The Giant Squids Interviews

OhMe wrote...

Just think,your name will be on your Giant Squid lens one day!

Posted May 21, 2009

Janusz wrote...

I didn´t think I would ever make Giant, making Logos took up so much time. Getting the Mail was fantastic!!. Now Im a Giant & an Angel! AND Im blessing this Lens :)

Posted April 06, 2009

anthropos wrote...

After I made my first 20 or so lenses, I decided I wanted to become a Giant Squid. I was shooting for the September 2008 group. I was encouraged when I got my "We've got an eye on you." email. I rushed to get my 50 in time (I did), but I did not have time to adequately polish them as I desired.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

My favourite moment was (like pmolinero has already said), the "we've got our eyes on you" email :) It made me feel all warm and fuzzy that did :)

I had already "kind of" decided that I might have a shot at Giant Squid, but that email encouraged and spurred me on big time...and the rest is history :D

Posted January 21, 2009

roysumit wrote...

I am yet to go a long way but targeting to be one some day. Yet to fix any goal for it.

Posted January 18, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

Seeing my profile page with the giant badge on it - that was bliss. It still makes me feel good to look at it.

Posted January 17, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

My favorite moment on the road to 100, was the day I finally saw those 3 digits on my dashboard - you have 100 lenses! whew! I waited too late to try to make it, and on deadline day, only had 103 !

Posted January 15, 2009

pmolinero wrote...

As I got an email saying "We've got an eye on you." was the first favorite moment and encouraged me to work on becoming a Giant Squid. The second one was after sending the application email end of december and the most favorite moment was finally as I received the email, confirming that I made it.

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

Getting the email which said I had made it was the best thing since sliced bread but there are so many good things about heading towards Gianthood, not least being the rediscovery of a few forgotten talents and the new discovery of so many great lensmasters here at Squidoo.

Posted January 15, 2009

Webcodes wrote...

All the comments and feedback you receive from the squidoo community after you create a lens. It inspires me to make more!

Posted January 14, 2009

JaguarJulie wrote...

My worst moment without question was my HARD DRIVE CRASH on 8/31/07 when I was going for the Giant Squid 100 Club -- I found it an opportunity to create another lens on my day-to-day experiences recovering.

Posted February 18, 2009

anthropos wrote...

My worst moment was getting my rejection email for the Fall 2008 submission.
After checking again the criteria, I knew I had not polished my lens sufficiently to warrant the status. So, I stopped creating so many lenses and started to polish the ones I had. I researched tip on HTML and use of different modules and included as many as I could.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

Self- doubt!

I kept looking at current Giant Squids and their lenses and thinking "everyone is soooooo much more interesting and their lenses are soooooo much better"...because of this I dithered and dithered about submitting the application email and when I finally plucked up courage, did it and there was no turning back, I felt physically sick :D

Posted January 21, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

I was in the middle of packing up to move from CA to TX, so I didn't have a lot of time to go back and tweek my lenses. There were several times I stayed up late going through lenses trying to make them better, when my self-doubt got the better of me and I felt that none of my lenses were good enough. I almost didn't apply because of this self-doubt.

Posted January 17, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

My worst moment was the night everyone got notice of Giant Squid and Giant Squid 100 status. I did not get an e-mail and thought I had not made it. But the next morning, my beautiful e-mail arrived! Yippee!

Posted January 15, 2009

pmolinero wrote...

I would not call any moment during the process a bad moment. It was a fun time creating lenses and observing the same time with how much effort and success others participated in the Giant Squid Challenge.

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

Worst moment was when I discovered my Giant badge seemed to have cancelled my Angel badge ... it didn't take long for it to be sorted out but it was a moment of panic. Other than that, I guess I could say that realising I couldn't manage to make 50 quality lenses by the end of the previous quarter (September). I could have managed the 50 but the quality would have slipped in the rush.

Posted January 15, 2009

Webcodes wrote...

I had applied once before and got rejected. I guess second time's a charm.

Posted January 14, 2009

spirituality wrote...

When I had a hundred lenses in time for the last deadline and yet didn't get into the group. Made it this time though, so I shouldn't complain :)

Posted January 14, 2009

Ener-G wrote...

Getting the first email saying...sorry, try again!

Posted January 13, 2009

anthropos wrote...

It gets easier as you go. I had done some web sites previously, but Squidoo had its own learning curve. You need to get familiar with all the modules available, and look for examples of how they are used. Practice the tips from the different lenses on making and improving squidoo lenses. Get a niche but don't neglect to do lenses on anything that interests you. You do your best that way. I started by emphasizing my travel interests because I could do them with a basic template.

It was only when I started branching out to my other interests that I began to see the more creative ways of presenting my information. And, don't forget the photos and illustrations. Photos can make or break any lens. Sorry, I got carried away. Good luck to the aspiring Giant Squids.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

There's no easy way of saying this - but put some effort in!

You're not going to get to be a Giant Squid by making lenses that have only a handful of modules and which contain very little original content.

Remember, each lens is your own PERSONAL focus on a topic, so put your own stamp on your subject! If you write about things that interest you, then this should be easy.

Squidoo has dozens and dozens of diverse modules to help you build and personalise your lenses, so experiment, use your imagination, tell the world about your own viewpoint/recommendations/experiences and create something that's uniquely YOURS ;)

Posted January 21, 2009

sittonbull wrote...

in reply to seedplanter Thanks...That's a good tip I am going to use!

Posted January 18, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

Squidoo is more than just a place to make webpages for free. It's a community of fascinating people. Participate and engage - you'll learn a lot, you'll help others, and you'll just have more fun.

Posted January 17, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

Visit SquidU daily, visit lots of lenses, and keep making lenses every day!

Posted January 15, 2009

pmolinero wrote...

Play with the existing modules. Learn some basic HTML and CSS. Participate in forums and exchange with other lensmasters. Take advice and tips from others and try to give something back when possible.

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

Write about what you know and don't give up. They used to say that everyone has a book in them if only they could get it out, well, now you can and it really is easy. Everyone has a unique point of view.
First look around at what is available already on Squidoo and check out the SquidU forum for any help you need, there is so much help available on Squidoo that you'll soon start to relax and find yourself at home. The SquidU forum is one of the best forums I have found on the net and I guess that's what spurred me on. I like being part of a community which is there to help people.
Then, when you have an idea for a lens, if you are unsure whether you are doing things right, you'll know where to find the answers, encouragement and help you need ... never be afraid or embarrassed to ask.
Everyone has a whole bunch of Squidoo lenses in them.
Good luck to everyone who will try for GiantSquid in the future.

Posted January 15, 2009

Webcodes wrote...

Don't give up. Like I mentioned before, I was rejected the first time. If you do get rejected, there is a great community here and in the forums to help you out. Ask for advice, add bulk to flimsy lenses and you'll be on your way.

Posted January 14, 2009

spirituality wrote...

Whatever you do: make unique lenses. Even if the topic has been done by a zillion others - make sure YOURS is unique and different (or don't make it at all).

Posted January 14, 2009

Ener-G wrote...

Definitely invite as many experienced lensmasters to critique your lenses...I got some amazing advice I would never have thought of on my own. I followed absolutely everyone's advice. And it worked (I didn't do this the first time around).

Posted January 13, 2009

JaguarJulie wrote...

You know, when I started on 3/21/06, there weren't that many lensmasters -- the reason I became a Giant Squid is solely due to the invitation/challenge that was extended by Kimberly and Megan in the summer of 2007. Before going for GS, I probably had 40 lenses in my portfolio and had been a member for over 1.25 years. It was these girls' challenging me to become a GS that led to GS 100 and now over 445 lenses. Thanks girls!

Posted July 04, 2009

anthropos wrote...

I have always been a loner. I am very sociable but have mostly relied on myself over the years. But I found that the more I researched what other squidooers were doing, the better my lenses would get (but still far from the quality I want). When I began to comment on other lenses and have mine commented on, that helped.

I have to give a special Kudo to Jaguar Julie. When I started noticing the list of fans for people, I noticed that she (and a few specific others) seemed to always be near the top of the list (even on my list of fans). Now, I try to review as many lenses as possible, and Julie, when I find someone that I am ahead of you in becoming a fan, I feel like I have accomplished something. I try to become a fan of as many getting started in Squidoo as I can. I know those first few fans did a lot to boost me.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

There is no one individual.

For me, it's been a combination of many, many different lensmasters, both prolific and those whose output is small in comparison to others.

As is often said, Squidoo is a community and I feel that I've learnt from every lensmaster whose lens I have read!

Octavia'sOfferings summed up my feelings perfectly it in her comments in this section "...for the inspiration they gave - whether they knew it or not..."

Posted January 21, 2009

Margo_Arrowsmith wrote...

Thanks, I just made it and I appreciate this support . ***** to you!

Posted January 17, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

Joan4 is why I got into Squidoo - the entire Squidoo Community is why I stayed. Squidoo has some of the nicest people on the planet.

Posted January 17, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

Oh so many! Squidoo lensmasters must have the support of wonderful people! My sister Ohme, GypsyOwl, Growwear(Mimi) and my super MasterMind Group kept me on track along with a host of other wonderful Squidoo friends! To print all the names would take over this page!

Posted January 15, 2009

pmolinero wrote...

There are a lot of other lensmasters, too much to name all of them. Actually Squidoo is a great community of people trying to help one another. But some special thanks I have to give to susannaduffy, who drove me in the right direction after submitting a lens to one of her groups. She rejected the lens, but gave some tips on how to improve the lens quality.

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

Crikey - that's a difficult question, there are so many lensmasters I could name and I would be sure to miss many out. Many would be there for the inspiration they gave - whether they knew it or not - and others for the practical help and advice. It wouldn't really be fair to pick out a few so let's just say the Squid Community itself.

Posted January 15, 2009

Webcodes wrote...

I looked at other great lenses and it really inspired me. Chefkeem, a_willow, RinchenChodron are some I can think of. Some of the top lenses here are simply amazing.

Posted January 14, 2009

monarch13 wrote...

Oh my I left out Chef Keem, who was so awesome to me during this whole journey. Special thanks to that wonderful ManSquid!

Posted January 14, 2009

anthropos wrote...

This question isn't so easy. But I will be keeping my eye out for prospective Giant Squids to recommend.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

Like anything in life, if you want it, GO FOR IT!

So my encouragement is for anyone and everyone who wants to try for Giant Squid!

Posted January 21, 2009

sittonbull wrote...

in reply to Joan4 Yea! Thank you... both you and Ohme have got me hooked deep so I look forward to that day!

Posted January 18, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

I will have to give this some thought - I've been a little distracted recently. Sorry!

Posted January 17, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

and of course, Growwear! Like so many of you, I think of her as a Giant already!

Posted January 15, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

I hope my sister, Ohme, and our dear friend, Sittonbull will be Giants soon! My MasterMind partner, Mukunda22, has set Giant Squid as her goal - and she always makes her goals! Charlyjl would make a super Giant, also.

Posted January 15, 2009

pmolinero wrote...

There are three who come into my mind right now, Greenerlife, Aj2008 and Growwear

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

There are (quite) a few people I have encouraged to join Squidoo (and others they have also introduced to the site) who are very creative people and who I know have it in them to make Giant and I would like to spur them on a bit.

Posted January 15, 2009

spirituality wrote...

Brenda Little should definitely have enough lenses by the next deadline and since all her lenses are stellar, I'd be surprised if she didn't make it.

Posted January 14, 2009

Ener-G wrote...

in reply to Jewelsofawe Hey thanks! I just saw this.

Posted January 13, 2009

AndyPo wrote...

I would have to agree with anthropos and Joan4 - time to make some money out of all of my lenses now I've made them.

Posted February 25, 2009

anthropos wrote...

I need to spend more time on monetizing the lenses I have already created to justify all the time I am putting into them already. Of course, all the fun I am having justifies most of the time.

I will continue to build lenses. I should have over one hundred by the end of the second quarter this year. But quantity is not my goal. I want to continue to do lenses on any subject that strikes my fancy and of a quality that not only I can be proud of, but of enough interest to benefit others.

I will continue to build relationships with the Squidoo community through Facebook, Twitter, and any other means at my disposal. I have begun already to feel that I "know" many of you, and particularly some of you who are my friends already on Facebook.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

To be honest, I'll just be carrying on in exactly the same way as I did before I became a Giant Squid :D.

I've been here for nearly 2 years, my output isn't prolific by any means, ideas for lenses come to me when they come and if I have time I'll make a lens and if I don't, it'll go on the back burner until life stops getting in the way :)

I'm like a fussy parent with my lenses...I tweak and polish and cluck over them for ages :)

It'll be a while before I'm ready to apply for the 100 Club, that's for sure - I'll get there though!

In the meantime, I'm always happy to offer any help, advice and encouragement to others - just as I've always been :D

Posted January 21, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

I'm going to unpack. I think I may shoot for Giant 100 in March, if unpacking doesn't take too long. The only thing I know for 100% is that my Squiddiction hasn't diminished - Squidoo and Twitter have become parts of my life I am not willing to let go of.

Posted January 17, 2009

Joan4 wrote...

Continue to learn how to monetize my lenses, and of course will make some for fun along the way! I will be pushing Ohme, Sittonbull, Mimi, Mukunda22 and Charly, too!

Posted January 15, 2009

pmolinero wrote...

Going for the Giant 100 Club and finishing all the WIP lenses I have. Well, I think the latter complements the first.

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

I plan to keep on going. Onwards and upwards. I'll make the Giant100 at some point this year (I hope), it's unlikely to be in March but I may manage it by the Summer. I have a lot of new lenses planned, it's just a question of which first LOL they're jostling in the queue and if I'm not careful they might start fighting with one another before I get them onto Squidoo.

Posted January 15, 2009

Webcodes wrote...

Write more lenses and reach Giant 100 status. Since I am a web developer, I hope to one day create a content site similar to squidoo some day.

Posted January 14, 2009

spirituality wrote...

There are indeed few squidoo goals left. Perhaps I should get a real job?

Posted January 14, 2009

Ener-G wrote...

I'm really excited about building more lenses to make it to 100, and making lenses that make a difference. Stay tune!

Posted January 13, 2009

KarateKatGraphics wrote...

What a terrific lens! Loved reading about the Giants' experiences. 5***** and a favorite.

Posted May 28, 2009

hlkljgk wrote...

original and interesting use of the guestbooks! well done

Posted May 21, 2009

aj2008 wrote...

It's great to have a place where you can see the Giants gathered together and find out who got it.

Posted May 19, 2009

poddys wrote...

What a great idea for a lens, and a great way to introduce the Giant Squids. 5*****

Posted March 19, 2009

AndyPo wrote...

Great idea for a lens. Encouraging for those who are on their journey to Giant Squid.

Posted February 25, 2009

anthropos wrote...

Thanks for the opportunity to do this. I had thought about doing a lens on my journey to becoming a Giant Squid, but didn't feel that my struggles were unique enough to warrant a lens. But it has been fun.

Posted February 07, 2009

anthropos wrote...

Thanks for the opportunity to do this. I had thought about doing a lens on my journey to becoming a Giant Squid, but didn't feel that my struggles were unique enough to warrant a lens. But it has been fun.

Posted February 07, 2009

CDT wrote...

I enjoyed answering those questions! Really made me think about my "journey" to Giant :D

Great lens :)

Posted January 21, 2009

sittonbull wrote...

Mimi or YouYou tho I'm new..., you are a Giant personality, leaving your footprints all around the feel good spots! What a novel idea to engage with new Giants and get their comments in that interesting interview! 5* and faved

Posted January 18, 2009

CCGAL wrote...

Loved the lens! 5* and a fav!

Posted January 17, 2009

EverythingMouse wrote...

Yet another excellent lens. You really need to make some more!

Posted January 15, 2009

Tipi wrote...

This is going to be a fun lens to visit for a long time to come. There will be much to glean! - Pamela is a Giant in my book! - I am over-joyed for the new Giant Squids! Congratulations, I know you have all work long and hard, now get some sleep! The computers do come with a shut-off button. ;) I need to take my own advice!

Best Wishes MiMi!

Posted January 15, 2009

0ctavias0fferings wrote...

Thank you for this lens and for dedicating it to ebay-grandma. Squidoo really is somewhere that memories can live on in tribute.

Posted January 15, 2009

chefkeem wrote...

My heartfelt congratulations to all of you Giants, you! I know how tough it can be trying to churn out "quality" with a deadline approaching rapidly. You. Are. Great. :)
This lens is a wonderful testimonial to the power of our site. And of MiMi. (You are so generous and selfless with your support, your name should be YouYou!) Stars and dust, all over this page... :-)

Posted January 14, 2009

awelldressedbullet wrote...

Congratulations to all the new Giants and what a wonderful idea MiMi, to dedicate this lens to the memory of Pamela Waugh (ebay-grandma).

Posted January 14, 2009

spirituality wrote...

Still a great lens - interesting to meet some of the new giants (though I already knew many of them).

Posted January 14, 2009

Ener-G wrote...

Don't I feel so special, getting interviewed after receiving my award! I wonder if I'll make best or worst dressed on the runway?

Posted January 13, 2009

monarch13 wrote...

Thanks for putting this together, you are Da Bomb!

Posted January 13, 2009

Trekkiemelissa wrote...

Great lens. I'm still getting over the shock of actually making it. :)

Posted January 13, 2009

seedplanter wrote...

AJ and Mimi both sprang to mind, because I have mistaken them both for Giants. They are so giving and I guess I just assumed they were. I think I even added MiMi to someone's plexo as a favorite Giant. :D I'll be doing the Happy Dance for them when they make it, too.

Posted January 13, 2009