Membership Has Multiple Benefits
February 3, 2009 by Kimberly · 6 Comments
I discussed the BlogHer Conference (where bloggers go to meet one another in person) with my husband this past weekend and we both agreed that it would be a great event for me to attend. However, at a total combined cost of $1200 – $1500, BlogHer doesn’t fit in our budget for this year. (You can read this post to see why it wouldn’t be such a smart move.) It’s so ironic…last year when we could have afforded the trip, I didn’t want to go to BlogHer!
Anyway, I mentioned last week that Mabel’s Labels is choosing one blogger to be the chief correspondent on their blog during BlogHer ’09. The winner of their BlogHer ’09 Contest will receive a fully paid trip to the conference that’s being held in Chicago. So, I’m throwing my “hat in the ring”. Since I already use Mabel’s Labels products and have had great experiences with both their people and products, I’d love to represent them at BlogHer. (For the record, several companies are holding BlogHer sponsorship contests. This is the only one – so far, anyway – that I feel compelled to enter. I only like to represent brands that I truly believe in!)
The contest entry question:
“What have been the rewards and benefits of participating in the blogging community?”
My answer…
It’s difficult to put into words the rewards that taking part in the blogging community brings because so much of the “payment” is intangible. I don’t get paid to blog on my Mom in the City site. It was never my intention to make it a “for-profit” venture. However, there’s a running joke amongst the husbands of my offline friends. They all want their wives to start a blog, because they see some of the fun “goodies” that my family and I receive as a result of my writing.
Fortunately, my husband understands that it’s not about what we get; it’s about what blogging affords me the opportunity to give! By nature, I love to learn and share what I’ve learned with others. I was born that way. Blogging allows me to do that. I love being able to share relevant information – products, events, research, etc. with women who are at the same stage of life as me (moms of preschoolers). I also enjoy giving gifts to people. (That’s something that I’ve recently had to trim down in my personal budget!) As such, one of my favorite parts of blogging is that I get to host great contests/giveaways for my readers. Granted, there are some people who only stop by to enter the contests, but one of the highlights of my month is sending out the “Congrats! You won….” emails. I’ll never tire of reading/hearing “I never won anything before!” For me, these types of things are the true prizes for blogging.
Also, blogging gives me a chance to record what’s going on in my life at this point in time. Recently, I saw an article about how the Internet is so “me-focused”. I must admit that as a mom (who is constantly giving to others including my husband and kids), it’s nice to have a place that’s mine! That’s what having a blog helps me to do. It’s my spot where I can choose whom I want to involve myself with. (I don’t always get that choice offline!)
I really enjoy the group of people that I’ve met while blogging. I’m primarily a “mom blogger” and those are the types of blogs that I mainly follow. As a work at home mom, reading other blogs and e-talking with other bloggers helps me to feel less isolated on “those days” when it feels like I’m a kid-servant rather than an individual. Speaking of mom bloggers, I have been amazed at the cooperative spirit amongst this group of women. The generosity of sharing – time, energy, information, prayers, etc. – never fails to make me proud that I am allowed to be a part of this great society. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet several East Coast bloggers in person. I would love to attend BlogHer so that I can meet even more bloggers from around the country in person. I’m certain that my admiration of and involvement with this “village” of women will be taken to an even greater level!
Excellent, good luck! As someone who’s throwing her hat in “a different” ring, see ya when we get there!
Jessica’s last blog post..6 Years Old, and a Homeschooler
I hope you win! I really do! You deserve it
Kimberly, I am so glad you wrote an entry to Mabel’s contest! Best of luck!
Thanks for the well wishes!
Thanks Tanyetta!