Thursday, August 9, 2012

Feature and Follow Friday #109

Welcome to the Feature & Follow



Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers -- but you have to know -- the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools -- keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

What sets this Hop apart from others, is our Feature. Each week we will showcase a Featured Blogger, from all different genres and areas. Who is our Feature today? Find out below. Just remember it is required, if you participate, to follow our Features and you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) as a courtesy. How do you follow someone? Well, if you have a preference, state it in your #FF post. A lot of blogs are transitioning to Wordpress in which they do not have the luxury of GFC, so an RSS subscription is appreciated or if you choose an email subscription. If you don't have GFC please state in your post how you would like to be followed.



How To Become a Featured Blog?

We pick our featured blogs randomly each week from the blogs who participated the week before.

Please be sure to feature your e-mail address clearly on your blog. Either on the main blog, on a Contact page, or on an About Me page. If I can't find your email easily, I will choose a different blog to feature.

Our Feature -The Bookshelf Review


Bookshelf Review


1. When did you start blogging?

I started blogging a little bit over a year ago in June 2011. I just celebrated my One Year Blogoversary, so excited I have made it this long. The main reason I started blogging was because one of my friends did it a couple of months before I started. I really liked the look and feel of her blog so I emulated her and started doing it myself. Here is link to her blog if you want to check it out. She has some amazing reviews on her site. She was definitely my inspriation and I wouldn't be blogging if not for her.

2. What is your favorite part of book blogging?

My favorite part about blogging is being able to share my love of books with my followers and essentially everyone that stumbles across or visits my blog. It is amazing to be able to share and talk about books with many people that I don't know personally. I will always remember the experience that having a blog has brought to me.

3. What is your favorite book(s)?

I don't really have a favorite book specifically because there are too many amazing books out there to have just one. And really my favorite is almost always the one I have in my hand that I am currently reading. But here is a small list of some of my favorites: The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth, Across the Universe Trilogy by Beth Revis and many, many more that would make this list way too long.

4. What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

Tough Question. I can't really think of one specifically. But having authors come over to your blog and comment on your posts, appreciating what you do and acutally being able to talk to them personally is something I thought I would never be able to do. It really has meant a lot to me and is so awesome. Also having actual people care enough about my blog and think it is interesting enough to hit that follow button and to acutally be able to have support is so spectacular to me. When I started, never in a million years did I think I would be where I am today. So thanks to all who follow me and support me. And thanks to Follow Friday for playing a part in helping me gain new followers. =]

Q: What would you do over if you were to start your blog again from scratch?


First off, I am getting ready to move this weekend, so my comments will probably be limited. I'll get back to commenting in late September when I'm done with all my travels.

I'm not sure if there's anything specific that I'd do over. The main thing that comes to mind is something that I still haven't fully figured out. I want to have a better layout for my posts. I'd also like to change somethings with my blog design, but that's basically good. I wish I knew more html so I could do things on my own. Luckily, I found a great web designer but it would still be nice to have the knowledge. Some day.



Now for the Follow Fun!



With GFC going the way of the dodo bird for many bloggers, there is no better time to start following blogs via RSS feed. If you use a reader, it would be great if you followed my RSS directly.


We have a new button, so update your blogs if you are used to doing this meme!

Gain New Blog Followers


<a href="http://parajunkee.com/category/ff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4710921228_e3140444bf_o.png" /></a>

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
  1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
  2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
  3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
  4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
  5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
  6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
  7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
  8. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
CAPTCHA:
If you have CAPTCHA word verification enabled on your blog, please take it off. It makes it much more difficult for readers to comment. Please look at my CAPTCHA Eradication Post to learn how to get rid of it.
Happy Follow Friday! Come back at midnight CST for the Facebook & Twitter hop!!

50 comments:

  1. I'd like to know more HTML and CSS too. Ugh, it gets so difficult.

    Have safe travels and good luck with the move.

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  2. What I need to learn is CSS. That is something really difficult to work and I much rather prefer HTML. Erg, I feel for you.

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  3. I have a good web designer, my partner! ;) Poor guy gets roped into doing everything for me, he's even started his own blog, a blogging DIY kind of thing!
    Good luck with the move! Yuck! I hate moving, especially interstate!
    My FF!
    Happy Friday!

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  4. Happy moving! I hated it! I need to learn html also

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  5. Me too! Although, I'm still using the free wordpress because I'm not that advanced with blogging or html/css yet haha. Html/css etc does interest me though, I love learning new things about it!

    Good luck with the move!

    Old follower via RSS :)

    My FF

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  6. I have the same thought, I'd like to design things myself but I never have the time to do it!

    Ruty
    Reading...Dreaming

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  7. I agree with you. :/ I always tried to learn HTML, but all the codes! Ahh, so confusing.

    My FF

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  8. I know what you mean. I have no idea when it comes to html and blog design. I need to find someone to do the work for me too lol

    My FF

    Ning @ Reading by Kindle Fire

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  9. I learned a lot of my html just by googling html codes and reading people's tutorials. It's actually really helpful. I like your layout though!

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  10. HTML literally flies over my head. I still have no clue about it really. I wish there were a dummy guide for it. My Follow Friday.

    Alex @ Breakfast At Bookland/Cupcakes and Literature

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  11. That's something I would like to learn more of too, Html and some web design. I have no clue how to do it. It seriously is like a foreign languange to me. Great answer. Thanks for featuring me Alison. =] Here is My FF if you would like to visit. =]
    Michael @ The Bookshelf Review

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  12. Same here! My HTML knowledge is pretty limited, but I would've loved to be able to whip up some awesome layout myself!
    ~Joie @ Joie de Lire

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  13. Hi Alison, Thanks so much for hosting this fabulous hop. I feel like I'm among my people (i.e., book bloggers!) I am now following you via GFC (which I don't have), Goodreads, FB, Twitter, and by email. I'd love for you to reciprocate. Thanks so much and have a wonderful weekend. Cheers! :)

    http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com

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  14. Great answer this week Alison!! Have fun on your many travels :)

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  15. I never thought of post layout, thats good I think I would lengthen all my reviews when I started they were like 3 sentences. LOL Happy FF

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  16. Wow, good luck moving! It can definitely be a pain in the ass!

    Awesome question choice this week. Post layout is a very important thing. And, honestly, it can be tough to figure out exactly how you're going to form them. Not to worry about HTML, once you get started in it, it isn't too hard ^_~

    Happy Friday! Old follower ^_^

    Here's mine:
    http://www.sinnfulbooks.com/2012/08/follow-friday.html

    sinn @ sinnful books

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  17. Yay for Michael as the feature and good luck on your move!

    My FF

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  18. I'd like to learn advanced HTML too. Great answer.

    My FF

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  19. I finally just got around doing a review layout. After 4 years blogging. I would have to type it out HTML style each time. It was painful.

    My Follow Friday

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  20. funny these were the first things I learned, basic html and coding so that I could do my own designs.

    Well, we started with being 8 girls on the blog, because we all thought no one would have time to blog. Then we changed to 5 and now it's only 3 left - which makes me happy. Those two woman that are left blogging with me became real friends.
    So actually, I wouldn't even change this.

    I grew with my blog as it grew with me, so nope - I think I'm good :)

    Happy Friday!! and I hope your moving will go smoothly!

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  21. hoppin through to say Hi Allison! I'd have known to keep GFC ID to one email to avoid the confusion of a separate id for each email address. And maybe pretty sparkly wallpaper...glitzy, colorful and artsy!
    Hugs, have a great weekend!
    Beth
    bethartfromtheheart.com

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  22. Hi! I'm new to blogging and this is my first Follow Friday, I love the idea of it!

    My FF

    Thanks!

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  23. Hi! I'm a new blogger! I literally started just days ago and I thought this was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the blogger world and to make some new friends! Thanks for this opportunity!

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  24. New to Feature and Follow, been meaning to do it for ages, but Fridays always ended up being a blog free day; no more I think :-)
    Good luck with your move!

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  25. Hey there! I just recently started a blog with my friend and while I was talking to another blogger, I found out that Feature and Follow was how she gained lots of new blogger friends! So I said, why not? I'll give it a shot!

    Thanks for this! :D

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  26. Hi, new follower! Thank you and Parajunkee for this amazing blog hop! I just started hopping.

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  27. I like your actual design it's really nice. I agree with you I would love to learn more as well.

    here is mine

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  28. I am not the more technically inclined person, Google is my salvation!

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  29. I don't think I would do anything differently!

    Here's my Friday Hops

    Have a GREAT weekend!

    Old Follower :)

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  30. Just followed! :) Awesome idea for a feature!

    My FF

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  31. I wouldn't change a thing, well maybe some reviews. :)

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  32. I wish I knew more about HTML, also. My blog needs a professional hand, but it's not too bad (I hope!).

    Have a great weekend, Alison!

    My FF

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  33. Just followed you and the featured blog :). This is my first FF and here is the link:

    http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/feature-and-follow-1.html

    xo

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  34. Ahh i find HTML so confusing! I wish i knew more about it too! Well you never know one day you might!

    New follower and first FF post!
    http://lotsofloveliterature.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/friday-feature-and-follow-1.html

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  35. HTML does come in use quite a lot, especially with web design. I really like your blog, though! Especially the layout :)

    Old follower!

    Sophie @ The Dreaming Reader

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  36. Good luck with the move :D

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  37. I hope your move goes well. It's always stressful, but hopefully you will have the help you need. :o)

    As far as your answer I agree. I was lucky enough to have a Father that write software and a hubby that works with computers so they are a big help,but it can be frustrating. My big joy and pain was moving over to WP.com from blogger but we seem to be a better fit.

    Happy Friday!
    Old Follwer.
    My Friday Follows

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  38. Oh wow, switching layouts is always stressful, albeit fun >_< I really like this layout you have currently, though! It's pretty, bright, refreshing, and clean! Very easy and pleasant on the eyes. I do know some HTML so every time I switch layouts, I do quite a lot of tweaking to fit it better, though it's A LOT of tiring work.

    Happy Friday! <3
    Vivi's F&F

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  39. I too would like to know more html code.

    Hope the move goes smoothly!
    Old Follower.
    Here’s my FF

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  40. AAAHHHH!!! Good luck with the move! Post pictures of your new place! And I really like your design--the cute little anime girl totally suits you. :)

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  41. Hi, I am from Kid Lit Reviews and have followed you. I like the look of this site. It is nice.

    It is my first time here. I thought I should follow the hosts of my first Friday-Follow.

    http://kid-lit-reviews.com

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  42. So sorry. I left the home page out of habit. Here is the Friday Follow page. I follow those who follow me. Thank,s.

    http://kid-lit-reviews.com/follow-friday/

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  43. I've learned a little bit of that HTML coding...but I have sooo far left to go. We are all on a learning curve, but its wonderful to learn with everyone else :)

    The Brunette Librarian Blog

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  44. Good answer.

    http://itchingforbooks.blogspot.com/2012/08/feature-and-follow-810.html

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  45. I don't know much html either. I personally adore your blog design...so anime/manga-like! Old follower.

    Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tale Reviews

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  46. Hi Alison, I would also love to learn more html. I've made it my goal to learn web design soon. I hope that your move goes smoothly! :)

    Here's my Feature & Follow Feature & Follow

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  47. This blog is absolutely adorable! oh! I'm so depressed now about mine. Must safe money to hire designer ASAP!

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  48. This blog is awesome! New Follower :) This is my first Feature and Follow so here goes nothing!
    http://allieknowsbooks.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog-post.html

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  49. Thanks for hosting this, and good luck with your move! I think your review layout is fine, but i have been learning that little tweaks here and there are what we as bloggers have to do. Old follower!

    Here's a link to mine, Scarlett at Books Before Bed!

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  50. Hello, I just followed you! I use Google Friend Connect and Linky. So whichever you prefer works for me. Thanks :)

    Here's mine:

    http://www.grantmorris.net/2012/08/blog-post.html

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