Online communities are everywhere. An overwhelming number of websites offers surfers a place to play, share, write, create, read, and participate any which way they choose. How do you choose the right place to spend your time? Join me on a tour of Squidoo. A great place to learn new things, to write about the things you know, and to make new best friends.
NOTE: On August 15, 2014, Squidoo announced that it was being acquired by HubPages. I will forever appreciate what I learned during my time at Squidoo. So long, Squidoo. It's been good to know you!
Thirty something years ago, I became a writer. For the first 25 years, I worked as part of a team. Accomplishing projects with the input of my co-workers and supervisors.
Then came the Internet and a concept called telecommuting.
For the first time in my writing career, I found myself an Independent Writer With No Team Of My Own. No team to brainstorm ideas, no team to keep the project on schedule, and no team cheer leading sessions.
Then I found Squidoo. And my whole world changed.
From the very beginning, Squidoo has offered me the opportunity to join a team. To become a part of something bigger. To contribute to making life better in all kinds of ways. I have enjoyed A Year of Storytelling on Squidoo and I hope to enjoy many, many more.
Squidoo's RocketSquid web writing workshop was my first opportunity to join a Squidoo team. Through RocketSquids, I met a lot of people and, unknowingly, the seeds of friendship were planted. During my first year, I joined more teams, met more people, and grew friendships that make my world a better place.
These friends have become my team members. We check on each other from time to time. We offer ideas when one of us can't nail down a story. We share our joys. And, we share each other's stories.
Squidoo was my online garden. A place with Plants and Flowers Where Friendship Grows.
Until next time, be happy and be well!
Coletta
Posted by Coletta Teske
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I think there is not a thing worse than feeling like we are flying solo as writers. Like you, I am thankful to have found Squidoo and to have experienced the openness and generosity of inspiration that abounds in being a part of its writing team. I know the best is yet to come as teamwork and friendships are cultivated by like-mindedness of writing goals. It is a pleasure to have been drawn together by a passion for writing and to achieve so much more in the process. True friendships that will last a lifetime, much like ours, where we do indeed share our joys, as well as our trials, shall be treasured. I am delighted by each flower in my Squidoo garden, most certainly delighted by your presence as part of my Squidoo and friendship team, Coletta. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruthi! I am so happy that I've found friends like you on Squidoo. It is a good feeling to wake up in the morning, turn on the computer, and find a "Good Morning" message from a friend. And that little budge to finish a writing project is always appreciated. Happy Writing!
DeleteColetta, many a morning, many a day, has been made better by a message by you awaiting me too! Thank you! And I give thanks for a few other online friends who do the same.
DeleteI have never thought of myself as a writer before I started on Squidoo. I love to take photographs but usually I don't express myself in words. Squidoo has changed that and I am little by little I am improving my writing skills. As Coletta says the community on Squidoo is encouraging and so helpful. I am thankful for all the friends I have met there. Squidoo lensmasters are the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you Coletta for a great article.
Hi Mary Beth! Squidoo is a great place to find your creativity and learn to express yourself. I've been writing for 30 years and my writing improves every day one Squidoo.
DeleteWhen I first entered the online world, I knew little more than how to send an email. Surfing the web, writing online, opening an online shop, were all a foreign language to me. Then I found Squidoo and friends with knowledge they were willing to share.... and I was on my way. Squidoo .... and the online friends I have made.... are my most valuable resource. I give thanks daily for the friendships I have made throughout the web... and most especially on Squidoo.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat! I've learned a lot from my online friends, too. I knew all the techie stuff, but not the nuances of the social side of the Internet. And, yes, it's my Squidoo friends that have helped me maneuver the online world. I don't know what I would do without them.
DeleteSome days my online friends are closer to my heart than anyone else. I'm so grateful for all the friends I've made on Squidoo.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan! Yes, my online friends are special. I miss them when they're not around!
DeleteI once said that Squidoo gave me the opportunity to share things that I didn't even know I wanted to share. That is still true today. But more than anything, I treasure the friendships that have been cultivated as a result of my involvement with Squidoo. There are many times when I feel like my best friends are on Squidoo. When I first joined Squidoo, having online friends was a new and unique experience for me. I even remember asking a friend in RocketMoms how to join a "chat". I had no clue! I have many great memories with Squidoo and many treasured friends.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with you that teamwork is essential to keeping focused and motivated. We also learn from each other with is truly an awesome relationship.
It seems like just yesterday I met you on Squidoo. That first year has flown by. My online friends, especially the ones who offer up true community, mean so much to be. I am richly blessed to be surrounded by such gifted and lovely individuals.
ReplyDeleteAn online garden ... what a great way to describe it!
ReplyDelete