I’ve been reading lots of posts/re-caps about the Blissdom conference that was last week and I’ve noticed a few things.
Now I’ll admit I didn’t attend Blissdom ‘10 (due to last minute childcare issues) but I have attend several blogger and social media conferences over the years. (even was the lead organizer on one )
Basically — no matter what you do , the type of sessions you create, the amount of tracks (experience level) you have … not everyone is going to be happy.
I know that you are thinking well DUH Tammy — that’s kind of obvious. The thing I’ve noticed that that many people expect that a conference is going to be custom-fit for the individual .
One thing we need to remember is that conferences don’t supply a “magic key” of information. They provide more tools and encouragement. They also provide attendees the ability to build relationships.
It’s great to give feedback to the conferences/event organizers as that helps them plan for next year. I highly recommend that and be completely honest in your feedback. Tell them what YOU would like to see not just what was WRONG
We also need to remember that we get what we give , take what info YOU get from a conference and apply it to what YOU are doing. There is not going to be someone that says ” Jane you need to do X , Y, and Z to make your blog the best ever” I’m sorry its just not going to happen.
If that is your expectation at a conference – then my friends you need to put your big girl panties on and join the real world. (i say that with all the love in the world)
One of the best thing I love about attending conferences is not necessarily the sessions, its the networking that happens there. It’s engaging with the community (yes I know some people despise that word ) and the conversations/ideas/thoughts that occur organically at these types of events. I can’t always remember the information given at a particular event but you can bet I’ll remember most of the conversations and people at those events.
A couple of days ago , I came across a news article about the NFL requesting that non- NFL licensed merchandise with the WHO DAT slogan be removed from stores.
At first , I didn’t think much of it as I’m not up to speed on the happening in New Orleans. .
As I looked more closely at the article and tweets surrounding it , I realized there was a lot more to it.
For those that don’t know, I grew up in New Orleans. I attended my first Saints game at the age of 5 with my dad and my grandfather. I’ve attended tons of games since then.. most during the “Aints” years.
While I’m not the BIGGEST football fan (we all know how much I love hockey) I do have a special place in my heart for the Saints and of course my hometown, New Orleans.
To the people at the NFL – what you are doing is WRONG! I understand you own the Saints logo, colors and even the Fleur-De-Lis. I strongly disbelieve that you also own the “WHODAT” too. I urge you to share those copyright papers if you do.
The WHO-DAT term has been around since the 1890’s LONG before the Saints organization was born and the NFL. It has been used in songs,commercials, advertising, marketing plans,etc for years … NOW all of a sudden it is a copyright/licensing issue?
I truly believe that this just about money.. plain and simple. Shame on you NFL ! We didn’t let Katrina stop us and we certainly won’t let the you!
Now for all you SAINTSfans – call or email the NFL and tell them to leave our “who dat” alone! Contact info : Dan Masonson – NFL 212-450-2081 212-450-2081 Dan.masonson@NFL.com
A BIG thanks to YatMediaLLC and FleurtyGirl for letting us all know what they are TRYING to do.
To Sean, Drew and the rest of the Saints — good luck in da bowl !! Bless you Boys!– cross-posted on tammymunson.com /
Ok so its December 23rd but why doesn’t it feel like it? Usually at this point, I’m giddy with the fact that Christmas is only a couple of days away.
The tree and decorations are up, most of the presents are wrapped (all are bought), the weather is cold but it still doesn’t feel the same.
I know the reason is that our family is not complete right now, SGT Daddy is not here with us to celebrate. We are lucky to we get to talk to him as much as we do and we certainly have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas.
It feels weird though… it seems that time has stopped for us. We still go through each day and the physical time passes. We are just surviving.
It’s hard to get excited about Christmas when all the things that we normally do we can’t do together. We didn’t go out and pick out a real tree this year. We won’t make cookies and watch Christmas movies on Christmas Eve. For us, it’s all about spending time together and being a family.
On a good note, the Christmas season is ALMOST over and we can look forward to 2009 going away and 2010 getting started!
So I’ve been in a serious cleaning mood lately, so I decided to move my office back upstairs for the new year. (SGT Daddy will be home in a matter of months.. I just love saying that )
So… Kiersten and Beck have decided that they want to share a room again …. oh boy !! They are both excited and have promised no fighting,etc.
It’s going to be interesting to combine 2 very different styles in one room. (Ty,and the design team from Extreme Makeover – I could use your help right about now)
So a few days before Christmas we are embarking on Operation Room Share. This should be FUN! (are you local? want to help ? let me know)
As we progress this project – I’ll be uploading here on the blog and facebook.
(I know those that know me are seriously thinking—- ANOTHER project Tammy?? But alas yes because this one gets my very own office with a DOOR , not in the basement)
The party was so much fun… and we managed to raise $550 in ONE HOUR for the Wounded Warrior Project!! Much thanks to all those that participated and Whitefence.com for sponsoring as well as donating!!
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This Monday I’ll be co-hosting a Twitter Party with WhiteFence.com , starting at 9pm EST. The kicker is that it will benefit our Wounded Warriors.
If you aren’t familiar with WhiteFence, I highly recommend you check them out. WhiteFence is a free service that helps people who are moving or looking to find the best deals on phone, Internet, television, electricity, natural gas and other home services.
Now this is no normal Twitter Party, there will be no gifts to give away. However there it is opportunity to have some awesome conversation, share our tips/tricks and help our wounded warriors …
you see every tweet that includes the party hashtage (#wfparty) a $1 donation will go to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. (up to $2000)
So how can you help get involved and raise money?
Well @whitefence and I will be talking about how how to make the holidays special when you’re loved one is overseas. All you have to do is join in the conversation on Twitter (make sure to include the hashtag )
Make sure you follow me (@tammymunson) and Whitefence (@whitefence) so you don’t miss this fun event!!!
So spread the word to not only raise money but awareness as well. If you would like to make your own donation to the Wounded Warrior Project , you do do so at the WWP site as well!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at tammy @ armyhousehold6.com
I found this recently and I thought I’d share it .. it was written by Becca about what she was thankful for. ——————————————————
I am greatful for Daddy, Uncle Guy, Mama, Kiersten (my sister)
Next is my story of one of them.
What am I thankful for? My uncle, my uncle Guy. He had to go through a lot of stuff and my daddy helped him get through one of them. It was called cancer. Now that is what i am thankful for.
Several of the events of the last week revolved around SGT Daddy..
Thursday was not only Thanksgiving – but it was also SGT Daddy’s birthday! I was a little worried that he wasn’t going to receive his present on time… but he got it the day before! WHEW!
It was a special day for another reason.. you see SGT Daddy received a coin from Dr. Joseph Westphal, Under Secretary of the Army – and Major General Scapriotti, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force 82- Afghanistan.
No, I’m NOT! We are still here in CO , healthy and pretty happy. It’s just been a whirlwind couple of weeks.
First – I hope that all of you had a wonderful thanksgiving holiday! We didn’t have SGT Daddy at home but we certainly had a lot to be thankful for this year.
Secondly – My awesome super cool desktop computer aka Mac is dying. His heart is giving out! (aka hard drive issues) I can’t blame him for I’ve put Mac through the wringer for last 4 year with video/web/graphic editing.
I’ve forced (yes FORCED) to use my HP mini PC laptop for all online activity these days. For those that know me very well, no that I’m not particular a fan of PC. (let the hate mail start now….)
Anyway,I’m here and we are all doing great! Looking forward to Christmas! I’ll be posting some cool stuff about SGT Daddy later today , so stay tuned for that! : )
UPDATE -
I found this recently and I thought I’d share it .. it was written by Becca about what she was thankful for. ——————————————————
