or genealogy
2013 – Travels through Australia’s North and Aussie-isms (colloquialisms)
2012 – A genealogical travelogue or a travel genealogue
Family history across the seas 
Will you do it again?
This grumpy genie also seconds these points
* A “like” button or similar if you don’t have anything profound to add or are short for time.
* Posts which require completion of a form on each occasion you comment can be frustrating, take more time and can be a deterrent to commenting (hence the added benefit of a like button)
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Two grumpy genies 🙂 As for 2021, don’t know – finding something different each year can be a challenge. Maybe something “easy” though I seem to be able to turn them to difficult with no trouble.
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Pauleen I have enjoyed reading your blog. I usually spend the first two weeks after the challenge is completed reading and commenting on blogs. I agree with you about posts that require a completion form to comment. I usually avoid them during a-z as it’s very time consuming. Congratulations on finishing and on choosing a great theme.
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Thanks so much Jennifer.
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I remember you mentioned that like button and I tried to get one but could not find one for WordPress.org. they are handy.
I enjoyed your posts again this year.
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Thanks Kristin. Strange there’s no like button in WP.org isn’t it. Sorry I didn’t comment more often on yours…your posts are always so well researched.
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I believe on Blogger anyone can click LIKE but we don’t know who liked it, just the number of likes. I sometimes want to click LIKE on a WordPress blog but we have to have an account and sign in to be able to LIKE. Then you see the photo of people who liked your post. Cool!
If I don’t have anything profound to comment I may just write “enjoying your A to Z”.
There are a couple of blogs that once I fill the form I can click remember me and don’t have to do it again.
I really appreciate you and those who take the time to comment on my posts, so I try to reply to everyone, even if it’s just “Thanks for visiting”… let’s the person know I read and appreciate their comments.
I’ve added you to my blog reading list.
The link with my name now goes back to my regular blog, as I use a different one for challenges.
Re finding good books to read, are you on Goodreads?
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