Hello Trusty Blogcabinites!

Yes, the moment you’ve all been waiting for is here! Now the real fun begins! Enter Every Day (between now and Sept. 29) for your chance to win the cabin everyone had a hand in designing. Watch the premiere of Blog Cabin 2008 Thursday, August 14, at 9pm and 9:30pm ET, then stick around for the always-entertaining Chris Grundy and Cool Tools at 10pm.

And let me be the first to welcome all the new folks who are dropping in to join in the fun. Check out our cabin cam for daily images from the build site, watch very cool videos featuring all the DIY Network experts who participated in the construction, get the low down on the interior furnishings and take a look at our exhaustive slide shows from cabin site at beautiful Lakefront Estates.

Happy viewing and good luck!

Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Hello Loyal Blog Cabinophiles,

In anticipation of the rapidly-approaching Blog Cabin 2008 season premiere and sweepstakes on August 14 (the sweepstakes launches @ 9am ET and the season premiere @ 9pm ET), DIYnetwork.com will be upgrading our blog format.

The switch will occur over the next several days and should be fully functional by Monday, August 4. We are excited about the change, which should mean a more user-friendly interface for our loyal bloggers. Please be patient with us as we make this change, and be sure to post a comment with any issues you are having.

Warm regards and see you in WordPress,

Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Hello Fellow Blog Cabin Diehards,

At the behest of blogger Jacqueline, I realized that it’s been awhile since I’ve checked in with everyone. No excuses here, except to say that the dog days of summer are upon us with the Blog Cabin.

Construction activity at the build site is white hot. Our latest video highlight is up, but I know you guys are looking for more, so please bear with us. More videos and slide shows are in the works!

Amy Wynn Pastor of Make a Move and Karl Champley of Wasted Spaces will be visiting the Blog Cabin site in early August, so look for new stuff then. Hopefully, I or Patty will be able to make the trip between now and then for the latest news and images.

Cheers and Keep-On-Bloggin’,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

P.S. Don’t forget! The season premiere of Blog Cabin 2008 is Thursday August 14 @ 9pm ET, so mark your calendars. You will also be able to enter to win the cabin online beginning that morning.

Update: Check out the latest slide show from my quick trip out to the site Thursday, July 24.

Hey gang,

Check out the latest from the Blog Cabin 2008 build site. Our favorite Interactive Planning Manager, Patty, drove out and got some great shots of the kitchen in its infancy. And just for those showing up to the blog, we have a second slide show with even more great shots.

Hello Everyone,

On Monday morning, June 2nd, voting for Blog Cabin 2008 construction and design features will end, but never fear, Blog Cabin 2008 merely enters a new phase.

We will continue to provide you with timely videos from the construction site featuring Ahmed and our top experts, as well as the most recent images from Lakefront Estates.

So please stay with us as we approach the launch of the Blog Cabin 2008 Giveaway on August 14th and the season premiere of Blog Cabin 2008 @ 9pm & 9:30pm ET that evening.

Stay Tuned,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Hello Dedicated and Highly-Appreciated Bloggers,

The long, prolific voting period for Blog Cabin 2008 is winding to a close, but not before we make some final choices: a furnishing built by Chris and Simon (bedside table or bookshelf), the paint collection for the great room, Ahmed’s landscaping project (raised bed, split rail fence or trellis) …

… and last but not least, the name for Blog Cabin 2008 - as suggested by YOU, our trusty Blog Cabinites. The finalists were selected by a crack team from RIVR Media, DIY Network and your beloved website DIYnetwork.com. A huge thank you to all who submitted names - ya’ll are the best!

Cheers,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Hey everybody,

While I know that only a few of you will actually be able to make it to the Open house tomorrow,
I look forward to getting a chance to meet the locals, say Hi to Helen Miko and whoever else can make it up to Watts Bar.

Don’t forget your cameras and Jason Cameron (Big Daddy DIY himself) will also be gracing us with his presence.

See you tomorrow!
Ahmed Hassan

Hello Trusty Blogcabinites,

In the spirit of Blog Cabin 2007’s naming contest (remember the Rocky Top Retreat?), we are now accepting suggestions for the “official” name of Blog Cabin 2008.

Please comment below with your entries and feel free to include a short explanation of why you think your suggestion should be selected (not required however - sometimes the names speak for themselves). We’ll take nominations through May 18th, then choose the Top 5 and open up the voting beginning Monday, May 19 through the 31st.

Cheers,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Editor’s Note: Our friends at Lakefront Estates have a special announcement they’d like to share concerning their Grand Opening (this link opens a PDF file)!

I just read a bloggers request to have Watson and myself send out an email to you all when we answer your particular comment or question because it takes so long to scroll through all the blogs. I don’t know if Watson or I ever discussed this with you , but we’ll always put our comments in bold when we respond. This way the text will stand out as you scroll through and you can see what the communication is on this or that. Also keep in mind that there are thousands of you and just the 2 of us. Between shooting shows, taking classes, raising 3 kids with my wife, and flying back and forth across the United States I’m doing the best I can to stay connected with you all concerning everything Blog.
Best,
Ahmed

Hello Wonderful Bloggers,

Site Manager’s Note: Unfortunately, due to a scheduling concern, we’ve been forced to take the Paint Palette voting choice off the site for now. Please look for it again in a few weeks. Rest assured that all votes are recorded and the tabulations will resume where they left off. Sincere apologies for any confusion.
Best,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager
————————————————————————
Only three voting choices for you this round, but choosing the paint palette is arguably one of the most critical decorating/design decisions you will make. Sherwin-Williams has you covered with some great palettes (I agonized over this one personally).

Also up for a vote is the dining room chandelier and the style of walk-in closet for the master bedroom. And don’t miss the latest 3-D renderings of Blog Cabin 2008 - check out that back patio - WOW!

Choose wisely and happy blogging! Your humble servant,
Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager