Word Press or Blogger??

I've been hearing about Word Press more and more at this conference. Fellow bloggers recommend Word Press. I went ahead and signed up, but I'm not necessarily switching (yet). I've tried several other free blogging services, but Blogger seemed to be good enough- not the best, but good enough. Off the bat, I like the option of categories for each post in Word Press. I have more exploring to do, but does anyone out there in the blogosphere want to share their 2 cents?

Dooce in real life

Heather Armstrong
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I had heard that there was someone famous who got fired for her blog. Heather Armstrong is one of the panel speakers here at the BlogHer conference today. This woman has used her name as a brand in order to be a breadwinner, which allows her to spend time with her family. Her husband quit his job so that he can help her run her blog business. Wow. I'd love to be paid for blogging...

The other speaker claims that there is a high need for corporate bloggers. Corporations try to use marketing people to do it, but end up having to outsource. Having an expertise is a definate advantage. Hmm...

To advertise or not to advertise?

Advertising is a controversial topic for blogging. I haven't installed Google Adsense (yet). Of course, I wouldn't want to do anything tacky. I think I've brought up this topic before, getting a not-so-positive response. Does anyone have any opinion on blog advertising?

BlogHer on front page news!

The conference was plastered on the front page of the local newspaper in San Jose yesterday. The article was right next to the popular event for the weekend, the San Jose Grand Prix. I guess having 700-800 female (and a few male) bloggers at one place is something significant. CLICK HERE for the article.

My friends and other people laughed or snickered when I said that I was going to a blog conference this weekend. Well, being here has opened my eyes. Blogging is something radical, something booming. Blogging has been around for awhile, according to Wikipedia. I'm surrounded my hundreds of people with the same passion, blogging. It's amazing to hear bloggers share their experience. What are we doing at the conference? You can check it out at BlogHer.org. The conference is similar to others with workshops, discussion groups, networking/social hours, etc. This is the 2nd annual conference, so it can only get better.

For the guys, I saw that someone has purchased BlogHim.org from GoDaddy.com but this is an opportunity to start something great. I only wish that I had started something like this. Hmm...

Brand marketing in blogging

Brand marketing, this buzzword stuck in my mind today. One of the speakers said that was important for her blog. Wow. This is not rocket science, but I didn't think about blogging in that way. One of my b-school classes covered brand marketing, so I guess that my pricey textbook will be re-used- imagine that.

Now the hard question is: What is my brand?
A: Me... but I want to re-invent myself.

Not a mommy blogger

A good portion of women at this BlogHer conference are mommy bloggers. This makes sense since a majority of women are stay-at-home moms who have a little bit more time and have something to write about. Sometimes I wish my mom had a blog when I grew up since I don't remember much about my childhood. Blogging allows mothers (and fathers) to capture the funny and sad moments, highlights and lowlights, whatever as their kid(s) grow up.

Anyhow, one women introduced herself and said something to the effect of, "What's your blog about? You don't look like a mommy blogger." I laughed and exclaimed, "I don't have time for blogging and a baby." That was supposed to be a joke, but it kind of hit a chord with me. Why can't I look like I have a kid? Sure, I'm wearing a short jean skirt and heels, but is there a specific uniform for moms? When I become a mom, does that mean I have to change my wardrobe? Silly thought, huh? Not having a kid seems like to keep me out of the circle or click of moms. I tried to fit in by saying, "I've got friends with kids. I can refer your blog to them."

Blogging has allowed alot of people, especially women, have their voice heard. This is a great way for introvents or shy/quiet people to say something. One lady here said that blogging helped her talk without yelling. She was not referring to anger management, but rather "without yelling" meant being able to speak with no debate. There are feminists here as well, something with which I don't identify. To each his or her own.

All in all, I can't say that I've networked at this conference as much as I thought I would. However, the second day is not over yet. Stay tuned...

What, no business cards?!

At the blog conference today, people have been asking for my business card. I was embarrassed to respond, "No, I don't have a business card." I wasn't sure if it would be crazy or odd, but it makes sense that a person doesn't want to write down 700+ blog URLs (yes, 700+ bloggers here today). Until I re-invent myself, business cards will have to be on my To-Do-List.

Still prefer 350Z

Still prefer 350Z
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Test drove new Saturn sportscar @BlogHer conference!

There were several sponsors at the conference, including Yahoo and Saturn. Side note: I'm surprised that there is no Google presence here. Anyhow, I didn't know that Saturn made sports cars- this car just came out a few months ago. There is no hard top. It's the most affordable car on the market, starting at $23K. Wow. But my heart is still set on the 350Z (and I don't buy my American cars).

During lunch, I took this baby for a spin around the block in San Jose. Great day to ride in a convertible. Handled well. I didn't get any speed tickets, phew! Test driving this car has re-sparked my interest in getting a sportscar. I still need to check out the S2000, but my heart is set on the 350Z (did I say that already?). I know I have been talking about it for awhile now, but I'm waiting for a change in my life...

When's my birthday?

A few months ago, my Vegas pictures were featured on Flickrlicio.us. Someone had grabbed my girl pics from my Flickr site. Well, the blogosphere is a small world... Nick Starr (who also was part of Flickrlicio.us) found my previous post about Google Calendar. He told me about his cool button maker. Now you can mark your calendar with August 15th! I can remind myself (and you) about my birthday. I've got my calendar, button, and countdown timer (see above). To add to your calendar, click on the button below.

sMhyla's Google Calendar

I knew about Google Calendar, but I didn't realize that this tool can be added to my blog. This is the first useful thing I've learned from the BlogHer conference so far. I'll start a separate calendar for my personal events, so now I won't need a planner, PDA, or paper calendar, as long as my laptop is connected to the net. Now you guys can keep up with me. To no surprise, my first appointment is the BlogHer.org conference for today and tomorrow.

Check out my calendar at the bottom of my right sidebar...

What's next, Google??

My blog is back online

I'm kickstarting my blog right before I head to the BlogHer conference this weekend. I've been MIA in the blogosphere, but the blog withdrawals haven't been bad. The plan is to reinvent myself under a different pseudonym or my real name, but I don't know what the theme will be. I know that I've lost most of my readership due to my absence, so I guess I'll start from ground zero again.

I'm sure you are asking, "What have I been doing for the past 2 months without blogging?" Many things. Paying more attention to myself. Thinking about my life. Lost 10 pounds (looking good = feeling good). Doing yoga at least once per week. Socializing with friends. Meeting new people (boys). Starting to "broaden my horizon". Quitting coffee and eating out so much. Traveling, especially for work, but nowhere spectacular (Idaho, Mexico, and Texas). Being happy.

I'm sure I'll be blogging during the blog conference...