![\"Blogfest](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/blogfest.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhen 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 \u2013 it was a community everyone was welcome. I don\u2019t know if it is me but it doesn\u2019t feel like that anymore. It is a shame<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>\u00a0about how I always switch my kettle off at the wall, she said I wouldn\u2019t 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\u2019t need to make massive steps to change the World \u2013 but if everyone just made a tiny bit of effort then together we can make a difference.<\/p>\n My Blogfest highlights:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Thank you to Paul Armstrong (from Digital Orange Consulting) for some fantastic advanced social media tips \u2013 ones I shall endeavour to put into practise.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 but I know that not all the details were swapped which is such a shame.<\/p>\n Helen Lewis excellently chaired the debate on changing the World. If you want inspiration you should really speak to these ladies:\u00a0Laura 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.\u00a0 Maddie Sinclair tells of the heart-breaking story of how a 14 year old girl Izzy Dix<\/a> committed suicide as a result of online bullying and trying to get the site Ask.fm closed down.<\/p>\n I was really proud to see my friend Mummy Barrow<\/a> talk of the good work of Team Honk \u2013 and echo my above thoughts on how each and every one of us can play a part in helping to change things \u2013 no matter how big or small, we all matter. Plus mention of \u201cThis is my child\u201d campaign and Tania Tirraoro (Special Needs Jungle) talking of her experiences as a blogger of disabled children.<\/p>\n Of course Blogfest wouldn\u2019t have been the same without the Green beaker making an appearance \u2013 and what better time than during \u201cQuick fixes: down and dirty blogging how-tos\u201d (\u00a0Jemima Kiss<\/a>\u00a0(chair),\u00a0Jax Blunt<\/a>,\u00a0Annie Spratt<\/a>\u00a0(Mammasaurus<\/em>),\u00a0Maggy Woodley<\/a>\u00a0(Red Ted Art<\/em>) and\u00a0Lisa Myers<\/a>). For me this session had some of the speakers not seeming to fully agree on how things are \u2013 I think this shows that there really are different levels on this. For me the main message here is about community \u2013 I\u2019m 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 \u2013 I aim to try to learn some more coding.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0My top tip for a family holiday is just to enjoy it \u2013 life is too short.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>And as for the feminist debate – let\u2019s just say I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n It was great to end with Jo Brand and drinks. However, as it turns out I do not like Gin.<\/p>\n This is my entry to try to win a Mark Warner holiday<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ON OTHER PEOPLE\u2019S POSTS<\/strong><\/p>\n I realise we are all busy that is why the linky is up for a week \u2013 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 \u2013 but even 3 a week would help motivate someone else. Thank you.<\/p>\n November theme is GOOD CAUSES<\/strong><\/p>\n It is just a guide and can be to do with crafts, days out, photos, achievements, favourite things \u2013 anything.<\/p>\n Find us on\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google+<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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