Happy Tuesday everyone! Before I announce this week’s $50 giveaway winner, I have a couple quick announcements.
First: You may have noticed that the home page changed again. Instead of having a static Welcome page, I have a “sticky” Welcome post, which means that it is always on the top of the page, with all new posts added automatically underneath it. This was a suggestion from Elf Fisyr, and I’m so glad she thought of it, because it feels like the perfect balance of being accessible to the newcomers, while remaining fresh and updated for the regular readers. Thank you, Fisyr!
Second: I made an important change to the “Be an Elf” page. On the original sign-up form, I stated very clearly that there were “no strings attached” to being an Elf. And while that’s still very true when it comes to Elves giving away their own money and gifts, I have attached a “string” to the $50 giveaway money. From now on, I’m asking all weekly winners to write about the experience of giving their winnings away. (You can post it yourselves, or e-mail it to me and I can post it for you).
So, beginning with next week’s draw, I’ll expect all winners to write about what you did with the money, preferably within a few weeks of winning it. Who did you choose to receive it? And why? And how did you pull it off?
It is totally OK if you’d rather not: Just let me know so I can take your name out of future draws. You will stay an Elf, of course (once an Elf always an Elf), I just won’t add your name to the hat on Tuesdays.
I know it’s a big change. I have to admit that I resisted the idea at first. But for the long-term development of the site, I think it’s a positive change. (And, of course, this new rule doesn’t apply to this week’s winner.)
Which brings me to announce…
(drumroll…)
This week’s winner is JOY!
Congratulations, Elf Joy! Hope you have lots of fun giving it away!
Happy Elfing, everyone!
January 13th, 2010 - 2:35 am
Wow, how exciting. Thank you ABM and I will absolutely come back and post once I have worked my Elf magic.
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January 13th, 2010 - 3:22 am
How exciting! And congrats Joy ♥ happy elfing with your winnings
AbM I don’t think it’s too much to ask or an unreasonable request to ask the elves to write a little summing summing about who, what and why they spent their winnings on. I believe when someone receives something there has to be some kind of exchange of energy and I think it’s a fair exchange.
♥
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January 13th, 2010 - 8:04 am
Hi all! So glad as always to see a new post! And I am also so glad that ABM is encouraging people to tell their stories – it contributes so much to the wonderful energy of the site.
And speaking of stories, I posted one of Serafina’s articles (originally published here, with her permission) to my blog. I really think it lends to the energy when we get spread the word and share the excitement – so I hope some of the magical folks here will go there and leave a comment if you can! (Just click on the link with my name above.)
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January 13th, 2010 - 10:13 am
how neat!! I had LOTS of fun giving mine away! Go forth, make smiles and spread some cheer!
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January 13th, 2010 - 2:09 pm
Juno, you are amazing! I have to tell you, it absolutely made my day to go see Elisabeth’s post on your blog. Thank you both, SO much! What fun! I’m all a-sparkle!
Do go check it out, everyone, and check out the rest of Juno’s awesome site, too:
http://www.staceycurnow.com/blog
Thank you, thank you!!!
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January 13th, 2010 - 3:54 pm
Hi again!
Thank YOU, ABM, again for creating and spreading your wonderful, magical work in the world.
I so hope you will answer the questions from the “Happiness Questionnaire” so that I can post it at the MfYL blog and we can all benefit more from your *being*!
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January 13th, 2010 - 7:27 pm
Juno, thank you for reminding me about the Questionnaire, I started it this weekend and need to get back to it. They are very thought provoking questions, and I’ve been enjoying filling it out so far — hopefully I’ll have it done tomorrow, or Friday latest.
And we had a new Elf sign up today, who found us through your site (welcome aboard, Ember!). It really has been such a treat. Thank you again!
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January 13th, 2010 - 8:22 pm
Oh, this is all wonderful news! And the most thrilling news is that a new elf, Ember (what a great name!), has joined this wonderful community! Thanks so much for sharing! And a fabulous, warm welcome to Ember!!!
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February 7th, 2010 - 9:33 pm
You’re welcome, AbM – it was my pleasure, and I’m glad you were able to figure out how to get it to work.
I like that you’re holding the Elves responsible for sharing how they Elf with their winnings; I expected everyone would, but I know I really want to know how Elves are doing their ‘jobs’ (hmmm, that doesn’t sound as fun as Elfing actually is
).
I still plan to write a post – a very short one – sharing how I Elfed with my winnings. It was unspectacular, but still worth sharing, I guess.
Soon, I hope!
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