When there’s a sense of honesty and personality put into the blogs and tweets, the “following around” part is much more interesting and easier for the reader (me) to learn by as it’s more real-to-life. Not to sound like a “groupie” but as busy as I am I have to prioritize reading the blogs I subscribe to. I miss a few here and there, but always make it a point to catch up on the insights of one particular blogger/tweeter. :)
~Stephanie F.

I researched the value (use?) of animated gifs years ago. They are distracting – powerfully.

A distractor distracts because it attracts attention – and presumably away from where the attention should be held. That’s why I advocate that IF you are going to use an animated gif, it has to serve its purpose, and not detract form the theme.

This also means that there should be only one animation, otherwise there’s competition between two or more distractors. Used appropriately, an animation becomes a powerful teaching resource.

Reflection? I believe you’re spot on again! How the hell can anyone reflect when they’re distracted? Reflection also has to be at least once removed from the context of what’s being reflected.

It has its greatest effect when the person who is reflecting is far removed from the event or events that are being reflected on. The world’s greatest poets have all known the power of this aspect of reflection.

Kia ora!
from Middle-earth