Popping My BlogFest Cherry

Saturday wasn’t without trepidation, popping my BlogFest cherry for the very first time;

But I soon relaxed as I ate some cake and drank cocktails of rum, ginger beer and lime.

We were given some fancy-schmancy badges that we bumped and flashed to connect with others:

Mammasaurus, Actually Mummy and Pigeon Pair and Me were some fellow blogging mothers.

The first Keynote panel discussed online trolling and was entitled ‘The New Wild West’;

Opinions varied, Stella Creasy won our respect and it was chaired by Richard Bacon no less.

During coffee break I went a-wandering and found myself at the Honda car promotion;

I was invited to describe in 140 characters or less an image that provoked an emotion.

The next session was called ‘In it for the Lolz’ about writing to get people howling

and Sonya Cisco revealed the naked truth in front of Guardian columnist Tim Dowling.

Andrea Mann from The Huffington Post talked structuring jokes and the golden rule of three;

Viv Groskop chaired with questions about length of posts and other pertinent pointers for me.

The ‘Think Bombs’ session was thought-provoking, inspiring, poignant and funny;

On technology and education, Professor Tanya Byron was completely on the money.

Next we heard about the innovative ‘Tech Mums’, designed by Dr. Sue Black of Savvify.

Then journalist Jon Ronson’s Twitter identity theft ended the session on a humorous high.

Lunch was a hot buffet, followed by more cake, competitions by Talk Talk and a cocktail,

With one-on-one sessions with the elite of blogdom about achieving the blogging Holy Grail.

(It’s at this point I’ll risk a digression in the hope of winning a Mark Warner break abroad;

My top tip for holidaying with kids? Book in advance to avoid the rush and arrange to priority board.)

Of particular interest was ‘How to earn money from your blog’, something for which I’m striving;

 The advice? Be honest, patient, true to yourself and your voice and towards your goal keep driving.

Tom Allin explained Skimlinks affiliation, Zone’s Gina Schauffer about PR and blogger relations.

Rachael Lucas about her literary success, Emily Leary on paid recipe design and baking creations.

I then got ‘down-and-dirty’ with a panel of experts offering quick fixes and blogging how-tos;

On navigating the technical stuff about blogging, SEO and other insider information and clues.

Jemima Kiss, Head of Technology at The Guardian talked eloquently with a sleeping child on her knee,

Annie Spratt of Mammasaurus fame clarified CSS; on platforms and self-hosting, Jax Blunt and Maggie Woodley.

Audience members asked questions and Lisa Myers gave pointers on Search Engine Optimisation,

Then we had a break to visit the loo, eat more cake and seek out much-needed caffeine and rehydration.

Next the shit really hit the fan, questioning the balance between mummy blogging and feminism;

Tempers flared after Sarah Ditum’s clumsy response which provoked righteous indignation and criticism.

The tension was effectively diffused when Jo Brand took to the stage, bringing with her warmth and humour;

She shared thoughts on feminism and talked women in stand-up and dispelling that lesbian rumour.

Closing remarks were by Justine of Mumsnet Blog Network who thanked speakers and sponsors galore;

Rounded off perfectly with Williams Chase gin and Fever Tree tonic…and then we bumped badges some more.

Posh stationery, pamper products and lots of sweet treats were what our gorgeous goody bags contained;

I left overdosed on caffeine and cake, a little bit pissed, well-informed and thoroughly entertained.