Rewarding My Frequent Fliers
A while ago, I decided that I would reward the person who made the 3,000th comment on my blog with a gift.
No, there is nothing significant about the number 3,000. I was obsessing over my stats just happened to notice that the number was fast approaching, and the time felt right.
I just wasn’t sure what I was going to offer up.
I figured as an English teacher, it would be most appropriate to offer up a book. But what to send?
And then the day came, and I saw who made that 3,000th comment, and everything became clear.
When I arrived in the bloggersphere last May, the very first person to welcome me was Carl D’Agostino. Carl helped me to network with some of his blogging buddies and he has been a steadfast follower ever since my very first post. In fact, no matter what time of day I post, I can pretty much count on Carl to be the first responder. If he lived closer to me, I would totally have him on my person to contact in an emergency list. He is that reliable and that fast.
I was thrilled when I saw that Carl made the 3,000th comment back in March. And because he is a former teacher, I offered him two book titles: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby (which he once confessed he’d not ever read) or Lynne Truss’ irreverent Eats, Shoot and Leaves: A Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation.
Carl chose Truss’ hilarious book for grammar sticklers.
Then I told Carl there were strings attached to the gift.
I asked him if he would write a short response to the book in which he explained one thing that he enjoyed or learned which I could use in my blog.
Here is his response:
A Book Report by Carl D’Agostino on Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
If you see how the two pieces of punctuation in the above title affect understanding a great deal, you will enjoy this book and even learn some history. If you don’t see alternative meanings, you need to read this book. Truss says, “Punctuation gives sentences manners.” She explains how punctuation allows sentences to speak to us rather than merely appear before us.
I am glad Mrs. Schuls-Jacobson gave me this reading assignment (over spring break – sheesh).
Carl emailed me a great cartoon to accompany his response. Extra credit bonus points duly noted and awarded. Even if this illustration was created six years ago, it’s still funny. 😉
So thank you and congratulations to Carl! If you like his illustrations, you can find lots more of them here on his blog I Know I Made You Smile.
And to the rest of you, keep those comments coming. My blog will be a year old in May. I’ll probably have some other special surprise up my sleeve.
Unless it is really hot outside, and I’m not wearing sleeves. 😉
Made it in first. Whew. I am ALMOST finished with the book. Well, there are other things to do on spring break even if you are almost 62. Sheesh !
Was there ever a doubt that you’d be first? 😉 Sorry about wrecking your Spring Break with a little required reading.
Congratulations.
Congrats Carl! I knew you were the winner before I read this bloggie 🙂 I read all of her bloggies.
Melissa:
I swear, I thought it was going to be between you and Carl. You guys are both so very loyal. And you have been here with me since my very first post, too. Thanks for the love.
Keep commenting. In May, I’m giving away two tickets to an all-inclusive paid cruise for two!
And by “all-inclusive paid cruise,” I mean – a book! 😉
Good choice of prize.
Worthy winner.
Great idea! And I love how much he looks like his cartoon. I mean, obviously, but still. Cool to see. 😉
He’s waaay cuter in person than in cartoon. 😉
A great book. And a cartoon to boot!
And to me, it seems like you’ve been blogging forever. And that’s a compliment.
Your grammar sistah,
Leanne
What a great idea. Congrats to Carl and the runner-up.
What runner-up? There is no runner up, Mom.
Well, I agree that the runner up should be congratulated and I am happy to accept this recognition. Thank you. What are you gonna give me?
Clay, I will have to think of something fancy for you. Something that sparkles like Elvis, involves the cooking of shrimp, and something dead yet undead, like a zombie. I’ll start working on that. 😉
Fabulous. Great idea. Congrats to Carl!
That’s a great idea, Renée! I’m coming up on 5000 comments soon…maybe I’ll have to come up with some kind of prize…
Congrats to Carl (the title of that book has always been funny to me…my maiden name is actually “Shoots”!).
Wendy
I’m up to 3,466 comments now. This was a bit delayed in its publication, and while I know it is a little close, I still think I want l do something with shebang for the my year blogiversary.
If only fireworks were legal in New York State, I’d buy a bunch and send them to my winner. But I’m guessing sending fireworks across state lines (or to other continents) might be frowned upon by the United States Postal Service, so I probably won’t bark up that tree.
So maybe just another book…
Omigosh! I just got a great idea for a blog AND the next giveaway! 😉
And you, Wendy, you just inspired it!
Renee, when I first glanced at your title, I thought you’d given maybe a regifted timeshare week on San Padre Island, Texas (with sales presentations) and your readership would need their FF miles to get there.
Seriously, giving is a great way to celebrate the success you’ve made of your blog. 🙂 Congrats to Carl. Now I’m going to check out his blog.
Annette, if you are the winner in May, I will get you a trip to Mexico. I think you know the place. How’s that sound? 😉
Oh, Jesus with Mary on the handlebars, that is funny! Book shipping costs to México are prohibitive. If I get lucky in your blog contest, however, the Prize Patrol could visit me in Seattle, May 17 through June 7.
😉