Today while I was knee-deep in writing up some statistical documentation, debugging an MS Access time-out error, and seriously considering alternatives to cursors*, my telephone chimed. It was that special chime you get when someone clicks a like or comments on the blog. If you’ve got an iPhone with the WordPress app installed, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It was a like from Gabriel Penn, followed by a comment.

When I finally got a moment to actually look into my notifications in some detail, the comment said that he had nominated me for the Liebster award. I have been nominated in the past for other, similar, awards, but elected not to ‘accept’ them. In part because they have the feel of a chain letter. I’ve been considering that position lately though. I’ve come to the conclusion that, in fact, these awards do serve a purpose. First off, they offer a way for bloggers to, out of the blue, recognize others that have inspired them, informed them, or otherwise made their experience in life somehow better. Secondly, they provide a way to connect important elements of a blogger’s social network to other, disconnected parts**.

With all that in mind, I’ll accept the nomination and keep the chain going, but perhaps from a slightly different perspective. In order to ‘accept’ this nomination or award***, I’ve got to first answer some questions about myself, from http://officialgabrielpenn.wordpress.com/ here they are:

1. Why do you blog?
I started the blog because I decided to become serious about writing. I bought a new computer (Like a cheap one that is like 25% nicer than the on I had and 50% bigger), and started a blog. The blog was intended as a place to muse about the things I am learning, the problems I am having and most importantly, connect to other writers. I continue because it encourages me to write. Since I started, I went from having 2/3rds of my WIP written to now working through my first full re-write.

2. Favorite music?
90’s alternative.

3. What would be your perfect day?
My perfect day would be a day where I truly didn’t have to think or worry about work (my day job). Just for a day.

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
To take this into the realm of fiction, since it says ‘anywhere’, I’d like to visit any other planet in the universe that has an atmosphere and climate similar to Earth. Alternatively, a visit to the UK might be fun.

5. Favorite author?
This is a super difficult one. When I was younger the answer was Piers Anthony, no question. He made me love books. I’m not sure I’ve really got an overall favorite any more, at least not one author I would single out.

6. Coke or Pepsi?
I prefer Coke, but I’ll drink Pepsi without a fuss. I’m not super picky.

7. What is your favorite historical time period?
I’m fond of vikings and Alfred’s England – late 800s. That’s a pretty interesting time.

8. Read on a Kindle or paperback book?
Kindle, Paperback, Nook, audio book, whatever, it really just depends on how I can get my hands on what I want to read.

9. Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?
My wife.

10. Favorite color?
Green.

11. What do you hope people get out of your blog?
This is a tough question. If anything, I’d hope that other writers would see the various difficulties or concerns I’m writing about and identify with them. It’s much easier to face challenges and problems when you know others are standing there with you.

So, there are my responses. Below are the nominations. Again, I’m taking a slightly different direction than intended here. I’m naming these blogs because I think others should take a look at what these folks have to say, and what they’re up to. I’m ignoring the number of followers anyone has. I find their insight helpful and their work compelling. If for some reason you’re reading my blog and haven’t seen these, go take a look.

Even though Gabriel Penn nominated me for this, I’m placing his name on my list as well. Check out what he’s up to.

1.) officialgabrielpenn.wordpress.com
2.) pisscoffeeandvinegar.wordpress.com
3.) pontiuscominius.wordpress.com
4.) wyrmflight.wordpress.com
5.) suebahr.wordpress.com
6.) dreamsandletters.wordpress.com
7.) fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com
8.) jessicamariebaumgartner.com
9.) ducksandchickens.wordpress.com

I know the rule says 11, but I ran out of folks I would put on to the short-list that I feel are really worth reading. Plus it’s late and I’m getting tired.

Finally, for those who choose to continue the chain, here are 11 questions.
1.) Why do you blog?
2.) What is one of your core values?
3.) If you could work anywhere, where would that be?
4.) If you had the opportunity to ask 1 question of any author who ever lived, who would you ask, and what would your question be?
5.) What inspires you?
6.) If you were to be remembered in the world from 1 piece of advice, what would your advice be?
7.) Favorite beverage?
8.) Do you have a favorite font?
9.) How do you deal with rejection?
10.) What is your current or most recent project?
11.) What do you hope people will get out of your blog?

---

* If you are even remotely curious just google T-SQL cursors. This isn’t a blog about SQL Server after all.
** I’m not going to claim to be an expert at social networking, or social networking analysis, but if you mapped out connections you would see more than one tight groups in any individual’s network that don’t connect to other groups at all, except through the root. Award posts offer a one-time connection to these disconnected parts such that they might connect.
*** I’m really sort of fuzzy on how this works, even after spending 45 seconds researching it.