Friday, September 21, 2012

Ninja News, Recaptured Dreams, Touchy Question, Award, Guest Posts, and Music Trivia!

Ninja News!

The next installment of Andrew Leon’s book, Shadowspinner – Part Five: The Police Car, is free today on Amazon!

If you’re looking for an awesome t-shirt, Jeremy at Retro Zombie has a slew of great shirts available at the NeatoShop.

Angela Orlowski Peart’s new book, Forged by Greed, is now available! You can purchase the eBook on Amazon for the special price of $3.50 through Sunday morning and paperbacks will soon follow. Congratulations, Angela!

Steven Symes new children’s book, Gracie the Ghost Eater, is now available! Congratulations, Steven.

Special cover reveal from Atom Book Blog Tours:

Abandon by Elana Johnson

seduced by power,
broken by control,
and consumed by love...

Coming June 2013. Mark it to-read on Goodreads today!

And Mark Koopmans says save the date – November 19, 2012! See his blog for vague details.

Recaptured Dreams!

Now available – Recaptured Dreams by Justine Dell

Her favorite line from the book:
“Xavier had thought he was in paradise before. He’d been wrong. Sophia was more than paradise. She was the very reason he breathed.”

Find Recaptured Dreams on Amazon. Goodreads, and Facebook,

Find Justine on Facebook, her Blog, and Twitter. Contact Justine by email: dell.justine@gmail.com

Watch the book trailer on You Tube

Touchy Question

Word verification. I encounter it most often during blogfests and IWSG posts. Now, a couple of my blogger buddies have used it for years and I’m all right with that. But most blogs with word verification are newer blogs.

My question – since word verification is the default setting and most bloggers probably don’t even know they are using it, would it be wrong to let them know in the comments? Just a “Hey, did you know you have word verification on?” As a co-host, I did that a couple times during the A to Z Challenge, but I’ve been hesitant to do it since.

What do you guys think?

Award!

Livia gave me the Daisy Award – thank you!
I’m to list seven weird things about me:
1 – I don’t own a cell phone
2 – I’ve attended over a hundred rock concerts
3 – I want to replace my lawn with Astro Turf
4 – I can write with music blaring and the TV on
5 – I want rocket launchers mounted on the front of my car
6 – I own a Klingon Bat’leth
7 – I never intended to become an author

I’m passing this on to the delightful and quirky Robyn at Life by Chocolate!

The Reason for Guest Posts and Features

Most of you have read my guest post guidelines and know that they are reserved for my blogger buddies. (Most of whom are listed in my sidebar – I need to update it again soon.)

I do this to give back and show support for those of you who support me. There are millions of blogs online and you chose to come visit me. Thousands of authors and writers and you’ve chosen to feature my books. So many people willing to do guest posts and you invite me. That means a lot to me, which is why my blog is open to you. Anything I can do to give back and support my friends.

I do it because I believe in you. It’s not just your book or achievement –  
I believe in you.

Music Trivia!

Remakes – name the song:

1 – In 1995 Dream Theater remade this song by Elton John

2 – In 1998 Orgy remade this song by New Order

3 – 2002 by Shadows Fall, 2012 by Arjen Lucassen, and 2007 by Queesnryche saw the remake of this Pink Floyd song

4 – In 1999 Coal Chamber remade this song by Peter Gabriel

5 – In 1996 White Zombie remade this song by KC and the Sunshine Band (really!)

So many cool new books! Any going on your list? Would you let someone using word verification know? What’s your reason for letting others provide guest posts? And any idea on the music trivia? Go ahead and make a wild hairy guess – you might be right! And who else is seeing Dredd this weekend?

146 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

I wrote a long comment about word verification - and Blogger lost it!

So, the short answer is, if you word it politely, I don't think anyone will mind you mentioning it. :D

RaveAir said...

After you've write about the word verification some weeks ago one of your blogposts I switched it off. I didn't know about it and I hate to use it eighter.

farawayeyes said...

Word Verification makes me nuts (OK, more nuts). I appreciate the blogger who told me about shutting it down almost a year ago, but I do hesitate to tell others (what's with that?). Often, during a blogfest or IWSG, when I come upon it, I just move on without leaving my comment, my service is slow enough without having to go through the verification process.

Guest posts - hmmm. Never thought about anyone wanting to do one at my space. I've done a few and they always make me incredibly nervous. Like, at my own space I can be crazy, but in someone else's house I must be on my best behavior.

Music Trivia - UGH!

Sean McLachlan said...

I don't think a polite mention should be a problem. Word verification is a pain so I turned it off of mine. I do moderate comments to keep out the spam and the haters.

Old Kitty said...

New Order are sacred and must never be re-made! LOL!!

Capn Ninja!! I love that you don't have a mobile phone!! I don't feel so alone now!

Take care
x

Laura Pauling said...

I bet most bloggers don't even realize they have it on! So a polite mention isn't a bad thing, not if the person is a blogger buddy.

I like guest posts that provide information that I know my readers will like. I also love the story behind the story guest posts because I think they're fascinating and often help readers connect with a story. I usually do the asking!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kyra, I'm sorry!!!!

Zoltan, that's why I figure most bloggers don't know it's on.

Faraway, you can come be crazy here anytime.

Sean, and that works well!

Kitty, thanks for the laugh. Cell phoneless people unite!

Laura, I might try a polite mention and see what happens.

VikLit said...

I think it is okay to mention it in the way you say, 'did you know you have it on'. You are passing no judgement there after all.

I don't think I know any of the quiz answers! *must try harder*

Natalie Aguirre said...

I think it's a good idea to tell them and I need to do that too. There are one or two blogs with it on where it's really hard to read. And I end up not commenting.

mooderino said...

You don't have a cell phone?!?!

But how do you tweet about what beverage you just had when you're in the bathroom?

mood
Moody Writing

J.B. Chicoine said...

Regarding the word verification thing...you could just keep it light and make a joke--some of those word verification combinations are pretty funny. Like, "...by the way, I typed 'iRriT 8iNg' 3 times before I got the Word Verification right! :)"

Suze said...

One of my favorite bloggers has word veri and Every Single Comment I have to input it like three times. It's like his is particularly hard for me to read, or something. Drives me nuts.

I haven't mentioned it, tho.

Jai Joshi said...

Word verification drives me batty.

I think it's worth mentioning it once or twice to people but I think it's more effective to mention it in the body of your post.

Still, if people still don't listen after that then clearly they're in the word verification fan club. What can we do?

I wish everyone would turn it off so we could speed up the whole commenting process.

Jai

JE said...

I HATE word verification. Those things are so hard to read! And it's just an extra step! And really, I don't get that much spam so I don't see the big deal. :-(

Thanks for the spotlight today Alex! Have a wonderful weekend.

~JD

Vicki Rocho said...

My one stop-shop for catching up in 60 seconds or less. Thanks for that! I see I need to go squeal in Justine's general direction...so happy for her.

As for the word verification, I probably wouldn't do it in the comments, but maybe find a way to do it in email? For some it's kinda like telling them their zipper is down...better done in private. ;)

Unknown said...

Word verification is an uber pain! Also, super cool you own a Bat'leth.

I know none of those remakes, though at a huge stab in the dark I'll say the Coal Chamber cover was Sledghammer.

Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I would hope someone would tell me if verification came up on my blog. It's done it once before without me changing the setting. soooo annoying!!!! I'd better go check it hasn't done it again... ;)

Christine Rains said...

I don't think it rude to mention the word verification. I was grateful someone told me months ago when I had mine on and I had no clue. Guest posts are great ways to show your support and help other writers. I'm one of the few folks who don't own a cell phone either. I don't want one even though my husband loves his iPhone. Can't wait to see what you think of Dredd! Have a good weekend.

Unknown said...

I have often let people know about their word verification option. In fact, someone once told me I had it on and I totally didn't know. I had done some changes to my blog and it reverted back to verification. I didn't feel insulted at all.

"I want to replace my lawn with Astro Turf." I have often felt that way myself.

Gossip_Grl said...

I don't like the new verification since they added blurry numbers and more unrecognizable letters. :( I do like the idea of rocket launchers on the front of your car, someday's wish we had that feature too!

Laura Eno said...

You own a Bat'leth? *swoon*
I thought I was the only one who didn't own a cellphone. :)
Word verification is annoying, especially the newer ones that I have a hard time even reading with the letters all squished together.

Louise said...

I think the WV has gotten worse in the last few months. I never used to mind it, but it's AWFUL now. If the blogger is someone new to the game, or someone I've gotten to know a bit, I might feel comfortable saying something. Otherwise I do feel slightly awkward, I confess.

And of course, sometimes just getting past the WV to let them know the WV is a problem is impossible!

jaybird said...

Alex- I hated word verification but had absolutely no idea how to change it, until a few helpful bloggers mentioned mine was on, and gave me step by step instructions on how to turn it off. I was elated!

I always appreciate and encourage any help since I'm pretty useless when it comes to anything technical on my blog. (I still have no idea how to use the link!)

Kelly Polark said...

2- Blue Monday (heard it on radio on Monday after that song was my lyric of the day!)
3- Welcome to the Machine
(that's all I know!)

Regarding word verification, I always wish someone would alert the blogger about it and how difficult it can be to see. But I'm too timid to say anything!

Also, have you heard of the new rock band Tremonti? It's Creed/Alter Bridge's lead guitarist solo band, but heavier than his other bands. I really, really like the album!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Moody, that made me laugh!!

JB, that's a thought.

Jai, it does slow it down.

Justine, you are welcome!

Vicki!!!! Good to hear from you.

Jamie, sorry!

Lynda, wasn't there last time I commented.

Christine, no phone either, huh?

Clarissa, no more mowing!

Luanne G. Smith said...

Just before the A to Z Challenge I started asking a few bloggers to consider turning off their word verification. With the new version Blogger is using I can hardly ever figure out what the letters are, so I'll rarely leave a comment if someone has word verification on.

Tamara Narayan said...

I think pointing out word verification is fine. Just find a tactful way to do it. We're writers; how hard can that be? I had no idea my blog used word verification, because it never showed up when I left comments on my own blog. How is a newbie to know?

Libby said...

I have a feeling most word verification users have no idea how annoying it is. Especially since they've gotten harder to verify. They probably expect lots of spam. I did when I first started.

Charity Bradford said...

That's so cool you own a Bat'leth. All I have left is my communicator badge, but I miss my collection of Bajoran earrings. Those were really fun.

As for the word verification, I never thought about people not knowing it was one. It's such a pain, maybe it wouldn't hurt if a few of us started asking about it. I know Blogger's spam filter is so good that there is no reason to use the word verification.

Lisa Regan said...

I think it's fine to let them know. I had no idea mine was doing it until people told me and I immediately changed the setting!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Alex, thank you for the kind words... for your generosity I have no words.

Wait you have a Klingon Bat’leth, that is cool!

I don't like the word verification, my eyes cannot see them and I think they are getting more blurry.

I have been getting many request to have guest hosting or promoting of product on my sites, what kind of grinds me is they don't want to give you a sample what they are trying to sell. Okay I get it for independent authors, but so many companies give me the speech and when I do request something for it... I never hear back. It's more work for me to put something together on something.

Example I got an email to promote "Monty Python's Holy Grail" on Blu-ray... I asked for a screener copy to see it. Their response was why you are just a blog, we don't send out product to blogs. Yet the had the balls to ask me to promote something I had not seen. So that is when I changed my thinking, no more freebies changed the web address and I became part of an independent record label.

It sort of hurt my feelings, to have enough attention... but I was a blog.

Sorry I rambled on...

Thank you for your support, we are talented people and dammit we are bloggers, we make a difference.

Jeremy

Summer Ross said...

Lots of new awesome books coming out- both the ones you posted look amazing! I have no idea on any of the music- me and facts about anything other than writing or fairies don't work out so well. LOL

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I want phasers mounted right under my headlights! I once mentioned that I hated proving I wasn't a robot and was informed that removing that shield brought an invasion of robots to her blog.

Like Suze, I have a hard time verifying and trying 3 times for one comment just eats up what little free time I have. I think mentioning it with humor and respect is all right. But I have been wrong before!

Like Summer says: there are so many great books coming out right now. I wish them all great success!

I appreciated the time you allowed me to guest blog. I'm glad you believe in your friends. We certainly believe in you. :-)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Alex - you are such an awesome encouragement to every blogger!!! Thank you for stating your reasons for accepting guest posts and thanks for making me a part of that list on the side . . .that's an honor! I have no idea on the trivia - like complete blank and seriously wanting to know the answers to some of those, and Dredd . . . maybe if my hubs and I can go on date night. (R is too strong for my kids without our previewing it - even though they both like action, and scifi movies too)

Ryshia Kennie said...

I read word verification before my first cup of coffee and didn't connect captcha. So you sent me on a pre-coffee hunt for an answer. Yes, it's frustrating. In fact I e-mailed a blogger I knew as I couldn't comment because of it. Impossible to read. I didn't realize that some bloggers might be doing it involuntarily. If it was a blogger I followed faithfully I'd consider letting them know.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I think it would be all right to tell them they have WV on.

And the Orgy remake was Blue Monday.

Cate Masters said...

I was hesitant to turn off word verification because of the spam, but you left a very helpful comment about also changing the commenter settings, so thank you! It's great to make it easier for visitors to share their thoughts.
Congrats to all on the wonderful news!

A.J. Walker said...

In England we have a big problem with knife crime (better than gun crime, I suppose) and the police regularly have amnesties for people bringing in illegal knives, no questions asked.
Once a few years ago I saw BBC report where they were showing off some of the knives they'd collected and one of them was a Bat’leth! The reporter apparently didn't know what it was because he didn't mention it was a Klingon weapon!

Angela Brown said...

Word verification can be addressed with a nicely worded comment. I didn't know I had mine on until my bud Sophia gave me a chuckle about it being on. Then, presto, I turned it off.

I got my copy of Forged by Greed and have some of the others mentioned here on my TR list. Checking out Stephens book today.

Thanks so much for sharing the WHY behind your Captain Ninja guest blog support. It brought a tear to my eye. I know that wasn't the intention, but you are such a blog rock star in your own right.

Thank you :-)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Alex, thanks for alerting me to the lovely new books. I will check them all out on Amazon.

I too had word verification for ages. It must have caused my readers quite a bit of inconvenience. Please let the bloggers who still have it know about it. Last week I had to try the word verification 5 times to post my comment on a blog. I will bring it to her notice today.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I think most people don't know they have it on and a head's up is appropriate, with kindness, always.

As for the music, I have no idea, but I'm super curious about a few of those. And you and I have almost exactly opposite writing styles.

shelly said...

I don't like captchas. I can barely read them.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-be-otching-blurb.html

kjmckendry said...

Wow the Ninja Army has so many talented people in it! Congrats to everyone on all the upcoming books!

I don't think people will mind if you let them know nicely about the word verification.

Love the rocket launchers on your car. LOL!

Juliana Haygert said...

Gorgeous covers!
Oh, word verification ... hate it. When I don't get it the 1st time, it makes me want to give up. However, some people do want them on ...

YOU DON'T OWN A CELL PHONE? In which planet do you live????? lol

"The Reason for Guest Posts and Features" << see, that's why you're Captain Ninja! You're awesome ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Laura, four of us with no cell phones! We should form a club. And yes, I do own a Bat'leth.

Louise, you're right! You want to tell them but you can't even get the comment to take.

Kelly, you're ahead of everyone else! And I'll have to check out the album.

Tamara, that's right - the owner can't see it.

Charity, my wife still has some of those earrings.

Jeremy, you are welcome! And just a blog? That's no excuse. Just say no.

Roland, you are welcome and thank you. Now, we need to find a place that sells weapons for cars...

Tyrean, thank you. Yeah, I think the movie is a really hard R.

Diane, you are correct.

Cate, that's good to know.

AJ, I guess if one has never watched Star Trek...

Thanks, Angela!

Rachna, I might be brave enough to say something now.

Kathy, too many slow drivers!

Cherie Reich said...

As for word verification, I would want to know if it was showing up on my blog. I had someone tell me mine was on when I switched from old blogger interface to the new one. I didn't know because I had clicked it off in the old one. But I can see how you might worry about telling someone. I've wondered the same thing. :)

Rusty Carl said...

I hate the captcha stuff - it rejects me about half the time as a robot. I did change the settings to my comments to only allow folks that are signed in to leave one. I was getting about 10 or 20 spambots per day. No more anonymous comments for me.

And with you on the turf. I'm so with you.

Bryan Russell said...

I knew there had to be another adult somewhere who didn't own a cellphone.

Budd said...

I am hopeless at music trivia.

I loath word verification. Blogger is actually very good about blocking spam. please spread the word that it is not needed. and a pain in my butt.

Leovi said...

Very interesting Recaptured Dreams, by Justine Dell.

Elise Fallson said...

I rarely get rejected with the captcha and can type pretty fast so in all honesty, word verification has never really bothered me. But I understand it can be frustrating to a lot of other commenters which is why I turned mine off. And I don't see a problem with mentioning it in the comment box. Like you said, a lot of bloggers may not even know it's on and would appreciate the feedback. And is traffic that bad you need rocket launchers on your car? LOL!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Yay, I know these! Mostly.I think. 1.Love Lies Bleeding 2. Arnold Lane 3. The Monkey song... 4.Boogie Man.

Alas, I'm working so no movie time for me.

On Verification: I gotta tell you, there have been comments I've made and they didn't post because I clicked off before the verification code--which I didn't see--came up. If I have to struggle to read the blasted code, I don't leave a comment. I hate them.

Very cool thing is I won Justine's new book. I haven't gotten it yet but still very cool.

I don't know about rocket launchers but I've often wanted warp speed, lol!

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Steven said...

Hey Alex, thank you very much for the shout out on Gracie the Ghost Eater! I appreciate any and all support.

As far as the word verification thing, I don't think it's rude to mention it. I had it on for the longest time, and once I realized it I switched it off. I find it really annoying myself, and I think most people do as well so they wouldn't think twice about disabling it on their blog. That's my two cents, at least.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I think it's fine to leave those comments on people's blogs, Alex. And that's a lot of concerts.

Nancy Thompson said...

So excited for Angela! Did you know we met through you, Alex, and found out we are neighbors? That's right! The Ninja Captain is a writer matchmaker! As for WV, I do sometimes say something to new bloggers, especially if I'm having trouble getting the WV right. I hate that blasted thing. Ugh, I know none of the answers to those trivia questions. And Alex, no cell phone, really? Shocking. Wanna buy an iPhone 4? Nyuk nyuk.

cleemckenzie said...

Well, that word verification thing drives me nuts. After two tries, I usually just say forget it and move on. The interesting thing I find is that it pops up on blogs with few followers and few comments. Those with a ton of followers and a ton of comments don't have it. Correlation? And you may be right, some bloggers may just not know to turn it off. Good point.

Hildie McQueen said...

I HATE word verification. It's unnecessary and if I can't make out the word after two tries I leave without leaving a comment.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana, I don't own one! And thank you.

Rusty, think of all the time we'd save not mowing the lawn.

Bryan - yes! Five of us now.

Elise, too many slow drivers! Yes, I need rocket launchers. Life would be so much better if I had them.

Sia, you got three of them! (I'll give you the monkey one.) And congratulations on winning Justine's book.

Steven, you are welcome!

Michael, I used to see the same band three and four times a month!

Nancy, glad you and Angela found each other! And you know, I am thinking about it...

Lee, I don't think it's a coincidence.



ediFanoB said...

To be honest I did not use word verfication so far.I think it is good for me because English is not my first language and I still make mistakes. Will see how it works for me.

Why people are surprised that you do not have a cell phone.
I do not own a private cell phone. I have a company cell phone which I use when I'm at work which includes working abroad.

I do not need one. I hate all these people who use their cell phones and smartphones in cinema during the film is shown.

Andrew Leon said...

Thanks for the plug! But you should have put Rusty's cover there, too, because it's so awesome!

I don't have a cell, either. Or anything portable. Except children. And I'm not sure they're actually portable.

The verification thing would totally be dependent upon the relationship I had with the blogger. But, yeah, it's a default, plus you can't see it on your own blog, so a lot of people may not know.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I also don't like word verification. Sometimes it doesn't go through until several attempts. I haven't mentioned it to anyone, though if mine accidentally came back on I'd want to know. Julie

Tina said...

I HATE WORD VERIFICATION. I let them know. I had it at first because I was a baby-blogger and frightened of spam. A reader kindly told me that I'd probably get a lot more comments if I took it off. Boy was she right! So I return the favor. However, during the A-Z challenge, it wasn't a suggestion, it was an ORDER.
I haven't had many guest posters...but I'd do it because I believe in community and everyone lending a hand when they can.

Tina @ Life is Good

P.S Your music trivia is too hard. yes, I'm whining, but that's because I'm highly competitive, and can't answer ANY of those...

Donna K. Weaver said...

I hope it's okay. I've let several know lately. When I'm on my third attempt to post a comment and ready to pull my hair out, I think it's nice to let them know so they can change it if they want. Most of the time, they're clueless.

Matthew MacNish said...

I remember when Nathan Bransford turned his WV off for a day or two, but had to turn it back on. I've never had a problem keeping it turned off, but then my blog is nowhere near as popular as his.

Tara Tyler said...

so many new books! wow!
and love your weird facts! no phone?!
rocket launchers & astroturf! yeah! go on mad max!

Allison said...

I think it's fine if you mention word verification in a comment--I didn't realize it was turned on for my blog until you mentioned it on your blog a while ago. I find it annoying, so I turned it off.

Allison (Geek Banter)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Edi, and I have never minded that you use it. Now there are six confirmed non-cell phone users. Yeah, I'm either at work, the gym, church, or home - why do I need a phone?

Andrew, I'll include it next time. Sorry, I hadn't seen it until your post today. Now seven of us with no phones.

Tina, sorry the questions are too hard! And I had one blogger snap at me for suggesting she take off the verification during the Challenge, which is probably why I'm gun shy to mention it now.

Matthew, no anonymous comments helps as well.

Tara, Mad Max - I like that!

Isis Rushdan said...

I hate the word verification feature and didn't even know I had it "on" until someone told me. I immediately went to settings to shut it off. If it ever pops up again, PLEASE tell me. Can't stand it and it is so unnecessary on most blogs.

TS Hendrik said...

If it's a blog I plan on visiting a lot I have no issue with telling them in the comments that people would appreciate it better if they took the Word Verification down. The spam filter takes care of most of the junk so there's just no reason to have it up.

Miranda Hardy said...

I think it's ok to tell them in the comments. Some might not be aware of it.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

My word verification's not on, is it Alex? I don't think so but don't know for sure. =) I'm not computer savvy at all. So what I'm trying to say is that we should all politely let folks know their word verification is on, and it's likely amounting to reduced comments and/or even followers.

Cheers,
xoRobyn

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Isis, I will let you know!

Robyn, yours is not on.

Ella said...

Thank you Alex! Christmas shopping this year will be a breeze! Wow, I love all that you mentioned~

Really no cell phone?! Did I read that right?! ;D

I think word verification is dirt, it just needs to go away~lol

The other day after 3 tries with word #$h)@ I gave up and didn't leave a comment! It made me sad-
I think there is a gracious way to say: Hi there! You might get more comments, if your WV was off!
ok, not like that, lol but you know what I mean~

So happy it is Friday! Hope you n' yours have a good one~

Tonja said...

Word verification - yes, please tell people.

I don't know any of the songs, but apparently Marilyn Manson did a cover of a Eurythmics song (Sweet Dreams). My daughter was convinced the original song was by Cher until I made her watch the video. :) Funny that we love the same song - and hate each others' tastes in musicians. Manson does have a pretty voice....

Carrie-Anne said...

I really really hate word verification. It's even more annoying when you have to decipher a captcha and then wait for the comment to be approved. So far, I haven't had the nerve to mention it, though I know a lot of people apparently have no idea the feature is turned on.

Having guest posts sounds like a good idea, though I have no idea how I'd go about it. Asking outright seems a bit pushy and presumptuous, just like inviting yourself over to someone's house without waiting for the invitation or being told there's always an open door.

M Pax said...

When I gave a class on building a blog, I told folks to turn it off, but they didn't listen. I think most people are just oblivious. The spam filters do a good job of weeding out the spam. There's even people I've had to add to my white list to say they're not spam.

Congrats to all the authors and their new books!

Ink in the Book said...

I would have never known my word verification was even on unless someone had told me. I quickly turned it off. I did find a useful purpose for not getting upset with all the blogs who have the setting turned on. I may share it one day soon. I have a "Tag! You're It" meme to answer still...

Livia Peterson said...

I had word verification on for the first few months of blogging and then turned it off. Word verification is so annoying but if I have to do it to leave a comment, I will.

I just began planning guest posting and gonna host a few people in October. I like how you don't have to worry about writing for your blog for at least a few days. It's very beneficial but also communicating to people (eg. asking them "Would you like to guest post") takes a lot of time and effort. I'm realizing guest posting is great to do when you need it.

Thanks for the heads-up about these topics, Alex!

Elana Johnson said...

Thanks for featuring the cover of ABANDON.

And I've blogged extensively about word verification. People actually get mad at me when I do, so I've just given up. But I think it's of the devil. :)

Arlee Bird said...

I have frequently let bloggers know in a comment that they have WV on and usually they have thanked me and turned it off. They usually don't know it's on unless someone lets them know since I guess it's a default setting.


Lee
A Faraway View

Golden Eagle said...

I don't mind word verification, so it never really occurred to me to let someone know if they have it on--but I don't see why someone shouldn't bring it up, as long as their comment's respectful.

Abandon is definitely on my list!

Rick Daley said...

I liked the old word verifications. I used to try to make up definitions based on my phoenetic interpretation. The captchas annoy me, though...most of the time I can't tell what the letters are supposed to be.

Brinda said...

I am stunned by the fact that you do not own a cell phone. I know there are other more important announcements and issues in this post, but I'll be thinking about that one all night.

Mark said...

With the word verification thing, I let bloggers know when it's on, and they're always very appreciative. Way back someone told me and I was very thankful:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella, no phone! And I'll think of a nice way to say it.

Tonja, and his version was in House on Haunted Hill as well.

Carrie-Anne, it's not! Feel free to ask others. They might be too shy to ask.

Mary, keep telling them!

Ink, I'd like to know...

Livia, when I have a guest, it actually requires more effort on my part. But I am more than happy to oblige.

Elana, I agree!!

Lee, I'll get brave and start mentioning it.

Rick, the old one was better.

Brinda, sorry - I don't own one!

Mark, I will keep that in mind.

Tamara said...

Holy crap, I'd die without a phone. haha.

I want Elana Johnson's new book!!Definitely on my list.

I say definitely let people know the word-verification is on. I had no idea it was on my site until someone told me and then I immediately took it off. I think a simple mention of it is a good idea!

And I haven't had a blog long enough to worry about guest's. haha

Paul Joseph said...

I'm unsure of the answer to all those trivia questions, and that's annoying me since I'm sort of a trivia junkie. I'm gonna go pout (and look them up).

Huntress said...

regarding the question about word verification:

Thank goodness one of my followers let me know I had WV. I had no idea.

Katie Dunn said...

Not only do I want a Bat'leth, I want to learn Klingon martial arts=)

Answer to your music trivia (via my music man husband=))
1) They did a medley of Funeral for a Friend and Love Lies Bleeding. (They also did Goodbye Yellow Brick Road but it hasn't been released -he's fairly certain that was in '95)
2)) Blue Monday
3) Welcome to the Machine
4) Shock the Monkey (LOVE THIS TITLE!)
5) I'm Your Boogie Man

I feel like I'm playing Stump The Trunk with this one, lol!

As for word verification, I rarely comment on blogs with it. My eyesight is bad enough without having to squint twice as hard at those messed up words/numbers.

Chuck said...

I am going with Kathleen's answers to the trivia...I know two of them are right and she seems so sure!

Word verification makes me feel retarded in addition to wasting what precious time I have to read and respond. So I have taken to reading but not commenting on a couple blogs that have it. Also, I love Melissa Sugar's blog but trying to comment on the Disqus format is impossible. It says it does not support my browser but it does support IE9...I am friggin' running IE9!!! I am not switching to Chrome or Firefox to just visit one blog. Grrrr, this subject raises my temp.

mshatch said...

no idea of the music trivia (ask me something about history!) but I am reading an awesome book, SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD by Robert McCammon. It's about a witch :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T SEE THE AWARD, ALEX!! =) THANK YOU!! I'M HONORED!!

xoxoRobyn

Mark Koopmans said...

Ha!

I have no idea what I am talking about.

msmariah said...

Alex-- I think it's ok to tell someone they're using word verification. They may not be aware of it. I know that I wasn't aware of it when I first started.

I deleted it as soon as I realized. It's a real pain to comment on a blog with word verification.

Also, in other news I really wish I could be as productive as you. You should give the rest of us tips on time management. You always find time to help promote the work of others!

D.G. Hudson said...

I want to see Dredd, to see if his suit with built-in weapons has been updated. But not this weekend. Your views on guest blogging are generous. Not surprising.

We should be able to advise bloggers that word verification will deter comments. I've mentioned it before only a couple of times, and it's been ignored. But then, maybe that blogger has a reason.

Enjoy the weekend.

SC Author said...

I don't like word verification but I don't think that would stop me from commenting though :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I am not a lover of word verification as mostly find them too hard to read and spend time having to have a couple of attempts.
Congrats on your award well deserved.
Enjoyed the post as there is always something going on for you to write about.
Yvonne.

Liza said...

Hmmm, that word verification thing...that's a hard one. It seems to me the blogs I read that have it on, for the most part seem like folks who want it...they are the same folks who keep their comment moderation on "high." I'd say, if it's a new blog, go ahead with the shout out. If it's someone who's been blogging for a while...let it go. Of course now that as of this A.M. blogger has forcibly switched me to the new format, I'm going to have to go investigate how to confirm I'm not on word verification!

Michelle Wallace said...

You don't own a cell phone??? If you need to get hold of someone in an emergency? What then?

I think it's okay to let a blogger know that WV is painful... please get rid of it... and if the suggestion is delivered in a tactful manner, then I don't see why it shouldn't be accepted in the right spirit... just my two cents...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Paul, I'm sorry!

Kathleen, you win! All five right. And you know Stump the Trunk - that makes you one cool rocker chick.

Chuck, I know Disqus was a problem when I used an older version of IE, but it does work fine with Firefox and Safari. Email and let her know.

MsHatch - history! I can do that.

Robyn, you're welcome.

Mark, that doesn't surprise me.

Thanks, MsMariah. And I will always find time to support others.

DG, saw Dredd - not too many built-in weapons. He's more about mobility.

Liza, I switched last year so I'm used to the new format. And I have a couple blogger buddies who've always used word verification and that is fine by me.

Michelle, if I need to get a hold of someone I can call from work, the gym, church, or home, which are basically the only places I go. And my iPad can double as a phone as well.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

I really don't like to comment on blogs with word verification turned on. Like seeing your Ninja News!

Monti
Mary Montague Sikes

Charles Gramlich said...

My problem with word verification is that it seems to be getting harder. I'm often having to type the phrase in 2 or 3 times before I get the message posted. It is so frustrating when you're trying to view a lot of blogs.

Gwen Gardner said...

Word verification is tough to read and most of the time it's just frustrating. Actually, like you said, it's mostly the new bloggers that have it on. I was notified during a blogfest a long time ago and I turned it off, no problem. It's easy to delete spam.

Melissa said...

I'm with you on #s 3 and 7. LOL

Congrats to the authors with new releases!

As far as word verification goes, you know how I feel about that. :P I don't think there's anything wrong with letting someone know. I have left nice comments about it and would do so more often, but it requires jumping through yet another word verification hoop, and I don't have time for that most days. :\

Fwiw - when I'm deciding which blogs to delete off my Google reader (or which ones to follow in the first place), whether or not the blog requires word verification is one of the deciding factors.

Anonymous said...

Someone let me know verification was on and I was okay with that.

I adore Elana's new cover.

I love the guest post offer. I will consider it when I have some down time in the coming months.

Leovi said...

Great shirts and wonderful designs Jeremy, I like.

Anonymous said...

I follow quite a few blogs that use word verification. I've never thought about mentioning it to any of them. I think someone using word verification and then blog owner approval of a comment is a little much. I always think one or the other is plenty. I had someone notify me that my word verification was on, and I changed it right away. So I have to say I was grateful that someone let me know about it.

I think people are afraid of getting nasty comments or spam type comments, so they use word verification, blog owner approval, or even both. Not allowing anonymous comments should help take care of the worrisome comments.

If you feel comfortable mentioning the word verification thing when you comment, by all means, I say go for it.
: )

SpacerGuy said...

Its great to see so many getting their WIP published. I agree word verification can be quite a little pest but I'd definitely want to know if it popped on. Congratulations on receiving the Award Alex.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I use word verification in order to prevent spam messages.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I can't wait to hear what you think of Dredd.
I think you should tell people about word verification. It seems to be getting harder and harder to read.
Surprise, I don't know the answers to any of your questions. My husband wants to turf our yard too.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Sometimes I've wanted to mention word verification to people, but I bottle out. Have you noticed they usually have less comments than the people who don't use it?

The only New Order song I know is Blue Monday, is that the right answer?

Good to read those random facts - I realised the other day I had the radio blaring from the kitchen because someone hadn't turned it off and the TV was on, and I was writing!

Carolyn V said...

I hate the word verification! I had someone tell me it was on mine (and you're right, I had no idea).

Wanda said...

I like that cover for Abandoned. I
see you said you never intended on being an author. It's funny how God's dreams for us can consist of things we would never associate with ourselves.

Regarding the word verification, I see no harm in it if mentioned tastefully. How about suggesting they try moderate comments if they are worried about spam.

Ciara said...

I'd want you to mention to me if word verification was on. Lot's of great books being released. Congrats on the award.

Unknown said...

I think it would be good to mention in the comments about word verification. I know I had no idea mine was even on until someone mentioned it to me in the comments section. Very helpful to new bloggers.

Heather Murphy said...

I had a blogger tell me in the comments that my word verification was on before A-Z. I didn't realize it so I was glad she let me know.
Seriously, you don't have a cell phone???

Author A.O. Peart said...

I don't like word verification and when I hag my blog on Blogger, I had it turned off. Now on my website powered by Wordpress I have a cool feature where I only need to approve someone's comment when he/she visits for the first time. After that their comments are posted automatically. I know their is a simple captcha, but not the word verification. It's just a simple addition question, like 5+2, or so.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all you do, Captain A. It amazes me how many people and how often you help. Thank you for mentioning my new release again on your blog :-) You just made my day.

I don't think I know anyone who doesn't own a cell phone now, but when I met my husband 14 years ago he didn't have and didn't even want a cell phone. It took me a few years and one kid to convince him that a cell phone is a quick and easy way to get hold of him in case of emergency.

Congratulations to Andrew, Steven, Elana, and Justine. I'm saving that date for Mark's blog (easy to remember since it's my birthday, heh). Oh, those t-shirts look awesome!

Carrie Butler said...

So much going on this week. I love it!

As for word verification, I'm all for letting people know. It's well-intended and for their benefit. Why not? :)

Have a great weekend, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Charles, sometimes the numbers are so blurry they are unreadable.

Melissa, I will let people know.

Medeia, you are always welcome here!

Susanne, I switched to no anonymous comments and it made a big difference.

George, and you've always used it, which is why I have no problem with it on your site.

Susan, Dredd was great!

Yes, that is the right answer, Annalisa! And see, easy to write even with those kinds of distractions.

Wanda, it was all His plan, not mine!

Heather, no cell phone!

Angela, thank you, and happy to celebrate the release of your book here!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

YES! Please leave that comment about word verification on as many blogs as you can!

Congrats to Elana for another awesome cover! And Justine's is GORGEOUS! Love the title.

I love that you do so much for the writing community, Alex. Awesome post.

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,
Relax, I have arrived. "Please prove you're not a robot" "Type the two word" "YIKES 123"

I have mentioned this to a number of friends and especially since the word verification is getting harder to read. No sir, I'm not a robot. A paranoid android, maybe, but not a robot.
As usual, loads of links and I do my best to check them out.
Well done on your Daisy Award. I'm sending you rocket launchers for the front of your car. I'm also sending you a "Jetsons'" space car...
Gary

Morgan said...

You're the Matt Lauer of blogging... I just go to you for all my news! ;)

alexia said...

I don't think it's rude at all to ask people about word verification. It is a pain, and especially for blog hops it really slows stuff down.

Cool 7 facts! I don't know what a Bat'leth is, but Star Trek is cool. I absolutely could not live without my phone (well, I could, but I would be super sad).

Hope you're having an awesome weekend!

Julie Flanders said...

That's a good point that newer bloggers might not even know they have word verification on. It really is awful and seems to get worse all the time. I hate it.

I hadn't seen the Daisy Award before, that's a fun one. I cracked up about the astroturf because I totally hate yard work. Sounds like a great idea.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Terry, thanks! And I will leave a comment - promise.

Gary, thanks for both rocket launchers and Jetsons car. I will put both to good use.

Thanks, Morgan!

Alexia, I'll have to post a photo for you.

Theresa Milstein said...

I'm happy to see Elana and Justine's covers here!

Word Verification is evil. I've mentioned it on a few blogs. They've ignored me. I've had better success when I've mentioned it on Facebook.

Komal Kant said...

I used to have my word verification turned on last year, but after reading a few posts on it, I decided to get rid of mine. It wasn't so bad before, but now they are nearly impossible to read. It's all blurry, and has numbers and words.

I don't think I would suggest to someone to turn it off. It's their blog and they can have it however they please.

Unknown said...

I think the subject of word verification is a touchy one. I was glad someone told me to turn it off ages ago, it may have been you Alex, thanks again. Some people are scared to turn it off. Thinking that in some way it protects them from the nasties out there and when someone they don't really know tells them to turn it off they feel a little weird about taking the advice.

It is possibly best to mention it as you have on your blog and let the readers make their own decision.

Misha Gerrick said...

I hate word verification. And now I hate it even more, because the tablet I'm now using for blog visits doesn't get along with them. And then I write a nice, personalized, detailed comment only to give up on posting it 15 minutes later.

I'm now at the point where if I ever host a blogfest, I'll remove blogs with captchas from the list. It's unnecessary and wastes my time.

As for guests posts, it's the same for me. My blog has a pretty big readership and I think it's a good idea to give other writers access to it. :-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. a few have word verification - as they've had problems in the past with spammers .. I agree it's a pain.

A polite note is fine - and there are always posts with 'please take it off' ... so the word is out as such. People probably don't know exactly how things work .. as you say.

Cheers Alex - I don't like WV either .. Hilary

Anonymous said...

I turned off my word verification because of either your suggestion or somebody else's, and I haven't been spammed much at all since. What irritates me is the "blog owner approval" on some sites -- I can't check my comment for typos after it goes live!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

I agree that most are new bloggers. They probably don't know about it, especially since most of us DON'T have it.

A gentle reminder shouldn't hurt anyone's feelings. AND we are writer's after all, so our think skins could certainly handle this!

I hope you have a relaxing day today. Hopefully your weather is cooling. WE are at 50 right now. BRRRRR. Loving it though. Temps are going back up of course. I live in Chicago after all, the weather changes quicker than most people change their underwear. lol.

J.C. Martin said...

You DON'T have a cell phone??

I agree that a polite comment about word verification will not go amiss.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I invite guest posts because I love writers and love to read, and I know the toughest thing is getting exposure for your author name and books.

As for word verification, a gentle word from the Ninja can't hurt.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Komai, most don't know they have it on though, as several here have already stated.

Misha, now you know why my comments are always short!

Milo, good point! And I have deleted and re-typed my comments after finding a typo.

Michael, I'll take your fifty degrees!

JC, no cell phone.

Saumya said...

Thank you SO much for telling me about word verification because you know what? I thought I had it off all this time! I never would have realized it if you didn't tell me. Seriously.

Leovi said...

Yes, I join you and ask bloggers to review comments in shaping the word verification, but one word is a monster.

Sherry Ellis said...

I think it's okay to let bloggers know if word verification is on, and then direct them to the instructions for how to turn it off.

I liked your crazy things. I could never write with music blaring. Too distracting!

Nicole said...

Actually, that's how I found out Blogger had turned the Word verification on for my blog a while back. Someone mentioned it in the comments. I'd chosen to turn it off, but when the latest format updates came around, Blogger switched it back on. I was so glad someone let me know!

I think if you're polite and suggest that it might entice more people to comment, people are usually glad to know it.

Cally Jackson said...

Like most other commenters, I don't think there's anything wrong with checking whether bloggers are aware they've got word verification on. And your approach to guest posting makes sense to me! :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Saumya, you're welcome, and I'd hesitated to say anything until now.

Sherry, I'm a guy - easy to tune out distractions!

Nicole, I shall do that from now on.

Thanks, Cally.

Unknown said...

I don't see a problem letting a new blogger know they have the word verification on. You mentioned it to me when I was new, which was great because I had no idea it was on. I actually know a few of the remakes! 2: Blue Monday. 4: Shock the Monkey (w/ Ozzy). 5: I'm your Boogieman.

Anonymous said...

Man due I hate werd verifycatiun.... I thinc it shuldnt ever be ussed!... but I am totallie ok with spel check!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michael, very good!

Steve, spell check is necessary!

Mina Burrows said...

Word verification is annoying. But...some people like it. I can tell you I'v considered adding it back just to stop the spam comments hitting my blog. :)

~Jennifer~ said...

I know I'm totally one of the bloggers who had word verification on for *months* and didn't even know it. I saw a blog post one day about turning it off, and I checked mine using those instructions. I turned it off and breathed a sigh of relief!

I'm super jealous you've been to so many concerts!