Clash of the TEFL heavyweight bloggers
No, I am not talking about my meeting with EFL Geek, as despite being exactly the same age and so perhaps sharing some kind of middle-aged-crisis-makes-you-blog, we are neither of us heavyweight in the midriff (yet) nor in the real TEFL world. No, we are talking genuine TEFL celebrities here.
No, JK Rowling isn’t going back into TEFL while keeping up the writing as far as I know. Nonetheless, I discovered on the same day that two of the most famous people among TEFL teachers both have blogs:
and (wait for it)
and then just found out the Lindsay Clandfield has a gem of a site too:
And then there’s Rod Bolitho.
Aaargh!
So, where does that leave us humble English teachers who blog and are just starting to enjoy being a medium-sized fish in a tiny pond? Is it all over now the big boys are moving in?? Will we have to get a real job and start publishing real books to start getting noticed???
December 31st, 2008 at 10:48 am
Thanks for the mention Alex – first time I’ve ever been grouped with those other luminaries.
The internet is a big place, so I wouldn’t worry too much – it’s also the great “leveller”. People may find they actually enjoy your posts more. And you’re being very modest about yourself; I’ve seen your name around a fair bit.
The middle age crisis makes you blog comment made me wonder (as I approach 40). But could all these authors blogging be yet another ominous sign of the world economic crisis? The end is nigh! :-)
December 31st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hey, happy new year Alex! Very cool that you and EFL Geek met for coffee. Take care of the blogosphere!
January 1st, 2009 at 2:18 am
I don’t think it’s safe in my hands, Katie, we need you back! We also need a female blogger or two…
January 1st, 2009 at 3:40 am
While I’m giving links, this is an interesting looking site I’m putting here to remind me to look at later:
http://www.teachertrainingvideos.com/
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
You’re not full of yourself like some of those ‘luminaries’ that you’ve mentioned which is why we love your blog so much Alex.
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Thanks David, but while that’s true for a Krashen, a Chomsky or a JenJenkins, I don’t think that’s fair for any of this lot. Mario, for example, I’ve always thought of more as a neurotic Woody Allen type figure
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Yes, I think Katie should return too. I enjoyed lampooning a couple of her articles, and am looking forward to doing the same again one day.
January 7th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Sandy, it was an honor to be lampooned … I will let you guys know if I make a comback one day. Until then, if the efl blogosphere explodes, I’m holding the lot of you responsible!
January 9th, 2009 at 10:05 am
His surname can be adapted too easily into Rinvoludicrous for my liking.
I dare say Mario and the others are under obligation to have these blogs as part of their publishing contracts.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Alex,
You have been doing this for years. We will always remain your faithful -hmm-I-wonder-what’s-going-on-in-Alex’s-world-today- crowd.
The biggies entering the fray (or the smallies like me) don’t have your extensive experience of what works and what doesn’t.
xx so Chin Up and embrace your age.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Oh my, my, my
I just visited the Crystal, Bolitho and Rinvolucri sites. A first time visit for me too.
Ha!
Alex, seriously, you have nought to fear.
Karenne
p.s. Although Clandfield’s is, like you said, a gem.