I want to acknowledge another reader who is participating in the global Sketchbook Project, so I've set up a special post for people to express what they love about the project (and do a bit of self promotion).

At the end of the week I'm going to chose someone from the comments, send them a prize and profile them on my blog (that bit is a surprise...shhhh). ;-)

http://makenart.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-love-sketchbook-project-because.html

1.  I wrote a post today spotlighting a few readers who have been around my blog the longest, and who I've made friends with through blogging:

Day 22: Shout It Out!  Readers I Love

In the past, I've sometimes posted about readers whose comments have inspired me or made me think.  I love the idea of highlighting readers because it always feels great to be loved!

2.  I think that paying attention to your readers makes you a better blogger in a few ways.  First off, it lets readers know that you are noticing them and that you appreciate they are around!  After all, what would a blog be without readers?  It also builds community because if we link to our readers we expose other people to their blogs and we can discover new things.

Q1: Share a link to a post where you paid special attention to a reader. Show us how you did it!

I recently wrote a post on Potty Training Tips where I included comments from my readers as part of the tips. I thought it was a great post and I loved using the readers' comments.

Q2: How do you think Paying special attention to a reader will help you become a better blogger?

I think by showcasing other bloggers, you learn from them and expose everyone else to great posts and blogs! It's a win-win in my book.

This particular challenge inpired me to start Monday Morning Mamas (the first post will be Mon 8/9) where I will showcase 2-3 posts by wonderful bloggers. I love how we can easily share and learn from each other this way!

Q1: Share a link to a post where you paid special attention to a reader. Show us how you did it!

One of my friends is a faithful reader of my blog.  She left a really funny comment on one of my posts and I wanted to make sure other readers didn't miss it.  So, I included it in a related post I did about funny things kids say, Put Another Dime in the Juicebox, Baby.

Q2: How do you think Paying special attention to a reader will help you become a better blogger?

I think it will help to remember to always be writing for my audience.  I can't wait to read ideas from other bloggers about how they will be accomplishing this.

A long time ago I posted Past Present Puture (no, not a misspelling) which was specially for a good long time friend.

I think paying attention to readers helps because they can then build real relationship with you if they want to, and feel appreciated.

Q1: Share a link to a post where you paid special attention to a reader. Show us how you did it!

I've featured other bloggers from time to time, but most of my active readers (besides my mom) are also bloggers in my niche. I posted a recent shout out to ComixTalk because we're guest blogging for him all this week.

I keep thinking of doing interviews with other expats though. Maybe it's time I get on that.

Q2: How do you think Paying special attention to a reader will help you become a better blogger?

My commenters often have better ideas that I do, so it's also a good idea to read what they have to say. I think giving personal attention to the occasional reader can help a blogger cultivate a "friendly" persona without having to be everyone's best friend.

1. I did a spotlight on my top reader/favourite blogs. I couldn't do a giveaway and I always comment back so I thought this was probably the best way to do it :)

2. I'm gonna do this every three or so months, maybe it will attract more people to comment. Everyone loves some special attention from time to time :)

1. I once did an interview post with my first reader, a friend of mine who I sent my first few posts to before I hit publish.

A Maths Tutor Reveal All!

I was planning to do more interviews but hadn't got round to contacting people until this task came up! I fired off some emails and have a post planned based on a reader who disagreed with something I wrote in a forum.

2. I think it will make my readers  feel more included. Rather than Caroline sitting on high telling everyone what to do, I want people to feel as though they can contribute, add to or even disagree with what I have to say.

Q1: Share a link to a post where you paid special attention to a reader. Show us how you did it!

I recently posted My Top 31DBBB Picks (so far) which highlights a few bloggers that also read my blog. I love the idea of interviewing a reader for a blog post.

Q2: How do you think Paying special attention to a reader will help you become a better blogger?

I think it will help me to build sense of community rather than just an informational style blog. I love blogs that have regular readers and high levels of interaction. I think if you can create a safe and supportive place where readers feel cared for and valued you are well on the way to being a great blogger.

Wow! Such great ideas have been shared. Lots to consider adding in for the future.

I met Hayley through Twitter - we're both UFC fans and we were cheering on our favorites and exchanging our thoughts on the event.  We've remained friends since then.

Recently, Hayley took on a physical challenge that no one thought she would accomplish. As a sign of throwing her hat over the fence, she decided to chronicle her journey - the good bits and the bad bits - on my blog.

I just published her triumphant story with photos of her and her training buddy, Nicola, as they navigated an 8 mile muddy and wet obstacle course. It's the last of her 6 entries. So fantastic!

Your comments on this post would really make a difference today.

Tough Guy 2010 When a crazy idea became a reality!

Thanks guys! Working with Hayley on this is making me a better blogger by encouraging me to take more risks and follow through on the goals I've set for myself.