Home » Education

It is 3:38 PM and time to publish my lens!

Drop me a line and let me know what you think.

From the lens Making a lens in 30 minutes-an experiment.

I did it! I can (and will) add so much to this, but now I know it can be done and it has been a good lesson and reminder to

1) not overthink things
2) have fun
3) just write!

If you try the experiment, give the link and tell us what you learned in the process.
Don't have 30 minutes? Tell us how long it takes you to make a GREAT lens!

Thanks for stopping by!

  • DrRichard Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:36 am | delete
    It's hard to define what makes a really good lens as it's a combination of factors. Great content and pictures really helps though!
  • Senora_M Jun 14, 2009 @ 8:26 pm | delete
    Very nice. I would say I've started a lens in 30 minutes, but usually end up adding more.
  • mbgphoto Jun 10, 2009 @ 2:53 pm | delete
    very cool idea...not bad at all for 30 minutes.
  • WindyWinters Jun 10, 2009 @ 3:02 am | delete
    Great Lens Topic! I bet this was fun! Lens making is very frustrating! We're not all teachers, lol! :)
  • Sojourn Jun 9, 2009 @ 7:03 pm | delete
    Analysis paralysis! So that's what I have! And I came by it honestly, too. My dad is just the same. We'll kill an idea from all sides before moving forward sometimes. I just did my fastest lens the other night - two, maybe two and a half hours. On average, my lenses take 2-3 days to complete if they're a topic with which I'm familiar. Neat idea for a lens, though. I love experiments and this was a cool example. Nice job.
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Jun 2, 2009 @ 6:28 pm | delete
    My best lenses take hours even days. My Benjamin Franklin lens was in the works for two full weeks. I'm a firm beleiver in quality over quantity.
    Thanks for sharing
    Lizzy
  • MsSnow4a May 15, 2009 @ 8:33 pm | delete
    Well my lenses usually take days because i get easily side tracked. So I will stop and try later. I'm going to take your challenge. I'll let you know how it turn out.
  • hlkljgk May 4, 2009 @ 10:05 am | delete
    definitely an interesting challenge. cool idea. :)
  • Heather426 May 1, 2009 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    LOL! I'm glad someone else questioned that ...my lenses take forever. I'm always thinking of things to add...and even if I have an idea before I start, it still takes time to get a nice visual mix of modules and good content. Like you I research...5* lens.
  • alteredkat Apr 29, 2009 @ 11:44 am | delete
    Great challenge! 5*...I'm still getting used to the lens a week from the Rocketmoms :o)
    ...I usually take a day or 2 to think about my subject, how I'm going to do it etc...and then once I make that url I want it done that day! I find WIP lenses and I don't mix well, so...
  • EverythingMouse Apr 20, 2009 @ 2:48 am | delete
    It is possible to write a lens in 30 minutes - but not that advisable! I too get frustrated with the publicity which says that you can as I think this implies that you should. My best lenses take so much more time than this.

    You have some great lenses though - ever thought of going for Giant Status?

    Giant Squid Greeter EverythingMouse
  • rydigga Jan 11, 2009 @ 8:35 pm | delete
    Hi, Nice lens for a 30 minute time frame. I like to think things through, go back and re-write. I'm a 3 week lens kind of guy :)

    Ryan
  • gbenton789 Dec 4, 2008 @ 12:40 am | delete
    I just tried your challenge - I agree no way in 30 minutes - from start to true finish. But I have a decent start at 1 1/2 hr. : ) Great Lense! 5*
  • jag252 Nov 17, 2008 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    Add passion to your list of what makes a good lens. I think having a passion for the subject really shows. 5*****
  • RentMyGarden Oct 13, 2008 @ 3:28 pm | delete
    I agree with you... give yourself 30 minutes to brainstorm or to visualize and create a great lens layout and to plan your lens module layout. But be realistic on the time it takes to create a quality lens. I think to create and publish a quality lens in 30 minutes depends on your skills - your keyword and writing skills, your design and lens layout skills and your Squidoo marketing skills.

    The last lens I published The Squidoo Queen Review
    took me 30 minutes to plan and set the modules up but 5 days to research the keywords, get my facts together, write and compose each text module article, review, edit and publish it. I believe it is one of the best Squidoo lenses I have published to date.
  • dc64 Oct 4, 2008 @ 2:04 pm | delete
    Like you, I research things to death! It takes me forever to do a lens, not because I stop and go back to it, but because I spend so much time trying to find the perfect this or that. You know what I mean. I've spent 2 hours alone just looking for pictures!5 stars for the guts it took to do this!
  • Tiddledeewinks Sep 30, 2008 @ 11:19 pm | delete
    check out my lens NotTenMinutes.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Sep 24, 2008 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    Interesting.

    I did one once start to finish while watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics. It reminded me that years ago I had wanted to do an article on Rythmic Gymnastics. I started it about a 1/2 hour into the program and was done before the parade of athletes! Of course, I have edited it many times since, but when I feel bogged down, I look to that.

    Hey, I would like to see more from you!

    Margo
  • RichLeigh Sep 19, 2008 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    I think the minimum time I've ever taken to create a lens is around an hour to an hour and a half... I hate to think what the lens would look like if I only spent 30 minutes! Enjoyed the experiment, I shan't be taking part in it for myself however.... the end result would just be too disastrous!
  • CleanerLife Sep 13, 2008 @ 11:27 am | delete
    An interesting experiment, I think if I did manage to get one published in 30 minutes, I would spend hours editing, adding and re-arraigning modules before I'd tell anyone about it!
  • Teddi14 Sep 13, 2008 @ 9:42 am | delete
    BTW, to feature your lenses you might want to use the "featured lenses" module...this way you get the photo next to the description. Just a thought. Check out my lensography to see what it looks like.
  • Teddi14 Sep 13, 2008 @ 9:37 am | delete
    Fun experiment. I need more lenses because I want to be a Giant Squid. I have 23 lenses published and working on another 20...I am almost there. I will give this a try.
  • IM-Mom Sep 12, 2008 @ 11:47 am | delete
    Hi Annette,

    Thanks for stopping by my Article Marketing Strategy lens! I love this concept of creating a lens in 30 minutes or less - I'm eager to see how it goes. (I've never been able to do that - and never would if I were to do a really good job!)
  • EverythingMouse Sep 11, 2008 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    I really liked this lens. It is funny how you say that this one creates so much more interest than the others you have.

    You have been Blessed by a Squid Angel
  • chefkeem Sep 9, 2008 @ 6:04 pm | delete
    Fascinating and thought-provoking experiment. Interesting lens. 5*s and Angel Blessings!
  • funwithtrains Sep 7, 2008 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    Nice lens, 5 stars! Please visit my Easy Web Hosting lens
  • Sep 5, 2008 @ 12:38 am | delete
    yeah its nice when you are doing some time frame table. its something that your skills is tested:)

    nice to know! 5 stars!
  • tdove Aug 28, 2008 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
  • debnet Aug 26, 2008 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    What a good idea for a lens. The quickest one I've done was my first. I think that took a couple of hours and I've since added content that must've trebled it's original size. well Done!
  • OhMe Aug 26, 2008 @ 8:16 am | delete
    Great experiment and clever lens. I did one with my grandson in about 30 minutes but we have since gone back and added stuff. 5*
  • ChocolateChip Aug 26, 2008 @ 7:50 am | delete
    Thank you for this. I am new to squidoo and just finished my first lens which took AGES! And there are still a lot of modules I haven't a clue how to use. I have read things where you're led to believe you can create a lens in 30 minutes and encouraged to build at least 2 per week and things that make it all sound so easy. So I'm glad you've shown that it's not that simple. Feel much better now!
  • PetMemorialWorld Aug 26, 2008 @ 3:07 am | delete
    I generally start and finish one in a couple days (sometimes it sits there for a few weeks if I get stuck) .. but then that is probably because I don't like to see my statistics averages messed up :)

    I liked your honesty in the 30 minute lens. Frustrating when trying to stick to a schedule when things don't work isn't it ;) But its a good idea to try and keep on target as its very easy to waste a day and get nothing done!

    Good luck.

    PS. I tried to post this in your blog but it came up with an error :(
  • Snowfarie Aug 26, 2008 @ 1:07 am | delete
    I liked this one. It was fun :)
  • Aug 25, 2008 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Interesting experiment...I spent about 30 minutes on a new lens yesterday but it is far from being finished! I haven't even published it yet.
    For me a lens takes a mnimum of 2-3 hours the first day and then another 30 minutes to an hour updates!
  • sbaokay Aug 25, 2008 @ 12:23 am | delete
    I love your term 'Analysis Paralysis'.

    You have done very well. We have a course that helps even an absolute beginner to get a lens up in a reasonable amount of time.
    FREE SQUIDOO ECOURSE
  • SewWithSarah Aug 23, 2008 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    Me make a lens in 30 minutes?? Never! I can hardly get my modules in place, figure out what to put in them, etc in 30 minutes --- then I have to work on my content. Might try it after I get really good at this (whenever that might be) - it does sound like a great idea though!
  • Eclectic_Muse Aug 21, 2008 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    What a fun lens idea! I'll try this next week--too much to do this week before school starts. I'll let you know how it went...Of course, I'm not going to do a different topic and limit myself to 30 minutes.
  • A_RovingReporter Aug 20, 2008 @ 11:43 pm | delete
    I have been a fan. Besides favouriting it, I've also lensrolled it.
  • fefe Aug 18, 2008 @ 1:26 am | delete
    I will have to try it out. It takes forever to make a lens. :)
  • ms-giggles Aug 17, 2008 @ 3:10 pm | delete
    Very cool idea for a lens, I'm going to try it right now. I wish you many more wonderful lens in the future or maybe in just 30 seconds.
    Beth
  • Aug 13, 2008 @ 9:57 pm | delete
    Sweet! I love this lens! First of all, that you actually set a timer and just did it, wrote and documented what you were doing. Writing a lens about writing a lens. What a cool idea!

    Second, I love your signature line and love of detours. I have an "ambiguity" lens here on Squidoo, but... (shh) I like this one better ~ http://10reasonstoembraceambiguity.blogspot.com

    Great job Annette!
  • lifelongfitness Aug 13, 2008 @ 9:11 pm | delete
    awesome lens. Yeah I do find I try to make lenses with quality all the time, and obstacles always get in the way or I get distracted. I really need to start focusing more. 5*
  • hesika Aug 13, 2008 @ 3:44 pm | delete
    Wonderful! I never thought that one can build a great lens in 30 minutes. Awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. 5*
  • poddys Aug 11, 2008 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    Really good lens, very interesting experiment. I know I am slow sometimes, but it's good to know that others agree you can't build a quality lens in 30 minutes. 5*****
  • iwannaplay Aug 11, 2008 @ 4:14 pm | delete
    It's amazing you did that in 30 minutes. My first lens took me around 5 hours, and my second took me around 3 hours.

    I am thinking I will try an experiment like this. Only, I'll set it to an hour. I won't even use the SquidUtils health check utility like I normally do. :O
  • lprince Aug 10, 2008 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    Thank you for the eye opener.
    Great information.
  • Joan4 Aug 10, 2008 @ 10:01 am | delete
    Great lens idea and experiment. Most of mine take about 2 hours to complete. My usual process is to set up the modules and my outline, find Amazon and U-tubes that are relevant. and then I let it "sit" overnight in draft. And complete the next day! And continue to change them- every one! lol
  • Kanga Aug 8, 2008 @ 5:39 pm | delete
    Ooh, interesting experiment! I think the quickest lens I've made was the one on Bananaman, but then it is mostly just youtube videos of the show! I should take the 30 minute challenge to get some of my stagnant WIPs published :-)
  • enslavedbyfaeries Aug 8, 2008 @ 7:16 am | delete
    Great idea! I think I may have made a lens or two in a rush to get published but definitely had to come back to add content before I was satisfied.
  • BigGirlBlue Aug 7, 2008 @ 11:01 pm | delete
    P.S. You're poll appear to be missing. ;)
  • BigGirlBlue Aug 7, 2008 @ 10:59 pm | delete
    After reading your lens I feel better now that I take longer. I have been reading various posts talking about making a lens in 20 minutes and thinking I'd never and have never been able to do that. Thanks!
  • JohannTheDog Aug 7, 2008 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    Interesting experiment! I've made lenses in 30 minutes, but they were all based and inspired by my blog posts; and I already had an outline in my head. Also, the more you make the easier and faster you can do it!
  • WC1989 Aug 7, 2008 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    Unless it's a lyrics lens, I don't think I could make one in 30 minutes. Even then it takes me longer because I like to get extra stuff related like famous covers, or instrumental versions, background info, etc...

    I think the shortest time I cwould need to make a good lens would be about 2 hours. Even then, there'd be extra time before to organize, come up with at least specific paragraphs ideas, a flow of what kind of items would be best, etc..
  • WC1989 Aug 7, 2008 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    Unless it's a lyrics lens, I don't think I could make one in 30 minutes. Even then it takes me longer because I like to get extra stuff related like famous covers, or instrumental versions, background info, etc...

    I think the shortest time I cwould need to make a good lens would be about 2 hours. Even then, there'd be extra time before to organize, come up with at least specific paragraphs ideas, a flow of what kind of items would be best, etc..
  • mulberry Aug 7, 2008 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    Hmmm, if I very carefully choose my topic and skip images other than a few word art things...I think I might be able to do it. Sounds like a challenge....
  • kcgagne Aug 7, 2008 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    I too have "analysis paralysis" and that's why I only have 22 lenses after two years (and some of them suck). I appreciated your lens. I found it entertaining, which is more than I can say for a lot of lenses I've come across. Keep learning, create a follow-up lens to this one on tips to a 30 minute lens. You go girl!
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Aug 6, 2008 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    Nope. I cannot do it, lens in 30 minutes that is! And I do not know how or why to use Delicious, either, although I can manipulate an RSS feed. It takes time to set that up, too.

    Pretty impressive lens for 30 minutes!

    "Life is an adventure-take detours." That is an excellent quote to live by. You should add it to my lens, Your Life Sentence ~~ Six Word Quotations!

    Brenda
  • WillKnight Aug 5, 2008 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    Hi Annette, Will here, Thanks for your blurb. Yes I can assure you that you can make exactly what I say you can. The higher paying surveys can be a little scarce at some survey sites on certain days but thats why I now use a total of 4 now as between them you never run out of the better paying ones. It just gaurantees a solid weekly income. Best wishes to your daughter for her new college and if she needs any help whatsoever then tell her to email me and I will help get her sorted.

by

annetteghallowell

Hello world! Thanks for stopping by.
Let me introduce myself. I am mom to a beautiful, kind, talented almost 21 year old daughter (see the photo above!).... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags