Blogging over the past 11 years has been so incredibly rewarding… Mostly because of the people I’ve met through this medium. I consider all of the people that come by here, whether they comment or not, to be virtual friends. Heck, you know more about my life, than friends who don’t often stop by!

And, the majority of friends that I have, I have met because of this blog.

Several years ago now, while crawling through my usual online haunts, I started noticing comments saying “hello, Michele sent me” — Being the curious sort, I sought “Michele” out. It wasn’t hard… I think she came up as #3 or #4 on Google. (at the time, I was probably #20 or so for “Tanya” — I’ve since gotten to between #1 and #3 for that term, usually)

“Michele” was doing things very differently, I noticed, than all the other bloggers out there at the time. She intrigued me. Rather than the usual droll (like my stupid dating antics) she often posed questions to her visitors, and on weekends, she’d host a Meet & Greet — A place for people to stop by as often as they’d like, to be sent off to new and interesting blogs. In return, people who commented would be next in line for some “comment love” as well.

I’d say at least 40% of my blogroll for years now, has consisted of people I’ve met through “Michele’s Weekend Meet & Greet“. What an awesome way to promote blogs, and read interesting stories that cross the entire spectrum of blogging.

I was inspired, to say the least. Not long after, I augmented my blog with the Mid-Week Socializing game (although, some weeks I was too busy to instigate it). Following Michele’s lead, I invited people to use this community as a way of having some fun, and meeting new and interesting people around the world.

Which brings me to the other day — I headed over to Michele’s blog to see what was going on that day, to find a closing blog entry from Michele, stating that she was moving on. My heart dropped! What were all the awesome bloggers going to do for a portal to find new blogs, and promote their own?

I had only one answer: Offer up my blog as a replacement (although, I could never really replace Michele’s amazing hospitality… She’ll be sorely missed) for those looking for a new host for the weekend Meet & Greet. Michele accepted my offer to carry on where she was leaving off, and I was absolutely thrilled!

So, dear readers, I’ll try my absolute best to honour Michele by holding NetChick’s Weekend Meet & Greet going forward… While trying to keep her original flare and style. She’ll be missed, but never forgotten. I’ll make sure of that!

So, check back here late tomorrow for the first of many, many Weekend Meet & Greets going forward.

Thank you for all the inspiration, over the years, Michele. You’ve changed how I blog, and I know you’ve inspired many, many more, as well! It may be the end of an era for all of us, but you’ll live on here.

I’ll announce yet another new Michele-inspired blog feature, here at “This Chick’s Life”, tomorrow morning! Check back then!

And, I have a question for you… Have you ever participated in any of Michele’s games or Meet & Greet?

ps: Speaking of community engagement… Don’t forget that the SOCIALIZING GAME is going on below… Jump in and meet some new peeps!