AJ is a Squidoo Angel
When I first joined Squidoo in July 2008, the Squidoo Angels were a small group of dedicated Lensmasters who volunteered for the post when a message was posted in the SquidU Forum. Things changed in April 2009 and although the Squid Angels is still a group of dedicated volunteers, it is somewhat larger. I received my Angel wings when I was invited to volunteer.
I must admit I was "dead chuffed" (British slang for "over the moon") when I logged on to my PC early one morning, checked my mail and was asked if I wanted to be a Squidoo Angel. I felt extremely honoured and I still do.
This lens is AJ's individual view on being an Angel on Squidoo. Each Angel will have different things that are important to them when considering whether to Bless a lens or not. There's lots of tips and links to more help. If you follow them you are still not guaranteed to get a Blessing - but I hope your lens will be all the better for taking on board what I, and other Lensmasters, have to say.
Do not neglect hospitality,
for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels
Hebrews 13:2
Lens picture "Humility and Love" by Elvira Amrhein. Buy at AllPosters.com
Angel music to read a lens by
Robbie Williams - Angels
Robbie Williams-Angels
curated content from YouTube
If Robbie Williams is not your cup of tea then how about this one?
Enya - Voices of Angels
Voices of Angels
curated content from YouTube
What do the Angels do?
Some of it is obvious and some not so obvious
Does an Angel contemplate my fate
And do they know the places where we go?
Robbie Williams - Angels
Well yes, actually. Angels know when a new lens is published. The Squidoo lenses are split up into categories and from April to October 2009, each Angel looked after five categories. My categories were:
Animals & Nature
Business
Health & Medicine
Parenting & Kids
Work at home
However, from October 2009, Angels now look after three categories and I look after:
Green
Humour
SEO
"Guardian Angel Raises an Arm in Blessing"
Buy at AllPosters.com
The Angels are sent lists of all the lenses that have been published (in our categories) for the first time and it is up to us which lenses we visit. When we land on a lens we have a choice:
bless the lens
do nothing
ding the lens - *gasp*
Adapted from "Detail of the Sistine Madonna, c.1514"
by Raphael
Buy at AllPosters.com
Do's and Don'ts on Squidoo
Tips on how to win friends on Squidoo
These lenses show you how not to lose friends before you make them on Squidoo. Two of them tell you how NOT to make a lens!
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The Worst Lens Ever Made
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In this introduction, I am going to say something moderately intelligent about my topic (squid) so that you will think that this lens is worth reading. Once I've drawn you in, I hope that you will buy some stuff. A squid is a kind of sea creature th...
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Squidoo Community
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What is Squidoo? What is the Squidoo Community? What can Squidoo do for you? How can you make money with Squidoo? What are the benefits of Squidoo? When I first discovered Squidoo, I had all these questions and a lot more. The biggest one being: How...
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The Best Squidoo Lens NOT To Do
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Oh, yippee yay! This is all about me and my Website and what I want you to buy. I am not going to add any of my personality or give you any information on the lens topic, because that would waste my time! In fact, I don't have a topic! After all, all...
Why ask for a Blessing?
What does a Blessing do for your lens?
A Blessing will give your lens a temporary boost in Lensrank. Lensrank? Lensmaster Spirituality explains it far better than I can
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Lensrank explained (really)
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Well, squidoo lensrank has, by common consensus (at least) the following factors: Lens freshness. sales made through money making modules like amazon and ebay. visitor numbers. star ratings. favorites. whether you've been blessed by an angel. whethe...
Before you ask for a Blessing
Make sure your lens is ready!
You need to be aware that a Blessing is very different from a critique! Read this guideline about critiques posted by Kimberly on the SquidU Forum . While the Angels will give feedback sometimes, if you feel you need a critique then post the request in the Critique Me thread. Unless you can "tick all the boxes" then your lens is certainly nowhere near ready to be considered for a Blessing.
Squid Angel Chef Keem has published a very good explanation as to what makes a bless-worthy lens on the SquidU Forum - tootle off and read it. It may save you some blushes later!
You need to make sure that your lens is as good as you can get it before you ask for a Blessing and if you are publishing about a topic that already has hundreds (and possibly thousands) of lenses on that very same topic, then it is important that yours stands out from all the others.
Squid Etiquette is full of tips about all sorts of Do's and Don'ts on Squidoo, including a section on asking for Blessings.
Asking this Angel for a Blessing
What to do
There's a couple of ways you can ask me for a blessing:
Either
leave the title of your lens, here in the Guestbook - but please no HTML, it will automatically be stripped out
OR
Post in the SquidU Forum in the Angels thread
Lenses that have been Blessed
Other Angels found these lenses Bless-worthy
You will get an idea of what other Angels have found bless-worthy from these Lenses. They are a mixture of serious and lighthearted.
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Auditory Processing Disorder
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a little known condition that may affect 10% of children, the majority of whom are undiagnosed. APD is a term that is often used to describe people with normal hearing who have listening difficulties. According...
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Autumn at AJ's
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Autumn in the UK starts in September and goes through until the beginning of December. Each season has its own special meaning at AJ's because we love our garden and we also enjoy seeing the birds and the other wildlife who visit. We live in a semi-...
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wannabe a writer?
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wannabe a writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones is one of the best books anyone has ever given me. So, whether you are a WAHM (Work at Home Mum) or Dad, part or full time writer, if you want to learn about writing and getting published AND laugh at the same t...
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Always Juggling on Squidoo
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Always Juggling? Married....four children.... two still at school.... one very big dog....trying to balance family life with the need to earn an income....trying to do my bit to save the planet.... former website editor....get involved in amateur dr...
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Bullying At Primary School
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Bullying at Primary School is about everything that I learned when my daughter was bullied at school and gives tips and strategies to use when dealing with the school. I hope your children are never bullied, but if they are then perhaps our experien...
What I think makes a Bless-worthy lens
Does your lens meet these criteria?
Apart from all the tips that Chef Keem gives you in his Forum Post there's a few things that I would add:
I am looking for a lens full of ORIGINAL content. Where you are using content that has been written elsewhere then be sure to credit the original author. I can understand that sometimes it is better not to try to re-write a small paragraph of complicated or technical information but CREDIT THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR.
Don't ever be tempted to just cut and paste from a website or a book - you may be surprised at how easy it is to spot suspected plagiarism and to check it out. Rewrite the info in your own words, but still remember to acknowledge where you got the info from.
Lots of good and helpful info will also help your case. Make sure that the Lens will leave me with something that does not depend on me clicking out elsewhere, such as to your website, in order to gain anything. If you are not sure then ask yourself if you took the links out, would the Lens be of any value to ME. It might not be of value to you - but that is not what this is about.
"We Are Never So Lost"
by Jo Moulton
Buy at AllPosters.com
Personal touches are VERY important to me - for example if you are promoting a product, I prefer personal recommendations. There is a very good post (again from Chef Keem) about "Personal Branding" on SquidLog, which I would recommend you go and have a look at What's your brand? The post was inspired by something Lensmaster Drifter0658 said to The Chef in an email:
"Sometimes, I think people have a misconception about 'branding'. I prefer my soulfelt definition. Branding is not the product, it's not even the company or logo. Branding is the person. Everything else is a product of our brand."
Another phrase that Chef Keem used in his article, which really struck a chord with me was:
"If you let me look into your face - literally and emotionally - while you share your honest experience with that Clickbank product, I might believe you!"
Go and look at the Blog - think about who you are on Squidoo and if you meet the criteria outlined, then you are more likely to get a Blessing from this Angel.
What makes an unbless-worthy lens?
A few Squiddon'ts!
Again Chef Keem summarises un-bless worthy lenses very well and I would just add if your lens is:
full of links to affiliates
full of Link lists and not much else
one that has no "heart" - by this I mean something that has been thrown together in order to try to make an affiliate sale
full of typos (that's typos, not typo's)
one of multiple lenses on the same topic. It's one thing to write about a niche but another to flood Squidoo with lenses with different titles but almost exactly the same content
Spam - See this module on Squid Etiquette for a definition of SPAM
then you are very unlikely to get Blessed by this Angel and AJ may just turn into a "Dark Angel"!
"St. Michael the Archangel Fighting Dragon"
Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com
One of the most published topics on Squidoo
Yep - it's Lose Weight!
Weight loss is a huuuuge topic on Squidoo. So why did I publish a lens about weight loss?
I wanted to prove that it was possible to actually produce quality lenses about this topic. I also had a PERSONAL story to share and visitors would not have to clickthrough to gain anything.
The lens is doing very well and has been Blessed several times. As a result I formed THE Weight Loss Group and although it is building up very slowly, it has lenses that prove it IS possible to make good lenses on this topic.
"I've been on a diet for two weeks
And all I've lost is two weeks!"
Buy the poster at AllPosters.com
Do I have to like the topic to Bless a lens?
No!
Even if the topic is something I do not like or I do not agree with the points you are making, I may still bless the lens if it meets my personal criteria.
Angels encourage everyone
in the right direction...up
ANON
How will you know if you have received a Blessing?
You may not ever know!
Squidoo Angels have choices:
They may fly by your lens, bless it and post a message in your Guestbook to say they have given you a Blessing
They may fly by, bless it and say nothing
They may leave a message in response to a request you leave in the Forum, or they may not
If you don't get a message then you may just suspect you have been Blessed, because your Lensrank will increase and you won't be sure why.
When AJ is not Squidooing, she is blogging
Fetching RSS feed... please stand bySomething to remember about the Angels
Angels are Lensmasters too!
They are Lensmasters just like you and they are unpaid volunteers. They have their own lenses to publish, promote and maintain. Some of us have paid jobs, some of us have families - yep, there really is life outside of Squidoo!
Cartoon by Lizzie © aj2008
It takes time to visit other people's lenses and if you know you have been Blessed, then a little thank you doesn't ever go amiss!
Thank you for the help
Saying thank you to the Lensmasters who have helped me
Lots of links to lots of Lensmasters and lenses
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Thank you for the help
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Thanks for the Squidoo help? There is so much good advice about lensmaking tips to be found on Squidoo, SquidU and all the related Squidthis and Squidthat websites, so it is only right that having benefitted from all this advice, it was about time I...
A reminder of the places I suggested you visit
Go do some homework!
Have a look at all the info and tips on these links. You will learn a lot. Apply what you learn and you will stand more of a chance of being Blessed.
- Squid Etiquette
- Squid Etiquette is all about what to do and what NOT to do on Squidoo! In our enthusiasm to not only publish our first few lenses but also get traffic, we may forget some very important things or we may do things that actually, if you really stop and think about it, are not very clever.
- Squidoo : Terms of Service
- Essential reading to make sure you do not publish a *gasp* Squidon't lens
- The Lensmaster Lounge / Looking for a critique? Read this first
- Guidelines for asking for a critique
- The Lensmaster Lounge / An Angel's personal note to all blessing seekers...
- Chef Keem's brilliant summary on what to do BEFORE asking for a Blessing
- The Lensmaster Lounge / Angels Forum
- Ask for Blessings here - but don't be too greedy!
- What's YOUR Brand? The Power of Recommendation - SquidLog
- So, who are you and why should I trust you?
- What is SPAM?
- AJ's definition of Spam and there's a very famous song by Monty Python on it too!
- Thank you for the help
- Lensmasters and links that have helped AJ
- Lensrank explained (really)
- Well, squidoo lensrank has, by common consensus (at least) the following factors:Lens freshness.sales made through money making modules like amazon and ebay.visitor numbers.star ratings.favorites.whether you've been blessed by an angel.whether you're a giant squid.click outs from your lens
Acknowledgements
Sites where I found some of the quotes on this lens
- Kissed By An Angel
- Inspiring angel stories and angel poems for the whole family to enjoy, nicely illustrated with java, pictures, and art.
- Babykinz.com
- Here are some of my favorite Angel Poems Wonderful people sent me, others I found or wrote.
STOP PRESS!
Squidoo Angels - October 2009
Former Squidoo Angels
Angels who have just retired
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Citizen Squid Squidoo Angel - Spirituality
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I was a squidangel from April till Oktober 2009. Now (starting Nov. 17th 2009) I'm a Citizen Squid: I'm the SEO mentor. This means that I regained my blessing powers. Which is great: I love finding and rewarding hidden treasures. This lens i...
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Squid Angel Blessings by Chef Keem
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With a Squid Angel Blessing your lenses will get a boost for your lens rank, which might improve your earnings and lead to more traffic and recognition. Not bad, huh? But what does it take to receive a Squid Angel Blessing? In general, our group of...
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WHO? SquidAngels!
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Get to know the SquidAngels! We are a small group of dedicated lensmasters with special powers to bless remarkable lenses for a little LensRank (and ego) boost. We also help to keep Squidoo safe from spam and other bad apples. Did you know?: Eve...
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No Angel
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At least not in the sense I imagine angels to be. I would like to clear up a few points. Firstly, angels are sexless creatures. This just isn't true in my case, I'm definitely a woman. I did once read that angels are composed of ethereal matter, an...
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Squidoo Angel--Promoting the Squidoo Community
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I have written this lens to give you a better idea of how I see my job as a Squidoo Angel. For those of you who don't know, the position of Squidoo Angel is a voluntary one, that is pursued by each volunteer in the manner that they deem best. For me...
Current Angels
Not so new Angels
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KAB Lensography
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Anyone trying to explain who they are will only succeed in describing who they think they are or who they wish they are. Therefore, if you want to know me, look at what I am interested in enough to make a lens about. I do ask that you do not judge me...
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Squidoo Angel--Promoting the Squidoo Community
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I have written this lens to give you a better idea of how I see my job as a Squidoo Angel. For those of you who don't know, the position of Squidoo Angel is a voluntary one, that is pursued by each volunteer in the manner that they deem best. For me...
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Squid Angel Blessings from Kiwisoutback
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Squidoo Angels have a huge responsibility on their shoulders, and that is to keep Squidoo clean. Not only can Angels bless a lens that's a remarkable piece of work, but they can ding a bad lens that doesn't deserve to be seen. You don't need to be a...
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I Was Blessed By Treasures By Brenda, A Squid Angel!
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Each Squid Angel has a different picture in their mind of a bless-worthy lens. The purpose of this lens is to share with you what I'm looking for when I bless a lens (or what I am not looking for!) I'll also share some links to more information abou...
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Diary of a Squid Angel (2009)
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Dozens of hard-working Squid Angels are looking for the best of the best on Squidoo. The program has evolved a bit since I last took part, and Squid Angels are now entrusted with three Squidoo categories. Here are the ones I'm assigned to: H...
Be an Angel
Be An Angel
Reach for the stars
Keep your halo polished
Share your favorite things with others
Plant a garden for the butterflies
Say something nice to someone everyday
Be patient with those who don't fly as fast as you do
Talk to the plants to help them grow
Always tell the truth
Think good thoughts
Sprinkle a little stardust wherever you go
Author Unknown
Say halo!
Stay awhile longer and let me know you have been here
Say Halo (hello) and you can also ask for a Blessing. Just give me the title of your lens (don't leave a link as HTML is not enabled) and I will find it.
And if you really like this lens then please Tweet it!
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Reply
- _Joan_ _Joan_ Dec 1, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
- Thank you for blessing "Cinderella". She's tingling with excitement!
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Reply
- lakshyaa lakshyaa Nov 26, 2009 @ 1:51 am
- Hi AJ, Thank you so much for your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Reply
- lakshyaa lakshyaa Nov 24, 2009 @ 3:20 am
- Very informative lens on squid angels! I would love to get your blessings for my new lens on Facts About Switzerland
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Reply
- SoyCandleLover-Maker SoyCandleLover-Maker Nov 16, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
- Hi AJ. Just wanted to let you know this is a featured lens on my newest Santa Claus and Angel Blessed lens. Thanks :D
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Reply
- Pukeko Pukeko Nov 16, 2009 @ 12:17 am
- I love this angel lens! I have left a some more of angel dust on it, in the form of a blessing. Feel free to add it to the plexo on my angel lens.
- Load More
About AJ
AJ is Always Juggling but sometimes she drops the balls!
I am very proud to have been awarded lens of the day for Auditory Processing Disorder TWICE!
And then I got it for Twelve ways to have a green & ethical Christmas!
Lensmaster aj2008 has been a member since July 10 2008, has rated 3,220 lenses, favorited 797, and has created 70 lenses from scratch. AJ donates their royalties to Save the Children. This member's top-ranked page is "Bullying At Primary School". See all my lenses
AJ's Lensographies
My lens collections
More about AJ - her likes, her dislikes, her lenses, some fav films, some fav music...plus AJ's Squidoo Story and yes, we keep rabbits!-
Children and Parenting Headquarters
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Here you will find help for parents on a variety of difficult children and parenting issues. You may have to confront bullying; your child may be autistic or have Asperger's Syndrome; they may have learning difficulties caused by dyslexia, Audito...
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Going Green Ideas
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Would you like some tips for going green? Do you want to live a more environmentally friendly life but you don't know where to start? Are you overwhelmed by all the eco-friendlyinformation that appears in the press, on the TV and on the internet? Th...
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Always Juggling on Squidoo
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Always Juggling? Married....four children.... two still at school.... one very big dog....trying to balance family life with the need to earn an income....trying to do my bit to save the planet.... former website editor....get involved in amateur dr...
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AJ2008 a Lensography
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This Squidoo Lensography is a different sort of Lensography to the first one I made: AJ is Always Juggling, which is more about me, my likes, my dislikes and my personal ambitions. This lensography is my Squidoo Story, told through my collection of S...
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Keeping Rabbits
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Keeping rabbits as pets is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Those tiny, gorgeous, helpless looking bundles of fluff that you fall in love with when they are just a few weeks old, do not necessarily turn into cuddly pets! Rabbits are not...
by aj2008
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Always Juggling on Squidoo- Always Juggling? Married....four children.... two still at school.... one very b...
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