I feel like it is my first day on the job. My heart is thundering. My cheeks are burning with the heat of the lights. Leslie beside me is explaining to the audience why she blogs. She uses her blog as a digital scrapbook. After each year, she makes a hard copy to put on her shelves for the family. I glance into the audience members who are tapping away at their laptops, tending to their children or watching the six of us on the panel who are seated at the front of the theatre.
I was asked by Cori to fill in for her today. I was unsure I would have anything to offer in comparison. I have been blogging for five months and the other five moms have been writing their blog for years. Julie- the moderator- had sent us all eight questions to prep for the forty-five minute workshop. I poured over them to feel confident speaking.
A question from the audience brings me back to focus.
“How do you feel about the term-mommy bloggers? Do you feel it to be derogatory?”
“Danielle, can you answer that.” Julie looks at me.
“I am a mommy blogger because I write about my mom moments. It is what I do. Others who treat theirs as a business to make more than latte money prefer entrepreneurial blogger.” I answer.
Manda, who is seated two seats away from me takes the mic. “I am not a mommy blogger. I write my blog for my business to get families to live green.”
Julie proceeds to move on. The topic of privacy of family photos and content, in particular children comes up.
The various answers are interesting. Some parents add photos with their children’s first name or initials. Some parents do not post pictures of their children because of the internet stalker fears. We all know that if our children asked us to take the pictures down, we would not hesitate.
Kerry (@Crunchy Carpets) answers, “Being on the internet is not going to be weird for our kids, that’s just the way it is.”
Cameron from the audience asks the last question about why there are not daddy bloggers representing in the panel. The six of us nod our agreement. Daddies are about to break that glass ceiling.
As we wrap up, I can not believe how fast the time has gone. With the six of us, there is not enough time to have everyone take a turn with the questions. We are passionate and opinionated. It makes us authentic as women and moms.
Julie reads a Tweet coming in via Twitter.
(@mo_wo) Mombloggers: some of the most thoughtful architects of courtesy, identity and privacy there are in this space.
I may have walked in here feeling like a fish out of water. During the talks, my voice found a way to be heard. I love to be amongst these women, all empowered to speak, to share and even tick each other off. Even if I am not asked to speak again next year, I am so coming back.
May 10, 2010 @ 14:45:17
Interesting panel for sure. I feel like we couuld have taken one question and run with it! Just so you know, I’ve been blogging for six months so not everyone on the panel was a super blogger
May 10, 2010 @ 15:15:59
I never would have known it. You have a very unique story to tell.
I agree- one question would have been smoother.
You are a super writer!
May 25, 2010 @ 21:00:56
How do you want to be remembered?
May 27, 2010 @ 20:32:11
What is a word or phrase you use frequently and how did you pick it up?
May 27, 2010 @ 22:17:31
In terms of changing the term Mommy Blogging? Some say writer, some say mother writer. It’s up to each writer.