First of all this week, two shameless plugs!

When this goes live I'll be half way to Snowdonia as tomorrow I'll be undertaking a 35km hike, bike ride and kayak up, down and around Mount Snowdon. Those of you who have met me will know I am not a natural athlete, so this is a huge personal challenge for me.

I'm raising funds for RLSB, the wonderful charity I work for. If you find the blog useful, then it would be fantastic if you could sponsor me over at Justgiving. All money raised will help to give blind babies the best possible start in life.

In return, I promise a 'warts and all' account of the challenge - warning this is likely to feature cursing and possibly tears!

The second plug is for the new Rogare blog. I'm a member of the advisory panel and know they have ambitious plans for transforming fundraising practice. Do check it out - there are already some good posts on critical thinking, marketing paradigms and the ice bucket challenge.

Elsewhere in the fundraising world...

There is a lot of love for Retention Fundraising by Roger Craver (the Agitator blog). I can only agree with all that's been written so far. It is 'must read' for anyone serious about donor loyalty and retention. Check out this post from Renier Spruit at 101 Fundraising for more information.

Also worth a look over at 101 Fundraising (and check out the 56 comments too) is this post from Rory Green and Tom Ahern on gender differences in fundraising asks.

Fundraiser magazine asks how can legacies be promoted across charities?

Ignited Fundraising share five ways to show gratitude to donors on World Gratitude Day.

Clairification list six traits of relationship building non-profits.

Mark Phillips questions why so many fundraisers like asking for small gifts.

Pamela Grow with the do's and don'ts of donor 'thank you' calls.

Wild Woman Fundraising talks us through a compelling end of year appeal from St Joseph's Indian School.

Simon Scriver looks at a good and bad charity video.

Fearless Fundraising on qualification visits.

Kivi Leroux Miller follows up her post on favourite fundraising offers with one on favourite engagement asks.