Why should you blog in the Blogathon?

I’m doing it. Les is doing it. Steve is doing it. In fact, 144 people (signed up to date) are doing it Why should you participate (as a blogger) in the Blogathon?

(Yes, I’m looking at you.) 

Here are a few reasons.

1. Helping for a good cause. I mean, look at this list of great causes people are blogging for. Isn’t there some organization there — or some other cause — that you’d like to help? Especially if it doesn’t mean any money out of your pocket? I mean, if the American Cancer Society, or Make-a-Wish Foundation, or Doctors Without Borders asked you to stay up for 24 hours to help their cause, wouldn’t you? Now you can do just that — wearing your pajamas, at home. It’s a huge win!
2. Come on, it’s just one sleepless night. I mean, you can do it. Remember college? Or other late-night party locales? And there’s (advisedly) no booze involved. If you can’t stay up 24 hours blogging for a good cause, how can you possibly survive the coming Zombie Invasion? “Sorry, Mr. Zombie, I’ve been on my feet for sixteen hours — I’m popping off for a nap now.” Bah.
3. Nevertheless, you’ll get tons of admiration. People (family, friends, co-workers, strangers) will be unable to believe you stayed up 24 hours, typing something or another every half hour. “I could never do that!” they’ll say, looking at you with unabashed envy and awe. “And for such a worthy cause! You are so saintly / spiffy / sexy …”
4. You can write to your heart’s content — and it doesn’t have to be brilliant.   There’s always pressure as a blogger to be an amazing writer, conveying deep and profound thoughts with stirring and adroitly selected language. But when you’re rushed every half hour, and you’ve been doing it for hours already, nobody’s going to think less of you for linking to some stupid YouTube video 5 minutes before the next deadline and typing, “LOL I like the dancing hamsters so cute god i’m tired …”
5. You have something better to do on Saturday, July 25th? I mean, what? Weeding in the front yard? Roped into helping someone move? Going into the office because your boss wants to have something done? Attending some distant cousin-in-law’s wedding? Painting the rumpus room? This way, you get a “Get Out of Onerous Weekend Work Free” ticket. Just say, “Oh, man, honey, you know I’d love to come along and watch your tennis lesson, sweetheart … but it’s the Blogathon, dearest. I’m doing it for Disabled Dyslexics of Darfur. Think of the children …” 
6. You can be part of that Band of Brothers (and Sisters). There’s something about 2:30 a.m., the Dark Hours of the Blogging Soul, and the chance to IM, email, or hop over and comment on some fellow b’thonner’s blog, that makes life good. Or at least somewhat less snoozy. Plus, you can laugh at their typos and they’ll laugh with you. No, seriously, the camaraderie of the ‘Thon is very cool, and that final last push toward the end is like everyone shouting encouragement to each other to finish … well, a marathon.

So think about it. Discuss it with a friend. Decide if you can help, not just by sponsoring someone (always welcome, whether it’s sponsoring me or someone else), but by getting out there and doing it yourself. 

Sign-ups are here, and close on Wednesday, 22 July, at 5 p.m. PDT.

Stay up late … make a difference.