The Seven Links Project Meets NVR
Last week, we started enjoying other bloggers’ contributions to the My 7 Links project and saying things like: “Those seven posts would be tough to choose! Glad we don’t have to.” Well, our satisfaction as observers was cut short when we found that our friends, the other K and C, over at Technosyncratic had nominated us to participate (and then so did our pal Breakaway Backpacker, Mr. Escandalo).
Not up to speed on what this My 7 Links business is all about? Here’s a short description straight from Katie, the mastermind behind the project, over at Tripbase:
The idea is simple: bloggers publish 7 links from their blog to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.
The stress! It’s like choosing a favorite travel destination or a favorite kid. Then, as if that’s not enough, the rules require that participants nominate other bloggers to participate. We’ll get to that later. First, to set the mood, enjoy this picture of gorgeous Prague and then dive into our chosen seven:
1) Our Most Beautiful Post: The Last Month
This post doesn’t fit the mold. It’s not about travel, it’s not a “look at these great photos” sort of post and, actually, it’s sort of (majorly) depressing. Its real purpose is to communicate another reason why our no vacation required life is so beautiful to us.
2) Our Most Popular Post: The Five Lies Travelers Tell Themselves
Now that the heavy stuff is out of the way, let’s move on to our favorite give-em-what-they-want post. This short, brutally honest post was inspired by our month long visit to Kauai, and it continues to drive “please write more like that” e-mails. Note taken.
3) Our Most Controversial Post: Travelogue – (avoiding “Memory” in) Prague
OK, we may have had a slightly hidden agenda when we put that photo of Prague up top. Although our Prague post itself wasn’t too controversial, the fact that we liked Prague – and didn’t love it – still has people questioning our sanity. Lesson learned = people love them some Prague.
4) Our Most Helpful Post: A Case for Travel Insurance
Readers like a good tip or two. This post, where we declare that travel insurance is a good thing, proved just how true that is.
5) A Post Whose Success Surprised Us: A Welcome Surprise from Zambia
Confession: May was crazy, and we sort of “phoned in” this post – a brief but sincere update about the girl, Ailess, we sponsor in Zambia. People went nuts (in a good way), and we continue to hear from readers who want to join us in sponsoring a kid. Very gratifying.
6) A Post That Deserved More Attention: Hot and Bombarded in Vegas
Less than a year ago, when we started writing for an audience beyond family/friends, we posted about a visit to Vegas. This post does a good job of communicating our voice and personalities.
7) The Post We’re Most Proud of: What We Learned from Being (Legally) Married for a Few Months
I guess we are going to get all serious on your ass one more time. We’re most fulfilled when we take a stand and let our opinions be known. I guess it’s no surprise that this post is the one we’re most proud of.
Now – in the spirit of passing it on and making others face the tough job of choosing their seven links – our nominees to participate…
In honor of our home-base, these three are all bloggers from Seattle:
We’ve also saved two spots for random people who might want to participate. Shoot of an e-mail or tweet if you’d like to take a slot (one more left!).
I had read and enjoyed all of these, except “Hot and Bombarded in Vegas”, so just did that now. Gave it a tweet, too — maybe it’ll get some of that attention it deserved.
Thanks, Cathy!
Great compilation. I really liked the A Welcome Surprise from Namibia. I have a soft spot for children. The Seven Links Project is spreading like wildfire! Love it.
We think it’s a pretty cool project too. Going back and looking at older posts was a huge learning experience for us. We have some new things we want to focus on going forward – like photos. Did you hear that Kirsten A
I am new to your blog, so these are all new to me. I can’t wait to read them ALL. I will admit I read #7 first and I absolutely loved it. I am heading back there now to tweet it and comment. I just didn’t want to forget to comment that #7 is a must read. I am sure they all are, but that one was extra great! Thanks for sharing! Love the idea.
Thanks, Meg – very nice of you to say that. We like a good ol “take a stand” post.
I love this project and the posts you choose – so diverse!
Thank you, Laurel – appreciate it very much.
This is a great idea! I’m not sure I have enough content to do a good list like this *yet*, but I do like the idea!
Good post to share the love!
Well hurry up and write. The world is waiting for more of your good stuff.
This is a great fun project! I hadn’t read all the posts you included so I just went back to a few. You had me laughing with Hot & Bombarded in Las Vegas and 5 Lies then tears in my eyes and an ache in my gut by reading What We Learned from being Married for a few months!
Really enjoy your writing style and honest reflection. Looking forward to reading more!
Thanks, Debbie – we couldn’t ask for better feedback.
Fun reading your list! I’ve also enjoyed going through a lot of these over the past few days.
Can’t wait to see yours!
Ha, I didn’t even realize we were both Cs and Ks… it’s like alphabet soup.
To be honest we were quite selfish in our nomination, as we wanted to see what y’all would link to here. And of course we weren’t disappointed – I’ve only read half of these, so discovering the other half was a treat!
Followed you guys for a long time, always enjoyed reading your take on life.
But there’s a couple of posts I need to catch up with, so seems 7 Links is really doing it’s job!
Yahoo! It’s a great concept.
Great list! I don’t blame you for not loving Prague, I didn’t love Paris
The 5 lies post was hilarious btw!
How dare you not like Paris
I love all your posts, so I can imagine how hard it must have been. Once I finally get around to writing ours, I will probably run out of bloggers to nominate.