Always a blog researcher, never a blogger

I’m sitting in the Nashville airport (on the floor because that’s the only place I could plug in my weary laptop) and reflecting on my first blogging conference, Blissdom.  I’ve been studying women bloggers for some time now, but this is my first immersion experience.  I liken it to studying a foreign language.  There’s only so much you can learn from Rosetta and then you actually have to travel to a place where people speak the language you are learning.  After immersing myself in the world of women bloggers for a few days, I’ve learned a few things:

• These women are amazing.  Many of them are blogging while working full-time, raising one or more children and managing households, schedules and businesses. 
• I am not cut out for this.  As the five of you who read my blog know, I mostly blog about what the kids are up to. I’ve often wondered whether I should branch out and become a more active blogger. I realize now just how much time and energy it takes to do this well. I think I’ll stick to studying the bloggers.
• I want to learn as much as I can about women bloggers.  I, like many others, have often referred to this group of bloggers as “The Mommy Bloggers.” Like most broad generalities, this one is sorely lacking. The women I met were all impressive, but all different.  Some were married, some were not.  Some worked outside the home, some didn’t.  Some had children, some had pets.  Some had both.  Some were young, some were younger.  Some were conservative, some were liberal.  They make for a fascinating group to study because they all have a different story, and many have different motivations for blogging.  
• Big brands and prominent PR agencies have these women squarely on their radar.  I was overwhelmed (I shouldn’t have been, but I was) by the presence of the top consumer brands and agencies at this conference.  They spent a lot of money (and spent it well if you ask me) trying to connect with these women.  I plan to follow up with many of the brand representatives I met, but I suspect they will say the money was well-spent. 

Well, that’s all I can regurgitate right now.  My brain is mush and I am missing my babies and Fred. Now boarding for New Orleans? See you later!