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I am an extrovert. (I bet you never could have guessed that! LOL)
Put me in a hotel with over a thousand like minded women, and I will have a great time. I thrive in the company of energetic, creative, brilliant people. And at BlogHer there is never a shortage of such people!
So when I boarded the plane heading to Chicago, I was looking forward to all aspects of the event. But I knew my favorite part – the part that I would never forget – would be the relationships I would make. I would make new friends. I would meet people in person that I have only known online. I would strengthen friendships I already have. And I would have fun… and laugh a lot!
And I was not disappointed.
My BlogHer09 experience was a beautiful blur of faces, hugs and conversations. It was networking that doesn’t feel like networking, because it is really relationship building. It was laughter and camaraderie. It was friendship.
Arriving home to read the negative posts about BlogHer was so sad. Yes, some people behaved badly.
But I would hate those mistakes to define our community.
Susan and I adore our online friends — in fact, it is our mission to promote the online mom community that blesses so many women’s lives!
But we are a collection of human beings. And so within that group there will be conflict and strife and failure. We will hurt one another and we will be hurt. It is part of human nature.
We will all make mistakes and disappoint ourselves and others. The key is to acknowledge those mistakes and strive to become better.
I hope that through the critical feedback on BlogHer that we can improve and evolve as a community, determined to “get it better” next time.
But through it all, I hope we can extend grace to our sisters and focus on the good in each of us — and the good in our community.
There is so, so, so much good! Let’s show the world how incredible the momosphere is!!!
For some positive posts about BlogHer09, check out these wonderful posts:
Design Mom — BlogHer Happy Things
Gwen Bell — 10 things that made me smile at BlogHer 2009
Mrs. FussyPants — BlogHer — What it was really about.
Mommy Instincts — The love that BlogHer 09 Built
A Southern Fairytale.com — BlogHer 09 — Or the one where I got my bloggin groove back
(PS – I will be adding more to this list – esp as I read through all the blogs in our BlogHer09 MckLinky, but right now I need to run and take my son to piano lesson!)
THANKS so much to our sponsor, Toshiba, for sending us to BlogHer and for providing a laptop for us to giveaway in our “Hunt for the Traveling Toshiba!”
Stephanie says
You’re in extrovert? Really? I never would have guessed. 😉
Thanks for this optimistic, inspiring post. I love positive people like you – spreading goodwill and promoting unity. We should all aspire to that…
Lorie Shewbridge says
Thank you for putting a positive spin on BlogHer, I’ve read some horrible things about the conference AND some people. I don’t know if I want to go next year or not. I would have to start to save money now, and it would be hard on my health, especially if some of the negatives are really true. Are you trying to brush aside the bad things as really not so bad, or are they really not that bad?
I have read some posts that point out both the positives and negatives while still saying that overall it is a wonderful experience. Would you classify it more like that?
Jendi says
It is nice to read a positive post. I’ve seen a lot of negative ones this year. I had fun with Pensieve’s BlogHop! 🙂
Design Mom says
The positive energy that 5 Minutes For Mom brings to any event is off the charts. Every party, every gathering is instantly improved when Janice, Susan and the video crew start setting up. Thanks for being such a force for good in our community.
B. Nabors says
I can’t wait for next year! I am really itchin’ to go. And by the way, for my birthday this year my husband bought me a laptop – a TOSHIBA! I love it!
Casual Friday Every Day says
“I hope that through the critical feedback on BlogHer that we can improve and evolve as a community, determined to “get it better” next time.”
I hope so! I think most businesses want to grow and improve, and I would think that blogher was in that list of most businesses.
I’m glad you had an awesome time. YAY! I’m sorry I missed out on meeting you.. again!
Nell
Boston Mamas says
Janice, I met you super briefly in the elevator at BlogHer one night, then I had such fun getting to know Susan in Boston this week. I’m glad I’ve finally crossed paths with you two!
I’ll link up some of my BlogHer posts shortly. -Christine
KristinL says
I more than ever will strive to do better!
Next year..I’m bringing ME back!!
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says
I had the chance to talk to Susan for a little while, but think I only saw you in passing, unfortunately. Negatives aside, I had an amazing time at BlogHer – and loved getting to meet so many wonderful people in person!! 🙂
heather says
this is THE FIRST blogher post that I’ve read that actually makes blogher seem like something worth taking my time to attend. i’ve never been. but I am going to the Women of Faith Conference (in 2 weeks!!! wohhoooo!)for the 2nd year and i am SO stoked:)
Janice says
Yes Rona, for sure the FTC was discussed – a lot! At this point, I think we have to wait and see what the FTC does AND most importantly, let our voices be heard. (As a Canadian, I don’t really think it is appropriate for me to be contacting US state or federal representatives, but one of the panelists in one of the session on this topic did suggest that people contact their local representatives.)
As for what companies get back, that is determined between company and blogger. We set out ahead of time what we are offering our sponsors in terms of promotion and advertising.
Rachel says
Great post, Janice!! And you’re so right – if we chose to focus on the negative, it would ruin the whole experience – and there was plenty of positive to focus on!!
Rona says
I was wondering if you would comment on the latest rumors that the FTC is considering guidelines regarding freebies and bloggers.
Was that a topic that was discussed at this year’s conference?
Within the business world it is rare for a company to spend monies without any positive payback. With that in mind what is the expectation of the sponsor when they have subsidized airline tickets, hotel rooms, etc?
Gwen Bell says
Every time I see you two working your magic, it’s a real treat. Thank you, again, for a lovely reminder of why we’re so passionate about this space.
Big love,
@gwenbell
Carolyn Online says
I loved hanging with you and Jaques the camera man. It was one of my gigglier moments of the day. I do however cringe at the idea of seeing that video.
Internet hugs, Carolyn Online a.k.a. Darcy’s friend and the cameraman’s worst nightmare
Quad Mom (Jen) says
Janice it was amazing to chat with you (more than once) during the conference. You are such an amazing mother and work soooooo hard! Thank you for sharing your heart with me, and for loving on our family. You were a true BLESSING and a highlight of the conference for sure!
rachel-asouthernfairytale says
Thank you, Janice. 😉 I’m honored to be included up there.
Meeting you was a blast! Next time.. let’s start our marathon chat session before 1130 at night 😉 K?
HUGS and so much love.
rachel