Once upon a time I was a little known blogger with my own little spot that was, well, all mine. I liked it that way. There wasn’t a lot of fuss or hoopla over what I was doing here. Some days there still aren’t. Then I got interested in things and learned and learned and processed and processed and made it all fit in my brain and here’s what I came up with:
Trying to start a blog JUST to be popular is the most hideous side of wanting to write.
Selling out and doing things JUST to get traffic is sad and pathetic.
Searching for sponsors and vendors and marketers JUST to get free stuff is reaching out for the lowest common denominator.
Shame on you if you’re doing any of that. Write because you love words and thoughts and can’t wait to get them down to savor your feelings and relish the language with which you get to do so. Do giveaways because you truly stand behind a product and want others to enjoy something you’ve discovered. Accept offers to do reviews because you want to know what a product is like and then be honest about what you’ve learned. And for the love of all that is holy and shiny STOP with all that branding crap you keep trying to create on your blogs. Be original and if you can’t? Then reassess your motivation. If it doesn’t come naturally, DON’T DO IT. When you work that hard at it then it loses it’s naturally yummy goodness and I don’t want to read you anymore.
There are plenty of controversial things I’ve written about in the past. What kind of writer would I be to expect that everyone agrees with me? I don’t allow nasty comments to be thrown about here and the last time some dolt called me a ‘bitch’ on my site was during the presidential election campaign and, ahem, might I remind you once again who got to place their hand on the Lincoln bible and become the 44th president? No. I won’t do that. I have more class than that.
My friends ask me, “Why do you DO that blog thing? What do you GET out of it besides the occasional free thing to review and write about?”
I write. I say. I write and I like to write and I get enormous pleasure out of writing and when there are comments to add to the discussion then I learn from others and it gets to be like a big old love fest up in here!
Sometimes they get it. But honestly? My closest friends don’t “read” me. They get me in person and when Kelly 2.0 is the option as opposed to Kelly 3-D? Well, I’m a party in a box in real life. There is lots of movement and squishy hugs and raucous laughter.
That was all a preface to the fact that Heather, Karen and I have proposed a Room of Your Own for BlogHer and the funny thing here is that now there are folks who’d like to see this as an entire Track or Panel and I have to say that I agree. Why aren’t women of color being pursued even after all this time as influential women in the blogosphere? Doesn’t anyone want to finally include us even as the First Lady is being courted as an icon in her own right? Are there any smart, savvy companies out there who would like to sponsor this event or should we just sit in the back of the bus and be quiet about it?
Holla at your girl.
February 2, 2009 @ 9:10 pm | Filed under Adrenalized, All Black Folks Do NOT Look Alike, All the cool kids are doing it, BlogHer | Permalink |
Mrs. Flinger Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
Aside from having TOTALLY dirty feet because I’m such a hippie I hate shoes (heh) I can’t agree more. I mentioned my traffic today to someone (which, frankly is NILL) and yet? I still write. And it’s because of this: “I write. I say. I write and I like to write and I get enormous pleasure out of writing and when there are comments to add to the discussion then I learn from others and it gets to be like a big old love fest up in here!”
Anyone who can say that honestly is not only worth a panel, it’s worth a fucking million bucks. If you ask me.
dawn Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:33 pm
I write because I love it. I stopped long ago looking at my traffic. I just don’t really care. Would I love it if others read and felt connected by what I had to say? Sure, but I’m not saying it for them. I say it for me.
I love that you have always been you on this blog and I hope you all find a great sponsor for your “own room” on blogher. It’s about time women of color were recognized and celebrated.
by the way Kelly, can you email a password for your password protected posts? I hate missing anything you write.
Love ya.
d
Lawyer Mama Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
Yes! It’s about the writing! So agree. And I just don’t get why the marketers are ignoring WOC. It makes no earthly sense.
Meagan Francis Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
I have a slightly different perspective in that I do write for a living. Yes, for the love of it, but also because I feed my family with my words. So I have become accustomed to seeing words as something that have monetary value and in many ways my blog is a business tool.
that said…
I am also weary of the “your blog is your brand” rah-rah I see everywhere I go. Not everything I write is branded, packaged, and sold off for whatever I can get out of it (whether that be traffic, free stuff or ad revenue). Just because some of my work is saleable doesn’t mean every word I write is a gem worthy of monetary reward. And some of it I wouldn’t want to sell, even if I could. Also, I just don’t like the idea that we are all somehow supposed to be walking around as one-woman billboards or something. It starts to feel forced and fake after a while. A few weeks ago I joked to a friend that mom blogs are the new Mary Kay. I’m not always sure whether I trust the motives of new people I meet–do they really want to get to know me, or do they just want my page views? Am I a reader, or a “follower”?
Maybe that’s why I have a blog…so I have a place to write the stuff that nobody would ever buy, or stuff that I wouldn’t want to try to sell?
Adrienne Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
Someone accused me of the giveaway lure last month, when I was trying to sort things out for myself and didn’t have the urge to write, (and I got rid of some shit that was lying around the house!)
I set the record straight today on my blog, I am tired of people telling me what to write and who to write for. It is my blog and I will write for me.
KBO Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
Oh, so much word. I echo your sentiments entirely, and although I’m not a blogger-of-color, I am a student of critical race theory and critical pedagogy. I’ve asked myself the same question about blogging groups, both national and on the local level around here: where are bloggers of color? The truth is, you’re out there and kicking ass, but still landing in the margins. We have some fantastic lady bloggers of color here in STL, but somehow, they’re largely absent (notably, in my mind) from the existing blogging community. I’m all about reinventing that community to include a wider variety of people. No offense to those who may fall into that category, but there’s more out there than the middle-class, white, mom-who-blogs.
Stefania Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
I do not give a rat’s ass about stats or traffic. I write what I want to write about when I want to write about it. I am beholden to no one except for myself. Shoot, I even switched the focus of my personal blog com.plete.ly and the people that wanted to came along for the ride and those that didn’t, well, I respect that choice.
You GO. I will be at your panel nodding and shouting, “Go ON GIRL!” as needed.
Oh, and about that I don’t give a rat’s ass about stats thing? If you are my client, I do. I do give a rat’s ass about your stats.
Glennia Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
WORD to this entire post. I stopped blogging for six weeks, not because I didn’t have anything to write about, but because it became like a freaking job. I’m not interested in reviewing that super elastic-bubble plastic botox in a jar face cream, because I earned every line and wrinkle on this 48 year old face from smiling, laughing and crying. Gah. I took down the BlogHer ads because no one could load my site, since most of my family still have IBM 286 machines. And lead pencils. I think the thing I hate about the blogosphere most is the business aspect (though tremendous respect those who do it professionally and make a go of it).
I won’t be at BlogHer this year (family trip to China, Japan, and the motherland, Korea), but I support you 100%. Maybe BlogHers should organize a WOC-Con.
deb on the rocks Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
Totally with everything you wrote. I absolutely support the women of color having many Rooms at BlogHer and elsewhere, and wish you didn’t have to “compete” for space (and I wish we queers didn’t have to as well.) I hope that a diversity of voices end up represented on all general panels, PLUS some groups also need space set apart, too, and I would love to attend a session led by WOC on how to be a blogging ally. And last year I think the women of color BOF room was scheduled at the same time as the LGBTQ room, which was horrible, so I hope that doesn’t happen again! I’m 100% behind a WOC track and would gladly give up other conference bits to make sure you get one. I might even hold a contest if it helps. Well, maybe not. Perhaps.
Poppy Buxom Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
Thank God, thank God, thank God. I’ve been blogging for four years and my stats still suck. I refuse to run ads because it’s not worth pissing off the few readers I have.
Great post and great comments. And by the way, Meagan Frances: “mom blogging is the new Mary Kay” is the new Black!
Backpacking Dad Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
I blog for the cash. The sweet sweet cash. If I weren’t making thousands of dollars with each post it just wouldn’t be worth my time. I’d have to take up drinking. Or churning butter.
Suebob Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
I’m with Backpacking Dad. All of you losers who don’t make any money off your blogs are just jealous. Those of us who are rolling in it just laugh at you.
I’d sell my own mother on my blog if it made me a buck.
(No, really, if you find out how to get people to notice bloggers of color, point them my way, because they might have spinsters on their list somewhat below you.)
jess Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
I’m with backpacking dad.
I am so out of the loop, i have no idea what good traffic is or isn’t, i’ve never reviewed a single thing or taken any offers of “free” stuff cause nothing is free.
I am so proud of you that your comments at a panel last year have seen the light of day now…
CharmingBitch Said,
February 2, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
Ahhhh that’s what I’m talking about. You know how I feel about this and I’m really glad people who can DO SOMETHING about it now know, too.
Great post.
Dave2 Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 1:36 am
I started a blog so my friends could keep track of where I’m at and what I’m up to. I keep blogging because I love being a part of the blogging community. Getting to meet people like you is what makes my blog worthwhile.
And I have no idea why women of color are not being persued for sponsorship. I would gladly persue women of color! Or women of no-color, for that matter. I would persue any kind of woman if the odds favored me not ending up slapped with a restraining order.
Laura Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 6:10 am
I would LOVE to hear what Michelle Obama has to say in her blog!!!
Avitable Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 6:39 am
I think that there are a lot of untapped markets in blogging that advertisers don’t even realize. People who spend more than mommies, even!
S Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 6:42 am
I totally agree with what you say.
I love my blog and the few readers I have. It’s funny that when I first got into blogging years ago..I read a blog by a guy who probably had 10 readers a day max. It was funny, and I loved it! then he got hit with the bloglovebug or something and went searching for more and more and more readers, commenters, sponsors. It’s sad, but his blog lost it’s goodness after that. Now it is just a show.
Anyway..I am rambling.
anonymous Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 7:54 am
I don’t know what a track or a panel is. There’s nothing wrong about blogging for money and I read some of those. But the teacher blogs I read are not the money-making kind. People blog for the same reasons they teach, not for the money.
You Knew This Was Coming Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 8:31 am
[...] nails it. If you’re trying to blog to get rich quick, [...]
Jane Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 8:47 am
Great points — I look at how commercial Dooce’s blog is becoming, and even though I still love her writing, it’s a bit disappointing — esp. bec. I don’t think she needs to be doing that. Isn’t she “sucessful” enough already.
But I do think it’s a bit odd that you’d write a post condeming seeking of sponsors as a prelude to . . . asking for sponsors. Is that to ensure people know that they way you’re doing it, or your motives, are much superior to those people who are insecure enough to do it for the “wrong” reasons?
Elizabeth Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 8:55 am
I definitely agree with your first point. I get emailed regularly by new bloggers wanting to know how they can start a blog so PR firms and companies will send them products to review and give away. I reply back “well, start a blog and spend three years filling it with content. Work very hard, harder than most people realize, love what you do, love what you write, love your readers, and let that show in your writing.”
The only thing I know of that I do to get traffic is that I joined Entrecard. Yes, it brings traffic to my site, but it also has opened my eyes to blogs I surely would have never found otherwise, blogs about politics and sports and saving money and living with illnesses, all kinds of topics. I feel like my blogging community has increased tenfold for joining it.
I don’t search for sponsors, but they do find me, like when we went to Memphis to test drive Chevy Malibus. I was proud of being asked for my opinion and being treated like a member of the press! To be totally honest, if I could find a company to pay for my trip to BlogHer in exchange for help paying for the room, the airfare and the hotel, I would totally take it. If Leapfrog or VTech or Pampers or Campbell’s or Nintendo or any of the brands my family and I use every day asked me to write a post or two giving my opinion of their products and paid me enough to go to BlogHer without having to worry about it, I would jump at the chance.
I think blogging can be both- a creative outlet where we write for the love of the words, the turn of the phrase, the observations on the world around us, AND an income opportunity. Some choose to have BlogHer Ads, some choose to sell ads privately like I do, some choose to receive products to review like I do. I turn down way more than I take in, too. Like you said, I only agree to review something if it really sounds like something I’d be interested in.
I certainly hope you, Karen, and Heather get your “Room of our own” at BlogHer. I look forward to seeing you there again!
Natasha Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 8:57 am
Before even reading Jane’s comment, I was all confused too. For the same reasons she stated.
This post has made me decide that I might never do giveaways. Shoot me if I ever become another mommy blog with a punny slogan.
Stephanie Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 9:17 am
I think that everyone starts a blog for different reasons. If they want to have a blog to have thousands of followers, gimmicks, giveaways, and get free “stuff”… More power to them. I really think to each their own. There is a place for everyone in this world and we all have different callings. I say, if you don’t like someone’s blog, don’t read it. End of story.
I am NOT one of those bloggers you discussed. I have a family blog, which most would consider boring, but I find lovely. Then I have a small posterous blog where I post stupid or random thoughts, recipes, crazy pictures of my dogs or kids. Again, lame for most of the pro bloggers out there. But suits my needs.
I guess what I am getting at is that we all have our own agendas behind blogging, some want free stuff, some want to write for the joy of writing, some want a journel of their lives and experiences, some just don’t care and post whatever. But, who am I to say that one reason to blog is better than another.
Miss Britt Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 10:28 am
You know I love you, yes?
OK - then add my name to the confused list.
The beginning and end of this post don’t seem to belong in the same place together. Not that you can’t feel both things, but I’m confused as to what one has to do with one another - unless, like someone suggested, you’re wanting to defend your motives.
In which case?
Fuck that.
Marketing Mommy Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 11:45 am
I completely agree. I don’t even understand the point of hosting a giveaway in order to grab clicks–I can’t imagine any of those freebie finders will stick around and get to know me.
I blog because I find it insanely rewarding. I love to write. I love to share my opinions and selfishly, I wouldn’t remember my life in such detail if I hadn’t been documenting it. That anyone reads it or cares? That’s gravy.
Backpacking Dad Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 11:46 am
For the confused:
“Searching for sponsors and vendors and marketers JUST to get free stuff is reaching out for the lowest common denominator.”
“Are there any smart, savvy companies out there who would like to sponsor this event…?”
Although both statements talk about sponsors, and asking for sponsors, they are not logically opposed. Not even remotely, really. The first states, baldly, that ‘It is bad to search for sponsors just to get free stuff.’ The second implies ‘I want a sponsor so this session can take place.’
The “free stuff” alluded to in the first is product. Review product, more than likely. And there is no claim at all in there that doing product reviews or GETTING free stuff is bad. It’s a statement about motivations. Your motivations, she says, are bad if you are motivated to blog solely for free stuff from sponsors.
The second statement does not contradict that claim about motivation. It’s not even a statement about blogging. It’s about holding sessions at a blogging conference. And implied is that it is good to seek out sponsors for sessions at blogging conferences. But this does not further imply some other claim that ‘It is good to seek out sponsors solely for the purpose of getting free stuff’, which is what it would have to imply if we are to find a contradiction somewhere.
Backpacking Dad: Critical-thinking and Logical Fallacy Busybody, since 1993.
Kimberly/Mom in the City Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
Interesting post. I was on the “We don’t know what to do with you” panel at BlogHer business last year and there was such a (relatively) small number of marketers who signed up for the session. Hopefully, the country is moving towards a place where marketers will make it a priority to figure out “what to do with us” (even though, of course, you can’t put women of color in a box!)
lovebabz Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
I started my blog because I couldn’t stand contemplating therapy. I needed something else. I had shit to say. I walked thorugh fire and I had to tell someone…turns out I needed to tell the whole fucking world. And I did!
I am with you. You want to roll and make them notice Sisters…I am so WITH YOU!
Mocha Momma Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
There is no way I could better explain what Backpacking Dad said. I’ve seen him defend others before and now it’s my turn.
So thanks, Backpacking Dad. You are my hero today. That’s exactly how I meant it.
kapgar Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
While I wish I was paid to blog, I keep doing it to keep me writing. It keeps my brain going and makes writing that much easier when I need to do it for work. That’s one thing I tell people. Sure, writing is like riding a bike; you can go a while without it and pick it up again and just ride/write. But you’ll be rusty, and when you are on a deadline, there is no time to recapture that old center of gravity, as it were.
Plus I love the people I’ve met out here far too much to walk away.
Karen Sugarpants Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
There’s cash to be had? Hahahahahahahahahahahaha yeah right.
And GO YOU on the track - hope it flies, baby.
Arielle Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
I TOTALLY get what you’re saying in this post. Like… 100%. Thanks for saying it. And I agree. You’re one cool woman. Oh yeah, I’m new to your blog. Been browsing it for a couple weeks now. Like it.
I’m a writer too…and most of my “real” life friends don’t “get” me either. Interesting the amazing people we can “meet” here in the blogworld.
Hilly Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
I’ve got this friend who always tells me that I should spend more time beefing up my blog and changing my “image” since I work from home and clearly have tons of free time. Once, I actually thought about becoming that person but I’ve recently realized that I just want to blog to blog. I don’t even relate to people who have sponsors and get free things.
Oy!
Natasha Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
Backpacking Dad: It was more the tone that suddenly switched and the subject matter entirely. The first part was setting this up to be an awesome bloggy philosophical discussion. The second part was all business, only pertaining to the blogger and not to the readers. Didn’t flow. Came off weird.
truth Said,
February 3, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
You say its not about the money or traffic, yet you still stick out your hand and ask to be courted. Don’t you think companies/sponsors would contact you if they wanted YOU to take part? If you have to beg for it, is it really even worth getting? And is begging suddenly en vogue?!
CharmingBitch Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Well sure, truth. I mean every job, raise, promotion I have ever received hasn’t been because I had the initiative to apply for a position and prove myself worthy of more money and more responsibility. It was ALL due to sitting at home, warming the couch and waiting for someone to knock on my door and court my interest, convince me it was worth getting out the door.
Because yeah, that whole, ”If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, Muhammad will go to the mountain” spiel, that is for losers.
Happy Opposite Day, Winner!!11!
truth Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 12:50 am
This isn’t about asking sponsors to look at this blog and decide if they want to hire the blog to promote their product or service. After all, mocha momma asked them to look at her more than a year ago. Judging by the theme of this post, no sponsors took her up on it. Why would someone apply for the same position (if we’re using job metaphors) without changing anything else (training, experience, education)? This seems to be the same blog with the same central themes. What would make it more appealing to sponsors today than it was a year ago? If you weren’t qualified last time (for the metaphorical job), what makes you think you’ll get hired this time around?
CharmingBitch Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 1:12 am
Well yeah because when I want something and don’t get it the first time around, what I normally do is stop pursuing it because that whole, ”if at first you don’t succeed try, try again” thing is a straight shot to disappointment because in this life, you only get one shot. You know, like the great philosopher of our time, Eminem said once.
And the internet along with the communities therein and the marketing needs of business interests are pretty well known for being static rather than dynamic. Especially within the time-frame of a solid year, who could ever anticipate any changes in that brief period of time.
Because Kelly’s point is not, at all, that her blog, her perspective and her value is if not more than this time a year ago but that it’s just as important now as it was then and worthy of not just asking the question, ”What Do We Do” but following through and answering that call and making changes that will possibly not just make the question moot by this time next year but change it to instead, ”What ELSE Can We Do”.
Yeah. You’re right. Asking for equal consideration is just silly, especially if you’re told no the first time.
truth Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 1:24 am
You’re right, it certainly never hurts to ask. But I’m pretty sure the guy cleaning toilets isn’t going to get the VP or CFO position no matter how many times he applies.
CharmingBitch Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 1:57 am
Exactly.
Because there is a specific skill set needed to be equally acknowledged, equally valued and equally respected just as cleaning toilets and balancing expenditures demand the same qualifications.
How could I have been so blind to the obvious?
Fantastic Forrest Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
You are spot on.
I’ve never been to a conference. So I didn’t know about the issue you’re referencing.
I have read many of your posts. They are great. You bring an important voice to bloggyland that is different from many of the other blogs I read. It is informed by your experiences. And your voice is really valuable, because it reminds us all not to pigeonhole or stereotype, but to respect that we all have unique perspectives.
White Hot Magik Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Google reader loves this post, no matter whose blog I go to read, when I am done, this post pops right back up. I love the first part about blogging because you have something to say not to be popular or make money. I have to admit I struggled with wanting both of those things after realizing it was happening for other people. I love how you have managed to achieve popularity without selling out, you have been my blogging hero for a long time. As for the second part, I know little about the marketing side. I do know that since I look up to you so much, I do check out pretty much every link you throw out there, and if I hope that is worth getting you a room at blogher.
Tricia Said,
February 4, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
Stir, Beat, and Whip away!
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy Said,
February 5, 2009 @ 2:21 am
I can see how some people get caught up in the “riches” that seem to be floating around the blog world. One person I know is headed to New York courtesy of HP, the other went on a cruise to the Bahamas with Disney. Some companies are shelling out big bucks to get their names out there and they’re doing it through women (and men) who blog.
I don’t begrudge any of those people their good fortune*. More power to them since what they’re doing is working and companies want to have their products associated with their blogs. As two people pointed out, blogging can be a full time job. Why not get a little something out of it, especially if you’re not part of an ad network etc.?
My beef is people who are in it for the “stuff” but try to play it off as though they aren’t. Own it. People can see right through that. I have a definite idea about when I will consider my blog to be “succesful” and part of that definition includes bringing in a little money. I need to feel I’m contributing more to the the family than clean sheets and dinner at 6:00. But that’s just me.
As for BlogHer, look for your sponsor. No one should fault you for that. Backpacking Dad summed it up perfectly. I would definitely attend your session at BlogHer as I think it’s important and long overdue. I thin it would be a great opportunity for some of the big companies that brag about their diversity to put their money where their mouths are.
Sorry to hijack your comments! I’ll go back to lurking now ;D *Full disclosure: I went to Disney World last October as part of a Mom Blogger event.
Ace Said,
February 5, 2009 @ 8:04 am
Yes. totally agree with you. I have had the temptation to become consumed with stats or comments, etc. or to even sell-out my kids as some do by plastering “oh so cute” pics of them all the time as blog entries. but what is the value in that? Just to get comments of people saying ‘they’re adorable’
No. I really started and enjoy it for the practice of writing and giving a voice to the little voice in my head that has an opinion on just about everything that happens around me, (even if for right now that involves my kids on most days).
So, yes. Let it be that I write, and I like to write.
Becca Said,
February 5, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
I blog because it is the one safe place where I can say what I want and no one can tell me how to feel. And it is cheaper than therapy, and I will not take my frustrations about life out on the people I love and respect. I am never in this for the hits or the cash. I will never, ever be that good. And hey, I already have my own husband to spoil my butt rotten, how could I ask for more than that? And I am writing this from Hawaii, so yeah, I will take the spoiled title, put on my tiara and rock it!
Sharon Said,
February 5, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
I blog because it is a way for me to promote issues I care about. And yes my friends don’t get it because I have a whole separate career (still related to writing).
I like the sense of freedom and of connection that comes about after I hit that “publish” button. Sometimes I get a little obsessive about stats, but then life is so busy and I let it go. That said, I do want my blogs to eventually be part of the way I make a living. Why not - I love to write.
If WOC are not being approached by sponsors at comparable rates as other women bloggers - why not? Definitely worth exploring - that’s how we learn and how we make our “sector” known to sponsors.
angie Said,
February 5, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
You go, Girl! That’s why you get the big bucks. I mean, what you said about comments is what it’s all about. I hope you get big corporate sponsors for real. What I can say about blogher is that it introduced me to you and Heather. (I already ‘knew’ Karen from blogging baby, etc.)
Daisy Said,
February 8, 2009 @ 9:00 am
Back of the bloggy bus? Isn’t this the 21st Century? Come on, sponsors, get with it. And you, BigWigs of BlogHer, wake up.
Really, folks. Michelle Obama is a fantastic woman. So is Kelly. Don’t underestimate either one of them.
Belinda Said,
February 9, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
You haven’t said anything that should be in ANY way controversial!
I was wondering…if I actually make it to BlogHer this year (there’s a slim chance), can *I* come to that session?
Amanda Said,
February 9, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
If people sent me free books to review, I’d jump all over that. I love to read. If someone sent me a free baseball glove, I guess I might go out and throw a ball around, but it’d be odd.
I have no idea what to think about traffic and giveaways and all that. I do love comments because I like the sense of community and I’ve done a few things to try and increase the community I feel when blogging - though mostly it was just joining NaBloPoMo. I can’t say I’ve never been interested in my stats or comments/lack of, but it certainly isn’t why I blog - I started to keep people I knew up-to-date on my life overseas and I’ve continued because I find fun.
I love your blog because of the fact that you and I are very different people, but there are some points of commonality. I like reading your perspective. I have been somewhat bemused by the mommy blogging trend as a single person living in Korea in what I assume will be a lifelong expat lifestyle.
Becky Said,
February 12, 2009 @ 11:30 am
hey I’m a close friend and I read you periodically. Real Kelly is much better than internet Kelly. (that sounds like a barbie internet cafe Barbie comes with her own laptop!)
Mr Lady Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 12:22 am
I’m nodding so much my head hurts. To all of it.