18 July 2007
AlphaTrilogy.com & the Power of Schmooze Award - Community Involvement Award
Posted by Darrell under: Rantings Of An Outdoorsman .
I would have never guessed that it could be a good thing to be called a ’schmoozer’. When I think of a ’schmoozer’, for some reason I picture some slimy guy with his shirt off, wearing lots of gold necklaces and a fake rolex watch - trying to put together a multi-level marketing deal that will make everyone rich. You get the picture.
As you can imagine, I was suprised to be given a “Schmooze Award”. Me, a ’shmoozer’? Surely not. Yet, Kristine at Hunt Smart and ole Eagle Eyes at Idaho Fishin Times nominated me for a “Schmooze Award”. What?
Even though I’ve just returned from a trip and really should be working, I decided to research this Power of Schmooze Award. I started at the source, a blog entitled Pink Reviews, where this award was conceived and given birth to. According to the orignal post the purpose of this award is to “recognize those people that were exceptionally adept at creating relationships with other bloggers by making an effort to be part of a conversation, as opposed to a monologue.”
Wow, sounds sort of like an award to recognize people that comment and reminds me of my own post about commenting from July 7. I wish this award was created after my post, then I could think I had some inspiration it’s creation. But, alas, I had nothing to do with it. The award was created a full five days before I ever began my rantings about the power of commenting.
A search on google of blogs found over 2,000 entries related to the Schmooze Award. Pretty impressive. People are taking this seriously, as they probably should be. Afterall, to be recognized as a great commenter and as a facilitator of conversation is quite an honor.
So, let me (somewhat belatedly) first thank those that bestowed this award upon me. It is indeed an honor to be thought of as ‘adept at creating relationships’ and I value all of the contacts I’ve made as a result of this blog. It is my understanding that anyone who has this honor bestowed upon them is asked to bestow it upon 5 other bloggers.
There are even some guidelines as to who should receive the award (even though it must be felt that anyone that receives the award is perfectly capable of choosing someone else equally deserving) “These bloggers have all worked hard to build a reputation for themselves by commenting on other blogs, participating in blogging communities, replying to comments left on their blog and overall just doing their part to interact with other bloggers.”
Choosing 5 for me was just a matter of looking at my comments and picking 5 bloggers that have been kind enough to leave comments for me and who I see leaving comments on other blogs. I’m skipping some of the obvious ones that have also been nominated by numerous others for this award, such as Othmar, Eagle Eyes, Kristine, Rex, Matt, Michelle, Steve, & Moose.
The five I’ve chosen are:
Kevin Paulson at HuntingLife.com - Kevin has a passion for hunting and fortunately for all of us he seems equally passionate about sharing.
Jon Bryan at Outdoor Odyssey - Jon has a great blog. I find myself trying to post comments on it all the time. Unfortunately, Jon’s comment form is broken half the time and won’t allow posts. However, Jon is still out there posting comments on other’s blogs, even though his software is preventing him from receiving comments in return. I’d say that makes him deserving of an award.
Robert at Upland Feathers - Robert, too, has a great blog. One of my favorites! His comments always have substance. Enjoy the award, Robert!
Phillip at Hog Blog - I’ve said it before “This has got to be one of the coolest blog names!” Not only does Phillip run a great blog, he leaves really good comments!
Derek, Mandy, Matt, & Crew at Internet Marketing Monitor - The crew at IMM have left numerous comments for me (although never linking back to their blog) and Derek & Matt have provided numerous suggestions and help for me and others. Plus, they’ve created some free plug-ins that are extremely helpful for my blog. I’ve never repaid the favors. Thanks all.
8 Comments so far...
Kristine Shreve Says:
18 July 2007 at 4:14 pm.
I know, when I first heard the “Power of Schmooze” I took it in a negative way too. I’ve never thought of myself as a schmoozer. Like you, I did some research, and was actually quite honored to be awarded the “Power of Schmooze”.
Obviously, since I’m a founding member of the OBS, I think building communities and supporting each other are great things to do. I’m happy to see people, like you, recognized for the efforts they are making to help other bloggers.
Matt Says:
18 July 2007 at 6:18 pm.
Thanks for the link! You’re doing a lot to build the outdoor blogging community yourself.
Rex Says:
18 July 2007 at 8:45 pm.
thank you for the link, a well earned award my friend. everyone loves your great post and commentary
Robert Says:
19 July 2007 at 6:57 am.
Thanks Darrell for your kind words. I, too, have been thinking of way to thank all of my blogger buddies and I hope to do that this weekend. Keep up the great work I like your stuff.
Derick Says:
19 July 2007 at 7:48 am.
Thanks for the shoutout, Darrell. I’m really impressed with how quickly and wholeheartedly you’ve jumped into the whole blogging thing… and it shows in your site. You really deserve this award! Congrats!
Sometimes it is Just Good to Link : Skinny Moose Media Says:
19 July 2007 at 1:27 pm.
[…] blogosphere. Who got awarded? Looks like a whole slew of people such as Idaho Fishin’ Times, Alpha Trilogy, Bright Idea Outdoors, Deer Camp Blog, Dazd and Confuzed, and Back Woods […]
I’m a Schmoozer? Puh-leeze! - The Hog Blog - The Hog Hunting Blog Says:
20 July 2007 at 10:06 am.
[…] Well, I guess I am since I was recently nominated by Darrell over at Alpha-Trilogy for the Power of Schmooze award. […]
Mandy Says:
20 July 2007 at 8:48 pm.
Congrats on being a world-class schmoozer, Darrell - I never would have guessed! 
You deserve all of the recognition you get. In a world where a lot of bloggers are solely in the biz for the ad revenue, it’s great to see someone who spends hours upon hours doing their things based solely on passion.
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