Alive in Wonderland

How to Host A Practically Perfect Blogger Event

At this point, I've attended hundreds of blogger events. Marcy and I have hosted many of them through our blogging group, SoCal BlogCrush. Nearly every month for the last two years we've organized get togethers--big and small--for our fellow bloggers at area restaurants and local venues. 

Five years ago when I started blogging it was a much different environment for bloggers. We weren't invited to much of anything. Then slowly bloggers came on to PR professionals' radar as companies realized our value and the invites started to trickle in. But even then, there were times when I felt like my presence at media events was an afterthought--PR professionals not knowing exactly what to do with a blogger. 

Note: Disney is the one and only shining example of a company that embraced bloggers from the beginning, read about my experience here. 

Fast forward to this past summer. I couldn't keep up with the events--all calling out for bloggers to come eat, play and learn about things ranging from cars to cupcakes. And though I'm thrilled that blogging has taken a solid place within the media, the learning curve is still playing out--for both bloggers and PR folks. 

When OC StyleWeek came to town a few weeks ago, BlogCrush partnered with Jane Gillespie, who is a PR professional for the Irvine Company.  Jane knows how to make bloggers feel welcome and gave us what we needed during the event to then go home and post on our blogs. Marcy and I could even say: Jane Gillespie hosted a practically perfect blogger event. 

If you're a PR professional looking for tips on how to get bloggers to not only attend your event, but to write about it, Marcy and I noted these things Jane did that worked: 

Media Passes: When the bloggers arrived, we checked in at the media center and we were given media access passes. We like that. It's a good idea to give bloggers the same access as traditional media. This takes some vetting on the PR professionals part, but it's worth the effort.

Designated Blogger Area: Giving bloggers a place to do our thing is important. Jane offered us our own Blogger Lounge. We had a table to spread out our equipment, we had access to free WiFi and lots of space to work. Bloggers are usually versed in many different media--photography, video, writing, live reporting--we need some elbow room to reload and get our material out. Remember bloggers often start getting their message out in real time, during an event.

Quality Time with Major Players: Allowing bloggers access to interview and chat with key people in the company will help bloggers put together a complete story. We often ask PR professionals to scope out the blogs before the event and help tailor the blogger's experience with the right interviews, photos ops and video opportunities. 

 

Social Media Information Easily Seen: This sounds so simple, but it gets missed almost every time. 

Twitter Wall!: No one loves a Twitter Wall more than me. The first event I attended that had our collective Tweets projected on a wall, held together by a short, simple hashtag, I fell deeply in love. Me and the Twitter Wall are planning a June wedding. 

Feed The Bloggers: It's just good manners. At our StyleWeek event Jane had set up adorable boxes, provided by Nordstrom Cafe, packed with water, chocolate cake and probably the best roast beef sandwich I've ever tasted. In this case, the dinner in a box provided lots of chatter for Nordstrom Cafe on our social media channels (and here). 

Photo Ops: Though some will cringe when they hear this (I know my journalism professor would), but bloggers are usually part of their stories. Think about it: it's usually our voice, our personality and our views that have made our blogs popular. It's taken a while for PR folks to realize that bloggers would like a photo of themselves experiencing whatever it is they are writing about.  It's one of the biggest differences to note when working with bloggers rather than traditional media professionals.

Other ideas for a great blogger event...

Follow Up with Photos in Accessible Formats: Marcy and I usually create Flickr sets for all bloggers to easily access the photos they would like to use.  Here are ours from StyleWeek.  Some PR people will send us home with jump drives or logins to FTP sites to download photos. 

Video Options: If you would like bloggers to make and post videos about your product or even, read my post: "Top 10 Tips for PR Professionals: How to Get Bloggers to Make Videos About Your Product or Event." Clever title, no?  

Keep inviting bloggers to events! If you need help choosing the right blogger for your event, contact us at BlogCrush. We will help you put together the right blogger for you. 

 

 

Picnik makes photo editing fun

I have a secret weapon that I want to share with you because I'm like that--real nice.

I run all my photographs through Picnik before I post them. Picnik is a free, online photo editing website that offers lots of effects, frames, and tools to help you make your pictures look their finest--kinda like a stylist for your photos.

I'm a complete amateur when it comes to photography, so I lean heavily on editing. Not only to hide mistakes or make a moderately good picture great, but also to add an element of art to a image I like.

Picnik is embarrassingly easy to use. Just sign-up and start uploading your best pictures. I've put together this sample of some of the great things you can do using Picnik, again, because I'm super nice.

This is a picture taken outside It's a Small World at Disneyland.

Here it is cropped with Picnik's Editing feature. Doesn't she look pretty?

Now here it is with the "Cross Process" Feature applied.

Now let's see her with the "Holga-ish" Feature applied.

One of my favorites, the nostalgic "1960's Feature" applied. Just takes you back, doesn't it?

Now slap on a frame and some text.

Here is a collage made with four different pictures taken at Disneyland

Picnik really is this easy to use. It makes photo editing...well, a picnic.

You can go to Picnik here and get started.

Buy handmade and you can say, "It's handmade" a lot

I have taken the handmade pledge.

Though I'm THE most uncrafty person, and--let's face it--a disgrace when it comes to hand-eye coordination, I admire and firmly support those who have these abilities.

My biggest aversion to doing crafts or homey things like baking (remember this fiasco? ) is the clean-up. Here is the deal with me: I only like activities where I can quit at a moment's notice. I don't want to have to worry about putting things away or finding a place for something to dry. I simply have no patience and a hair-trigger "knock-it-off" button. If I can't push my chair away from the task at any time and say "I'm done with this" and then walk away, you can pretty much count me out.

That's why I'm well-suited for blogging, photography, and making short videos--all things that are perfect activities for us quitter-types.

This is why I love my crafters, artists, jewelry makers, knitters, and bookmakers. They truly sacrifice for their art...and I suspect spend hours happily wiping glue off their dogs, searching for lost beads in the carpet, and purposefully tackling each aisle at Michael's. I love them for it. I really do love them all.

Our family has decided this Christmas we will buy exclusively all handmade and vintage gifts. Although I will miss my traditional J.Crew Sweater (**sniff**sniff), and Larry his Old Navy boxers, I'm certain we will find equally poshand practical selections on Etsy.

Here is a clever video about the Handmade Movement:

Buy Handmade Video from Etsy on Vimeo.

So take this holiday season to line the pockets of independent artists, so they can buy....ummm....whatever it is that artists have to buy to make things like this , this, or this. I will be posting handmade items starting next week and suggesting places in Orange County to buy handmade, just to help you along.

...and look at that bunny for their logo. You know how I love a good bunny logo.

Coming to grips with the travesty of 70's music videos...

Hall & Oats, She's gone

I don't think they are high purely on consolation...

Thanks John Moe at Monkey Disaster for ruining this song--and possibly every song by H & O--for me, forever.

John is the new host of one of my media staples, Weekend America. It's a weekly two-hour radio program that is crammed with absorbing stories, listener clips, and good music. Weekend America podcasts are available FREE at iTunes, so there is really no excuse not to listen...except if you're too peeved about the whole Hall & Oats thing.

He's also a McSweeney's luminary. See his collection of stories: Pop Songs Correspondences.

Vimeo's Orange County Group

I recently joined (thanks Chris) the Orange County Vimeo Group. I am increasingly interested in video and I prefer kind Vimeo to the more brutish YouTube.

If you make videos--feeding your baby, while driving (which is VERY dangerous I have been told by many), or on a more skilled level--check out Vimeo.

If you live in Orange County, join. Join. Join. Join. (You can't see it, but I am tightly grasping a clipboard and pointing a ball point pen at you.)

All of the videos are interesting. I like this one from the group. It's from Lee Uber, "Surfing in Huntington Beach"

Surfing in Huntington Beach from Lee Uber on Vimeo.

I'm doing practically everything but type the words for you

I love the fact that I can make iMixes. It's just another way I can be bossy and impose my own personal--and sometimes questionable- taste onto you.

This kind of reminds me of one of one of those things I think I am very talented at, but later realize I was only acceptable at best. Like when I briefly was into Rollerblading--I thought I was great at it until I saw video of myself doing it, tragic.

I have made another one called "Perfect Writing Music." Perfect for me at least.

To me these songs are subtle enough not to distract, but powerful enough to inspire. Except for "Here's where the story ends," by The Sundays. I just thought that would be clever to end it with that song.

I have added some of my iMixes to my sidebar. They don't exactly, well, they don't fit, but I can't resist having them there.

Impossibly Happy Music

I spent time on iTunes last night making this iMix for Carrie at Barefoot Gypsy Girl.

Carrie, During your blog-break I hope you enjoy some time with your family and friends. Please refrain from listening to "Death Cab for Cutie" during your respite and listen to the skillfully crafted iMix below instead. Come back when you're ready...will all be waiting.

Here is your iMix: Impossibly Happy Music

Note: Does not include "Walking on sunshine" or "All I want to do is have some fun," ironically, these songs throw me into a deep 2 1/2 minute depression. It is more of a Pete Townsend, Feist, Rickie Lee Jones kind of listen...

Craig Ferguson Is Now Officially The Funniest American

Today, Craig Ferguson was sworn in as a U.S. Citizen. (Read about it here) So, he is now officially the funniest American. See him taking his citizenship test here. Could you pass? Me neither...

If you don't watch him on The Late, Late Show every night, you should. I TIVo-it and watch while I'm eating my Frosted Mini-Wheats in the morning. It's a great way to start your day, but there is the real danger of a milk-through-the-nose moment.

I first started watching him when I caught this show:

You don't see this kind of transparency on TV often. (Even if you do watch The View.) So, yes, he is a real guy, but he is also friggin hilarious.

Okay, so you don't believe me, right? Comedy snob are we? Here are some choice clips:
iPod vs. Zune
Old Fashioned Violence
He loves America

If I had my own sitcom, I would want him to be my sitcom husband. Ooooo, yes, I have the whole thing completely written inluding the opening credits and montage (to the tune of "It Must Be Love" by Madness). And when I say 'completely written,' I mean I have it all in my head.

What? Right, like you don't cast people in your own sitcom...Seriously, you do that too, right?

What you should be watching, reading and eating in Orange County

The Morning Read: Keith Sharon at OC Register.com has created a page that you should be checking in on every morning and I am not just saying that because he wrote I was a "funny lady."

DayBreak OC on KDOC: It is much better since its rough start (see what I wrote here)...I try to watch everyday. I think Ben Aaron's segments are spot on-- exactly what they should be.

PCH Dog: In Orange and Huntington Beach, not the most feminine place to eat, but yum. Went there today and was the only girl in line with 15 (literally 15) guys. ***learned I apparently should be watching "Family Guy."**

Trendzilla at OC Weekly: I love Vickie Chang's column. She addresses the most pressing fashion questions, like: Do we have to LOVE Juicy if we live in OC ?(no); Is a handbag really an investment? (no); Is Carrie Bradshaw truly the cultural/fashion voice of our generation? (noooooooo)

Taco Rosa: Just eat there okay?

The OC Art Blog: YES, OC, as in Orange County A-R-T Blog. Chris Hoff keeps us up on Art in Orange County.

OC Then: Reminisce about orange groves, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor and other things from Orange County's brief history.

McSweeney's Bundle Jumble

If you are interested in writing, or writers, or reaching new heights in absurdity and wit through storytelling, you should read McSweeney's "Believer." Not to be bossy or anything, but McSweeney's is offering a bundle of past issues for $15 ($15 I say!) Look here for proof.

I ordered "The Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers." This is the quote from the book that commanded me to pull out my credit card: Ian McEwan: "The dream, surely, that we all have, is to write this beautiful paragraph that actually is describing something but at the same time in another voice is writing a commentary on its own creation, without having to be a story about a writer." You should order this too, oops...there I go again, bossy, bossy.

Also, see McSweeney's store here. Larry would love the Circus T-shirt...

Best and Worst of 2007...According to me

New Years is all about the lists. I love a good list.

Most overused phrases/words of the year: credit crunch, actually and amazing.

Don't ever use this word in 2008: Hottie (especially if you are a man over 40 years old.)

Most under used phrase of the year: Excuse me.

Phrase I am going to personally bring into style in 2008: It's Cas (as in It's Casual).

Person who I hope is actually like how they appear on TV: Tim Gunn.

Person on TV who beleives their own press the most: Kat from LA Ink.

Best Music: Crowded House's Time On Earth.

Worst Music: Did James Blunt release anything this year?

Best TV Show: Flight of the Conchords.

Worst TV Show: Did James Blunt have his own TV show this year?

Fruit of the year: The Pink Lady Apple.

Fashion trend perched for a comeback in 2008: Dolphin Shorts.

Worst fashion trend of 2007: Anything by "Juicy" but their "Trustfund Generation" line is particularly despicable.

Best book of 2007 that I didn't read: "The Ordeal of Elizabeth March: A Woman in World History."

Best book of 2007 I did read: "Born Standing Up," by Steve Martin.

Best Children's Movie of 2007: The Water Horse. (We didn't get out to see an grown-up movie the year entire year.)

Most incredible YouTube video: Battle of Kruger. (You have to watch the WHOLE thing to appreciate its Awesomeness.)

Broughton Household specific:

Biggest insult in the Broughton house for 2007, in order of degree of hurtfulness: baby, diaper baby, Goo-goo-gaa-gaa baby.

Worst cooking mishap: Christmas Eve cornbread or corn "brick" bread.

Most quoted movie line: "Dumb Dumb give me gum gum" from Night at the Museum.

Purshase that perplexed Larry the most: Pink Donna Karen purse bought at TJ Max.

Best Netflix rental: The World's Fastest Indian. (We are way behind in our movie watching)

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Get The Kids Together For A Spaz-Fest

I don't care for the terms "play date", "girl's night out" or "date night." To me they just cheapen the experience of, kids playing, hanging out with your friends and going out with your guy. They seem like terms made up by an editor of some parenting magazine.

I "do" all of these things, but would rather just let them happen naturally, the only respectable way, planned at the very last possible minute.

These are my approved substitutes:

Get the kids together for a "play date": Beat Each Other With A Stick-Off, Spaz-Fest, Tell-on-each-other-a-thon or Dirt War.

Let's all of us girls get together for a "girl's night out": Nice Dinner and a Chat, Secret Meeting of the Sisterly Alliance ("SMOTSA"... Going to a SMOTSA) or $15.00 pink cocktail.

My Husband and I are going to have a "date night": Conversation, Laugh or Dirt War.

Enough With The Skull and Crossbones Already

I am completely over the whole Skull and Crossbones phenomenon; on my kid's fruit snacks, on flags flying high above RV's at Huntington State Beach, on dog T-shirts and (gasp!) on a silk scarf I found today at J.Crew (curses).
From now on, unless you are a true pillaging pirate, or a bottle of poison in a cartoon, I forbid you from wearing any likeness of the dreaded Skull and Crossbones.