January 2005. Sheryl from Paper Napkin coins the phrase “De-Lurking Day” and all hell broke loose in blogworld. I used the opportunity to raise money for tsunami victims while stroking my ego at the same time. I’m brilliant like that.
Since the frenzy was so great in 2005, Sheryl created De-Lurking Week in 2006. It looks like I didn’t raise money last year. I’m not sure why, but we’re going to make up for it this year.
Today is the beginning of De-Lurking Week 2007. If you’re new to the concept, it is simple. If you read a blog regularly but hardly ever comment, you are considered a “Lurker.” But never fear, there are many of us. Especially with the popularity of Feed Readers like Bloglines. I read 20+ blogs daily, but rarely leave comments on any of them. And I’m a damn blogger! I should know better! But, like all of you, I know there are too many good blogs out there. We either have time to read, or to comment. If I can read 20 blogs and not comment in the same time I can read 10 with commenting? Then I’ll read the 20. If anyone understands the plight of the Lurkers, it’s me. I promise.
Therefore, you and I are going to make sure that every blog we read today, gets a comment. If you don’t have anything to say to contribute to the entry you’re commenting on, just say, “Happy De-Lurking Day from a Lurker!” Or maybe, “You’re totally hot and smart and brilliant!” That always works too.
I’m going to do the charity thing a little differently this year. I was having a VERY hard time picking a charity to donate too. So, I decided to pick the two charities that are closest to me personally. For today, every comment made on this entry will equate to a $1 donation to Wonderful, Wonderful, Camp McDowell. This is a Episcopalian Summer Camp that LilZ tries to go to at least once a year, even if it’s just for a day with his Nana. I’m not a church-goer, or even a Christian for that matter, but this camp has a program that I am so proud of I must support. We donate to their scholarship program every year, but for some reason never knew about the program they wrote us about this year. They host special camp session for kids who are HIV positive. This is a camp in Alabama. I am always so proud to find forward thinking groups here that I want to do what I can to support them. So, every comment on this entry will be a dollar donated to their scholarship program.
Then, for the rest of the week, every comment on every entry other than this one, will represent a dollar given to a Katrina recovery charity. I was in the New Orleans area for Thanksgiving. If I didn’t know any better, I might have guessed the hurricane had just hit. There was still so much destruction. And I never even made it to the Ninth Ward. I can’t imagine how it still looks over there. MrZ’s Grandpa is one of the few on his street in Slidell not living in a FEMA trailer. Almost every other house still has one in their yard. He has other family in that area still living in theirs. The recovery is so far from complete it is scary. There are a million charity groups out there for Katrina victims, but I’m not sure which to support. I will be researching that this week, but if you have any suggestions - let me know.
Long story short? De-Lurk. Say “Hi.” I know you’re out there, I see you hiding behind that tree. Come on in, we have donuts, diet coke, and we make daily trips to Super Target. Leave a comment on this entry, just say, “Hi! De-Lurking! Bye!” if you want. That’s fine. Just say something. Then, afterwards, feel free to go back to lurking. That’s what I’m going to do.
hey zoot..!! M suprised that there aren’t a million comments on this post already..!! anyway..happy de-lurking day (sorry couldnt come up with anything else more interesting..)
bye..!!!
You’re cute! And hot! And you write fabulous. I’m addicted to your blog! And i’m keeping up with my new years resolution of commenting more. Yeah for me, and for you and your charities of course!
Hey Zoot! I love reading your blog… I do it mainly from my google reader and can’t click through to comment from work, so I don’t end up leaving a lot of comments. Thanks for the heads up on de-lurking week. I gotta get my blog on.
I am a “lurker’ who is finally coming clean just by leaving a comment. I click on your blog so much that if you skip a blog I feel I should call and see what’s up?
Good morning & Happy De-Lurking week.
De-lurking. It’s true. I’m here and a regular reader. Love your work.
(She slides quietly away, hoping to go unnoticed.)
What a great idea! Thanks for being a part of our lives.
Happy De-Lurking Day from a Lurker… You’re totally hot and smart and brilliant!
Great idea. Great blog.
Hi Zoot! You’re so hot and smart and brilliant i’m usually afraid to comment but i always read. You rock!
I read your blog daily and never comment. You are so fun to read. Thank you!
You’re totally hot and smart and brilliant!
Hi..De-lurking today. You are hott. And waaaayyyy cool.
I love the “If you don’t comment you are letting the terrorists win” logo! Hilarious! Both charities that you have picked out are excellent choices. So happy de-lurking day!
Happy delurking day from a fellow Target addict -went twice this weekend, how about you?
Hello Zoot!! I read everyday. Love this blog!! Thank you for sharing! Happy De-Lurking week!
Just saying, Happy De-Lurking day. =) I comment every now and then, but still little enough that I consider myself a lurker. ^^; I think what you’re doing is a great idea!
Here I am - de-lurking - and yes, you are totally brilliant, I’m so going to dod this too!!!
Zoot,
My husband thinks it I am weird, I constantly tell him what goes on in your life, like we actually know you! Especially last week’s story about NikkiZ’s day care I have been sharing with people. So I will try to comment more on the stories that relate to…
Happy de-lurking!
Happy De-Lurking Week!
I read every day but I’ve never commented. Thank you for making my work day more enjoyable.
Happy DeLurking Day! I had to de-lurk to support such an awesome charity! I write content for a NIH website on AIDS that I don’t think I can mention here, so I was super excited when I saw your cause. Oh, and I love reading this blog everyday!
Delurking! You’re 100% awesome! I love that you are doing this. What a wonderful idea. I have read your blog since the beginning of your pregnancy with NikkiZ. Thank you for sharing your life with everyone!
I love to lurk here, you crazy thing. We’ve known each other a long time in blogging time!
It’s wonderful to witness your very full life.
Hey…I lurk regularly b/c I feel like I need to have something substantive to say and I never do. Or at least I feel like I don’t!
Happy De-Lurking week!
Cass
last year during de-lurking week I finally outed myself here, and a few other places as well. thanks for holding my hand and helping me overcome my fear of the comments sections of blogs. You rock my, purchased from Target, socks.
Hey Zoot!
I’m officially delurked! Man, this feels great! I love your blog. I am new to the blogging world. I don’t have my own blog, but I sure do love the blogs I read. I am all about the charity thing so this was great motivation to get me delurked. I knew I liked you when I found out about your love of Target. My hubby works there and so I’m all over them!
Thanks!!!
Deb
Happy De-Lurking week from a fellow blogger that reads way more blogs than she should using a feed reader. Also a blogger that can totally relate to the love of all things Target and office supplies.
Have a great week!
since you mentioned donuts & diet coke I’ll de-lurk just this once! LOVE your blog girl….keep it up! I’m here every day keepin’ up w/ ya
Happy De-lurking week! I love the way you write!
I’m a mostly lurker, sometimes commenter here. Happy De-Lurking Week! Especially since if you hadn’t posted this I would never have known that it was this week. I’m so completely out of touch!
I also have a blog and read many others and never comment. I thought I was the only blogger who did that, but now I know I’m not alone!
Happy De-Lurking Week!
Good to know that SOMEONE’S keeping track of these things! I love the “if you don’t comment you’re letting the terrorists win” thing…too funny!
So I’m writing to delurk and to say HI!….never say I can’t follow directions!
Did I ever leave a comment for you before because I read you ALL the time, shame on me if I haven’t. Today is as good as any to leave a comment, what a great idea! I wish I could go to super target, even a regular target, I miss Target, I live in England and we have Asda, it is not Target. *sigh*
De-lurking for charity! I wish I had more to say, but you know us lurkers… I have 80 more blogs to which I have to de-lurk.
yo. happy day.
Hi from your new Nashville friend. Camp McDowell is awesome. I grew up in B’ham going to Episcopal church there. I actually never went to Camp McDowell but my cousin did and lots of other friends. My aunt still regularly goes to various retreats there. What a great cause - you continue to amaze me. Rock on Zoot! Elizabeth
De-lurking by request!
Happy de-lurking day! You have a beautiful family and I love your honest writing. Thanks for always making my day brighter.
Happy De-lurking week! I enjoy your site very much.
Thank you for the daily updates!
Just popping in to to say Happy De-Lurking Day!! Love, love, love the blog! Keep up the good work!!
Officially de-lurking! I read your blog every morning with breakfast, and I love it — your writing style makes me feel like we’re having a conversation in person. Thank you for sharing your life with us, and thanks for contributing to good causes on our behalf.
I comment occasionally, but probably not enough. Hi!
Did you say doughnuts!
Happy delurking week. Hope you raise loads for your charity. Sounds like a good one.
loving your blog!!
Ooh, is it De-Lurking Day again? I love De-Lurking Day. Hi!
I got some good groups that you can donate too for Katrina recovery. Arabi Wrecking Krewe, New Orleans Musicians Clinic, Tipitinas Foundation. I can get you the deets on them all….probably better in an email. Of course there is my favorite charity group. ME! HA!!!
De-Lurking to say hi and thanks for the Christmas Card!
Hi!
De-lurking! Thanks for the donuts *takes a bit bite* and diet coke!
Happy de-lurking week!
De-lurking!
LOVE your blog, think your awesome 
I do comment occassionaly, but rarely enough that I’m still not a regular, so here I am de-lurking. I love the charity idea and I plan to do the same.
Wow, this is going to be some serious donating. Is this coming out of your pocket? If so… I’m praying for you!!!
De-lurking to say hi. I love reading your blog and looking at your pictures. Being a true lurker I’ll probably never comment again after this week, but you are awesome!
lurkie, lurkie here!
Happy De-lurking week. The whole Zoot family pretty much rocks my world. Keep up the good work.
Happy De-Lurking Day from a Lurker!
Hi! You’re pretty!
Hey Zoot! You’re so hot! And Fabulaous! I am addicted to reading your posts (especially to hear about how your running is going). You inspire me to blog more as well as run more and take more pictures. Thanks for the charity donations too! Like I said, you’re fabulous!
I’m a lurker D-Lurking for the day… hey maybe a week … that week may turn into something longer and then after a month, it may turn into a habit. Wow… I wonder how I can type so many words and still really not say anything?
I love your blog and I look forward to reading it daily.
I’m not really a lurker, but I want to say “Hi! You’re Awesome!” anyway.
I’ve already de-lurked a while back… but I figure I will re-de-lurk (it’s totally word, trust me) for a good cause! I don’t know that I’ve ever actually mentioned how much I love reading your blog - so here it is: I love reading your blog! And also? You have made me 10x more bitter that there is not ONE Super Target near me. We’re talking, 3 hours away. But that’s alright, I can live vicariously through your trips to (and pictures of) Super Target
Not a lurker, but wanted to help the cause. Have a good day Zoot. I look forward to your blog each day. You are totally hot, smart and brilliant!!
I’ve commented before! Yay, for me, I’m not concidered a lurker (here). I love the donation idea. I may have to do that too.
Hi!
Hey
Read your blog everyday, my husband calls it being nosey I call it Inquisitive.
Anyway I am de-lurking
De-lurking to say have a wonderful day!
Happy de-lurking week
De-Lurking for a cause! Great idea, love it.
Hi Zoot! Love your blog!
here’s me, delurking to donate your money to a bunch of amazing kids! sweet!
I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented to you before or not. Either way, HELLO! I really enjoy your writing everyday and appreciate how often you post. In case I didn’t say it before, congrats and way to go on your half marathon! You’re awesome!
Not a lurker but wanted to say happy de-lurking day
I think it’s wonderful that you are donating this money, so of course I will post!! I love reading, keep it up!
Happy DeLurking Day! I read everyday! I love reading about you day & family. Oh, and the two charities are great choices!
I love your blog! Happy De-Lurking Day from a fellow Lurker. : )
Happy Delurking! Love Camp McDowell and our school’s 5th graders go there every year for a week. Great choice.
Your site brings a smile to my day!
Thanks for donating to a great cause, and for entertaining me daily.
Happy DeLurking Day!
Long time reading and occaisonal commenter - keep up the good writing. Your blog is the first I read everyday.
De-lurking…Hi!
Happy De-Lurking Day, you’re the coolest, and your children are Gorgeous!
Hoya Zoot! I read your blog every day and comment once in a while. I have voted you the number one blogger. Granted, I am not sure how much weight my vote carries, but hey it’s my vote!
In honor of your fabulous blog, I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes and it is from Will Rogers….”If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
Amen Will AMEN.
Lurker here waving hi! I read fairly regularly. Keep up the great posts.
Happy De-Lurking Day!
I think I’ve commented before but now it’s for a cause!
“You’re totally hot and smart and brilliant!†Hee - *you* said I could say it! Thanks for a lovely blog. I stop by every day, although I don’t often comment.
Commenting for a cause…what a great idea!
Happy De-Lurking Day from a part-time lurker!
I love your site, you are a great writer!
Yay for camps! I worked at one for two summers and even though it was the hardest work I ever did, I made the best friends of my life. I’m glad that LilZ has fond memories of his experiences, too.
Hi! I’m a lurker and I read your site every single day but have never, ever commented. Why? Who knows! I guess I just figure it’s a waste of time, there are so many comments nobody really read them do they? So I don’t bother. But I love what you say and how you say it, keep it up!
hello from a frequent lurker! love your blog and i hope these charities gets a nice chunk of change
Hey, Zoot! Happy De-Lurking Week!
MissZoot!
I read your blog everyday, although you don’t see me much because Bloglines is my friend. I love hearing your stories and the pictures of your beautiful family (including the 4 legged ones). The pictures of NikkiZ almost make me think I might want a kid someday. Course, I guess I should find a man first.
Anyway, my blog has moved. I updated the link on my comment here.
Hi, My name is Aimee and I’m a lurker.
Happy Delurking Week…
delurking not only for charity,but also to tell you once again how much I enjoy your blog! Huntsville is where my Mom’s family is from and often when you write, I get visuals and fond memories of various spots you mention! I spent every august there for many years. Thanks also for your charitable donation. I hope you have a goodly amount of money set aside…I think you are going to need it!
Lots of commets! Happy Ego day!
Delurking…
AND, while I’m at it, even though its totally on the wrong post, I had a question about Flicker — or really about qoop. I was checking out their website and couldn’t find prices! !?!? About what was their price range. I imagine I can’t find it since I’m not a member, or really b/c I’m just dull-witted and can’t find it on their website, but I TOTALLy need to do some picture books
Hello, My Name is Connie and I am a Lurker ! ! ! ! ! And you’re totally hot and smart and brilliant.
Just de-lurking to say hello - I’ve read your site(s) for a long time, but barely comment. Happy De-Lurking Week!
I hope I wasn’t offensive with the Happy Ego Day. I ment that it was a happy ego bc of all the comments, not that you were some kind of egocentric person. Sorry!
I am ashamed to admit that although I have never commented on your blog, I read it faithfully every.single.day. In fact, I have found your parenting struggles with NikkiZ (the cosleeping, the boob, the weaning) and your budding marathon self very inspiring. Thanks for a great blog!
What a great way to celebrate de-lurking! Since I started using a feed reader I don’t comment much. I’ll try to do better this week!
You’re totally hot and smart and brilliant!
hehehe I love your blog..I m addicted but I never have anything to comment on. Your son and daughter are lucky to have a wonderful mommy like you
hello?!?
hi.
i’m here.
but i don’t see my donut.
De-lurking to say I’m a regular reader and love you and your family!
I’m not a lurker, but I’ll say “hi’ anyway since it’s for a good cause. Hi! Cool idea.
Hi-Love your blog…
Well, I’ve gotta help support a forward-thinking Alabama charity. I grew up in Huntsville, so I know Alabama’s not all ignorant rednecks. Just mostly.
I really enjoy your blog, especially since you post so regularly. Thanks for distracting me form work!
Happy De-Lurking Day from a Lurker!
I’ve been using one of your templates for a month now and I’ve only now found your blog (quite randomly) *and* on the first day of De-Lurking Week? Too many coincidences to not comment, so here I am. I’ll be reading more regularly from now on
Wow… you’re already racking up these comments. I’m an occasional commenter and occasional lurker! This is a great idea. You’re wonderful, Zoot.
Happy de-lurking day, Zoot! Those are some great charity choices.
Delurking today to say Hi! Your blog is great - one of my favorite daily reads.
Hey there FancyPants de-lurking, donating woman! What a great idea. I think you should tally it up at the end of the week so we can know how much we made you fork over.
Happy de-lurking day! I read every day, but don’t comment.
My cousin has gone to a camp in Alabama for HIV positive kids, maybe it’s the same one? She contracted it from her birth mother at birth but has come to be a beautiful 18 yr old young lady!
Thank you for doing this and for your words every day. You are a welcome distraction from my job!
I admit I am guilty of lurking. I LOVE your site and do read it religiously. Happy De-Lurking Day.
Hi! I am a lurker most of the time. I read your blog every day and I even have my husband hooked!
Happy De-lurking week!!!
Hi, my name is Misty…and I’m a lurker. The worst lurker ever. But I love reading your blog and about a gazillion others and I’m outting myself today, for the world to see!
Happy De-lurking week! Just found your blog recently and have become hooked.
Great idea, Zoot
Man. I’m torn between being totally stoked to get all of these comments and wondering which one of my major organs I’ll sacrifice to make the donation to cover my pledge.
Here a de-lurk … even though I lurk openly and frequently. I will even send you my own dollar because I think this is an excellent cause
now … i gotta find your PO box ….
hi! happy de-lurking!
I’m not a lurker because my info was already in your little boxes, but I did want to suggest donating your Katrina money to Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. I volunteered with them and wrote about my experiences, which you can check out on my blog. More importantly, there are pictures.
Thanks for rocking!
We luv Camp McD also. Finn’s school went there for a nature camp. Look at these comments, you brilliant runner, mother and blogger!
AG http://www.tinykingdom.typepad.com
De-Lurking (sortof) to say Hello and Aren’t You Wonderful!
I de-lurk because I love.
Only 20+ blogs per day?! My feed reader has 296 feeds and counting. No wonder I never get anything done in the evening.
I didn’t think I was a lurker on your blog, but since I can’t remember the last time I commented, I probably am.
Awww… now I wish that I had read this one first, so I didn’t have to go back and comment on all the blogs I’ve already read!
Anyway, I’ve lurked on your site for quite some time now… You’re always fun to read!
de-lurking to say hello!
I love your blog and I’ve been reading it regularly for a few weeks now, so happy de-lurking week !
Hello from NY!
De-lurking here to say hi and what an awesome thing you’re doing!
De-lurking to say .. your Hot, Brilliant and oh so smart!!!
Happy De-lurking week!!! You finally caught me behind that tree!!!!
I comment occasionally, so I don’t know if I’m a lurker, but anyway…
Question: Did you break up with Vox? You haven’t posted there in forever!
Another non-commentor delurking….
HA! No - I still love Vox with all my heart. I’m just lazy! Ta-Da!
Delurking to tell you that you are “hot, smart and brilliant…”,