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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2008 20:38
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Quoting: Couchie Hi, I'm new to squidoo also, I have started a len's but I'm having trouble with it. My picture's aren't showing and i'm not sure how to put the RSS feed in. I would love any help I can get on this. Best Regards.
Hi Couchie,
I just created a how to lens that I think you will find very helpful. Regarding RSS...you can use it but understand that it is coded in JAVA, which means it won't automatically update your lens. Most folks use it because they think it will get counted each day as an update. Plus, it creates duplicate content. That will work against you in search engine rankings.
Feel free to ask any further questions.
Newbie Shield
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Tybask
Member
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 30 Jan 2008 02:15
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I think squidoo is great. I am fairly new to it, but my lens is ranked in the 400's in business. From what I was told thats not bad at all. Check the lens out in my sig file.
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 30 Jan 2008 13:37 · Edited by: Newbie Shield
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Hi Tybask,
I've visited your lens. I rated it, signed the guestbook, favorited it, and joined your fan club. Nice job.
Actually, what you speak of is category rank. There are two types of rank - overall rank and category rank. What you heard or should have heard it that an overall rank of 400 is pretty good. Within category, sorry, but it isn't very good.
The best I've done is 10 within category and 131 over all with one of my lenses. There are many things that affect the ranking algorithm but traffic is king. So drive as much traffic to your lens as you can.
~Newbie Shield~
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JamesZ
Member
Joined: 2 Feb 2008
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 5 Feb 2008 18:24
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I am in the UK and new to Squidoo.
So far it has been nothing but a pain in the rear! IT constantly times out and crashes on me when trying to update the page.
I hope the traffic is worth it in the end!
James
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 5 Feb 2008 22:45
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Hi James,
I feel your pain. Squidoo is in the process of upgrading. They now have around 400,000 lenses and they are moving to upgraded servers. They are also changing several things. There is a lot of testing going on in the programming department there right now. So, lately speed comes and goes.
Additionally, understand that it is on USA servers, so naturally you have that working against you.
~Newbie Shield~
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sdcindy
Member
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 86
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# Posted: 13 Mar 2008 15:55
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I learned a lot from Newbie Shield. I am currently taking an internet marketing class and had my first ever lens placed in a contest where it got voted on by the other people in my class (about 700). Out of 450 entries, my lens made the finals!!!!
So now my lens will get voted on by the StomperNet community of about 100,000 people for the grand finale winner. I am very proud 
My entry is in my signature below.
Cindy
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2008 07:18
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Cindy,
Congrats
Your lens is beautiful. I visit it fairly often. Lots of folks have paid you some nice compliments in your guestbook. You rank high within category and quite decent overall. Keep up the great work.
~Newbie Shield~
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brazilfarmer
Member
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
Posts: 25
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# Posted: 30 Mar 2008 18:38
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Hi everyone,
I've read this thread from the beginning as well as all the other Squidoo-related content on this forum and just wish I had discovered it all much earlier. I've really enjoyed looking at everybody's lenses which are so diverse it's incredible to see how many different areas people have interests in and are making money from. I assume people are making money out of all this effort otherwise it must just be a passion. Can you let me know if you have a lens as a hobby or is it something that you use to try to generate some extra income.
A question directly for Newbie Shield - you are clearly the authority in this forum on Squidoo so I was wondering how much of your time you dedicate to this and your other web-based business interests? It takes a long time to become an expert in any field, online or offline so I am curious to know if this is your primary income or do you have another job not related to any of this? Hope you don't mind the question 
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Tantalus
Member
Joined: 16 May 2008
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 22 May 2008 01:41
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Greetings, Newbie Shield!!
Your posts here are a fabulous resource for those of us just getting our feet wet with Squidoo. I'm really excited about the possibilities but like anything else, it's really hard to get going without a little guidance. Having you around makes it much easier to dive in!
I'm bummed that I opened my first Squidoo account before I found your posts and your signup links. I will definitely be signing up under you for my future accounts, but first I need to get a decent lens up and running so I can have that all important first one under my belt. Maybe you would be so kind as to toss me a couple of pointers even though I didn't use your link yet?
I find myself getting frustrated trying to get the lens to look good (one reason I have not done more IM is that I suck at design. I can never figure out what would look good, and I have a hard time getting the code right when I do know what I want. I could really use some opinions from someone who is good at this! If you want to see what I've done so far, it's at the usual URL/easy-home-income . It's nowhere near ready yet but I published it just to get some feedback.
Any help from you or any other members would be greatly appreciated!
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Money4Mommy
Member
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 90
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# Posted: 22 May 2008 02:15
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It's been a while since I last reported my Squidoo stats so I thought I would give you an update. My addiction to Squidoo has resulted in well over 20 lenses and I'm working towards my goal of becoming a giant squid. My lenses vary in topic depending on my inspiration. You can take a look at my lenses with the lensography link in my signature.
Newbie Shield has been a great teacher for a lot of us who needed help getting started on Squidoo. His feedback on my first lenses really taught me a lot.
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 24 May 2008 07:00
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brazil: I don't mind that you've asked. I have two Information Technology degrees and extensive formal training in music. I've taken several business and marketing courses, and I've been making money online since the late 90's.
I spend 40-80 hours a week on online marketing and related activities. I'm interested in the big picture as well as the trees. I learned about Squidoo in the same way that I learn about everything - I read and experimented a lot.
While I could make a lens in a few hours, I tend to spend several days creating each lens. I do a lot of research, testing, and tweaking on each lens topic. Though I love and value Squidoo, it's not my sole means of online income. I strongly believe in diversification and I am interested in trying out various ways to make money online.
Tantalus: Hi, I'm glad that you've found my posts helpful. You might check out my link to get some ideas on how to fancy up your lens. Your lens looks good so far. Can you be more specific about what sort of feedback you are looking for?
Money4Mommy: Thanx for the compliment. Your lenses are excellent. You are really turning out a lot in a short amount of time. You'll be a Giant Squid before you know it. Keep up the good work!
~Newbie Shield~
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darkpriestess
Member
Joined: 17 Dec 2008
Posts: 17
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2009 20:34
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My first lens just got creamed by another lensmaster so I'm not very happy at the moment! I do find it really frustrating but I'm not going to give up. Not sure where to go from here though, especially as the advice was to scrap it entirely!
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 11:23
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Hi DP,
Sorry that happened. Would you feel comfortable providing the link? I'm sure that we can take a peak and offer some tips.
~Newbie Shield~
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SteveC
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2009
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 17:51
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Hi, I'm new to Squidoo. Put up my first lens on a random subject just to get used to how it all works.
I just watched a video tutorial by Travis Sago on how to put up a Squidoo lens.
Apparently this video is about a year old and there appear to have been a lot of changes since then but not necessarily for the better.
The version on the video has a really easy text editor to use so you can choose to use bold text simply by highlighting the text and clicking on the bold icon.
It looks very easy to include a link just by clicking on the link icon and putting the details into a box.
There doesn't seem to be any of these features now (or am I doing something wrong) and it seems the only way to do these things is by using html code.
I just wondered what the point is of making something that is supposed to be a very simple way for people to make their own "website" a lot more complicated to use rather than making it easier?
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darkpriestess
Member
Joined: 17 Dec 2008
Posts: 17
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# Posted: 23 Jan 2009 20:09
Reply
Hi Newbie Shield,
Here it is: http://www.squidoo.com/making-money-56
Please be gentle!
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 24 Jan 2009 08:54
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Hi Priestess,
I joined your fanclub (I'm the electric guitar), rated, and favorited both of your lenses.
I think you're off to a good start with each lens.
With your W.O.W. lens be sure to include the full spelling of the game (World of Warcraft) from the start so there is no confusion in the beginning. I know it's apparent later in the lens, but you don't want to lose visitors when they first start to read.
You might also explain the focus of your lens a bit so visitors can decide if it's what they'd like to read about.
A little later, generate some more interest by explaining some exciting things about the game. You have to appeal to the emotions.
I would move the book and game Amazon modules before the other store modules. I would also include some text module in between each store module to introduce each module - including its value - and to break up the store modules.
Just put yourself in your visitor's shoes. What are they there for, what would excite them, and how will you satisfy the two?
For your "R.B." lens, your intro is fine. Below it you might include a text module that further explains what a visitor will find and how each program will be introduced.
With each program, you might explain what it is, why you like it, and how you've been successful with it. Add whatever you might like to see if you were a visitor.
With the matrix section, don't assume that everyone knows what a matrix is or the value of it. Explain it and your personal experiences with it first. Then go into the programs and why they are so great.
The traffic section is good but explain the importance of driving targeted traffic first.
Include a couple interactive bits such as a poll, a Video, etc or some images to better engage readers and to spice up the visuals a bit.
Good luck,
~Newbie Shield~
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darkpriestess
Member
Joined: 17 Dec 2008
Posts: 17
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# Posted: 24 Jan 2009 20:59
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Thanks so much Newbie Shield! Thats some fantastic feedback-I'll get on it right away. I've been slack with the world of warcraft lens in particular but I'm excited about it again now! And thats definitely a good point about the matrix section-sometimes I get so caught up in a particular topic I forget to explain what its about
Your a champion *hugs* I feel much better now!
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newbiz02
Member
Joined: 24 Jul 2008
Posts: 126
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# Posted: 5 Feb 2009 14:39
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I dont like the way their adsense is integrated because i dont have alot of control over it.
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ka7952
Member
Joined: 30 Sep 2007
Posts: 164
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# Posted: 10 Feb 2009 18:38
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Does anybody know how squidoo define the tier of ranks to determine the payout bonus?
I guess this information will be useful so that we know what number of ranking we should strive for.
Thanks.
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redsadie
Member
Joined: 2 Mar 2009
Posts: 143
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2009 11:24
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Hi NS
I wonder if you wouldn't mind posting your Squidoo link as it doesn't appear to be in your signature anymore?
I haven't set up a lens yet and would love to do it through with someone who has experience of it.
Many thanks
R
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2009 12:01 · Edited by: Newbie Shield
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NewBiz: I interacted on your lens and joined your fanclub. I'm the electric guitar avatar. Nice job on the Project Payday Review lens.
I suppose that part of the price of a free page is allowing them to place the ads.
If it makes you feel any better, the layout is data driven, which means heat maps, A/B split testing, and other methods were used to maximize profits in regards to ad placements. I trust their judgement.
KA7952: It's all according to overall lensrank (as opposed to lensrank within a given category).
Though it may change, historically that coop side of the payout according to overall lens rank has been - from largest payout to smallest:
Tier 1: 1-1,999
Tier 2: 2,000-9,999
Tier 3: 10,000+
Actual payment varies according to total coop income and is sometimes modified according to biz expenses and misc items.
So, try to at least get your lenses under 10k overall rank for a few months each. Even better try to get them under the 2k mark for a while.
RedSadie: As much as I would like to help you with that, I am leaving my links out of my signature file for a while.
You can ask someone else if they will provide it for you. There are other ways of getting it but I won't reveal them myself. It isn't hard to figure out though ;)
Several folks have experience with Squidoo and I'd be happy to help you if you post questions.
Good luck and have fun. Squidoo is a blast.
~Newbie Shield~
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 543
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2009 13:46 · Edited by: A8ch
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Newbie Shield: RedSadie: As much as I would like to help you with that, I am leaving my links out of my signature file for a while. You can ask someone else if they will provide it for you. There are other ways of getting it but I won't reveal them myself. It isn't hard to figure out though 
Hi RedSadie,
I just want to point out that Newbie Shield
is not being personal by not revealing
his links, he's simply being principled
and a man of his word.
You can access his squidoo how-to-lens here!
You'll find a wealth of information there.
It ranges from simple to advanced and I
suggest you take your time to study and
assimilate it. I used it often for reference
when I was building my first lens recently.
Hermas
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redsadie
Member
Joined: 2 Mar 2009
Posts: 143
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# Posted: 4 Mar 2009 16:03
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A8ch: Hi RedSadie, I just want to point out that Newbie Shield is not being personal by not revealing his links, he's simply being principled and a man of his word. You can access his squidoo how-to-lens here! You'll find a wealth of information there. It ranges from simple to advanced and I suggest you take your time to study and assimilate it. I used it often for reference when I was building my first lens recently. Hermas
Hi Hermas
Thanks for your help
I know he wasn't being personal, I did manage to find him, I can be pretty resourceful sometimes
It's fantastic though, isn't it?! I'm trying to find out as much as I possibly can about how to make money online (as most on here!) adn I have to admit, although I have blogged with Blogger before, I've never heard of Squidoo!
I'm about to print it off so I can use it as an offline resource when I'm not here on my laptop, which admittedly isn't a lot, lol!!
It's a great community here and I'm so glad I found you all *hugs*
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weblearner
Member
Joined: 17 Aug 2008
Posts: 25
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# Posted: 17 May 2009 04:52
Reply
hi Newbie Shield
i couldn't find your signature. i am very mutch interested about you.
waiting your post.
tutu
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 1735
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# Posted: 17 May 2009 10:30
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A8ch: You can access his squidoo how-to-lens here!
Thanks Hermas and you are right - anyone can get it with the wonderful pm thingie.
How long are you going to wait before you put it back in your siggy, NS?? Need I get out my wooden spoon.
Oh, by the way, I have a really neat story for you on that... I had to take my youngest out for some 'mother/daughter talk time' and in the course of the talking, I mentioned that although I had not done so in over two years, it just MAY be time to dig out daddy's strap and she just shrugged and then I said, or moms wooden spoon, and I almost laughed out loud... her eyes got big as saucers and she was ready to make ammends right then and there... just had to tell you that.
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Vishal P. Rao
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 958
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# Posted: 18 May 2009 00:54
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mountainmom5: Oh, by the way, I have a really neat story for you on that... I had to take my youngest out for some 'mother/daughter talk time' and in the course of the talking, I mentioned that although I had not done so in over two years, it just MAY be time to dig out daddy's strap and she just shrugged and then I said, or moms wooden spoon, and I almost laughed out loud... her eyes got big as saucers and she was ready to make ammends right then and there... just had to tell you that.
That was very funny
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robinincarolina
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2009
Posts: 267
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# Posted: 18 May 2009 08:10
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Lol, I used the wooden spoon as well when mine was small.
I think I am going to like this sqidoo thing once I get used to it. I am sure I will be back with questions.
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 1735
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# Posted: 18 May 2009 08:14
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robinincarolina: I think I am going to like this sqidoo thing once I get used to it. I am sure I will be back with questions.
You will like it and Newbie Shield is the Squidoo Pro around here ...
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2027
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# Posted: 18 May 2009 17:45 · Edited by: Newbie Shield
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mountainmom5: How long are you going to wait before you put it back in your siggy, NS??
Hard to say. I think my point would be well-made if I waited until January. That would be a full year without a sig link.
Hermas was thoughtful and included it above right in this thread. Feel free to give it out when ever you like. If someone really wants to find it, they will.
mountainmom5: Need I get out my wooden spoon.
Nooo! I promise I'll behave!
mountainmom5: or moms wooden spoon
Way too funny
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gullabo_Sweden_wooden_stirring_spoon.jpg
~Newbie Shield~
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mountainmom5
Joined: 30 Aug 2007
Posts: 1735
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# Posted: 18 May 2009 17:52
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Newbie Shield: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gullabo_Sweden_wooden_stirring_spoon.jpg
Whoooaaa! Now THAT'S a spoon. Maybe for Paul Bunyan's kids, eh??
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