And so, my first ever conference for bloggers comes to a screeching halt.
NOOOOO!!!
I was just beginning to learn at the feet of giants! And by this I mean, bloggers who have been blogging way longer than I and who have far more experience than this gal from Queens, aka, me. And yet, this week does mark my one-year anniversary of blogging. One year?
Hooray for me! That’s 112 posts in 12 months and nearly 30,000 page views!
But anyway, I was just beginning to learn the secrets to their success! And I was beginning to recognize that Mommy Bloggers–of which I am not one–are the new Soccer Moms, and they sure have a whole lot of clout! Witness all the private parties, luncheons, spa treatments, hosted by big-ticket sponsors—just for them! From what I could tell, Mommy Bloggers represent 75% of all bloggers. But that is solely based on how 2 out of 3 bloggers I met were MB’s.
Here’s what else I discovered:
Bloggers are very supportive of each other: I met many a blogger willing to answer my questions and offer me tips of the trade. Like, how mediabistro is a great site for anyone who creates or works with content, and I can learn my clout score by going to klout, which determines your level of engagement in social media. I’m a 37 and my score increased by 1 point over the past day (which I assume is a result of attending the conference and tweeting like crazy while I was there). Here are some other highlights of my conference experience:
Here, I’m with She Writes member and Assignment & Syndication Editor, Rita Arens. Rita participated on a panel, “Owning Your Beauty: If We Change the Conversation, Can We Change the Culture?” Hmm, that’s a tough question to answer in just one sentence. What do you think?
Each of the sponsors had a suite. Here I am in the Hallmark suite with new friends and fellow bloggers, Margo (Nacho Mama’s Blog) and Berenice (Adventures of Three). Aren’t we cute?
Lisa Stone, Co-Founder & CEO of BlogHer, moderates closing keynote with, from left to right: Fatemeh Fakhrale, Ricki Lake (yes, the Ricki Lake!), and Carol Jenkins. The topic, “Women in the Media, Women Making Media” was very insightful and empowering.
After all is said and done, I got a chance to sit down with Lisa Stone, Co-Founder and CEO of BlogHer, and let her know just how much the conference meant to me. Lisa gave a big shout out to Kamy and She Writes. “I LOVE She Writes!” Lisa exclaimed.
Well, it’s officially over. I made lot of contacts, new friends–and so many memories! Hasta luego, BlogHer11. Thank you for giving me plenty of opportunities to network and nosh. It was sheer heaven!
Please note: Because I was so busy attending BlogHer11, The Road Taken saga will continue next week. So, stay tuned!
Monica's Tangled Web 
so great to meet you, Monica!
You, too. I’ve already signed up for next year’s BlogHer and look forward to seeing you again there! 🙂
Monica, what a great follow up! I love the photos that accompany this post! They truly make us feel like we were there! It sounds like you had a wonderful experience and I’m happy you had this opportunity and were kind enough to share it with your readers.
Bells, next year join me at the BlogHer 2012 in New York City!! I’ve already registered (an additional 20 percent savings if you register in August). It’ll be fun and so amazing!! Vamonos, chica!
Thanks for the mention and photo! It was so fun, no? But I SWEAR I’m not picking Berenice’s pocket in that photo! Hope to see you again soon 🙂
Absolutely! We’ll do lunch! 😉
Monica , it seems you had a great experience!! How fun!! Thanks for keeping us all updated!
I have not yet entered the blog world..it is next on the list! I will NOT be a mommy blogger since my babies are grown!! See you soon!
Lynn
Yep, it’s kind of a relief not to be a mommy blogger because that means you don’t have young ones underfoot and you can do just about anything that strikes your fancy! 😉
Good for you, Monica! I’m sorry I missed this one since I’m in LA (so close and yet so far…). BTW, I, too, am not a mommy blogger (mommy-dog, yes, mommy-kid, no), so we’ll have to stick together! Rock (er, I mean, write) on!
Absolutely! We’re not mommy bloggers, but we are BOOMER BLOGGERS! Let’s hear it for the Boomer Chicks!
I’ll let you know when I blog about my ID experience. It was great meeting you
Rashidah, glad you made it back ok and were finally reunited with your ID. It was awesome meeting you! 🙂
It was so great to meet you
–Is that the Ricki Lake from TV???
Yes! That is Ricki Lake, who told us she has a new show coming this fall. After the session, she invited everyone back to the hotel for drinks–on her! Isn’t that nice?
–Monica,
How fun! How exciting.
I’d love to learn more about blogging…especially from the “Greats!”
I know that even the ‘Greats” call the blogger Dooce ‘The blogging God.”
I sometimes feel left out…cuz I’m not a mommy blogger. Sigh.
Thank you so much for blogging about your experience.
You are adorable!
XXxx
Right back atcha! 🙂