I apologize in advance to those who are tempted to plug their ears and run for cover when they see the word Blissdom appear on the computer screen. YES, I know I said I was done posting about Blissdom but in an earlier post, I asked if anyone had any questions for me so at the risk of discussing the topic ad nauseum, here are my answers.
Kellyn asks:
What is the most important lesson you learned?
The most important thing I learned, I think, is that even if you’re a hobby blogger (meaning you blog as a hobby and not for income) blogging conferences are totally worth the price. Meeting people face to face has only enriched the blogging experience for me.
Who is the blogger you met that you were the most excited about?
Now that’s a hard one. There were several of my closest blogging buddies that I was excited to meet, and I couldn’t pick just one of them. But the night before I left to go to Nashville, I found out that Lindsay from Suburban Turmoil was going to be at the RGM dinner I was attending on Friday night. And for the first time, I got that “OMG! I’m going to meet a blog supah-stah!” thing going. Because Lindsay was one of the first blogs I discovered when I started blogging and she’s always been one of the bloggers I’ve admired from afar. I’m pleased to tell you that she is delightfully down to earth and funny and outgoing in person — just like she is on her blog.
What was the highlight? The low?
The highlight was the evenings, after the cocktail parties and the dinners when everyone was milling around, hanging out, and I hung out in the lobby both nights and just chatted with whoever was around. It was totally casual and so much fun! That was definitely the best part.
The low? Leaving. Seriously, I was NOT ready to go home.
Photo courtesy of Secret Agent Mama
Adventures In Babywearing asks:
Did you have any lightbulb moments at BlissDom?
When Her Bad Mother said “We’re memoirists,” it was like all of the sudden there was a title for what we do, and somehow having a title legitimizes it, you know? For the longest time I would cringe when I heard people say that you need a niche. Because I don’t have a niche. I talk about parenting, fashion, TV, God, shopping, friends, family, and sometimes all in the same post. Sometimes I tell stories, sometimes I just talk, sometimes I give advice and tips on various subjects, sometimes I share recipes, sometimes I review products. It’s a mish-mash. I’ve wondered at times if I should focus on one thing.
But this weekend I realized that my life is a sum of many parts, and my blog reflects that. And that’s okay — as long as it’s my voice. And that was the other lightbulb moment. Was it Liz Strauss who said, “There is only one you. They come to hear your voice.” That is the key, right there! Whether I’m telling you about a new product I’ve discovered or talking about my day or sharing about a parenting milestone, or complaining about the never-ending housework — as long as I stay true to my voice, it’s okay if there isn’t a theme. My niche is diarist/memoirist. Hearing those terms throughout the weekend to classify what we do was really an epiphany for me.
Photo courtesy of Mommy Always Wins
Tiffany asked:
Blissdom… What aspect do you feel was most beneficial? The actual content of the sessions or the networking that was done in between?
The networking, DEFINITELY. But I would replace the word “networking” with “socializing” — there may only be a fine line between the two, but I’m definitely just socializing. Networking implies having a strategy, and I have none of that. I wish I did, but I’m just not wired that way. I love meeting people I’ve admired from afar and getting to know people I am friends with online and discovering new friends that I happen to meet. I would be just as happy if I didn’t attend a single session. Which is why I say that blogging conferences are for everyone, even if you never make a dime from it.
Got more questions? Leave them in the comments. I’m happy to answer!
I got another one!
You had fun business cards to hand out. What handout from a fellow bloggers was the most memorable?
I wish I had been there for the lesson’s and the networking. It sounds so wonderful and very beneficial.
No questions here. I just wanted to say I really enjoy reading about the conference! I am definitely going to try to make it to one in the next year. Thanks also for saying it is okay to talk about lots of things instead of one thing. I was thinking I needed to have a focus too, but that is not really me. Who knew blogging could lead to such introspection?
Thanks for answering those questions.
I’ve been beating myself up lately with the “niche” question as well —I go to register my blog and they want me to answer/choose a category for my blog…..and then I’m stumped- where do I fit in?? Just last night I was looking into a site another blogger recommended- Entracard – and I didn’t finish the registration, because I didn’t know what category to list my blog under —-your answer made me feel better, —but i still don’t know how to answer that registration question – I was going to choose “Mixed Bag”
~TidyMom
Oh, it sounds so, so wonderful. Are the dates out for next year yet? Because I’m marking my calendar NOW so I can’t already have unnegotiable plans the weekend of the conference like I did this year.
And just fyi, I’ve never thought you were too scattered to be considered in a “niche.” I’ve blog-stalked you long enough to know that your blog voice fits your personality. It all fits. It all works. We like ALL of you.
It’s so encouraging to hear you say that you’re OKAY with not having a niche – that’s something that I’ve struggled with, both before AND after Blissdom. I am so complex (or, some would say, spastic) that I don’t think I’m cut out for a niche.
Memoirists…LOVE it. Like you, I’ve fought with finding my “niche” in the blogosphere. I tried for over a year to be a Foodie Blogger, but felt like I was leaving so much of myself out of my posts. When I decided to return to “mommy blogging” I felt like I was giving a more realistic perception of myself through my blog. I’m more than a baker. Yet I’m more than a Mom. I’ve thought about creating separate blogs….a baking blog, a mommy blog, a review blog, etc. But I finally decided that my one and only blog can represent ALL of me.
I agree with everything you said! I think we’re alike in many ways with how we started blogging and where we want it to go. Wejust let it go with the flow, our own flow and our own pace. THAT is our niche! : )
Steph
I just thought that I’d let you know that I’m totally not sick of the Blissdom posts
. It’s great for those of us who couldn’t go to see what you learned and maybe incorporate it into our blogs.
I love the “memorist” quote. That’s so right on. That’s pretty much the sole reason for my blog. I can’t remember things day to day so this is a way for my kids to see what I was like and what they were like when they were young. My husband actually publishes my blog into book form so that we have a hard copy (he uses blurb).
Yeah, I’m not sick of them. It makes me feel like I was there. Wish that I was!
Kellyn, I don’t really know that any stood out, is that awful? It was fun seeing the one I made for Moriah, though.
I don’t know if this has been asked but if not here you go:
I’m hoping to attend BlogHer09. It’ll be my first blogging event. Any advice for a newbie?
Nell
PS
I asked Steph that too but I’d love to get more than one opinion.
Hey! I just realized that second picture IS US! LOL.
I also like the “memorist” quote. Like you I’m all over the place. It’s nice to hear someone acknowledge that it’s ok to write about a lot of different topics whose common denominator is ME. Thanks!
i’m with you on the no niche thing. so i like what she had to say about that. enjoyed your recap on the conference.
This is a great post! I finally posted mine tonight, and I’m off in search of your Mr. Linky. I finally decided, too, that it was okay that my blog was a sum of many parts. I tried to compartmentalize last year by starting a photoblog, but realized that the photography has become a huge part of who I am. Now the photoblog stands neglected, and it’s on the regular site. It’s a big part of who I am and what my blog is about.