Well, it's been four weeks since we launched the first ever awards for UK Mummy and Daddy bloggers.
We have been absolutely blown away by the response. We've had 10,000 visitors to the MADs website, and more than 2,300 people took the time to nominate their favourite MAD Bloggers for the awards.
When we set up the awards, everyone involved worked really hard to create something that everyone could get involved in, and I think we've achieved that – with more than 500 different blogs receiving nominations. I know that a couple of bloggers were concerned that the MADs would be too competitive, but everyone who has taken part has been so positive, supportive and enthusiastic that it's been really good fun for us, as organisers, to watch.
So, a huge thanks to you if you nominated, if you wrote a post, Tweeted about us, or displayed one of our badges. Thanks to Ellie, Karin and Josie for their help, and to all of our gorgeous sponsors, especially the team at Butlins.
What happens now?
The nominations have all been checked and counted tonight, and we're now finalising the shortlists of finalists. Over the next week, we will verify that the shortlisted blogs are eligible for the awards, and that the bloggers concerned are happy to take part in the next stage of the MADs. We will then upload details of the finalists to the MADs website, and we will publish the shortlists of five blogs for each category on Monday morning.
The "Nominate" badges will be updated to "Vote Now!" badges in the next couple of days, and we'd love if you could keep the badge on your blog to encourage your readers to get involved and support their favourite blogs. You're free to keep your "Nominated" Badge, although we'll send you a new shiny "Finalist" badge if you make a shortlist.
Having looked at the results tonight, I can tell you there are some amazing, amazing blogs in our finals. Really. When the finalists are announced on Monday, I urge to to take the time to explore those blogs before voting – you won't be sorry! You'll be able to vote for your favourite blog in 9 categories, and voting is open for four weeks. The winners of the MADs will be announced at the MADs Awards Ceremony, details of which will be announced in a couple of weeks.
Thanks again.
Crikey !
I’m so excited about it all I may just pee
How exciting – I look forward to seeing the finalists! Twitter has been buzzing with The MADS for some time…I have a Blog but would never consider myself a good blogger! SO will be sure to be inspired….
Good luck to everyone who has been shorlisted!
Good luck everyone. I know who I’d like to see go further and I will be rooting for them.
You are all properly amazing for having done this! Looking forward to the shortlists! (am not brave enough to read all 500 of the nominated blogs!)
here here – amazing organisation. Really looking forward to seeing who the finalists are. Crossing fingers for my favourites!!!
You guys have made the whole nomination process a lot of fun, thanks for organising it all. Can’t wait to check out the finalists next week.
Well done all concerned, bloggers, voters,organisers, readers, friends, family ;0)
*Applause* to all. Am looking forward to to seeing who the finalists are, and hope there shall be one or two of my favourites amongst them. Good luck everyone *sigh* secretly wishes she could have a “vote now* *Finalist* badge ;0)
XX
I’m so excited!! You guys have done such a fantastic job with this!! Thank You!! 😀 xx
What I love is that the whole thing’s had the feeling of a blogging celebration… as well (I’m rather shame-faced to admit) introducing me to some first-class blogs I’d never heard of before perusing the nominations list last week!
Big thanks to you and Josie, Ellie and Karin for all your hard work!
Oooh is it wrong to feel a slight fizz of excitement to finally know when we will find out who made it onto the shortlists? I hope its some of my favourites so I can plug them to win.
Good luck everyone and a big thanks to you for all your hard work.
So exciting..well done everyone for all your hard work
Virtual pats on the back for you all, and great to read that it’s been such a fun labour of love.
Fabby – make sure we get a press release about it all for Flying Start Magazine when its all done.
x
This has been a brilliantly executed plan, with all the build up and Twitter chatter. Really looking forward to seeing the finalists and hopefully finding some amazing new blogs as a result. Well done to you all.