So You Want To Be A Giant Squid?

Meet Giant Squid Organizer Bonnie!

Meet Giant Squid Organizer Bonnie, Lensmaster: bdkz 

How long have you been a Lensmaster on Squidoo and what was your first lens?

My first lens was created on February 17, 2007. I was trying to find a place to market my digital art and found Squidoo through CafePress. Ironically, I don't even use CafePress any more! My first lens was, Digital Art by D & D Art Studio which promotes my Zazzle Gallery of the same name.

What 5 words best describe your personality?

Generous, Funny, Focused, Creative and Outgoing.

Do you have another job, other then being a Lensmaster?

In addition to being a Lensmaster I'm a wife, mother, digital artist and webmaster/board member for my high school Alumnae Association. In my previous life I managed a community Theatre, sold advertising for an Alternative News Weekly and worked as an Asst. Director of Financial Aid for a local college.

What's your favorite topic to write about?

I'm a huge fan of anything "Pop Culture". Topics that have had a huge commercial or social impact are fascinating to me. My lens, Atari 2600...Why I'll Never Give Up My 2600 is a good example of how "Pop Culture" has influenced my life. I also love writing Squidoo How-To's, I enjoy helping people understand how to get the most out of Squidoo.

What's the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out on Squidoo?

Before you even start your first lens create a profile, add a photo and turn on your "Contact Me" setting so that people can get in touch with you. I can't emphasize how important this is for a new Lensmaster. It's your business card, resume and e-mail address all rolled up into one. A profile and tells people who you are, a photo or logo gives you an identity, and turning on the "Contact Me" function makes you accessible. All three are imperative for success!

Meet Giant Squid Organizer Patti!

Meet Giant Squid Organizer Patti, Lensmaster: GypsyPirate

How long have you been a Lensmaster on Squidoo and what was your first lens?

I started with Squidoo in July 2006 . My first lens was really a way to test the waters, I had no idea what I was getting into or how things were going to work. Parrot Page sort of defies definition. I just made a page that gave a little history on me and my association with ParrotHead clubs. I've gone back and added a bit to it since it's debut, but it still has a rather bare feel to it -- I think that might be part of it's charm for me.

What 5 words best describe your personality?

I think I am generous, off-beat, innovative, funny, and resourceful. At least that seems to be how I am today.

Do you have another job, other then being a Lensmaster?

I have two actually. Full time I am a technical writer and administrative assistant for a safety compliance company, part time I am an emergency services dispatcher for a police department (we also serve the fire and EMS departments).

What's your favorite topic to write about?

Well, as you can see by my list of lenses, I really am all over the spectrum as far as subject matter goes. I am interested in so many things, always have been, and I love that with Squidoo I finally have a an outlet for it all and to express myself and my opinions. But, you wanted me to name a favorite - I would say people. Whether I am using the SquidWho format or a regular lens, I enjoy working everything up and sorting out what I have and what I know and then researching it more. I think one of my favorites of my SquidWho's would be Don Johnson (or maybe Quentin Tarantino).

What's the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out on Squidoo?

Read. Read up on the subject you are writing about, read other lenses, read the posts at the SquidU, read what people are blogging. You can make yourself so much better if you see what is possible.

Meet Giant Squid Organizer Robin!

I thought it would be fun for everyone to get to know the Giant Squid Organizers, Robin gets to go first! So sit back, relax and learn about who the heck is answering all your questions about the Giant Squid Program!

Meet Giant Squid Organizer Robin, Lensmaster: rms

How long have you been a Lensmaster on Squidoo and what was your first lens?

I can't believe you asked me that today because today (May 8, 2008) is my one year anniversary!  The very first lens that I ever made was deleted by me shortly after making it.  It was such a mess!  But the second lens I made was Totally Terrific Tomato Recipes and that one still exists and continues to do fairly well.

What 5 words best describe your personality?

I'm a quiet, serious, responsible, silly, dreamer.  Maybe not always in that order.

Do you have another job, other then being a Lensmaster?

I consider myself a writer now.  It took me a long time to say that but that's what I do and that's what I am.  Lately Squidoo has taken control of me but I've been published several times in the past and plan to get back to the creative fiction soon.  In my previous life I was a pharmacy tech.

What's your favorite topic to write about?

I mostly like to write about both gardening and cooking.  You can see the culmination of that in my Tuscan Gardens by Design lens. 

What's the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out on Squidoo?

Have fun with your lenses.  Choose a subject that you love and go crazy writing about it.  If it isn't fun, it isn't worth doing.  For me that's a big part of what Squidoo is all about.  I'm having a blast making lenses and I get a nice paycheck every month for doing what I love!