Author Interviews on Squidoo

So much new going on with Squidoo in recent weeks.  Besides the Contributors program that I've been talking about, there's an even newer Squidoo Authors series that is really just heating up.

If you're an author in need of an interview, check out the link for details and contact information.

New Lens Formats Option on Squidoo

I've recently learned to believe it, and now the new "Lens Formats" option on Squidoo cements my belief.  Simple really does work best.  At least these days.

It all started with Twitter and learning to say something meaningful in 140 characters.  A challenge for wordy ol' me, but I loved it.  Don't judge me by my old, dictionary-sized Squidoo lenses.  I'm already sold on this new format and it isn't even "live" yet!

Gives new meaning to KISS (Keep it Simple, Squids!).

Love it!

Celebrate!

There's a new magazine in Squidoo-town. 

Well, almost. 

Are you ready to Celebrate!

What's New On Squidoo?

Hard to believe we're headed into the fourth week of the new year.  My year's been busy and seems to be flying by.  How about yours?

I've been spending a lot of my time hanging around on Squidoo, visiting lots of lenses and checking in regularly with SquidooHQ.  I especially appreciate the weekly SquidooHQ Friday Round Up, a great place to check in every week to make sure I haven't missed something new.  If you don't visit daily, at least check in on Fridays to keep up with all the great news, tips, and information that's been provided during the week. 

Full disclosure and not meant to be a shameless plug, I've also been doing some writing for SquidooHQ, so you might run across some of my articles, too, while you're there playing catch up.

So, what's new with you on Squidoo?  I'd love to know, so hope you'll take a moment out of your busy year to leave a comment!

New Themes on Squidoo!

I'm tickled pink about the latest new themes on Squidoo.

There are four of them, announced here with samples linked here.

My Think Pink lens has been waiting for years for the bubblegum pink theme and I'm very happy with the way it looks.  

Next task will be to go through my list of lenses and see if any others might be candidates for an easy face lift.  I like the timing - pink in time for Valentine's Day and all the rest just ahead of spring cleaning and spruce-up time!

What do you think?  Like the new themes?  Which is your favorite?  Leave a comment to let us know.

Monstrous Changes on Squidoo

Squidoo has been taken over by monsters!  Well, not yet, but very soon lensmasters will start seeing adorable little monsters peeping out from the dark corners of the Squidoo site.  Don't worry, they come in peace, bearing gifts.

Kimberly hinted about it this morning, then this evening Megan released official word about the SquidooPlus system, due to begin implementation tomorrow.  So lensmasters won't be caught totally by surprise by the changes if they've paid attention to the banner on their dashboard.  Check out Megan's SquidooPlus lens and then read the SquidMonsters FAQ lens for more information about the new system and where the monsters fit in.

My prediction?  You're going to love these little guys and all the goodies they bring with them.  So get back to Squidoo, do what you usually do, and watch what happens.  Starting sometime tomorrow.

Squidoo MeetUp Day

The first Worldwide Squidoo Meetup Day is Thursday, June 10, 2010. It's not too late to sign up!

If there isn't a meetup scheduled near you or you can't make it to an in-person event, how about attending a virtual meetup! The Squidoo chat room will be open for an online meetup Thursday evening, U.S. time. Check the Squidoo's Chat Schedule lens for details.

If you do make it to an official, or even unofficial meetup with other Squidoo lensmasters, take pictures! Make a lens! Post the link here in the comments so everyone can see!

But if not, let's make the online meetup the biggest ever. See you there!

A Purple Star-Studded Opportunity

What are you doing this long Memorial Day weekend? I hope you have something fun planned, but I also hope you can fit making a new Squidoo lens into your schedule. Here's why.

Full details and rules are on the Squidoo blog but, bottom line, if you make a really great new lens between now and midnight Monday, May 31st, 2010, you can also nominate it for a purple star. Then, if the lens is deemed worthy, not only will it receive a purple star, but your name will be entered into a drawing to become Purple Star Queen or King for the week of June 7th and you will get to choose all 20 purple-star lenses for that week. What fun!

The exciting part is that this challenge is open to all lensmasters. It's a rare occasion that non-Giant lenses are considered for purple stars, so if you're not a Giant yet this is a golden, well actually a purple, opportunity for you to get your new lens noticed.

Not familiar with the purple star program on Squidoo? Read all about it here (but remember that you don't have to be a Giant for this event) then put your very best work into a new lens and maybe, just maybe, your lens will receive some of that magic purple stardust.

Giant Squids can play too, of course, but it's particularly exciting that this challenge is open to everyone.

Remember, read the rules first, then get started on your next, or maybe your very first, purple star-worthy lens!