Sep 30, 2009

So, What is this Halloween Countdown Anyway...
















...and what do I need to do in order to participate?

These are the two questions I've been most frequently asked about this endeavor.

The Halloween Countdown is something of a virtual neighborhood to go trick or treating in. Imagine a neighborhood where all of the neighbors really got into the spirit of the holiday and went all out with decorating their yards and homes and on top of that also handed out the coolest treats whenever some kid in a costume rang their doorbell. Well, you are that kid in a costume, and the participants in the countdown are the neighbors with the cool houses and candy. When you visit their blogs, you will essentially be ringing their doorbell and shouting "Trick or treat." rewarded by a solid thunk at the bottom of your plastic Halloween bucket which is their post for the day. In a way that's even better than the actual Halloween (no way! I hear you saying) you get to ring their doorbell and trick or treat every single day throughout October. Not only that, but there is bound to be over 100 houses for you to visit each day as well.

As a participant, I suggest thinking of the Halloween Countdown as something of a virtual Advent calendar, only devoted to Halloween. Each day, throughout October, a blogger posts something new pertaining in some way to Halloween, or something emblematic of the season. This can be anything, photos of you as a kid dressed up in your Ben Cooper costume, recipes, crafts, horror movie reviews, holiday reminiscences, board games and children's books of the past, artwork, traditions, anything at all. The daily aspect of this is something to strive for, but is not expected. Veterans of the countdown will tell you how grueling it can be to put together a daily post without much advance preparation. The goal is to have fun, and if you're spending every spare moment composing a daily post, you won't have any fun, nor will you have time to see what everyone else is doing. Do what you can.

Whether you are a blogger participating with a countdown of your own, or someone who just wants to trick or treat without having to decorate their own home, all are welcome. If you are not on the list of participants, but would like to be, just let us know, and provide a link to your blog. If you have more than one blog you'd like to include (you're insane) provide links for both (or more).

Dusk is upon us, and the Jack O'Lanterns are lit and being set outside. Nows the time to put on your costume, grab your trick or treat bag and head off down the street to ring the doorbell of the first house. Happy Halloween!

27 comments:

ShellHawk said...

ShellHawk will participate! Please put me down...
http://shellhawksnest.blogspot.com

Wings1295 said...

Thanks for putting all the work into the Countdown to Halloween blog! Hope my posts live up to it all! :)

Shawn Robare said...

Shellhawk - You've been added to the list!

Joe - No problem man!

The Artful Gypsy aka Wendy the Very Good Witch said...

Let the Countdown begin! So glad it's FINALLY October! :o)

Ténèbres à la lumière... said...

"If you have more than one blog you'd like to include (you're insane) provide links for both (or more)."
LOL!!!! (Laughter)
By the way, I do have more than one blog, but I'am only including one of my blog(s) in the countdown.

Since this is my first time participating in the 31 Days to Halloween countdown...
...Thanks, for pointing out what it's all about!

DeeDee ;-D

Batty said...

I want to join in on the creepy fun!
http://shesbattydesigns.blogspot.com/

Stephanie D said...

A little late, but I'd like to join in with my newest blog--http://walksbynight.blogspot.com/ ! I have more than one, but the other one, though it has some Halloween stuff, is rather watered down for those readers. lol

Thanks!

Kathryn said...

I would like to participate:

I have started on my site:
http://uniqueunusualandinterestingart.blogspot.com/

Shawn Robare said...

Batty, Stephanie, and Kathryn - Your sites have been added to the list.

George Van Orsdel said...

hey there...I love the idea! I just added your Countdown to Halloween link to my page. I don't get as many visitors as you do, but I figure every little bit helps!

Happy Haunting!

G. W. Ferguson said...

So what the heck! Add me to your list!

Secret Mountain Laboratory

http://secretmountainlaboratory.blogspot.com/

Matt-suzaka said...

I love Trick or Treating! I would love if you ghouls came by my crib too...I won't have daily posts pertaining to just Halloween, but will certainly uphold a solid representation of the holiday!

Chuck Norris Ate My Baby

http://chucknorrisatemybaby.blogspot.com/

Melissa Valeriote said...

Oooohhh I want to play! This sounds like my kind of party. Please add me to your spooktacular list.

Shaun S said...

Would love to play along, great idea! Swing by my Blog to check out my thoughts on horror flicks.

http://thelatelateshow.blogspot.com/

Shawn Robare said...

George, G.W., Matt, & Shaun - You're all on the list...

Shawn Robare said...

Holiday Queen - We had you on the list, but under the wrong site description. This has been rectified and I've beaten myself accordingly. Seriously though, glad to have you on the list...

Unknown said...

Whoo Hoo! What a fantastic resource! Freddy In Space referred me to your site.

Please add us to your list:

All Things Horror Online

Shawn Robare said...

Mike - You've been added...

Tedwrd said...

This is awesome. I hope I'm not too late. Please add www.tedwrd.com.
:D

Shawn Robare said...

Tedwrd - You're up on the blog...

NewLegendMike said...

Very cool! I would love to be a part of the Countdown! I too have been posting Halloween-themed posts since Oct. 1.

http://newlegendmike.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween

The Typing Monkey said...

Bad monkey! The Typing Monkey loves the Halloween Countdown, but throws our lot into the pile: http://thetypingmonkey.blogspot.com

And you can be sure the Countdown will get Monkey love, regardless. Nice work, fellas!

Will Nepper said...

A little late in the game, but I'd love to join in too!
bloglagoon.wordpress.com
Thanks for doing this. Big fun!

Shawn Robare said...

Mike G, Typing Monkey, & Will - Welcome Aboard!

Rev. Dr. said...

Wow, I'm a little late to the game, but I've been trying to add a little Halloween spice to my page.

www.potatoblog.net

Reanimated Rags said...

Just stumbled upon this!! Would like to join in if possible. Better late than never....
http://reanimatedrags.blogspot.com/

Legally Brunette said...

would like to join. please and thank you. : )

`ciao ~b

http://legallybrunetterants.blogspot.com/