Pop quiz…

What in the world is Pinterest?

a.  a virtual pinboard that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web
b.  a creative way to procrastinate and spend even more time on your computer
c.  a social networking site akin to Facebook and Twitter, but a lot like your thrice removed cousin – same gene pool but with nothing to speak of in common
d.  another free site that begs the question of how they are monetizing
e.  all of the above

(answer at the bottom of the post)

Assuming you don’t already have a Pinterest page, I’ll quickly explain how it works. Then, I will explain how you can use it to promote my site, which is the whole reason I am bothering to create this post in the first place (how’s that for transparency?)

First, you’ll want to request an invite. You may do so here, on my own Pinterest page. (You can always access my page using the little blue “P” icon, top right, as well.) Unlike its hyperactive third cousins, the site appeals to my personal preference for simplicity and minimalism. Thank you, smart Pinterest graphic designers.

Next, create an account. This is a no-brainer, assuming you’ve crossed over into the age of virtual information (though part of me envies you if you haven’t). Customize your account with a photo at the very least. I want to see your face when I visit your page, not that generic, unisex two-tone silhouette.

When prompted, go ahead and install the “pin it” tool to your toolbar. This allows you to quickly and easily borrow images from any page.

Now, you’re all set to start pinning! (I wish there were a punctuation mark that represented emotions somewhere between the exclamation point and the period. Using the former makes me feel like I’m screaming “I’ve had too much coffee!!! but the later could use just an ummph of enthusiasm on occasion.) Here comes the shameless promotion…

Let’s say you find an image you LOVE somewhere online…

(By the way, if any of you bought one of these dresses from me, I’m dying to know how well the linen and cotton laundered together.)

Simply press “Pin It” on your toolbar, chose the image and categorize it however you want. That’s it! You can create as many pinboards as you’d like to display all your favorite things. It’s a nice way not only to collect and share your favorite images, but to catalog recipes, craft ideas, vintage Starwars memorabilia or whatever suits your fancy.

earthship chicken coop

Now, some of us bloggers who are hoping to spread our sites using all the latest and greatest tools of the trade have installed “Pin It” icons at the bottom of every post (go ahead, scroll to the bottom, I’ll wait). Anytime I have an image you like, you can pin it on your pinboard of choice. The idea is that a fellow pinner will see it, like it and “repin” it, therefore spreading my site to the masses. That’s it!

In summary,

1. Pinterest is pretty cool.
2. Pinterest is a creative way to procrastinate.
3. You can follow me on Pinterest to keep up with every cool thing I pin.
4. You can use Pinterest to spread my blog by pinning images from recipes, projects, photos, quotes or any other obscurities I share. This way, I will become wildly popular, make enough money to feed my kids, be approached by my choice of publishers, write a series of best-sellers, and still have just enough money to feed my kids, only with a deep satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. Oh wait, I already have that, too (insert previously discussed punctuation)

And just in case you want to practice pinning while furthering my career, here are a couple more images for you –  because maybe you have a “hairstyles” category or an “I <3 Frida” category, or a “whimsical handmade toys” category, in which case that fairy pagoda at the top of the page is probably calling your name.