Kiwi Kids Books

2009 Blog Awards and Reflection

 Well 2009 has been a fantastic year for all associated with the Ozy Mandias Warning Blog. From humble beginnings in 2008 this blog has grown into the most talked about webpage in 2009.

Various blog ratings, which in 2008 were a non event and unimportant, have suddenly taken on a new meaning as Ozy Mandias Warning has soured to new heights. In February of this year the blog had just over 1000 page loads and now in December we click over the 2000 mark for the second consecutive month.  Fantastic.

 This year also saw some huge moves in the behind the scenes area of this blog. First up was the purchase of www.ozymandiaswarning.com. This required intensive negotiating as this highly sought after address was already taken. Next up was the move from Blogger to WordPress. This has had mixed success. The platform is more stable but as a creator I have less ability to work my magic and show the world my HTML mojo.

 One of the key moments in 2009 was completing I’m Alarmed – the book of Ozymandias Warning’s 2008 blogs. In total I sold four copies and this year’s book, I’m Still Alarmed, (Thanks to Zen Tiger from NZC) is expected to break that record with relative ease.

 Content wise the blog has continued to in the same vain as always. The idea of Wacky Wednesday turned out to be as popular as Anne Tolley and was dropped in about March. I think I am just a man before my time and in about 10 years  time the world will be ready for Wacky Wednesdays. Other than that it was onward and upward with a total of over 111,000 words being written by yours truly. Reflecting on a few of my posts from the year has done nothing to dampen my enthusiasm for this blog. Quiet frankly I am astounded with the content that I can develop. Some of my favourite blogs include the following;

My First Romance Novel – Who could forget my entry into the Sunday Star Times Romance writing competition and my honorary mention in print.

Toe Jam at School Assembly – My introduction into some of the traditions of the Catholic Faith.

Swine Flu – This turned out to be another media beat up. Remember it was Ozy who exposed this as a sham.

All Black Obese – Yes they are all overweight baboons. Even Ritchie McCaw should pay a visit to Jenny Craig.

Should we have a 3^rd Child – This turned out to be one of my most popular blogs this year. Amazing what rubbish people search for on the web.

Black Caps – My open letter to New Zealand cricket applying for the vacant coaching position. Still no reply.

New Zealand of the Year Award – My application for this fantastic award.

As well as looking at some of the silly aspects of life Ozy has taken it upon himself to offer some more thoughtful advice this year.

Sex Education, Alcohol in New Zealand, Is the church feminine?

I think it is only right now to acknowledge those that have helped me through this year. I will do this by giving a few awards out. I have called these awards an OZY.

THE OZY PATIENCE AWARD – Given to the person who has demonstrated the most patience in 2009.

WINNER: Mrs Mandias, Ozy Mandias

It is not easy living with Ozy. Add to that hours spent on this blog and you need a patient wife. Thanks for being there.

THE OZY COMMENT AWARD – Given to the person with has contributed the most by leaving the most thoughtful comments throughout 2009.

NOMINATIONS: Joe, Jonny King, Zen Tiger, Mrs Mandias

WINNER: Zen Tiger

Fantastic ideas and a regular on this site. Thanks for your ideas Zen and if you ever want to come on board as a writer your locker is already prepared.

So the question must be asked what does 2010 look like for Ozy Mandias Warning. Firstly, I am pleased to announce a new writer in 2010. As yet I cant go into too much detail as I will let him introduce himself later but he blogs under the name ‘HONKY’. Look out for his insightful ideas in 2010.

While I don’t consider myself a prophet I do have couple of predictions wishes in 2010 for my blog.

My blog will break 3000 page loads in a month.

David Farrier will come down off his high horse and have the balls to leave a comment and then engage with my site.

I will be asked to contribute to another blog.

I will decline the invite to write for another blog.

My mother, wife and pastor will offer to write a post.

I will do something so silly or strange I will get onto TV and have to choose between Sainsbury or Campbell.

If the above happens my wife will ban me from the computer.

Have a great New Year, your friend Ozy.