Shameless Self-Promotion

In my day job I am an attorney employed by the federal government. As you may or may not know, federal agencies are authorized to grant awards to their employees to recognize and reward good performance. These awards can take the form of lump-sum cash awards, honorary awards, informal recognition awards, and time off awards.

A quirk of the federal government awards system is that, in most cases, an employee can nominate himself for an award. If you believe that you are deserving on an award, you complete a nomination form, submit it to your supervisor and your nomination then goes to an awards panel for consideration.

I've always lacked the aplomb to exploit this peculiar feature of federal employment. To me, there's something inherently unsettling with nominating yourself for good performance in the workplace. It's one thing to reward yourself for personal accomplishments--like a trip to the Dairy Queen as a reward for choosing the salad instead of the fettuccine Alfredo in the creamy white sauce for dinner. But it's something entirely different to praise yourself for doing a job that you're paid to do.

Next to writing condolences cards, nothing is more difficult for me than to write a praiseworthy assessment of myself. I am truly envious of those who possess that ability. And, believe me, there are many that do. Having worked as a supervisor in the past, I have read many self-nominations. More power to these people that are able to do this. They are working the system while I am not.

That extended introduction is my way of introducing you to the following notice that I received in my inbox from Writers Digest yesterday:

BID FOR BLOGS: We're looking for a few good blogs to highlight in our upcoming "WD" special publication, "Personal Writing." If you keep an online journal, or blog;or if you know of a writer's blog that's particularly well written;send us an e-mail. It may appear in an upcoming issue of "Personal Writing." Please send an e-mail nomination, along with a brief explanation of why you think this blog is exceptional, with "blog" in the subject line to writersdig@fwpubs.com.

Well, you can probably see where this is leading. I lack the ability to self-nominate this blog. But I feel it is my duty to inform others of this opportunity for a little free exposure. And if anyone out there thinks this blog is deserving of some special recognition, and is willing to take a few minutes to compose an email nomination for it, well, I'd be humbled and thankful.

As long as I'm on the topic of shameless self-promotion, you will find on the sidebar yet another new addition. This one is called Appearances, and it is my official 2005 tour schedule. As of today, there's just one confirmed stop on this tour. But, I assure you, many more will be added in the coming weeks and months. So, as always, stay tuned. I may be coming to your town.