the mega 10,000th comment blog-history making giveaway!!

we are SOMEWHERE close to hitting our 10,000th comment on flowerdust.net.

who will be the 10,000th commenter? i dunno…but…

*WHOEVER LEAVES THE 10,000TH COMMENT…I WOULD BE HONORED TO FLY OUT TO WHEREVER YOU LIVE, ON MY OWN DIME, AND SPEND A LITTLE TIME WITH YOU!! GET LUNCH, COFFEE…WHATEVER!*

now, after typing that, i realize how completely presumptuous that sounds…as if you would actually want a visit from me…

but, assuming you would like to hang out (as there are SO many of you i would love to meet!)…please comment…and we will get this ball rolling!

this blog is about YOU. it is YOUR community. and i cannot thank my lucky stars to have interacted with you all on some level. it would be SUCH a treat to get to meet more of you face to face. so…i can’t wait!!

so…to the 10,000th commenter…i will fly out to your hometown on my own dime at a time that’s mutually convenient and we’ll part-tay.

*a few rules:

-48 states…if someone outside the 48 states is the 10,000th comment, the next eligible person will be chosen.
-the guy rule…i don’t meet with guys alone, so, if a guy wins, someone else must be there!
-if you comment multiple times, you must wait at least 10 comments before posting again
-if you live in hawaii, alaska, or overseas…and you would really really really like to win…and you do…i’m willing to come…it’s just the cost of travel keeping me from you. if you can float the difference, heck, i’m there! :)
-just for a reference…we are somewhere between 0 and 200 comments from hitting 10,000…so, it’s anyone’s game!
-final approval will be made at my hub’s and my discretion (ie, if your blog is about killing small woodland creatures, or your obsession with chemical warfare agents, we’ll probably pick the next guy…creepy).
-i’ll announce the winner as soon as we figure out who it is!

have fun!!!

Comments

141 responses to “the mega 10,000th comment blog-history making giveaway!!”

  1. Chris Baker Avatar

    Wow…cool idea. Did I Did I Did I win?

  2. Neener Avatar

    I feel like I’m calling into one of those radio contests and listening to the phone ring and ring and ring…

    I know you want an extra reason to come visit Dallas so no doubt I’m going to try again!

  3. Adam Root Avatar

    This is a great idea!!

  4. Stacey Avatar

    If I dont win, could we still meet (Edmond, OKC Campus)

  5. Patrick Sievert Avatar

    first, you are so dorky… secondly, it’s a cool dorky. thirdly, will you still fly to where I live if I live in Oklahoma?

  6. alece Avatar

    i like your new page-top banner.

  7. To Think Is To Create Avatar

    This is so funny! I’m sure by the time I come back tomorrow the 10K mark is past me. But I’ll get over it some day.

  8. travis spencer Avatar

    Let’s have coffee…am i lucky 10,000?

  9. Crystal Renaud Avatar

    i would find it ironic if i win.

  10. JanMary, N Ireland Avatar

    I realise Ireland is too far – but you would be more than welcome!

  11. Nathan Avatar

    Let me ask my wife first. If I tell her some lady is flying to KC to see me because I comment on her blog…hmmm…

    If you buy her one of those pumpkin drinks from Starbucks she will like you. LOL

    If the “winner winner chicken dinner” is from Florida or Arizona…we may need the Supreme Court for a recount!

    Cheers.

  12. connor Avatar

    oh oh, is it me? even though if it is then i dont get to hang out with you coz I’m in Northern Ireland… but stil being 10,000 would have been cool

  13. Amy Avatar

    Well why not comment for the first when there is something to gain :) Love your blog.
    Amy

  14. traci Wilson Avatar
    traci Wilson

    I’m in Florida! Great blog…found it through all the Compassion stuff.

  15. seven Avatar

    That’s so awesome! Of course I’d love to meet with you. I live in Oregon. It’s so cool that you’re doing this.

  16. Neener Avatar

    I’m terrible at math, but I do believe I can post again!

    Looks like you’ve definitely got Oregon, Florida, Missouri, and Texas as possible destinations. I wonder how many of the 48 states will represent before the contest is over!

  17. Paul Kuzma Avatar

    Well, how about Southern California? You KNOW you want to visit here!! I have at least a handful of leaders who would LOVE to interact with you and show you the SoCal sites!

    I think SoCal is the ticket!!! What a great political day to pull off this incredible contest too!!

    If I only had half the brain and energy of Anne Jackson …..

  18. Lynse Leanne Avatar

    this is fun. never a dull moment here at flowerdust.net.

  19. Kristiapplesauce Avatar

    The rules kinda suck.

  20. alece Avatar

    i’m with applesauce. sucky for us africa-folk. especially since you were just here…but not here.

  21. cool dad Avatar

    Count me in!

    Smart way to get comments, too. Maybe we’ll have a 1,000,000th comment contest. Only 999,457 to go!

  22. Scott Williams Avatar

    What if you are like local and work for the same church; in other words if I win can I sell it on ebay…. or better yet sell it on BigIsTheNewSmall.com

  23. Emily Avatar

    Ireland, Africa… chalk one up for South America. Wanna see Colombia?

  24. aaron Avatar

    fly to Edmond.

  25. Joseph Avatar

    How about you just send me a copy of the book when it’s released!? :)

  26. Sheri Avatar
    Sheri

    Hey, Florida’s beautiful this time of year (except for this very moment with the severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings…) you’ll love it – and I already feel like I know you, so I’ll be so excited if I win!

  27. Jeremy Self Avatar

    i know you want to come to austin anyway so i thought i’d comment away:) peace-

  28. Tami Frailey Avatar

    am I the fifth caller??? did I win???

  29. Kimmie Avatar
    Kimmie

    wanna come to London??!! :)

  30. Brandon Gilliam Avatar

    pick me pick me pick me

  31. eric doucet Avatar

    We would love for you to come to Louisiana for a visit!

  32. Texas Ron Linebarger Avatar

    Good idea. I might try that on kindlytalk.com. Your friend with the ventriloquist figures.

    Tex

  33. Kyle Stickens Avatar

    If I win, you can visit all your friends back here in Dallas too! Scott…your idea about selling it on Ebay is hilarious!

  34. Chris Davis Avatar

    Here’s my entry. :)

  35. Monica Avatar

    okay, you weren’t kidding when you said it was the best contest ever. i’ve never been to Oklahoma… ;)

  36. Kenyon Avatar
    Kenyon

    Your funny.

  37. Mindy Said Avatar

    Awesome idea! You are braver than I!

  38. Jonathan Avatar

    It’s a good idea to see how many states/countries get represented. I’m in Atlanta…

  39. Brooke Avatar

    You KNOW you want to come to Vermont and visit!! We have 3+ feet of snow!! Pick me pick me!!

  40. Joe Louthan Avatar

    Gang,

    I don’t count. It will be the person after me.

    That said, pre-congrats on the 10k comment!

  41. alece Avatar

    i think you should reconsider your international-winner standpoint. if someone in africa wins, you could use that as an excuse to visit your kids in uganda, too.. hmmm… appealing?!

  42. clay noe Avatar

    cool idea…

  43. Dave Avatar

    I approve of your use of the word “Mega”.
    ’tis appropriate.

  44. Leslee Avatar

    Come on over to Mississippi !

  45. carolyn Avatar

    oh see… now i can make you want to cheat. you know you want to come to to wilmington. why? well, i guess you’re just going to have to wait 10 more comments to find out? he he – ok, anne this is fun.

  46. joshua Avatar

    partying in ohio in the middle of winter isn’t exactly fun, but what the heck… i’ll give it a shot.

  47. DetzelPretzel Avatar

    Ever been to Cincinnati? I could use some yard work…or maybe you could hang out with our creative team and share some ideas. Probably yard work though.

  48. Brooke Avatar

    Come to Vermont! It’s so pretty…we can ski, we can sight see/shop in Boston, drive up to Maine…i’ll show you all around New England!

  49. Jason Avatar
    Jason

    We want you to come back to Alabama and hang with us at Crosspoint.

  50. Beth G. Sanders Avatar

    I’d love a visit – do you like BBQ? Memphis BBQ is the best.

  51. kelly s. Avatar
    kelly s.

    Hi
    Come to Michigan, I’ll take you to Makinac Island. :)

    Kelly S.

  52. ann Avatar

    Ooh, this is fun. You wouldn’t have to come far to see me. :) And on top of that, according to your tweets a couple of weeks ago, I think we may have missed each other at Panera by an hour or so. Wild. Small world. Congrats on 10,000 comments!

  53. Esther Avatar

    I’ve linked you! Which means you’ll link me!! Good day! ;)

  54. carolyn Avatar

    ok, so waiting 10 comments to correct one’s grammar is brutal :-). please excuse the blatant misuse of a perfectly good question mark. and “ann” just about faked me out thinking she was you congratulating kelly s. on the 10,000th comment. (sneaky ann with no ‘e’).

    so… wilmington, nc
    it’s much cheaper than disney an absolutely has it all, beautiful beaches, parks, great museums, an aquarium, a historic riverfront downtown area…

  55. Kim Avatar

    I have one better! You can pay for ME to come HOME to Oklahoma to visit YOU…and my kids there!

    Win-Win!
    Kim

  56. mandy Avatar

    c’mon!!! we’ll have a TEA PARTAY in Boston!!!

  57. portorikan Avatar

    That’s an awesome little contest you got going there, I love it!

    Quick question though; is your husband and family exempt from winning the competition? :P

  58. Brooke Avatar

    hello? hello? is this mic on? am i caller #3?

  59. Clayton Bell Avatar

    Today’s my birthday and my wife might be going into labor today, so you can come hang out with all three of us when you come to Tallahassee!

    Heck, bring Chris with you and we’ll go to a FSU football game!

  60. Todd Avatar

    Well friend, coming to Wichita, while not exciting, would be cheap. So hopefully I’ll win. You can come to a Breathe gathering with Cliff Bragg and I – you wouldn’t have to click “Not Attending” on the Facebook invite!

  61. Robin Meadows Avatar

    Hey, why don’t you and I fly to the nearest Starbucks in Edmond….I’ll even buy! Give the airfare to your missions project! Good idea, huh?

  62. Alicia Avatar
    Alicia

    i’ve never commented before but have followed the blog for awhile… this is worth commenting for…

  63. Gabe Avatar

    My wife and you would have a good time – let’s see if this can work.

  64. Kyle Stickens Avatar

    Wow! So in the amount of time it took me to go over and post on my site for today, 32 people commented on your site.

  65. carolyn Avatar

    yeah, i know… more grammar issues. i think i used a comma that should have been a semi-colon or something. i don’t actually know.

    ok, so i’m not impressing you with my writing prowess – – more about wilmington…
    …. we have ferry rides (across the waterways or the river – your choice), pier and surf fishing, screen gems movie studios…

    (since my last comment is being held in moderation right after esther’s, i opted to leave off the links. this is making my strategy a little more difficult here. :-) )

  66. Crystal Renaud Avatar

    lol, i bet you’ve met 10,000 mark by now.

  67. Brandon Gilliam Avatar

    another try…pick me pick me pick me

  68. robin Avatar

    First of all, I love the new topper! Secondly, I feel like I’m kind of cheating since I can actually meet up with you relatively easily. So, don’t count this if it happens to be 10K…k?

    Then again, I never win ANYTHING. So maybe do.

  69. Derrick Henslee Avatar

    If I win, you still have to fly from OKC to Tulsa. Cause you said so!

  70. Adrian Avatar
    Adrian

    Come hang out with my wife and I and the rest of the Mesa LC crew!

  71. Jeff Avatar
    Jeff

    Hang in houston for a day.. weather is nice and chilly now!!

  72. John Blanchard Avatar

    But, we both live in Oklahoma and work in the same building. Wii tennis tournament at my house?

  73. Anna Avatar

    That is so awesome! I want a visit from Anne!

  74. debraparker Avatar

    I had to come in and leave a comment…

    this is simply interesting!

  75. Jenn Avatar

    if i’m the 10,000th comment, you could come down to sunny south florida! ;)

  76. carolyn Avatar

    before i go on, i guess i should explain that i am home with my son celebrating day 4 of the flu. i have time on my hands (enough at least to watch for every 10th commenter). was looking for a good diversion. thanks! :-D

    alright, where were we? oh, yes – beautiful wilmington, nc…
    …thalian hall – it’s an exact replica of the theater abraham lincoln was shot in. there is something playing there every weekend. azalea festival downtown at the river (2nd week in april – soon – yay!), outdoor volleyball (yay, yay!!), a water park (–!!!!!!–). i’m soooooo ready for spring….

  77. John Ireland Avatar
    John Ireland

    well, you are about as fun as fun gets!

    joy and i would love to have some hang time with ya in wilmore, kay-why.

    we’ll see!

  78. Linda Sue Avatar

    I won’t hold you to it – might encourage you and your hubby to go someplace alone together instead of being bored here in Hooterville with us! How fun – you’ve got folks worked up now!! I posted so we could move the contest along. WOo HOOOOO

  79. Kyle Stickens Avatar

    hey Anne…it snowed here in the Dallas area last night. Don’t you wish you were here to see it?

  80. Bernard Shuford Avatar

    I’m not cool enough to justify flying to NC for a day, but maybe this will run the count up a little so some lucky person can win your visit…

  81. David Fuller Avatar

    If I have the winning entry you don’t have far to come and you can hang with two of your readers at the same church; me and Chad.

    I would have to have you speak to the youth. I would sacrifice my time for that. And, of course mine and Chad’s wives would get to hang out with us. That solves the ‘Dude Rule’ thing for you. I have a ‘Chick Rule’ myself.

    Blessings to you and the winner.

    Dave

  82. JVo Avatar

    Is it wrong to pray that it is me? Is it wrong for me to post a million comments in a row and help Jesus answer my prayer?

  83. Andy Denen Avatar

    this has got to be the coolest thing i’ve ever seen on a blog ever!

    i’m very excited for your book by the way!

  84. Brooke Avatar

    One more try…it would be wicked cool to hang out with you…live from VT it’s Anne Jackson!

  85. Zack Avatar

    Great idea!

  86. carolyn Avatar

    …plus, there’s this really great church :-D.

  87. Carole Turner Avatar

    Danohlerking.com did this for his 1000 comment, not fly to meet them but made a big to0do about it coming up and giving a prize for that 1000 commenter. Fun idea.

    I hope I am #10,000.

    Oh, and I would love to be in your blog roll,

    thewardrobeandthewhitetree.blogspot.com

  88. Amy Avatar

    Wow, I thought it was a joke at first but you seem purdy serious so I’m in!

  89. Adrian Avatar
    Adrian

    Oh, and in Arizona we say NO to daylight savings :)

  90. christy Avatar

    i just found your blog via boomama. I love your honesty and willingness to tackle taboo issues within the church ie emotional affairs and the dysfunction.

    Thanks

  91. Isaac Downing Avatar

    I certainly think a trip to the Midwest would be the very best thing for a fellow blogger to do.

  92. lynse leanne Avatar

    So…..how long have you been blogging to have 10000 comments or are you just that awesome?

  93. Kyle Stickens Avatar

    …how long after hitting the 10,000 comment do we have to wait before you make the announcement???

  94. erin Avatar

    pick me pick me :) plus i live in the same city as los, you can visit 2 in 1!!

  95. Cindy Beall Avatar

    If you’ll let me know when to comment I could save you a whole heck uvalot of airfare.

    I’m just sayin.

    Nah, if I win, you choose the next guy. I’m already honored to see you face to face.

    Love you, girl.

  96. Anne Jackson Avatar

    This comment doesn’t count (I mean, if we haven’t already passed it…)…but…I am going to wait until 10 am to let any more comments come in…

    We may have a winner…or we might still need a few. I’m not telling!

    I’ll close the comments to this post at 10 am CST and then make sure my calculations are correct and announce!

    I am so excited…you guys are amazing!

  97. Andy Denen Avatar

    if i understood the rules correctly, i can post again since more than 10 comments have been posted…and it’s 10 AM EST right now…so i’ll take another stab at it!

  98. Blake Wingo Avatar

    I think I would rather come see you guys at LC if I’m the winner. Did I win?

  99. carolyn Avatar

    we have mountains too! mom lives at the entrance of linville falls. i could meet you up there if you like hiking!

    gotta love est.

  100. Amy Avatar

    OK, one more for me.

  101. Mark Warnock Avatar

    Coffee with the Flower Duster. Sounds like fun. And St. Louis is a nice town for a visit. How honored I would be.

  102. Brooke Avatar

    I suppose one more try won’t hurt! :-)

  103. Nathan Horton Avatar

    We might be interested in having you speak at a college student gathering, too, if you would be interested in that. Pretty cool idea . . .

  104. John Ireland Avatar
    John Ireland

    ya know, i think you would love the scenery here…all the pretty horses…:)

  105. mandy Avatar

    liberty bell… plymouth rock… salem witch museum… niagara falls on the way home…

    how can you say no to Boston!?!

  106. erin Avatar

    me again :)

  107. John Ventry Avatar

    I’ll give it a try and see what happens.

  108. Chad Wright Avatar

    Save you some cash. If it’s Becca and I you can stop by and see us on your SXSW trip.

  109. David Ballard Avatar

    That’s amazing! Maybe you’ll have to come to Arkansas! :)

  110. carolyn Avatar

    do you like to surf? i’ve always wanted to learn.

  111. Carol Avatar

    Great idea! I wanna WIN! : )

  112. Tami Avatar

    Michigan. It’s a mitten of fun. :0

  113. Heidi Avatar

    San Diego is nice at this time of the year!!

    Love to have ya!

  114. bob robbins Avatar

    We have been online buds for awhile and it would be cool to hang out in person. Any time would work for me so just let me know when you’re on the way!

  115. Heidi Avatar

    I hope you love mexican food??

    San Diego is beautiful at this time of the year!!!

  116. Dustin Avatar

    A list of reasons to visit the Salty Dog instead of the other commentees above (even if I don’t win)

    1. I live where there are white sandy beaches.
    2. It is generally in the upper 70’s this time of year.
    3. I read your blog
    4. I will photograph you & send you home with images your husband can put in his office.
    5. I have a wife who you will dig.
    6. LiveSalty.com and FlowerDust.net both have three syllables.
    7. You write for Relevant, I read Relevant.
    8. Fun is my middle name. (actually it’s Michael but I am looking into getting it changed)
    9. I make the dopest french press you have ever had.
    10. We have never met for reals.

  117. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Oh how fun. I’ve been reading since the Uganda trip. Though I don’t know, is Owasso an exciting destination?

  118. cool dad Avatar

    popping in!

  119. jon Avatar

    i’m up for coffee anytime…my wife and daughter would be glad to come as well. just not so sure you would want to visit lima, oh…

  120. Terry Foester Avatar

    i’m throwing in.

    how about the northeast? near Philly, DC and NYC!

  121. Clint Avatar

    I want to hear all about Uganda in person. See ya soon in south west Ga.!

  122. Kyle Stickens Avatar

    Have you found them yet? Have you found the lucky winner? The suspense is killing me!!!

  123. carolyn Avatar

    ok…. i’m guessing this is my last chance. sunny skies, beautiful beaches…fun times await!

    wilmington or bust, baby!

  124. Andrea Avatar

    count me in!

  125. Brooke Avatar

    This could be it…it’s almost time…i’m dying in suspense!

  126. Tymm Avatar

    Atlanta wants to hear about your trip to Uganda – don’t you wanna meet up with Los? He’s here somewhere I think…

  127. Jimmy Williams Avatar

    Anne,

    Lufkin would love to have you! We have a great church with a great student population that I would love to introduce you too! So here’s to 10,000!

    Cheers!

  128. Amy Avatar

    I’m in!

  129. adam Avatar

    This is a great idea!

  130. cool dad Avatar

    what do you know? i happen to be back here again. might as well comment…

  131. bob robbins Avatar

    just trin to win

  132. roger Avatar

    I like scott’s idea and if someone locals wins we can auction it off for charity or something

  133. Anne Jackson Avatar

    Ok, ok…comments are officially closed. Stay tuned!!! I’m the winner…because I get to hang with one of you…but the 10,000th commenter will be announced shortly!!!