The SarahJanet Nag List (patent pending) was created two years ago to somewhat formalize the informal nagging I found myself frequently doing in NaNos past. Those who are concerned about their ability to reach the 50K mark, to avoid distractions that would undoubtedly interfere with their quest for novelling glory, and to keep on trucking even when it starts getting damn hard, signed up for the Nag List. I sent periodic emails around to the nag list, and people had to check back in with their progress. They then got a reply from me with maybe some suggestions, a goal to work towards, and often, a (virtual) kick in the posterior.
It has proved to be extremely popular and very useful - I don't have the stats on hand, but the nag list graduation rate last year was extremely high, which is especially impressive if you figure that people who are the least likely to finish are the ones signing up for it. If you'd like to receive emails nagging/inspiring you about your novels (above and beyond the ones we send to the whole region, of course, and those you receive from the site as a whole), send me a PM with your email address and I'll add you to the list.
I make no guarantees about frequency this year, you guys. I'm really, really busy with school, and I'm working for NaNo HQ in several capacities, all of which involve absolute CRAPLOADS of email, so that's pretty time consuming as well. However, that should seriously lighten up in the last week of November, which is when you need the most nagging anyway, right? And I promise there will still be nag emails. You just might not get such quick responses. I am probably crazy for continuing to do this given the volume of email I'm getting, but I like the nag list too much to stop.
Many people found the nag list immensely useful with keeping them on track, and my nagging style is quite infamous at this point. (I'm not mean, but I am...well. Firm. And I don't let you get away with crappy excuses for why you haven't written.)
New and returning wrimos alike are welcome. I don't care how often you've done this or how many times you've won; if you think you need the extra nagging, you are welcome on the nag list. My biggest recommendation for sign-ups are those of you who have participated for years but have yet to succeed. I am bound and determined that we'll have our highest ever winners rate this year and you can be a part of that! I may also be willing to accept suggestions from other wrimos about who you think needs to be on the nag list, and then I might nag you to join the nag list. Hee.
I think it really makes a difference to know that someone IS paying attention to how much you write, and to get that encouragement when you meet a goal. I know I come across as a little intimidating and brusque sometimes, but I really do love seeing you guys do well. I just take a tough love approach to get you there. (I'm totally the bad cop. The other MLs are all the good cops.) I'm really very nice, it just hides underneath a sarcastic exterior.
Want in? Send me a PM with your email address. If you were on the list last year, I should still have your address (unless it's changed), so you can just post in this thread. Want to convince others that they should sign up for the nag list? Endorsements welcome. Don't get it? Ask questions!
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51,531 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2009 - 20 48
Sign me up again! I don't doubt my ability to reach 50k anymore, but the naglist is both useful and hilarious. The only time (I think) that I didn't actually need it was on November 27th two years ago, while Sarah was sending out a nagmail, I was busy typing my way across the finish line :D It is definitely nice to know that someone besides you really cares about your word count!
----------The one, the only, the amazing, the I-can't-believe-it's-not-butter Crystalkins!
@livejournal
45,604 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2009 - 21 04
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I like you already SJ, you sound just like me!
I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down. - Chumbawamba
----------I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down. - Chumbawamba
40,026 / 50,000
Okt 19, 2009 - 21 20
I love it when you nag me, Sarah. Whee!
52,363 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 07 01
Sign me up again, Sarah. I am sure I don't need it, but this year I'm challenging myself with my story, so I may lag behind a bit. I don't always read all the other emails that I get from NaNo, but I make sure to read any off the Nag List. I feel they are more directed to me (even though there are a lot of people on the Nag List) and honestly, knowing they come from Sarah, there's always soemthing in them that makes me smile. It's well worth signing up. Sarah doesn't accept excuses.
----------100,009 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 08 04
Put me on the list please, Sarah. I'll need to stay crazy focused this year if I'm going to meet my goal of 50k in 5 days. I believe its achievable, as long as I don't get distrac... Ohh Shiney. Sorry, that happens alot. Also its one of the e-mails in November I most look forward too.
----------Dirka, Dirka, Mohammed Jihad, Matt Damon. The End!
32,166 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 08 11
Don't forget, if you weren't on the list last year, NaNoMail me with your email address!
44,001 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 11 38
This needs to be done just as much as putting myself on the Dirty Dishes Mold List.
I've had a taste of the Nag List from the chat. It can get intense, but I'm in. All in. No reservations or distractions this month.
50,152 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 11 47
It wouldn't be November without the Nag List! Please sign me up. :) I know I would not have won the first year WITHOUT SarahJanet's patent-pending nag-alicious naggery, and I'm pretty sure it would have taken me a bit longer last year, too.
I highly recommend this to all the newcomers! She really is a world-champion nagger and it's very helpful to have someone to answer to when you've been slacking.
-----------=-=-=-=-=- Earth. Air. Fire. Water. Write! -=-=-=-=-=-
52,363 / 50,000
Okt 20, 2009 - 20 45
That first Nag Email helped you that much Learan?? Now that is impressive. It makes me think I should have read that email more carefully... *wanders off to try and find the first Nag List Email of 2008*
----------33,389 / 50,000
Okt 21, 2009 - 04 35
I'm here. And I absolutely need to be on your Nag List.
Please sign me up - you have all my info.
Thanks SJ!!!!
Happy NaNoIng!!!
----------Wendy
14,109 / 50,000
Okt 21, 2009 - 09 00
Me again please. You should have my info from last year.
41,700 / 50,000
Okt 22, 2009 - 02 56
Sign me up again! I love the nag list. :)
----------Tomorrow may be hell, but today was a good writing day, and on the good writing days nothing else matters. — Neil Gaiman
51,120 / 50,000
Okt 22, 2009 - 03 53
I'd like to be signed up again :)
----------NaNo '06: Fallout - 50,013
NaNo '07: Dark State - 55, 133
NaNo '08: Living in the After (awaiting a better title) - 50,088 (and readable!)
NaNo '09: Hunger - ???
28,767 / 50,000
Okt 23, 2009 - 22 18
I'd like to be on the list again! I forward it to my boyfriend so he understands why I don't talk to him in November.
----------33,260 / 50,000
Okt 24, 2009 - 23 09
Sign me up too, Sarah! I don't remember if I was on the nag list last year, but even if I was, my email addy has changed since then due to our getting high speed internet -- finally!!! I'll send you my email addy privately.
Thanks muchly!!
----------Willena
Willena
http://wrose.blogspot.com
50,568 / 50,000
Okt 25, 2009 - 09 28
Sign me up as well! :)
----------Harper Grey
Sensei for Clan Commandment
26,165 / 50,000
Okt 26, 2009 - 19 12
Nag me, please!
The nag list was greatly influential in me finally winning last year.
0 / 50,000
Okt 27, 2009 - 08 28
Sign me up for the Nag list please :D
----------Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. - George Washington
32,166 / 50,000
Okt 27, 2009 - 08 42
Make sure you NaNoMail me your email address if I don't have it already!
3,151 / 50,000
Okt 28, 2009 - 18 12
Nag me please!
----------I'm a horrible procrastinator!
I write to not to change others, but to change myself.
32,166 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2009 - 00 21
Ok folks, the first nag email is away! If you didn't get it, check your spam folder. If it isn't there, I either don't have your email address or have a typo in it. Let me know, please!
65,309 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2009 - 08 57
Can I get on the nag list too please? I think I will need that little extra motivation.