Kidneys for Taxes

Figured when I saw this ad a few days ago I knew that it would garner a lot of attention. It's super gross (I'm really squeamish) but it's got people talking.




Kidneys hurt just watching it....

Wait - what was the point of the ad again?

Blog Promotion Checklist

So you've started a blog, fleshed it out a bit, got some good posts up.... but no one's reading - yet! Here's a down 'n dirty runthrough of how you can begin promoting your blog by completing simple actions frequently:

Networking:

• Comment on other's blogs. Link back to your blog.
• Reply to comments that people begin to leave on your blog.
• Go broader than your niche when reaching out to bloggers and readers - find others in related fields.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. In your posts, invite your readers to comment.
  
• Get on Twitter. Link to your blog posts via TwitterFeed. Follow bloggers, from A-Listers and those in your niche that you respect. When they ask questions of the Twitterverse - reply!
  

Ongoing Efforts:

• Keep blogging! So your new blogger friends and readers that you're going to stick around for the long haul and not fizzle out in a few weeks.
• Utilize basic SEO skills. Every now and then, give linkbaiting a go.
• Leverage social media where appropriate. BTW, it's super annoying when people on Twitter,etc. keep asking their followers to Digg or submit their crap post to StumbleUpon. Don't beg. If you do, do it rareeeeeely if ever.

I know this is a really quick, drilled down list where lots of ideas have been left out. Feel free to submit your own so I can add your ideas to my list. I'll also work to edit this post as I remember/find new promotional ideas.

south congress photos

And a pic of me for the heckuvit.

Blogging as a way to kick my own ass.

Tonight I began a new blog on WordPress as my boyfriend rolled his eyes.

From the "About" page of my new blog, oh my megami:

The Story: I’ve always had a passing interest in photography; I took some informal classes in high school and college but never pursued it as a serious hobby.

The Now: This blog will be my creative outlet as well as a collection of some of my favorite, interesting works while helping me develop (rimshot!) my photographic eyes.

The idea behind this is that if I'm to get serious about a hobby, having to blog about it regularly is a great way to kick my ass to do it.

Think of it as I'm the kind of person that likes to take a class or get involved in some kind of study group if I'm going to stick with anything seriously for long. Having a blog will help me pursue my interests and won't let me quit, like a coach of sorts. Can you really let your (potential) readers down? Can you let yourself down as a blog about your favorite interest goes to seed when it could have been great?

So here's to my new photography blog, may you never thirst for new posts.

Student Rep. Management Series

Hey all,

I'm looking to teach a workshop at school for students about personal online reputation management. I have lots of ideas swimming around in my mind, which will likely debut as a series of blog posts here on my blog :)

Here's a list of topics I'm brainstorming on:
*content creation
- blogging
- LinkedIn, Facebook and social networking smarts
- Twitter
- Flickr/image accounts
*RSS for success: getting involved in online blogospheres
* promoting your new content

If you have any ideas for topics I should cover or important tips, please comment below! What would you recommend for students? If you're a recent grad, what worked for you? I invite you to share your stories :)

The New Mary Kay Compact Pro is Here!

<<----WANT.

This is basically a big makeup bag's worth of everything. And it stilllllll fits in a purse :)

From the Mary Kay Website: "Makeup organization has never been easier. Designed for every woman, the new, Mary Kay® Compact Pro™ makes it easy to customize and store a complete look. An ultra durable, purse-tested finish makes it strong enough to stand the test of time. Its revolutionary magnetic refill system makes it easy on the environment and its patent-pending product release tabs make it easy to fill and refill with the latest makeup colors of the season. So no matter what the hottest trend, you’ll always be prepared for anything and surprised by nothing."

How to YOU pronounce "meme"?

This was a topic of discussion last week at lunch with a bunch of co-workers.

While it seems that the generally accepted pronunciation is "meem" (rhymes with "dream"), for some reason I've never even thought to say it that way nor really heard it that way until Lauren brought it to my attention. Reading some tweets online today, I saw the word crop up again and thought - how do they say it???

Here are some different ways that I've heard other people pronounce "meme":

• "meem" - generally accepted, it seems, perhaps due to the French pronunciation - "meme" means "same" in French, apparently, which is appropriate :)
• "meh-meh" - the way I've always read and say it. I've heard others use this too. Apparently this must be the pronunciation for the uninitiated :)
• (I guess derivititives of the one above would be "may-may" and "mee-mee" for others attempting to pronouce this word phonetically. I've heard several say "mee-mee".)
• "maim" - an interesting take. say this one to really throw people off.
• "mem" - rhymes with "gem". That's pretty cool - another one to use if you wanna sound different, I guess.

Anyone else got any other pronunciations you use/have heard? Despite the proliferation of "meem" I'll probably always say "meh-meh" since I've been reading it and saying it that way for so long. Tomato, To-mah-to!

First Polyvore set: Red + Black

My first Polyvore set! I decided that I would try a very "Megan" look - a simple red & black set. Turned out pretty cute! If you're on Polyvore, I hope you'll friend me :)

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince Teaser Trailer

FINALLY!!!!!!! The Harry Potter 6 trailer was promised today and here it is.

Self-Portrait Doodles

Here's some drawings I did a bit ago (before I chopped off all my hair). Drawings done in watercolor and black sharpie :) Will post some pics of my new haircut soon!