I've been thinking about blogging for a couple of years now. But I never thought anyone would want to read what I had to say. Then I remembered that some people like to listen what I have to say - why should blogging be any different? Plus blogging means testing my spelling and punctuation skills. This leads me to thinking about blogging conferences, get-togethers and mommy-blogging.
I was beginning to think that being a mom-blogger wasn't exciting or meaningful - but when I looked at the blogs I was reading, or using Google to research something that ultimately led to a mom-blog I realized that we're out there, we have something to say and we're intelligent. But I needed a push to start blogging. I had bought a new KitchenAid mixer this summer (and started using it right away, even though it's meant to be a birthday gift - and my birthday's in December) I knew that I would have to include cooking & baking in my blog. Then I was laid-off from a part-time job I had started, after not working for almost nine years. And then I heard about the Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration (Conference) coming up in March. I wanted to go, but from what I understood, you need to be a blogger/tweeter/facebooker. I wanted to learn how to do this: be part of the social media. I also thought it would be a learning experience for seasoned as well as newbie bloggers.
It was the jump-start I needed. I started blogging. I have been on Facebook for years now, but that's a personal account, just for friends and family. And also some fabulous DisBoutiquers that started me sewing and crafting again! I've had fun on Facebook and had been thinking about Twitter for quite some time too. So I waited for the registration date and time for the Social Media Moms Celebration to open. The dates for the conference were good for my family, and I loved that I could bring the family with me, and even spend some time with them. We don't have the desire to travel without our kids, so this was perfect. I set my calendar reminders, set the alarm on my phone, and waited.
And waited and waited and waited. The time for registration (it was advertised as "First Come, first served") arrived and it was nearly impossible to complete. The server was overloading, and the page kept refreshing and refreshing. Tweets from far and wide were describing the "orange spinning circle of death". I had faith, trust and (hopefully) pixie dust on my side. Right? I didn't think it would take almost two hours to "register". I had to put that in quotes, because it was really an application process. With no explanations or qualifications listed. I was sent an e-mail stating that I would receive e-mail notification of acceptance (or not) shortly. I then waited some more. A day later, I received notice that I wasn't accepted. I was confused. I thought it was a given that if you were able to register, you were in. I guessed they were going to review and make certain that you were a real person before sending confirmation, but that wasn't the case. I'm disappointed that I'm not able to go, I would have loved the experience to go and craft my blogging skills. Maybe even get some inspiration and some new followers. Find lots of new blogs to follow too.
I will apply again next year, just as I will once again apply for the DisneyWorld Moms Panel. At least with the Moms Panel I know it's an application process. Hopefully next year's Disney Social Media Moms Celebration will have some glitches ironed out, and a more open application process. I look forward to reading all the blogging about the conference. I congratulate all the bloggers who were accepted to attend. I hope you have a great time! Please have a Mickey ice-cream for me 'kay? ºOº
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