The League of Extraordinary Bloggers was started a year ago, and it has been an amazing and fun ride! When I posted the idea for the League, the immediate response was overwhelming–to date, over 150 bloggers have signed on to contribute to the weekly blog writing challenge, and many of us have made new friends and connections with fellow pop culture enthusiasts. There’s no doubt in my mind that the League has helped every one of us to gain new followers and attract new visitors to our sites.
There have been over 50 weekly topics presented, and I tried to respond to all of them here on Cool & Collected, but a few had me stumped (Pirates? What do I know about pirates?). My favorite contributions were the blog topics that were more personal in nature. I really enjoyed having to sit down and write the State of the Site, and about 1984, the year I was 12 years old. I’m also fairly proud of the article I recently wrote about collectibles of the future, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day I publicly admitted to never seeing Star Trek.
Here are some of topics that generated my favorite responses from the League:
- What if…?
- Jumping the Shark
- This is Halloween
- Young Guns
- How to Destroy the Death Star
- Star of the Show
- Reboot and Recast
- Road Trip!
- Top 10 Movies
- Geek Confessions
- Where are They Now?
So now what?
Not too long ago, I actually considered shutting down the League on its one-year anniversary. The interest level seemed to have slacked off, and it is getting difficult to generate fresh weekly topics, but the fact of the matter is that new bloggers continue to hop on board, and there are a few of us die-hards still here, who contribute regularly and really do see a return on their creative investment, so rest assured, the League will continue!
The second part of this week’s topic asked for ideas for future League topics, and the results that have been streaming in are excellent–I can’t wait to answer some of them, Plus, I have an exciting idea in store for a topic in the very near future, so you won’t want to miss that one!
I have actually been working on another super-secret project that will take a huge amount of time and effort, and I hope to include many of you in the venture, but more on that later. Anyone else have any exciting projects or ideas in mind? The League is nothing if not a community, so help me out here. Is the fire still burning inside? Should we be doing something other than weekly blog challenges to keep things fresh? The floor is open for ideas…
Jon says
Great post, and happy birthday to the league! I’m new here so I’m glad to see the league continue. I enjoy the content of this blog, and the others who post, but my blog only sometimes dances along the theme of the weekly challenges, so it is harder for me to participate as much as I’d like.
Brian says
Thanks Jon! It does help to have topics that actually fit your site, and that’s probably why the single word topics that were recently offered seemed to do so well. I enjoy seeing how different writers tackle the same topic in unique ways. Your post for the pirates topic was a great example of that!
Dex (@Dex1138) says
Go Team Vent-uh, League!
While I don’t hop in each and every week, what I enjoy more than contributing is reading all the great posts others come up with. There’s enough of us out there that you could probably put a few suggestions up for vote every week to keep the ideas coming in.
Brian says
Yeah, we’re getting some great suggestions in this week. We’re probably already set for another year!
Rich says
I’m psyched to hear that your going to keep the league going. I personally really enjoy participating. Heck I started my blog to get in on the fun….well that and I absolutely love pop culture. I’m always game for projects and sharing ideas so feel free to hit me up!
Brian says
You’re on my list, Rich. 😉
The Goodwill Geek says
Love the League and all you do to keep it running Brian. If there ever came a day when you wanted to “shut down the League” I hope you’d consider passing it on to someone else to run and care for (and remain a member yourself) because I’m sure one of us would do so. Maybe even take a break from time to time and have another League Member’s blog host the topic. I’m not necessarily putting myself out there just yet as I’m still so new to blogging, but I’m sure there are some very capable members who could do it justice.
Brian says
Thanks Derek. I had actually thought of those various scenarios and would love to have other blogs take over for a weekly topic. The whole idea behind the League is to foster a community-driven blogging effort, where everyone involved benefits. I do think that it will always need a central location and a “captain” in order to keep it from falling apart entirely. In a couple of weeks, I’m going to send the topic your way, and you can put one of your ideas into play! 😉
Reis O'Brien says
Happy Birthday to the League! I have loved writing my League posts over the past year and can’t thank you enough, Brian, for heading up this venture. I’m sorry I haven’t been joining in lately, but I promise to come back here and there when I can, as long as you keep it going.
A hearty high five to you, sir!
Brian says
Thanks Reis! We all have so many awesome things in the works, time is a rare commodity — but that’s a good thing! 😉
Grey says
Brian,
While I am new to the league as well, I have really enjoyed participating by reading & writing. I am excited to see what you’ve got planned. I host a game day in December, and run an event at Gencon whereas I give away custom dice. I think there are lots of ways to grow this league while contributing to the hobby. By chance is anyone going to the comic show & antique toy show in Chicago the last weekend in April?
Brian says
You’re also on my list. 😉
I’m on the East Coast so I won’t be attending the Chicago show, but I’d love to read about it if you are going to attend. Take lots of pictures!
Yelinna says
Hi Brian!! I got a burning idea, but It got burned off before its time!!
On the Other Hand, I’m taking the free Artificial Intelligence course at https://www.edx.org/
Wish me luck!
More League Ideas:
Weird stuff around your house.
Fictional stuff you wish it were real.
Obscure Pop Culture Items you love and others barely know they exist.
Take a random screenshot of your computer.
What’s inside your bag/pockets/back pack.
Brian says
Thanks Yelinna and good luck with the AI course!
Yelinna says
I forgot to say:
Happy Birthday to the League!
I found myself becoming entusiastic each monday for reading the posts of other bloggers. Some weeks I’m too lazy/busy/out of ideas for making the assignments, but I enjoy reading The League and see our community grow.
In Perú there’s the believe that toys are just for children. Some weks ago i talked with two 10-12 years old kids who were getting started to feel ashamed to enjoy toys because they felt they were too old for toys. So I showed them my photos of toys I had in my digital camera, and talked about toy collectors in other countries. All the time I was thinking about The League. The kids ended up happy because now they know anybody can enjoy toys, both adults and children.
Thanks for The League, Brian!!
😀 😀 😀
Brian says
Thank YOU for being in the League Yelinna! You always bring a fresh perspective to the responses–I can’t get enough of your toy photos from the Peruvian mountains. 😉
Hoardax says
I love the concept of League Of Extraordinary Bloggers and my only regret so far is that I haven’t contributed MORE entries!
Long Live The League!!
yr pal,
Hoardax.
Stacey Rader says
I love the League! I’ll admit I haven’t been the most devoted contributor, but I’m on board to doing more. I think we have enough ideas to keep this thing going, and it’s such a great way to stretch your writing muscles.
John (Batcave Toy Room) says
I wish I was more involved with the League, but I am glad to see you are keeping the ball rolling.