Well, that was fun. It was hard as all get out, but fun. Catharsis, really.

When Sondra came up with the idea back in January, I thought it a was a novel idea, and I supported her in the endeavor. But while she couldn't keep it up, I felt I needed to try it, at least once. What I found what the same thing she did: it's really tough!

I thought I was getting a handle on it during the first week, what with having the first five entries written before hand. What happened after that was an almost nightly race to create something of more quality than the last day. At one point I was writing over 1,000 words per entry.

I couldn't keep that up, what with it being so personal. And it was taking me till 4 am to finish it, what with my characteristic lack of direction. But, that doesn't mean it's that way for other people.

In fact, I though it rather easy for people to either do what I've done, or to do something similar or much much better. Here's some suggestions:

1. Write about one song once a day
Only one song should go up on your blog a day. I'm not saying you don't write more than one, or that you can write 31 and post them all at the same time. It give people a reason to come back for the daily song.

2. Don't worry about finding 31 artists or 31 albums
If you have 6 Eagles songs that you listen to daily, then so be it. It's your thing, man! This is about you, so go with it.

3. Lyrics aren't important
I put them up, but you don't have to. There's no law against lyric-less MofM. Though it does help the readers figure out why you might like the song.

4. Links to albums at Amazon.com aren't important
Same as #3. This was mostly so you could find the obscure CDs that I listened to. Nirvana didn't get a link because I'm pretty sure that people know about one of the best selling CDs of all time.

5. Unlike lyrics and links, pictures are important
You heard what I said. Giving a visual reference to the song or album lets the reader concentrate on what you are saying. But don't get hung up on this...it's just a suggestion, remember.

6. Pick a month with 30 days in it
Okay, so, that's just a mental thing...you probably can think about more that 30 good songs, I was just being lazy. February is a good month to use, too.

7. Focus is important
...for some reason...not sure why, entirely...

8. Don't get stuck on genre
You like your songs that you like, for reasons that you like them. Avoid making it a best dressed list. This is about you, and your music, not what people will think of you.

9. Plan ahead, or not
Like I said before, have a definite plan. Or fly by the seat of your pants. Realize, though, that not everybody songs coherent when they do that. Heaven knows, _I sure didn't._

10. Don't feel the need to have every day accounted
I made a list of 10 items. Did I have 10 points? No. But it did help to finish the list with

status: published
author: John Stansbury
cms: wordpress
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  similarterms: people song songs important thing list write albums daily reason time idea lyrics good plan month links back finish mofm