For a long time now I have been wondering how to remove myself from the contest. Why you ask?
This place has passion. Uninhibited passion and intelligence like no other place. I deal with morons, fools, and passionless people day in and day out when not with my children. This place offers ideas and an opportunity to think, to think thoughts beyond the societal norms and gives a chance for change and reform that can only be brought about by knowledge and logical information.
I found this place when I had no brain and looking for some cash. The scholarship was a nice incentive, a carrot to lead my donkey brains to thought. I have found here a passion and outlet for myself that I had only before gotten from a bottle.
This is a place of productivity and action. I no longer need, or even want, the incentive that had originally brought me here. It is no necessary, the opportunity, hope, ideas, and knowledge brought straight to me through this site is inspiration enough. The money only breeds insanity and brings forth so many crazy blogs.
All of us should realize that action…progress should be all that is needed for any of us returning to this site after being around so long. Sometimes the thoughts written are just as nutty as what I see daily in this we town I have been moved to. But this site is a safe way out of ignorance and into something else.
Thank you ProU for giving another reason to live, I mean truly live. I want to be here just to be apart of this amazing group with out being a contestant and thinking that the only way to be here is to have that little contest label. That is till I noticed on another angry debate about blogging contest rules and discovered a simple way to remove oneself from the contest.
Simply uncheck the box! Who would have thought to do that?
Everybody who wants to actually wants to do something and be here for the purpose and not the cash then go, go with me to make a little empty box.
Now there's a damning call to action! I know exactly what you mean. I keep coming back to this site because I want to see what new blogs I can comment on, or with whom I can have a friendly political or philosophical argument.
I love the passion and intelligence in this place, I love the progressivism, but I also love the cynicism, the foolishness, and the regressiveness. It's like human nature all splayed out for us to pick over. We, as humans, are good, and we are bad. This site has elements of both, and that's a good thing. It relates to personal liberty, freedom of expression, and meaningful civil discourse.
Will I take you up on your challenge? I might, I'll think about it. I too was originally enticed by scholarship money because my family badly needed it. Fortunately, I got a nearly full ride to college, so I don't need the money anymore. Regardless, I want to stay in the contest for the sense of accomplishment. If somehow I actually won, I think I would refuse the award so it could go to someone who needed it. I'm not just saying that because of your blog, I was earnestly thinking about this last night.
I'm almost convinced to uncheck that box. I do think I'll come over to your side eventually though.
I can not beleive I forgot to mention the cynicism. One of the best part is the cycicism is well thought out crazy things people of passion say. I swear sometimes that if we were all to meet in person it would start a riot...a riot of peace some how.
~T
all truths are easy to understand once discovered; the point is to discover them ~galileo
If somehow I actually won, I think I would refuse the award so it could go to someone who needed it.
I've been thinking of doing this for a while as well. I don't at all think I'm going to win this but, even if I do, someone else is going to need the money more. I'm taking out a pretty hefty loan and, with the profession I'm in, chances are I'll find an employer with a sign-on bonus that includes loan repayments. I'm just not unchecking the box because I want to see if I really do win. Curiosity drives my life. :-P
Read my Blogs!
This is Why I'm Hot
And My Other Blogs
It's quite addictive, isn't it?!? Perhaps one day there will be a support group for us crazy ProU bloggers!
There's a group on the site called Progressive U Addicts Anonymous.
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
It's going to take AT LEAST 12 steps to get me off this thing.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
upon learning about the unchecking the box i immediately did so.i vaguely remember being asked about this when i signed up, but i was in such a hurry to do so that i neglected to do so. i came here to blog, that is all. this site attracted me because the userbase was more active, and more insightful.
most of the other blogging sites that i have joined was full of "my life sucks" and "wat do i do now?" blogs, more often than not, no one checked out anyone else's blog. they just kept plugging away, too busy doing their own thing, and not relating to other people, or even their previous blogs. there was no transition. just pure angst, and complaining. i am sure that they will grow out of it. the only question is when.
i am more than glad that i have found this website.
Yours truly,
.demosthenes
With this site I have found a place to fit in. Something I have been trying to do my entire life. I am still in the contest, but it is doubtful I will win. The challenge is I have been paying for college out of pocket. I can't get a loan because my credit is not established yet and my dad's credit wasn't good enough. The other problem is I only get 8 hours a WEEK at work and no one can help me pay for college.
But, I have thought about dropping out, but i really can't. Who ever wins they deserve it. I am not concerned about points anymore. I just want to help people. You are a good person though for wanting to do that.
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
I don't think the government loans are as picky about having established credit, and the interest rates tend to be better than private loans. You can fill out the FAFSA online. Just google it.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I don't qualify for anything even fafsa. So I am screwed. I don't win scholarships either so I just give up.
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
The only FAFSA loan I qualified for was like $200. It hardly seemed worth it. I'm not really sure how they base their loan approvals, but I'm beginning to think they just draw names out of a hat and grant those individuals loans and send out rejection letters to everyone else. I know plenty of people that received loans, but I have not been approved any yet....still fighting them, though. They do say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Maybe if you call them every day as well you'll get a loan. Try Discover Student Loans, Dani.
I'm glad this blog was promoted to the front page. Great words, tgunnegan! This is a really inspirational way of looking at the site, which shows how most of us like to think of it: an outlet for thought in which we can also share our two cents on someone else's thoughts.
~ *~
This is a signature, an automated thingy that pops up when I comment, not a demand to see my blog!
Mind Control is Easier Than You Think
Which reminds me... where have you been lately? This is the first week I've seen you in.... well in months and months! I was starting to think we'd lost you:(
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~Fallon~
An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't- A. France
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I have been locked up in my books. I would try to break free but I have kids and my silly self took three heavy classes and two labs this past semsester. One cram fest after another. But now ITS SUMMER TIME! Plus I am away from home and have some extra free time .
I have been watching though abd I am excited to be ready to read.
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
Yes, I did miss you and I'm glad your back. :)
How did the classes turn out?
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~Fallon~
An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't- A. France
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All A's and one B....My kids look so much bigger. How was your semester?
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
Sweet! My semester was... insane actually. I have a new niece (born March 31st). She's still in NICU but is doing pretty well. Aloshua just turned 3 (still can't believe that!) and Kaia is great. I made my 2nd B which kind of sucks, but I'll take it. I have pretty good classes this term though, so that's freaking awesome. :)
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~Fallon~
An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't- A. France
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All that excitement and you only got one B...thats awesome. I am looking forward to my next set of classes after my summer off. You look a little disappointed at the B...sounds like me....so much for a 4.0
As long as the knowledge learn stays to be knowledge gained...right
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
I know right? I'm a perfectionist when it comes to grades, so the B was kind of a bummer. But given everything else that was going on, I've come to terms with it lol. And if I don't fuck it up between now and graduation next year, I can still make it out with a 3.98, so that's not so bad!
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~Fallon~
An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't- A. France
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Rest in peace
yourfuneralguy
http://www.lowercostfuneral.com/rbrianblog
since i have been at PROU
but the blogs have inspired me on to passed impossible odds! A great post
I like how the site attracts people to the site by offering a scholarship, but that's not what should keep a blogger here. If you truly love blogging, you should blog for free in my book. The extra incentive of $500 has really been grating on me.
I thought about just dropping out, especially after my mom kept freaking out about my blogs, but I've stayed. And I will stay. I've been shooting for third place, but now tgunnegan, thanks to you, I have a newly empty box in my file. You can refrain from the contest and still blog?! I hadn't thought of that solution.
Thanks tgunnegan, I feel more free now; not bound by the desire for money.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
I agree that the scholarship piece makes the experience less enjoyable. I find myself feeling pressure to post a hit blog, but since Kiota died, I don't care to work as hard on each post. Points shmoints...we just lost a great mind, you know? And now posting for points feels like work. I feel like I have maybe two good blogs left for the duration of the contest, and the rest of my ideas are just filler. I'm not unchecking the box, because I've come this far; I have to find out how it will end up, even if I don't make the top three. But man, I can't WAIT for June 30th! Let the blogging for FUN begin!
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
I don't want the scholarship this go around. I've delayed grad school for a year so that I stay in China. Maybe I'll compete again in the fall, but for this one, I don't want the money and I want to blog with the freedom of knowing that I'm doing it for me and not for money.
Not everyone should bow out of the contest, it's a great contest. However, there are some of us that would rather blog for the sake of blogging. Both are fine choices of course.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
She was a very active blogger during the last competition period. She would have won the first place scholarship, but she died in March and fell to second overall. Her award was given to Bridge.
www.progressiveu.org/user/Kiota
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
I just read only one of her blogs, and there's a huge lump in my throat. I have to work soon. This is going to put some heavy weight on my brain today.
I want to know about her. What happened? How did you guys find out? I wanted to post on her blog anyway, and there wasn't a post new comment option.
Maybe you, ediblewoman or Fallon could write a memorial blog, so us newbies can appreciate her too. I will definitely read all of her blogs, but I am stunned right now.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
It is kind of already done ....http://www.progressiveu.org/133538-celebration-life-memory-kiota... you could also search here her name or read her blogs. This should be well enough.
I wsh I could say more but time does not permit.
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out. ~T
She committed suicide back in April. We found out because one her friends announced it on one of her blogs, and we took steps to confirm it with her school. Her mother also contacted us after the fact and requested that we take steps to limit the discussion of her death, because she felt it invaded her family's privacy. We stopped memorial blogs of her at that point.
~C
Check out the latest entry in the Between The Lines column!
Want the highest rated list to change? RATE those blogs, then!
the emotional intensity of my reaction.
I hope the blog I just wrote won't cause anyone anymore pain, and if anyone has reason to think it might, I give explicit permission to delete it.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
Agreed!
Read My Blog!
You dropping the contest too? Neat. I will go read your blogs now to see what you have to say. In the mean time read my funny blog posted below:
http://www.progressiveu.org/112536-two-things-i-dont-get
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
So I will probably drop out mainly because it is hopeless for me to even try, but I do appreciate your other advice on scholarships. My time would be better spent there. Still, though, I can't seem to get myself off this site. It's way cool to talk to people with brains, people with no brains, people with passion and just pretty much people of any sort.
Read My Blog!
Whatever you decide Stick around because crazyness usually ensues as the deadline nears. Nothing is ever hopless. Here is a good place to practice and get ideas for those pesky application essays. You are a good writter and I would not like to see you go.
Fellow addict
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
I seem to actually be in a good plane of focus here. I did find this site through a scholarship search engine, but it was the idea of a place to blog and actually have my voice heard that attracted me. I'm here to blog. But yes, I really could use the money for college. That's just an extra little bonus, if I manage to win. But if I do win, that just means I've been a great blogger, and I've started to think on my own a little more, since I try not to post things that haven't been thought out.
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
--
The Story of Myself
I was partially drawn to ProU because of the scholarship opportunity, but more because engkatiemarie told me I should get involved. I blog because I enjoy writing and I like the idea of having multiple people read my ideas. The scholarship contest is an added bonus of this site...I'm heading back to grad school this fall, and $500 will cover anything from books for a semester to a month's rent to new reeds and sheet music to groceries. I don't know if I have a chance or not, but I certainly wouldn't pass up the dough if it was offered to me!
I will certainly stick around ProU even if I don't win though, because I've finally found an excellent resource for ideas and inspiration on a daily basis. I really feel like the other writers here are great minds, that I should absolutely keep in contact with. They are supportive and offer constructive criticism. Its not like any other blogging site, because I feel like everyone is educated and well-spoken. And if it takes the incentive of some extra cash to draw in more like-minded people then I'm all for it!
I think I'm with you more than anyone right now. :)
The site did become much for fun and much more my "baby" after I was done with the contest (or after I realized that there was no way I'd win, ha), but after my first blog I completely forgot that it was a contest, aside from the occasional glance at my total points and curiosity at my standing. I became a part of the community, and I love it.
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Your Tongue is a Rudder; It Steers the Whole Ship, Sends Your Words Past Your Lips or Keeps Them Safe Behind Your Teeth... [Brand New]
I intend on having the best of both worlds in the fall, but for now I want to blog to be blogging and not feel like I'm blogging for money. I feel much more at peace about the whole situation now that I clicked off the scholarship option. It really was bothering me before.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
and still wish to help the site, you could always volunteer (not all volunteers have to remove themselves from the contest, just faculty I think)
Either way, if you want more info, check the FAQ section
"when you hold a pen, you are at war" Attributed to Voltaire
Thnak you for your input. I have since (as I am sure you can tell) joined the ranks of faculty. This is good information though for those who did not know that they could help without dropping the contest participation.
We can always use more help!
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out. ~T
volunteer, and am waiting to hear back from them (I'm not joining the faculty. I probably don't have a chance of winning the scholarship, but there is always hope)
"when you hold a pen, you are at war" Attributed to Voltaire
I agree with you and I would do the same, except I really do need all the help I can get paying for school. For now, while the contest is not active, I can seriously blog about things I really want to talk about, rather than whatever comes to mind. But when the competition starts back up, I'm afraid it's back to mindless blogging. I am with you in spirit, it's just not feasible for me to do so... yet.
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.
And I believe you are entered in it. So get going! Blog faster! You have a month left!
"Never go with a hippy to a second location."
~Jack Donaghy
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman