Well that title will scare off a bunch of people. I know my gray hair did at the conference. But that isn't the whole story. I want to tell the whole truth. I was in transit when I heard that President Obama would speak at BlogHer.
Once I got settled into the hotel, I went to a Duane Reed drugstore and bought hair dye. I was not going to be in that ballroom with the President without flashing some reddish hair. I was going to do it. Until I realized that there was no way for me to clean up hair dye in a hotel room.
I wished I had worked this out before spending $9 on Natural Instincts. Or getting the fact straight that he was doing a live video presentation from the White House.
Still, Little Miss Aging Affirmative got stuck in the hoopla of appearance phobia.
Then I went the other way. Washed and picked out my natural hair. It is gray and brown and dark brown and whatever else ancestor want to put a word in. to the mix.
It was like I opened a can of Raid or something. My friends and on-line
acquaintances that knew me embraced me like a long lost friend. Newbies and those women under a
certain age kept their distance.
There is a reason for that, check out the video.
I walked a lot in New York City. I saw many a woman stroll down the street styled perfectly. Young, old, trendy. They were wearing the perfection suit of invisibility. Attractive enough to approach but only if you could reach the bar of acceptance.
Time and living have raised the bar on me and I didn't know. Or want to know. I kept on walking and looking at the images of Park Avenue mannequins, the ones in the window. Alabaster white, sleek and implacable in the seller's point of view.
To be fair, there were some onyx mannequins that did little more than hold up the status of tight clothes on young ridged bodies.
Brand identity and storytelling they call it. But it leaves a lot of people out of the narrative.
My bodies story isn't being told. This is not acceptable. Really, it is not.
The video clips are excerpts from my recording of the Blogging Into MidLife session at BlogHer 2012 NYC.
Ann Dunnewold writes about aging issues on her blog at VibrantNation.com
Darryle Pollack blogs at http://blog.darrylepollack.com
Patricia Patton hangs her shingle at http://www.boomerwizdom.com
I'm working on uploading the full session, hope to have it up soon.
Showing posts with label BlogHer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BlogHer. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Pulling Up the Big Girl Panties
In my heart, I love to travel. It is my head that gets in the way. I am supposed to be packing. Doing laundry. Confirming reservations.I am not doing these things.
I have 12 more hours and I've wasted time. I'll be fine. Once I've typed this out of my system.
Saturday I was in a department store. I turned the corner and saw these items for sale. None in my size. Not that I would wear Hello Kitty panties. I would not. Never. On this I swear.
Batgirl or Wonder Woman? Perhaps. Not that anyone has seen me naked lately but I'd have some explaining to do. Then again if I have to explain maybe the relationship is not meant to be. But if I was with a guy who wore Joker underwear I would be extremely concerned.
I am a hypocrite. And anyway, just because it was in the women's undies section who is to say those are Batgirl's panties? It could be the main Bat. I don't want to wear Batman's underway. Love the guy but he is a little tense. Sticking with Batgirl.
I have the opportunity to see old friends. Meet new people. Learn things I do not know. Confirm that I am still here. The little kid would couldn't imaging this trip. The depressed adult that wasn't sure it was worth it to go on. The office drone that longs to bust out of the cubicle.
Here it is. This is the time. I can do this. It is okay. I can chose to eat alone or with people. I can introduce myself to the other. It has been a while since I've challenged myself.
I can do the best that I can and for god's sake not judge myself against other people. It messes with being present in the here and now.
I'm scared. In a good way.
So with this I'm pulling up the invisible big girl panties. All I need now is a cape. Or some rocking boots.
I have 12 more hours and I've wasted time. I'll be fine. Once I've typed this out of my system.
Saturday I was in a department store. I turned the corner and saw these items for sale. None in my size. Not that I would wear Hello Kitty panties. I would not. Never. On this I swear.
Batgirl or Wonder Woman? Perhaps. Not that anyone has seen me naked lately but I'd have some explaining to do. Then again if I have to explain maybe the relationship is not meant to be. But if I was with a guy who wore Joker underwear I would be extremely concerned.
I am a hypocrite. And anyway, just because it was in the women's undies section who is to say those are Batgirl's panties? It could be the main Bat. I don't want to wear Batman's underway. Love the guy but he is a little tense. Sticking with Batgirl.
I have the opportunity to see old friends. Meet new people. Learn things I do not know. Confirm that I am still here. The little kid would couldn't imaging this trip. The depressed adult that wasn't sure it was worth it to go on. The office drone that longs to bust out of the cubicle.
Here it is. This is the time. I can do this. It is okay. I can chose to eat alone or with people. I can introduce myself to the other. It has been a while since I've challenged myself.
I can do the best that I can and for god's sake not judge myself against other people. It messes with being present in the here and now.
I'm scared. In a good way.
So with this I'm pulling up the invisible big girl panties. All I need now is a cape. Or some rocking boots.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
It Was Rush and Then It Was Gone
I have been to seven BlogHer conventions. Each one has a different personality and tone. The energy and engagement changes from year to year. You should know that each year that I have gone I usually say to myself, "Ok, I've done it no need to visit again."
That last for about eight months and then I want to see folks and give it another go again. Because of the unexpected joy. This is a video from 5secondsformom on a Flash Mob dance at lunch.
It kinda represents what we can get out of the conference. Make it happen. Dance if you want it. You want business and professional sessions? Yes it was there. You want to learn how to make money via your blogs? Had that too.
You want to talk about camcorders and editing options? Righty-O there is a Geek Bar. Need your swag fix? You can be accommodated.
This year I really wanted to meet new folks and I did. I had to put out the effort and push past some of my inner bashfulness. (I'm more introverted than I let on, I just fake it well.)
There were moms. There were women who do not have children. Men folks. Transgendered folks. Most of all there was talking. And some squeeing. I have adapted to it.
If you can't squee at BlogHer then something is wrong in the world. I'm not a squeeker, I tend to ackkk!
Where There Bad Things?
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center Wi-Fi was spotty and non-functional for me at my Geek Bar session. It was for a lot of people. It happens. Folks do not believe that 3,000 Internet savvy women can cripple or knock out their system.
There was a thief who stole 15+ wallets that orbited the exhibition hall.
My knee didn't like the walk from the hotel to the convention center but the body needed to move.
It does seem that more marketers are creeping in the door but on the positive side maybe we can help them understand that not all women are moms, moms are not stupid and that perhaps you need to come to grips that this is now a multi-dimensional community.
Don't roll up bringing tired old scrips. Listen. Talk. Engage.
It takes a while to figure things out. Still processing. Not sure if I will go to New York City again. I'll let you know around April.
That last for about eight months and then I want to see folks and give it another go again. Because of the unexpected joy. This is a video from 5secondsformom on a Flash Mob dance at lunch.
It kinda represents what we can get out of the conference. Make it happen. Dance if you want it. You want business and professional sessions? Yes it was there. You want to learn how to make money via your blogs? Had that too.
You want to talk about camcorders and editing options? Righty-O there is a Geek Bar. Need your swag fix? You can be accommodated.
This year I really wanted to meet new folks and I did. I had to put out the effort and push past some of my inner bashfulness. (I'm more introverted than I let on, I just fake it well.)
There were moms. There were women who do not have children. Men folks. Transgendered folks. Most of all there was talking. And some squeeing. I have adapted to it.
If you can't squee at BlogHer then something is wrong in the world. I'm not a squeeker, I tend to ackkk!
Where There Bad Things?
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center Wi-Fi was spotty and non-functional for me at my Geek Bar session. It was for a lot of people. It happens. Folks do not believe that 3,000 Internet savvy women can cripple or knock out their system.
There was a thief who stole 15+ wallets that orbited the exhibition hall.
My knee didn't like the walk from the hotel to the convention center but the body needed to move.
It does seem that more marketers are creeping in the door but on the positive side maybe we can help them understand that not all women are moms, moms are not stupid and that perhaps you need to come to grips that this is now a multi-dimensional community.
Don't roll up bringing tired old scrips. Listen. Talk. Engage.
It takes a while to figure things out. Still processing. Not sure if I will go to New York City again. I'll let you know around April.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Different Voices - Civil Debate Session BlogHer 2010
One of the things that I appreciate in a good web site or blog is the opportunity to find different voices and ideas about a topic.
It is far better to know want to know what other people think and believe about a topic. Being smug and correct is a good way to get your feelings hurt down the line.
This is a clip from the Change Agents: How to Start, Engage in and Moderate Civil Political Debate session at BlogHer 2010 in New York City. The panelists are Denise Tanton, Pam Spaulding and Suzanne Fortin.
It is far better to know want to know what other people think and believe about a topic. Being smug and correct is a good way to get your feelings hurt down the line.
This is a clip from the Change Agents: How to Start, Engage in and Moderate Civil Political Debate session at BlogHer 2010 in New York City. The panelists are Denise Tanton, Pam Spaulding and Suzanne Fortin.
Dealing with Thread Hijacking - Civil Debate Session at BlogHer 2010
We've all seen it happen. Folks are having a discussion and someone plunks down a screed or a twenty page smoking gun on why the rest of us are so pathetically wrong.
In this clip Denise, Pam and Suzanne share methods on how to deal with that problem. This is from the Change Agents: How to Start, Engage in and Moderate Civil Political Debate session at BlogHer 2010 in New York City.
The panelists are Denise Tanton, Pam Spaulding and Suzanne Fortin.
In this clip Denise, Pam and Suzanne share methods on how to deal with that problem. This is from the Change Agents: How to Start, Engage in and Moderate Civil Political Debate session at BlogHer 2010 in New York City.
The panelists are Denise Tanton, Pam Spaulding and Suzanne Fortin.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Validating Your Creativity - BlogHer 2010
I've been fairly quiet, for me at least. I am actively trying to throw out computer magazines from 2006 and earlier. I'm cleaning, editing, writing, and being gobsmacked by what humans are doing.
I knew I was missing a load of stuff because of the day job. I go back to the cubical next week. I gotta get a smartphone.
I don't lack for ideas but sometimes the evil wicked voice in my head likes to remind me how truly despicable my writing and how I should donate my computer to a good school. Or a bad school. The effect is the same as a writer's block only more painful.
It is important to remember that the evil wicked voice is the voice of inadequacy. You have to be louder. You have to soothe it into silence or bring out the lance of truth. What ever you gift is, you can do it.
It is good enough until it gets better. You keep doing it and it will get better.
This is a brief clip from the Writing Inspiration: Stoke Your Creativity. The panelist are Rita Arens from BlogHer, author Carleen Brice and her blog Pajama Gardner and Jan Sokoloff Harness who also has her business writing and communications site.
I knew I was missing a load of stuff because of the day job. I go back to the cubical next week. I gotta get a smartphone.
I don't lack for ideas but sometimes the evil wicked voice in my head likes to remind me how truly despicable my writing and how I should donate my computer to a good school. Or a bad school. The effect is the same as a writer's block only more painful.
It is important to remember that the evil wicked voice is the voice of inadequacy. You have to be louder. You have to soothe it into silence or bring out the lance of truth. What ever you gift is, you can do it.
It is good enough until it gets better. You keep doing it and it will get better.
This is a brief clip from the Writing Inspiration: Stoke Your Creativity. The panelist are Rita Arens from BlogHer, author Carleen Brice and her blog Pajama Gardner and Jan Sokoloff Harness who also has her business writing and communications site.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
A Heck of A Town - Pre-BlogHer
The trip was a trip. It started at 3:30a.m. with a ride to an empty airport. I didn't know that the airport opened at 5:30a.m.
The only pick-up time was 3:30a.m. I wasn't alone but it was spooky.
On the plane there were two crying babies and two yappy dogs. The dogs barked the first hour or so then it was ok for a bit. Then the last 45 minutes the babies kicked in a few notes.
I gotta say with Direct TV is wasn't so bad.
The trip into town was tough. I don't eat before a flight. I was hungry. I saw every food joint as we passed by. I damn near wanted to beg the driver to stop at Chipotle's. Got to the hotel and started looking for food.
Pizza called my name; I inhaled that sucker. I was so hungry I forgot that I can't have a lot of cheese.
My stomach reminded me this morning. I took the walking cure - so many great places in my immediate area, The Center of Photography, art places up the ying-ying and a special shout out to the New York Public Library who helped me get on-line and find stuff.
Much to do, will keep you posted.
The only pick-up time was 3:30a.m. I wasn't alone but it was spooky.
On the plane there were two crying babies and two yappy dogs. The dogs barked the first hour or so then it was ok for a bit. Then the last 45 minutes the babies kicked in a few notes.
I gotta say with Direct TV is wasn't so bad.
The trip into town was tough. I don't eat before a flight. I was hungry. I saw every food joint as we passed by. I damn near wanted to beg the driver to stop at Chipotle's. Got to the hotel and started looking for food.
Pizza called my name; I inhaled that sucker. I was so hungry I forgot that I can't have a lot of cheese.
My stomach reminded me this morning. I took the walking cure - so many great places in my immediate area, The Center of Photography, art places up the ying-ying and a special shout out to the New York Public Library who helped me get on-line and find stuff.
Much to do, will keep you posted.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Video Geek Lab - Business and Product Support Resources
This is the fourth segment virtual handout on the BlogHer09 Web Video/Videoblogging session of the Geek Lab. There is a lot of pure bunkum that is being perpetrated in this area. Lurk, observe and do not give your money until you are sure that the person or company has demonstrated experience.
This means that if you see a tacky looking slide show and they claim to be “video experts” who will teach you how to create video for a price, move along. Also Search engine optimization is not the same as producing good content be it text, audio, photos or video.
The flim flam is excessively high so be very picky about these type of content providers. What I am trying to say is the true goal is the same for all types of web video; to communicate a message.
You first need to understand what you want the video to do for you. Yes, I know for a fraction of you the goal is to make money.
I have to tell you most successful money generating people I have met, and I do know some Benjamin packing people, have in common is that they have a product or service that they believe in AND that there is a clear benefit to the consumer.
The benefit has a value of X . Honestly the focus has to be on what can you do for your potential customer before she or he commits to buying your service or product.
What Has This Got to do with Web Video for Business?
This is your opportunity to by pass your local TV and radio stations who will not sell you time to promote your product and service.
This is your time to help your customers understand what your product can do for them and explain it on your terms. Your occasional or ongoing series of videos can help make that decision.
Cori Chavez's goal is to help small business people using video with the equipment that they have. Her focus may be to be known as an expert. I don't know. But the videos on her blog do not talk about her knowledge. They demonstrate help and assistance to the viewers and potential customers.
Videos can help in product support or demonstrating how to use, wear or incorporate a product into a consumer's lifestyle. At BlogHer I received a DVD from a woman who is promoting Pilates for desk jockeys. When my box of stuff arrives I'll put in the name of the video.
Now I'm do not have an exercise blog, and I am not the first person you think of when it comes to physical fitness. But if someone asks me about desk based back and abs exercises I now have a resource for them to check out. I do know folks with back and fitness problems.
I can refer them to the website that if they have good sense, demonstrate one or two exercises that would cause a person to buy the DVD. This is Social Media 101.
Are you catching my drift? The business videos you create have to support the needs of your potential clients and customers. Not how great the product is or could be for them.
Oh, yeah, one more thing. Do not lie of deceive people. It is wrong. People will talk. And not everybody gets to go to the Country Club prison.
Equipment:
Cisco Systems Business Video Portal
David C. Skul - video on YouTube on 5 Tips for Effective Web 2.0 Marketing. I then backtracked to his website to find out about his services and other resources that I will post below.
Gerry Oginski at The Lawyer's Video Studio is promoting the use of video for lawyers.
IRS video explaining the benefits of Retirement plans with captioning.
Megs Concession Supply has videos that demonstrate concession food machines and products.
Poor Specimen.TV caters to surfing enthusiasts and those that remember back in the day of the surf film. You purchase and view videos online.
WellcomeMat.com is a portal for real estate videos and real estate video services.
As you can see the video quality is all over the place. Yes thousands of folks are trying web video for business but only a few are doing it correctly. There will always be room for quality. Content rules but quality for business video is equally important. Like the Instructional tutorials you gotta have a plan. These following people can help.
Creating Business Video Resources
Bill Myers Online – working on independent distribution before the Internet and has adapted to the changes. Review the sample articles and videos for free.
Cori Chavez at New Video Monday is targeting small business owners who want to use video. A new effort but she does have good video content.
David Skul's RelativityCorp.com page on business and marketing web videos. Both articles and video content.
Web Video University's blog where you can sample videos and the quality of the instructor, Dave Kaminski work.
This means that if you see a tacky looking slide show and they claim to be “video experts” who will teach you how to create video for a price, move along. Also Search engine optimization is not the same as producing good content be it text, audio, photos or video.
The flim flam is excessively high so be very picky about these type of content providers. What I am trying to say is the true goal is the same for all types of web video; to communicate a message.
You first need to understand what you want the video to do for you. Yes, I know for a fraction of you the goal is to make money.
I have to tell you most successful money generating people I have met, and I do know some Benjamin packing people, have in common is that they have a product or service that they believe in AND that there is a clear benefit to the consumer.
The benefit has a value of X . Honestly the focus has to be on what can you do for your potential customer before she or he commits to buying your service or product.
What Has This Got to do with Web Video for Business?
This is your opportunity to by pass your local TV and radio stations who will not sell you time to promote your product and service.
This is your time to help your customers understand what your product can do for them and explain it on your terms. Your occasional or ongoing series of videos can help make that decision.
Cori Chavez's goal is to help small business people using video with the equipment that they have. Her focus may be to be known as an expert. I don't know. But the videos on her blog do not talk about her knowledge. They demonstrate help and assistance to the viewers and potential customers.
Videos can help in product support or demonstrating how to use, wear or incorporate a product into a consumer's lifestyle. At BlogHer I received a DVD from a woman who is promoting Pilates for desk jockeys. When my box of stuff arrives I'll put in the name of the video.
Now I'm do not have an exercise blog, and I am not the first person you think of when it comes to physical fitness. But if someone asks me about desk based back and abs exercises I now have a resource for them to check out. I do know folks with back and fitness problems.
I can refer them to the website that if they have good sense, demonstrate one or two exercises that would cause a person to buy the DVD. This is Social Media 101.
Are you catching my drift? The business videos you create have to support the needs of your potential clients and customers. Not how great the product is or could be for them.
Oh, yeah, one more thing. Do not lie of deceive people. It is wrong. People will talk. And not everybody gets to go to the Country Club prison.
Equipment:
- Upper Level Digital Camcorder
- Prosumer Camcorder
- External good quality microphones, tripods, lighting.
- Hiring professional assistance to start.
Cisco Systems Business Video Portal
David C. Skul - video on YouTube on 5 Tips for Effective Web 2.0 Marketing. I then backtracked to his website to find out about his services and other resources that I will post below.
Gerry Oginski at The Lawyer's Video Studio is promoting the use of video for lawyers.
IRS video explaining the benefits of Retirement plans with captioning.
Megs Concession Supply has videos that demonstrate concession food machines and products.
Poor Specimen.TV caters to surfing enthusiasts and those that remember back in the day of the surf film. You purchase and view videos online.
WellcomeMat.com is a portal for real estate videos and real estate video services.
As you can see the video quality is all over the place. Yes thousands of folks are trying web video for business but only a few are doing it correctly. There will always be room for quality. Content rules but quality for business video is equally important. Like the Instructional tutorials you gotta have a plan. These following people can help.
Creating Business Video Resources
Bill Myers Online – working on independent distribution before the Internet and has adapted to the changes. Review the sample articles and videos for free.
Cori Chavez at New Video Monday is targeting small business owners who want to use video. A new effort but she does have good video content.
David Skul's RelativityCorp.com page on business and marketing web videos. Both articles and video content.
Web Video University's blog where you can sample videos and the quality of the instructor, Dave Kaminski work.
Video Geek Lab - Documentary and Journalism
This is the third section of the BlogHer09 Video Geek Lab. This one concerns resources for those of you interested in documentary videography, citizen journalism,video activism and presenting fact based videos.
News University – free and paid web classes on journalism issues, storytelling techniques and new media. You will also want to hang out at the Poynter Institute for Visual Journalism page.
Online Journalism Review - Tips for shooting better online video (2007). Technology has improved since this article but it is still solid information. You should also read What Are The Ethics of Online Journalism and How To Write for the Web because slapping a video on a blog is not always the complete story.
Many of us will find ourselves interviewing people. Here are some tips from Serena Carpenter:
Audio and storytelling resources at Transom.org Please read Curtis Fox, Elizabeth Arnold and Studs Turkel on the many paths to storytelling. You will also find information about microphones and recoding software.
Knight Digital Media Center - Camcorder information specifically for those people interested in journalism.
For journalism, social media and related information visit Serena Carpenter, Amy Gahran and Amy's posts at Poynter.org
- Web Camcorder - you will have to work harder on the video but it can be done.
- Digital Video Camcorder - upper level with more controls and features.
- Prosumer Level Camcorder
- Audio/Microphone Concerns
- Tripod/Monopod
News University – free and paid web classes on journalism issues, storytelling techniques and new media. You will also want to hang out at the Poynter Institute for Visual Journalism page.
Online Journalism Review - Tips for shooting better online video (2007). Technology has improved since this article but it is still solid information. You should also read What Are The Ethics of Online Journalism and How To Write for the Web because slapping a video on a blog is not always the complete story.
Many of us will find ourselves interviewing people. Here are some tips from Serena Carpenter:
Audio and storytelling resources at Transom.org Please read Curtis Fox, Elizabeth Arnold and Studs Turkel on the many paths to storytelling. You will also find information about microphones and recoding software.
Knight Digital Media Center - Camcorder information specifically for those people interested in journalism.
For journalism, social media and related information visit Serena Carpenter, Amy Gahran and Amy's posts at Poynter.org
Video Geek Lab - Creating Instructional Tutorials for Users
This is the second section of my BlogHer09 Geek Lab on finding instructional video resources. You might be interested in creating videos for demonstrating a skill or a product, presentations or screencasting. Instructional videos can be done on an occasional basis or as a normal part of you blog/vlog.
Examples of Instructional/Tutorial Videos
There is such a range of content that can and will be produced that these are just examples. Whether to support your blog, product support or to advertise your business these are some idea generators our of thousands more I could show you. Use these as idea generators:
Creating Presentation Resources
It is long past time that the presentation community and the video community got to know each other. There is much common ground. This is my peanut butter and chocolate moment. So for those of you new to presentation concepts check out the following Slideshare presentation by Kelsey Ruger:
Now you are ready to check out the following:
Beyond Bullet Points - If you are using either PowerPoint or presenting by video you need to read this book. If you are cash impaired, check out Cliff's website and blog.
Nancy Duarte - just go and explore the whole shebang. This is one of her pages on using receipt tape to storyboard an idea.
Video of Garr Reynolds speaking at Google on presentation concepts. You should also check out Garr's blog.
You should also visit Presentation Examples blog, Kathy Sierra's post on Stop Your Presentations Before It Kills Again, and download Andy Goodman's book on Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes.
Making Video Tutorial Resources
Tim Carter's Ask The Builder Video on Making Instructional Videos is a great demonstration on the mechanical process of how to construct a video tutorial and he reminds you that it shouldn't be painful to watch.
Tom Johnson at I'd Rather Be Writing goes into more detail about his process in creating tutorial videos.
Videomaker articles on creating instructional videos from Alice Patterson (it is from 2000 but good advice) and secrets on video training.
Screencasting Resources
Review of Free Screencasting Software at MakeUseOf.com
Torely at Mashible's How To Master Screencasting in Seven Steps
For business level screen tutorials and look at creating information products for profit visit ProCasts at http://procasts.co.uk and read the post Screencast Tutorial #1.
On many websites and blogs you are going to see name TechSmith and Camtasia. There is a reason for this. The software works. For casual or occasional users you might want to check out Jing. If you are an educator, professional presenter, or live in the presentation realm of the sciences then you should swing over to the Camtasia Learning Center.
Camtasia is expensive and there are low cost/free/open source alternatives like HyperCam, CamStudio and others. But if you need a functional no hassle system and your job depends on it, yes, Camtasia is it.
On the Mac side there is ScreenFlow, Screenium and Screenflick.
Full Disclosure: I have owned Camtasia Studio for two years. I also have purchased SnagIt. I was recently gifted with an upgrade to the new versions of both programs. Thank you Betsy!
But I did want to mention the upgrade. I do believe in letting you know when I have received items. I don't want to talk about transparency without standing up for my beliefs and not acting accordingly.
I receive no money or other types of compensation for this blog. Because of my prior videos and Creative Commons licenses from musicians that have permitted me to use their music for non-commercial purposes; I do not have advertising content on this blog.
Examples of Instructional/Tutorial Videos
There is such a range of content that can and will be produced that these are just examples. Whether to support your blog, product support or to advertise your business these are some idea generators our of thousands more I could show you. Use these as idea generators:
- Explaining A Software/Service - Survey Monkey Screencasting Page and also view the videos at DemoGirl.com
- Explaining A Concept - CommonCraft Twitter Research in Plain English
- How to perform a task such as opening a bottle of wine or a collection of food recipes at iFood.com
- Web Camcorder
- Digital Video Camcorder or Prosumer Camcorder
- External Microphone
- Lighting
- Tripod/Monopod
Creating Presentation Resources
It is long past time that the presentation community and the video community got to know each other. There is much common ground. This is my peanut butter and chocolate moment. So for those of you new to presentation concepts check out the following Slideshare presentation by Kelsey Ruger:
Visual and Creative Thinking:What We Learned From Peter Pan and Willy Wonka
View more documents from Kelsey Ruger.
Now you are ready to check out the following:
Beyond Bullet Points - If you are using either PowerPoint or presenting by video you need to read this book. If you are cash impaired, check out Cliff's website and blog.
Nancy Duarte - just go and explore the whole shebang. This is one of her pages on using receipt tape to storyboard an idea.
Video of Garr Reynolds speaking at Google on presentation concepts. You should also check out Garr's blog.
You should also visit Presentation Examples blog, Kathy Sierra's post on Stop Your Presentations Before It Kills Again, and download Andy Goodman's book on Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes.
Making Video Tutorial Resources
Tim Carter's Ask The Builder Video on Making Instructional Videos is a great demonstration on the mechanical process of how to construct a video tutorial and he reminds you that it shouldn't be painful to watch.
Tom Johnson at I'd Rather Be Writing goes into more detail about his process in creating tutorial videos.
Videomaker articles on creating instructional videos from Alice Patterson (it is from 2000 but good advice) and secrets on video training.
Screencasting Resources
Review of Free Screencasting Software at MakeUseOf.com
Torely at Mashible's How To Master Screencasting in Seven Steps
For business level screen tutorials and look at creating information products for profit visit ProCasts at http://procasts.co.uk and read the post Screencast Tutorial #1.
On many websites and blogs you are going to see name TechSmith and Camtasia. There is a reason for this. The software works. For casual or occasional users you might want to check out Jing. If you are an educator, professional presenter, or live in the presentation realm of the sciences then you should swing over to the Camtasia Learning Center.
Camtasia is expensive and there are low cost/free/open source alternatives like HyperCam, CamStudio and others. But if you need a functional no hassle system and your job depends on it, yes, Camtasia is it.
On the Mac side there is ScreenFlow, Screenium and Screenflick.
Full Disclosure: I have owned Camtasia Studio for two years. I also have purchased SnagIt. I was recently gifted with an upgrade to the new versions of both programs. Thank you Betsy!
But I did want to mention the upgrade. I do believe in letting you know when I have received items. I don't want to talk about transparency without standing up for my beliefs and not acting accordingly.
I receive no money or other types of compensation for this blog. Because of my prior videos and Creative Commons licenses from musicians that have permitted me to use their music for non-commercial purposes; I do not have advertising content on this blog.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Video Geek Lab - Core Skills Video Resources
I gave a short presentation at BlogHer09 about the resources available to help folks create videos. This will be a series of virtual handouts and additional resources I did not have time to share.
This section will cover resources on basic skills for those folks using the following devices:
If you plan on recording personal commentary/talking head videos, occasional outside events and recording people in casual settings then your needs are basic. You can produce good video with these recording devices if you understand their strengths and their limitations.
For personal narrative and quick commentary web cams are very useful. You can tell your story, give highlights from a conference or use it as a creativity tool.
Web Camcorders are best used outside for spontaneous events, recording life in the city, tutorials, digital storytelling, citizen journalism, documentation and whatever else comes into your head.
I think this is where the future technology will merge into; the ability to shoot quality photos and record video has to come together. In the meantime, manufacturers of upper level still cameras are working to find the best way to balance both mediums.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths are ease of use, portability and with the Web Camcorders and upper level Digital Still Cameras improved video quality.
The main limitation is light. You need lots of it. This is true if you are recording indoors with the web cameras, web camcorders or inexpensive digital still cameras.
Another limitation is audio. You might record ambient sounds that you can't remove. Those sounds can spoil a good video. There are ways to compensate for those liabilities.
If you are new to creating web video or videoblogging preparing and uploading your video these are the most helpful and accessible resources:
FreeVlog
http://freevlog.org
Make Internet TV
http://makeinternettv.org
Currents TV
http://current.com/make.htm and http://current.com/make/resources.htm
Yahoo Videoblogging Group
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/videoblogging
CamcorderInfo.com
http://www.camcorderinfo.com
This section will cover resources on basic skills for those folks using the following devices:
- Web Cameras
- Web Camcorders
- Digital Still Cameras with Video Recording
If you plan on recording personal commentary/talking head videos, occasional outside events and recording people in casual settings then your needs are basic. You can produce good video with these recording devices if you understand their strengths and their limitations.
For personal narrative and quick commentary web cams are very useful. You can tell your story, give highlights from a conference or use it as a creativity tool.Web Camcorders are best used outside for spontaneous events, recording life in the city, tutorials, digital storytelling, citizen journalism, documentation and whatever else comes into your head.I think this is where the future technology will merge into; the ability to shoot quality photos and record video has to come together. In the meantime, manufacturers of upper level still cameras are working to find the best way to balance both mediums.Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths are ease of use, portability and with the Web Camcorders and upper level Digital Still Cameras improved video quality.
The main limitation is light. You need lots of it. This is true if you are recording indoors with the web cameras, web camcorders or inexpensive digital still cameras.
Another limitation is audio. You might record ambient sounds that you can't remove. Those sounds can spoil a good video. There are ways to compensate for those liabilities.
If you are new to creating web video or videoblogging preparing and uploading your video these are the most helpful and accessible resources:
FreeVlog
http://freevlog.org
Make Internet TV
http://makeinternettv.org
Currents TV
http://current.com/make.htm and http://current.com/make/resources.htm
Yahoo Videoblogging Group
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/videoblogging
CamcorderInfo.com
http://www.camcorderinfo.com
Friday, July 24, 2009
Coaching Up Your Conference Skills
I got the jits as jitters. I know better but I'm starting to get the "What do you mean I'm meeting 1,400 plus people? What am I suppose to do and say and not say…" and the screaming Mee-Mees are in full gallop. After laying off the ice tea and other forms of caffeine I have some answers. As always I have to start with what I know. So, in the order of each prior conference location here are some ideas on how you and I can cool our jets and make the most of any convention.
Santa Clara Lessons
Sometimes you have to take a chance. I heard about the 2005 BlogHer convention indirectly. It took about a half second to know that I wanted to go. I made it to the wait list. In the meantime, I made plans to get the money, airfare and hotel. Shortly before the start of the convention I got the word that I could attend. Did I think my way into the convention? Um, no. Yeah. Maybe.
I just felt certain that I should be there. If I couldn't get a ticket I had other options. I could have just taken a chance and showing up hoping for a no-show. Or just enjoying a weekend in a new place. Tia Singh at CoachTia writes about Inspired Action:
I remember really firm beds and spiders. I don't mind spiders half as much as sleeping on a brick. I was a little more sleep deprived than usual and not because I was hanging out late. I didn't speak to many people. To be honest, I might have given off a vibe that said back off. I didn't mean to, I was sleepy, cranky and probably more shy than I let on.
Kathy Mallory at Coaching Biz Tip reminded me that yes I was uncomfortable and not a happy camper. But there were things within my control.
I liked Karyn Beach's post at Lose the Excuses - The Fear Factor. In this post she is talking about employment and creating a different kind of future but I think fear is rampant at conventions too.
You don't know who you know. Six degrees of separation is no joke. I remember being in the elevator with Carol Lin, formerly of NBC News and CNN. I didn't want to invade her space so I just nodded my head and smiled. Later in the day she was on a panel and had mention that she had been helped by Rox of Beach Walks with Rox.
I've met Rox and she does a great job on her video blog. This is a one of her videos on Sorting Out Your Travel Energy.
I don't care if you have a cat walking blog, you might know of another blog or person that someone else might need to know about. Value what you bring to the conference, it may have a present or long distance value. For those of you who live by Twitter perhaps you should have a look at a TwiTip post on Networking Tips for Tweeters. Read #5 and commit it to memory. Don't be afraid to approach others.
The UC Berkeley Career Center website has good tips on what to do when you really are in a room of un-met people. Definately read the part about risking rejection. It can happen. So what, one body spoken down and 1,399 to go. Don't sweat it.
San Francisco Lessons
I loved the pillow top beds! I have curves and those beds made nicey nice with said curves. This meant I was rested and ready to go. My goodness there were a lot more people coming and going. Going to get massages, going to search engine optimization, going to see Elmo and always seem to be going and filling up the seats (and even the floor spaces) of the sessions I was trying to get to.
It was too much. By Saturday afternoon I decided to walk into the first room that would have me. I didn't care what it was. That turned out to be a Room of Our Own session with some grand big legged girls who bought a wee bit of orange juice, some other stuff; I can't quite recall the name on the bottle and some cheese. I mellowed out. Cheese can do that for me.
Christy at Quirky Fusion understands where I am coming from and she has a list of tips, dig #4 Know Your Limits:
To Recap:
Gena Haskett is a Contributing Editor at BlogHer where this post originally appeared.
Santa Clara Lessons
Sometimes you have to take a chance. I heard about the 2005 BlogHer convention indirectly. It took about a half second to know that I wanted to go. I made it to the wait list. In the meantime, I made plans to get the money, airfare and hotel. Shortly before the start of the convention I got the word that I could attend. Did I think my way into the convention? Um, no. Yeah. Maybe.
I just felt certain that I should be there. If I couldn't get a ticket I had other options. I could have just taken a chance and showing up hoping for a no-show. Or just enjoying a weekend in a new place. Tia Singh at CoachTia writes about Inspired Action:
Sometimes inspired action feels like a force you can’t ignore, that literally moves you to a certain action even if it doesn’t make sense to you. So when you find yourself suddenly taking a different route to work, or stopping by the grocery store even when you don’t need anything, it’s likely an intuitive sense that’s guiding you to take that action.San Jose Lessons
I remember really firm beds and spiders. I don't mind spiders half as much as sleeping on a brick. I was a little more sleep deprived than usual and not because I was hanging out late. I didn't speak to many people. To be honest, I might have given off a vibe that said back off. I didn't mean to, I was sleepy, cranky and probably more shy than I let on.
Kathy Mallory at Coaching Biz Tip reminded me that yes I was uncomfortable and not a happy camper. But there were things within my control.
Try giving yourself three free passes on complaining about an issue, but when you've used up the third pass, it's time to stop complaining and either accept things as they are and move on, OR do something.I had choices. I could have said something to the hotel and I could have been more open with strangers. There usually choices if we are open to them. Yet there are times when you just got to go with it. It wasn't forever and sometimes life is not perfect. Give yourself permission to find alternatives but don't let yourself get you distracted from your purpose or the people you wanted to meet.
I liked Karyn Beach's post at Lose the Excuses - The Fear Factor. In this post she is talking about employment and creating a different kind of future but I think fear is rampant at conventions too.
Fear can be a debilitating, nerve-wrecking, soul-churning experience. What if’s snowball each one pessimistically worse than the one before it. It’s a quote that I’ve used before, “95% of the things we fear never come to pass.” Yet, the feeling of fear, the emotion of it, can be so strong that logical thinking is the first casualty of that snowball as it gains speed careening down that hill.Chicago Lessons
You don't know who you know. Six degrees of separation is no joke. I remember being in the elevator with Carol Lin, formerly of NBC News and CNN. I didn't want to invade her space so I just nodded my head and smiled. Later in the day she was on a panel and had mention that she had been helped by Rox of Beach Walks with Rox.
I've met Rox and she does a great job on her video blog. This is a one of her videos on Sorting Out Your Travel Energy.
I don't care if you have a cat walking blog, you might know of another blog or person that someone else might need to know about. Value what you bring to the conference, it may have a present or long distance value. For those of you who live by Twitter perhaps you should have a look at a TwiTip post on Networking Tips for Tweeters. Read #5 and commit it to memory. Don't be afraid to approach others.
The UC Berkeley Career Center website has good tips on what to do when you really are in a room of un-met people. Definately read the part about risking rejection. It can happen. So what, one body spoken down and 1,399 to go. Don't sweat it.
San Francisco Lessons
I loved the pillow top beds! I have curves and those beds made nicey nice with said curves. This meant I was rested and ready to go. My goodness there were a lot more people coming and going. Going to get massages, going to search engine optimization, going to see Elmo and always seem to be going and filling up the seats (and even the floor spaces) of the sessions I was trying to get to.
It was too much. By Saturday afternoon I decided to walk into the first room that would have me. I didn't care what it was. That turned out to be a Room of Our Own session with some grand big legged girls who bought a wee bit of orange juice, some other stuff; I can't quite recall the name on the bottle and some cheese. I mellowed out. Cheese can do that for me.
Christy at Quirky Fusion understands where I am coming from and she has a list of tips, dig #4 Know Your Limits:
…Even though I know better, some perverse part of me insists that I’m somehow obligated (to myself and to conference planners) to attend as many sessions as possible. But, going back to number 3, that doesn’t always match my priorities. First of all, there won’t always a be a session that you’re interested in. But, more importantly, sometimes you’ll have an opportunity to chat with someone really amazing, or chat with vendors/manufacturers.Victoria Janssen is an author of Romantic Fiction. She has been to a conference or two and has Five Conference Tips that would work for any conference, including staying hydrated (She means water and so do I).
To Recap:
- Reach beyond the fear and trust you healthy positive intuition.
- Take care of yourself, ask for what you want and need.
- Be flexible. Meet new people.
- Be open to helping other with a smile, a link or referring them to a resource. I’m telling you straight; it will come back to when you most need it and when you least expect it.
Gena Haskett is a Contributing Editor at BlogHer where this post originally appeared.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Getting Lost In Chicago On A Rainy Thursday Night
This has been a day of metaphors and thing going wrong and then they go right. And then left. I got to the airport on time but the ATM wasn't working. But I found money in my bag.
5 hours later I get here and the ATM still wasn't working so that means the ATM network had a really bad day. Except that I wanted to have funds so I went out looking for the bank in a city that I do not know.
Chicago has upper and lower level streets. How you cross the street is different so I had to adjust for that; meaning I saw people walk in front of cars and the drivers stopped, even when the people where in the wrong.
You might not think s a big thing but where I come from there were a number of cases where the pedestrian had the legal light and bam, human roadkill. Recently a car hit a poor soul, dude landed on the windshield and the driver got out of the car and pushed him off and kept going.
Wish I could say it was an isolated, one time thing but it is not. Anyway, I got real lost and my feet hurt and it was raining and I felt like a little kid. I did ask folks but no one seemed to know where the hotel was located or I couldn't follow directions. That left/right thing is a killer.
Finally got a cab. I have to be hurting and totally frustrated to get a cab but sometimes you have to yield to common sense. Come to find out I was way over on the other side of town. I don't know how I got so far over.
Went to the party. I couldn't believe it. It was a psychology experiment playing out in real life. I got lost but it was in observing people jockeying for swag and men jockeying for attention.
Personally, them little bunny buzzer ain't up to the task. Real women need A/C or if you swing that way D/C. No, that doesn't work. Plugs, we need plug powered devices.
It was hearing this one dude complaining that no one would pay attention to him. That these women were "anti-male." He did not understand what was going on. They were not anti-male they were "pro-swag." Other men sauntered in and laid down old bait but they couldn't draw more than a breath.
Let me put it to you this way. Free liquor or a bag of swag? Yes, for some of us it is the swag. Plus you still could get the liquor so this is a win/win situation.
Except for the guys.
Tell you the truth I was lost. Again. I came back to the hotel room. I'd been in some form of it before. Not sure I want to go back out there but I will.
I never did find the bank.
5 hours later I get here and the ATM still wasn't working so that means the ATM network had a really bad day. Except that I wanted to have funds so I went out looking for the bank in a city that I do not know.
Chicago has upper and lower level streets. How you cross the street is different so I had to adjust for that; meaning I saw people walk in front of cars and the drivers stopped, even when the people where in the wrong.
You might not think s a big thing but where I come from there were a number of cases where the pedestrian had the legal light and bam, human roadkill. Recently a car hit a poor soul, dude landed on the windshield and the driver got out of the car and pushed him off and kept going.
Wish I could say it was an isolated, one time thing but it is not. Anyway, I got real lost and my feet hurt and it was raining and I felt like a little kid. I did ask folks but no one seemed to know where the hotel was located or I couldn't follow directions. That left/right thing is a killer.
Finally got a cab. I have to be hurting and totally frustrated to get a cab but sometimes you have to yield to common sense. Come to find out I was way over on the other side of town. I don't know how I got so far over.
Went to the party. I couldn't believe it. It was a psychology experiment playing out in real life. I got lost but it was in observing people jockeying for swag and men jockeying for attention.
Personally, them little bunny buzzer ain't up to the task. Real women need A/C or if you swing that way D/C. No, that doesn't work. Plugs, we need plug powered devices.
It was hearing this one dude complaining that no one would pay attention to him. That these women were "anti-male." He did not understand what was going on. They were not anti-male they were "pro-swag." Other men sauntered in and laid down old bait but they couldn't draw more than a breath.
Let me put it to you this way. Free liquor or a bag of swag? Yes, for some of us it is the swag. Plus you still could get the liquor so this is a win/win situation.
Except for the guys.
Tell you the truth I was lost. Again. I came back to the hotel room. I'd been in some form of it before. Not sure I want to go back out there but I will.
I never did find the bank.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
BlogHer09 Los Angeles Meet-Up Photos
It was great to see old friends and meet new folks. I also want to give a shout out to the Zona Rosa Caffe:
It is a neat place to go for first dates, conversations or waiting for the play to start at the nearby theater. The staff was great and I enjoyed my Mexican Hot Chocolate and as super chocolate muffin I had for desert later that day.
New Friends
This is the first wave of photos and I have a bit of video that I'll post later. I hope that is the start of many LA Meet-ups. Yes we need to go to the Westside, Orange County and anybody else that wants to come along.
It is a neat place to go for first dates, conversations or waiting for the play to start at the nearby theater. The staff was great and I enjoyed my Mexican Hot Chocolate and as super chocolate muffin I had for desert later that day.
New Friends
This is the first wave of photos and I have a bit of video that I'll post later. I hope that is the start of many LA Meet-ups. Yes we need to go to the Westside, Orange County and anybody else that wants to come along.
Make it so and let me know.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Road To Good Habits is Paved with Bad Intentions
We are the sadder but wiser girls. We have been down this road before and don't like the view. If you or I could have thought our way out of emotionally sucking on some pizza would have done so long time ago. Some of those bad intentions were very tasty or had a gleam in the eyes that couldn't be denied.
Some of us we require a "structured" approach to developing good habits. Otherwise we will lie, cheat and manipulate our way back to the bad side. This requires a different kind of commitment. I can’t tell you the right thing to do but I can share with you some examples that might help you get where you want to go.
A Good Habit Requires Love
Good habits require a shift in thinking. Trading a good habit for a bad one is not a punishment but a welcomed relief from doing something that is destructive to our well being. Dogwood Mama In The Thicket understand what I am trying to say. She is trying to find her road back to better nutrition and in her words:
I am learning and praying and hoping that I will be more steady in my efforts this time, and probably slower in implementing them.
For me it is more like one day at a time for as long as it takes. That might be the rest of my life. Maybe a more realistic approach is to concentrate on a specific task for a moment, one hour at a time or for just a day. Slide into bed with the good habit just like we did with the bad habits. Perhaps we need to treat a good habit like a lover. A disciplined lover. As in disciple or any other associations that might occur to you.
Practiced, practice and more practice. You heard this before. It takes 21 days to lock in a good habit. I liked the approach by Darmaris Piece at I Am Thankful, 21 Days to Form A Good Habit. She does give you six helpful steps but Darmaris also encourages you to be thankful and to add positive affirmations to what you want to do. If 21 days is too much then you might be interested in 3 Easy Steps to Break Bad Habits from WebMD.
Mental Motivation
We need motivation. This will shock a few of you but you can't find your specific motivation in a book or a blog. It has to come from inside you. But bloggers and others can inspire you and coach you along the way. Dara Chadwick at Fit In Real Life points out that the work may not be just external. You might have to do positive internal work as well.
I'm notorious for not being able to take a compliment and I've started to see how negative a habit that can be. When someone tells me I look great and I say, "No, I don't" or some other self-deprecating remark, it diminishes not only me, but the person giving the compliment.
I can’t tell you the number of blog post written by women who are vicious with themselves. Stop doing that! It sets you up for failure and you are back on that road of too much food, coffin nails or another situation that set you up for failure and self loathing. It is about the love baby. Nothing but love.
Wanted to lose 5 pounds in a week and you only lost 1.5 pounds? Give yourself a pat on the back for the 1.5 pounds and say these exact words, “I’m doing ok. Next time I’m going to do better.” I' mean it. No hate talk, no self-bashing and, most of all no comparisons, to any person living or dead that lost more weight than you did last week.
Clueless Baby at Just An Ordinary Life takes a look at her specific bad habits, nail biting, procrastination and fidgeting and states what works for her. You see, if you don't have a vested reason (other than your doctor telling you to quit it or die) then there is nothing to keep you from woofing down a cheeseburger and a shake.
You motivation has got to stronger than your desire. Sometimes those rascals are pulling on you with equal force. This leads to the second component.
Clearly Stated Goals
The clearly stated goal helps to reinforces the good habit. What do you want to do? Do you want $1,000 in savings by the summer? Travel? Fitting into a size 14 dress? What would it take to make that happen and what is the bad habit blocking you from what you want?If you keep buying the morning Danish bun you are not gonna have $1,000 in savings or wear a size 14 dress. For those of use that need reverse psychology, especially when it comes to money, you can read Jennifer Derrick’s post on 21 Days to A Negative Money Habit.
ElizaLizzy at The Evolution of Me has three specific things she wants to do every day:
I am going to start anew tomorrow and try my hardest to meet three simple little goals. #1 - Bring Breakfast - that is already in my work bag - so I have no excuses #2 - take a 30 minute walk (or 2 15-minute walks or 3 10-minute walks). and #3 - track all calories on Sparkpeople tomorrow.
For some of us it is not just that we want to change but we have a medical condition that requires management. For example, Karen at Overcoming Asthma writes about bad habits for those that suffer Asthma. Reading the post she is also speaking to the rest of us when it comes to the conscious and unconscious triggers that invoke habits that are harmful and yet we do them anyway.
One More Thing
There will be mistakes, errors in judgment (for me if chocolate is in the area there will be many errors in judgment) and well, we might get frustrated about following a set of guidelines. That is okay. We are allowed to mess up. We are human beings. It isn’t going to be easy. Sometimes you will do the right things and it will not seem to work.
Amberlyn from Confessions of 2 Fat Girls had a set back but she says:
But I don't want to quit. I've come some far, for me, and worked to hard to give it up on a few bad days. Tell me to keep going. Tell me that all this hard work is worth it. Tell me that we have good weeks and bad weeks.
Yes, Amberlyn we do have good weeks, bad weeks and some weeks should be wiped off the calendar. The next day however we open our eyes, affirm the positive and get on with the business of creating our life on own terms. It is worth it.
Other Resources:
Conscious divas know that splendor does not come without pre-attached gunk that must be dealt with. Fortunately Smooth Diva J is looking out for you. You can train your inner diva to break bad habits.
Over at Psych Central Dr. Grohol ask How Long Does Change Take? According to him, it takes at least six months.
For those with bad money habits and fears you should visit The Consumerist (Now owned by Consumer Union, the company that publishes Consumer Reports) and read 9 Good Habits for a Deep Recession.
This post originally appeared on BlogHer, where I am a Contributing Editor.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Deb - BlogHer 2008 Keynote Speakers
SueBob - BlogHer 2008 Keynote Speakers
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Liz - BlogHer 2008 Keynote Speakers
Stephanie - BlogHer 2008 Keynote Speakers
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Schmutzie - BlogHer 2008 Keynote Speakers
This is Schmutzie from Schmutzie's Milk Money or Not, Here I Come. She had a journey to get to the keynote stage in San Francisco.
You can read about it at her post on leaving a small town to come to to the convention.
She did a great job. There are all kinds of journeys. Some voluntary and sometimes you have to be dragged kicking and screaming to go down certain roads.
It really is how you handle the trip. Take a lesson from Schmutzie.
You can read about it at her post on leaving a small town to come to to the convention.
She did a great job. There are all kinds of journeys. Some voluntary and sometimes you have to be dragged kicking and screaming to go down certain roads.
It really is how you handle the trip. Take a lesson from Schmutzie.
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