Lessons in Blogging

Since starting this blog more than one year ago, we have experienced the highs and lows of sharing in the blogosphere. Not really. That's mostly an exaggeration. What's more true is that we've learned a couple of things in the past year. And we want to share those lessons with you.

Lesson #1: This advice came from a good friend when we first launched the Anti-Lame Campaign. He said, "Starting a blog is easy. Maintaining it is the hard part." So true, Rick. We've learned that blogging frequently doesn't always happen. And when you don't post frequently, it's hard to create a revolution. Which, as you know, is our goal.

Lesson #2: When you post videos, not everyone will appreciate their ridiculousness. But post them anyway.

Lesson #3: The more obscure references used in posts and post titles, the better. Because if someone recognizes it you give them a sense of belonging.

Lesson #4: We haven't employed this lesson yet, but rest assured we will soon. If you can't think of a clever reference, make one up and pretend it came from somewhere.

Lesson #5: Get other people to give you material. We want to have more guest posts. More people involved = more people who are invested in the cause.

Lesson #6: Photos make posts more fun.

Lesson #7: Don't take your blog too seriously. Sure, we've passed out our blog's business cards on cruises and at church, but we recognize it's all in good fun. Some people may want to stay lame. Our job is only to present the opportunity for change.

We hope these suggestions have been informative and helpful. And if not, at least it's another post from us!

Sunday Fun Day

Note: Erin is much less blurry in real life.

A note to our fan base: We promise that the Anti-Lame Campaign has been doing a whole lot of anti-lame things. Unfortunately, when you're so busy being anti-lame, it becomes difficult to find the time to write about your anti-lame adventures. We do, however, promise to do better in the coming months to let you all know about upcoming area events and anti-lame ideas.

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After several weeks of after hours meetings, out of town trips, and very little down time, I deemed yesterday “Sunday Fun Day.” And what does such a day look like to this Anti-Lame blogger? Well, I’m glad you asked.

1. Worship with my community of faith (that has become a whole lot like family)

2. Brunch at Bottletree Café

3. Exploring the city

4. Perusing discounted books

5. Frozen yogurt

6. Matinee movie

Sunday began as any Sunday should, in my opinion, with worship.

A group of Anti-Lamers then traveled to the Avondale area of Birmingham for brunch at Bottletree Café. Bottletree is a fun, quirky restaurant and music venue with kind employees, delicious food, and an atmosphere unlike any other.

I had the BLTree, a sandwich on focaccia bread with avocado, egg, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. It came with a side of fruit and I ordered a cup of coffee. The next time I visit Bottletree I will have to ask what kind of coffee they brew, because it was fantastic. The sandwich was pretty tasty, as well.

The BLTree

The Sombrero

Other friends tried The Standard and the The Sombrero. With good friends, good food, and a unique ambiance, Sunday Brunch at Bottletree is something every Birmingham-er/ian must experience.

Next, we explored some areas of Birmingham that we don’t frequent often – Crestwood and East Lake. There are so many different Birmingham neighborhoods, each with distinct personalities, and it’s so much fun to get to know the interesting shops, parks, and restaurants in the different areas.

Enjoying the finer things in life

The weather yesterday was amazing, so no Fun Day would be complete without a nice stroll outdoors and some frozen yogurt. Thankfully, there are outdoor shopping centers to accommodate those whose walking wishes are less…aerobic in nature. Patton Creek has a Yogurt Mountain, so after some walking and bookstore perusing, we popped in for a sweet treat.

Most of my movie-watching these days is made possible by Red Box rentals or Dollar movies, but every now and then I like to treat my self to plush stadium seats and new releases. A ticket to a matinee cost $7.50, and since I snuck in my Dr. Pepper 10 soda, I wasn’t tempted to spend my life-savings on popcorn and a fountain drink.

All in all, this Sunday Fun Day was a smashing success. What are your favorite Sunday activities?

Here at the Anti-Lame Camp, we appreciate just about anything that makes life more fun, less mundane, or somehow more interesting. The topic of nicknames came up the other day (a topic of which I have strong feelings toward) and we decided I should do a blog entry about just that. So, here are some of my thoughts on this, in my opinion, lost art. At least it's lost among my friends...hint hint...

Why are nicknames cool?
1. They create a special bond with people: Somehow you feel more of a kinship toward a person when you call them by their nickname. Like they've allowed you to be in their secret club and you've accepted by speaking the "password".

2.  It's kinda like what your parents would've named you if they could see into the future. Most likely, your given name doesn't say anything about your personality, preferences, sense of humor or appearance. Nicknames are more personal, more distinctly you.

3. It is more informal. If you've known a person for years, been across the country and back together, and consider them a best friend, a "birth certificate name" somehow seems too formal. That's where a nickname comes to the rescue! It becomes a term of endearment for a true friend.

4. It helps organize your phone. Let's face it, everyone has at least two Laurens or Johns in their phone. Wouldn't it be easier to call them by a nickname? Most people don't have two friends named Koko or T-Bone.

So...how does one go about getting a nickname? Probably the most organic and lasting way to get a nickname is to have a person(s) give it to you. You don't have much control over it, but you can give your friends this helpful list to ease them along the process.

Tips for a great nickname:

1. Numbers make great nicknames. For example, I have a friend whose nickname is "100" because he doesn't do anything halfway. Another friend who got carded at at PG-13 movie might benefit from the nickname "13" (or even PG for that matter..). Sports stars can use their jersey numbers. George Costanza wanted to name his first child Seven, so there's an idea for a Seinfeld fan. Just keep the number easy to say, because no one wants to yell 1,408 across a crowded room.

2. Nicknames can say something about you as a person. Your favorite band, your favorite brand of cheese, your car model ...whatever makes you unique can be made into a nickname. Plus, it gives some insight into your preferences. 

3. Nicknames can come from existing names. What's cooler than your first name? Probably your last name used as a nickname. Maybe your nickname comes from your full initials, like LAM, or from your first and last initials, such as Edub (for EW). Maybe it's your last name, but cooler. For example, if your last name is Zimmerman, you might be called Zimmy. These are usually easy to come up with and easy to remember!

There you have it Anti-Lamers! Go grab a friend and get to nicknaming! :)
Edub. Webbie. Webster. Just don't call me Erin.

Art on the Rocks

 

And HERE it is: The long anticipated review of Art on the Rocks.

Shout out to Chris for recommending it for review. (See, we DO listen when you guys tell us about things! Keep it up!)

This past month The Anti-Lame Campaign made an appearance at Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of the Arts! There was quite a turn out. There were a lot of people in Birmingham being Anti-Lame that night. For those who couldn’t make it out on July 22, make it out next time! (Which happens to just be around the corner on August 19.)

In addition to lots of people, there were un-ending trays of food from chips and dip, to pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and fries. For those individuals who enjoy browsing a museum, you could! And there was even a scavenger hunt utilizing the museum and the pieces in it! There was a concert going on outside, an artist doing demonstrations, and even a station where YOU could try your hand at being an artist AND take your art home. There were drinks for sale and plenty of mingling with Birmingham’s social scene. Chances are high you will run into SOMEONE you know and it is almost guaranteed that you will meet someone new.

The Anti-Lamers that made it out had a wonderful time. Next time experience it for yourselves!

-Melissa

For more information on the Birmingham Museum of the Arts, visit: http://www.artsbma.org/. 

For more information on Art on the Rocks, visit:  http://www.artsbma.org/events/artontherocks