I made it to Blog Camp last Saturday in a haze of painkillers.
Did I learn anything? Well, my notes include the phrases quirky cats and social signals, so on first glance the answer appears to be no.
Luckily plenty of other bloggers have written about what was discussed at each workshop - all the links are on the Tots100 blog.
I went to the first Blog Camp in London last year. The theme was how to become a more professional blogger. There were sessions on building your brand, SEO and design. I came away feeling pleased I finally understood SEO, but have I done anything with that knowledge? No. I decided I was happy pootling along with Baby Baby. I kept it ticking over, but it wasn't really going anywhere. That was fine, my free time is limited.
I initially got a ticket to Blog Camp Birmingham so I could catch up with my friends. There are too many to name here (and to be honest I can't be bothered to add in all the links). If we chatted or hugged or smiled at each other thinking I'm sure I know that face, then insert your name here - you know who you are. The atmosphere was relaxed and informal and there were plenty of coffee breaks.
What I have taken away this time is a renewed enthusiasm for blogging. I am inspired, not only by the sessions (although they were excellent for the most part), but by the discussions in between.
I have already tried snarking and found that I love it. I hammered away at my keyboard earlier this week ranting about The Voice. I expect I'll do it again. After all, The Apprentice is on tonight... As a snark target I do think it's too easy though. It would be like shooting fish in a barrel. I'm certainly going to get off the fence and not be afraid to voice my opinions.
I have so many ideas buzzing around (in the gaps in my brain that the co-codamol can't reach). I don't have time to implement all of them now, but they'll keep.
The best bit? Blog Camp was free and you had to look very hard to see a sponsor...
Sounds really cool.....wish I didn't live with my head in the clouds and would've seen it earlier!! Are you off to CybHer or BritMums??? About time I had a Sandy hug xx
ReplyDeleteEmma, no, I'm not. Boo. We shall have to arrange to meet up x
Deleteare these camps run regularly - i am keen to get my head around what blogging is thanks
ReplyDeleteYes, there should be more this year. Check out blogcamp.co.uk
DeleteWhy is it that my arse is a feature in every single blogging conference?
ReplyDeleteTo be fair Nickie, at CyberMummy I mostly remember your breasts in that t-shirt. The arse is new to me.
ReplyDeleteslowly exposing myself... be afraid, be VERY afraid!
DeleteWas so lovely to see you again Sandy!! I came back buzzing with ideas too! :)
ReplyDeleteEmma, lovely to see you too. It's great to be inspired :)
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ReplyDeleteWas great to chat with you Sandy! I'm with you on finding time to implement all these ideas :) Am looking forward to reading your holiday review - sure you will have masses of fun xx
ReplyDeleteLouise, it was lovely to see you again. Thanks, we're just hoping the rain stops! x
DeleteBrilliant. Love it! Obviously if you take your camera out at the next blogging meet-up, we'll all run a mile!
ReplyDeleteRosie, I need one of those spy cameras in my specs. Yes, that's it *googles spy stuff* ;)
DeleteHave to agree with Rosie, I'll have a Sandy hug but no camera please lol!
ReplyDeleteAngela, okay, I can live with that ;)
DeleteSandy, you crack me up, good work that lady!!
ReplyDeleteSorry Nickie, I agree with Sally - it was all tits before...so now you're Tits AND ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm now singing "wiggle it" in my head. Just so you know.
Delete*takes a bow*
DeleteMy bad back wouldn't let me run up and kick it so I did the next best thing ;)
Lovely to see you on Saturday! Blog Camp was fab and I wish I was going next week too!
ReplyDeleteSarah, great to talk to you. It was fab. Can't wait for the next one.
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ReplyDeleteoops... excuse my last comemnt, you must think I've gone mad. was meant for Nickie ;) but I'd love to meet you too!!! Any friend of hers... and all that... actually I love your blog, I'm here to stay! :)
ReplyDeleteSteph, oh bless you. You can stay :)
DeleteNice butt Nickie :) x
ReplyDeleteLouisa, hasn't she?!
DeleteOne day I would love to go, but Saturday events are a problem for me. Sounds like it was very motivating
ReplyDeleteCoombe Mill, I couldn't go if it was in the week. Hopefully you can make it some time :)
DeleteLove it Sandy and you know what, I missssss youuuuuuuu! And I'm loving Nickie's blazer, tres chic. Anyway, I feel you, I HATE adding in links and some days I'm like "eh, whatever" other days I get motivated and get my butt into gear. Besides, I gotta keep up with the US mommy bloggers, they are fierce ya know :)
ReplyDeleteMaria, hi honey, I miss you too :( I do feel bad about not linking to anyone, but when I jotted down who to add I had got up to 35 bloggers!
DeleteYes, Nickie's blazer is fab.
How's it going with the US Mommy Bloggers? x
Actually mummy, can't wait to read it :)
ReplyDeleteNow that's the kind of conference/event I would love to go to where you don't have advertisers in your face and get to the topic at hand! Of which there are more! I tend to look at blogging as your online diary. Having your own opinion is what makes it unique. Have a notepad to hand so you can scribble your ideas wherever you are xx
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