This weekend I attended Blogfest where I learnt that the Good Cause I need to work on is being happier with being myself. I successfully navigated my way around London, and fought my demons of fears of what others think of me – realising that I am not the only one who these issues.I have really become happy with who I am and that I feel I can accept people for who they are, even if they are not like myself. There were so many positive things come from Blogfest that it saddens me to see the amount of attention that has been given to the feminist debate, but it has really brought to a head my current feelings on blogging.
When I started blogging it felt like a really friendly community. Everyone helped everyone, they tweeted and retweeted posts they like, or if they really liked you because you did it for them. Linkys were something you joined in with to help cement the community and you commented on as many or as little as time allowed for – it was a community everyone was welcome. I don’t know if it is me but it doesn’t feel like that anymore. It is a shame.
Why are we being so against each other when we could just join together and support our good causes, no matter how big or small, whatever we can put in we can all make a difference. I was talking to Tiredmummyoftwo about how I always switch my kettle off at the wall, she said I wouldn’t save a lot in money from that, and I explained it was more about the environment and how every little bit can help play a bit. You don’t need to make massive steps to change the World – but if everyone just made a tiny bit of effort then together we can make a difference.
My Blogfest highlights:
The debate mainly between Stella Creasy MP and Toby Young discussing the line between what should be illegal and classed as online abuse and freedom of speech. I personally feel they made some very good points: Chaired by the utterly brilliant Richard Bacon (thank you most kindly for his book in my goody bag) with such wit. I think that there are too many grey areas online and this is one we need to concentrate on.
Thank you to Paul Armstrong (from Digital Orange Consulting) for some fantastic advanced social media tips – ones I shall endeavour to put into practise.
For inspirational talks from Prof Tanya Byron and Dr Sue Black, with mention to should we be putting our children on the internet in our blogs? Do you think we should have their permission? What effect may it have on them in the future? Is it right or fair to give them an online presence before they ever understand what that is? That actually we need to stop taking away technology from children and listen to children and their needs. And a hilarious account from Jon Ronson of when a spambot was used to take his identity on twitter.
Of course catching up with fellow bloggers (sorry there are far too many of you to mention but it was great to see you all) is always fantastic and the bump cards were great – but I know that not all the details were swapped which is such a shame.
Helen Lewis excellently chaired the debate on changing the World. If you want inspiration you should really speak to these ladies: Laura Bates (Everyday Sexism) explained about how a week of sexist events caused her to act to help change the way that women were thought of and treated. Maddie Sinclair tells of the heart-breaking story of how a 14 year old girl Izzy Dix committed suicide as a result of online bullying and trying to get the site Ask.fm closed down.
I was really proud to see my friend Mummy Barrow talk of the good work of Team Honk – and echo my above thoughts on how each and every one of us can play a part in helping to change things – no matter how big or small, we all matter. Plus mention of “This is my child” campaign and Tania Tirraoro (Special Needs Jungle) talking of her experiences as a blogger of disabled children.
Of course Blogfest wouldn’t have been the same without the Green beaker making an appearance – and what better time than during “Quick fixes: down and dirty blogging how-tos” ( Jemima Kiss (chair), Jax Blunt, Annie Spratt (Mammasaurus), Maggy Woodley (Red Ted Art) and Lisa Myers). For me this session had some of the speakers not seeming to fully agree on how things are – I think this shows that there really are different levels on this. For me the main message here is about community – I’m lucky to be friends with some fantastic bloggers who are always willing to help me if I get stuck in these areas. Note to self though – I aim to try to learn some more coding.
I have to admit I missed the start of the controversial feminist blogging session as I was wind surfing with Mark Warner and drinking cocktails. My top tip for a family holiday is just to enjoy it – life is too short. And as for the feminist debate – let’s just say I’m a Mommy blogger with a degree in Psychology who wears a Mooncup – you can make your own mind up about what label you want to give me – as a mother with children with special needs I know that sometimes you need to use whatever label fits best to get the most amount of support at that time.
It was great to end with Jo Brand and drinks. However, as it turns out I do not like Gin.
This is my entry to try to win a Mark Warner holiday
PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ON OTHER PEOPLE’S POSTS
I realise we are all busy that is why the linky is up for a week – giving you plenty of time to comment on some of the other entries. We need to build a community spirit and help one another. Ideally one a day would be amazing – but even 3 a week would help motivate someone else. Thank you.
November theme is GOOD CAUSES
It is just a guide and can be to do with crafts, days out, photos, achievements, favourite things – anything.
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