I got a bunch of search engine traffic last week from people searching the term shibboleet.
I know… shibbo-what? I had the same exact question when I peeked at the trending search terms on Google. In my curiosity I decided to write a post about it. The post even got picked up and used as a reference for an article on a news website.
But I think the best part about that experience was what it did for me as a blogger. The activity forced me to look at something in current trending conversation, and write something about it from a Christian world view.
Only a handful of others joined me in the challenge, but we all enjoyed doing it, and I really appreciated the different perspectives that came up as a result! So…
I want to try doing this on a regular basis. If you’re a blogger, then consider letting yourself be stretched a little bit. You’ll grow as a blogger. I promise.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick a topic from the top 20 Hot Searches list at Google Trends.
- Write a post at your blog not to exceed 250 words (deadline: Friday 10/22).
- Share the link to your post below using the Simply Linked widget.
- Leave a comment here about what you learned most from this challenge.
I even have some cool books that I’ll let one random participant select from. Just follow these steps to enter, and I’ll notify one lucky winner over the weekend.
Even if you’re not a blogger, then check out the cool posts that others submit here. There should be some pretty interesting conversations brewing!
Should I write about Beyonce? Does that have any relation to the Toyota recall? ; -)
(No need to enter me in the book giveaway, btw 🙂
I (as well as many others) would LOVE to see an @llbarkat post about Beyonce AND the Toyota recall!
I think “international cap lock day ” is the only item on googles top 20 that I can relate to.
Fun idea, Dan.
SO, ARE WE GOING TO SEE AN “INTERNATIONAL CAP LOCK DAY” POST FROM @SHRINKINGCAMEL?
I feel like I’m so out of touch. I don’t remember ever being this out of touch before but I really had to check on every single name on the list to figure out what exactly was going on. Turns out most of those names are actors in the new Hobbit film. But way harder than last week.
I love doing blog posts this way because it forces me to pop my little Christian bubble and think about what’s going on in the real world for a minute. Then I look at this stuff through my Christian worldview and try to think of something somewhat intelligent to say.
Some days it’s easier than others, but it’s ALWAYS a great exercise that helps me stay relevant! Thanks for participating again!
Hubble Telescope, man! I’m all over that one.
How about an @mdgoodyear poem about the Hubble Telescope?
GNOC …. WOW – I had no idea what that stood for. Thanks for this challenge – it’s a great one to get us thinking!
The GNOC post was pretty thought-provoking for me… It made me think about slowing down and actually talking by saying REAL things. Kinda reminds me of my ‘shibboleet’ post that I did from last week’s challenge… in the sense that as Christians we really need to watch what we say.
Great post Crystal! Thanks for participating!
I love this idea. I’m going to do this when I get back from my break. 🙂
I think this is one of the best blogger development exercises that I do! I also think that it’s great for getting Christians more engaged more in popular culture.
I’m glad to hear that you like the idea! I look forward seeing some posts from you on [wednesday trendsday]!