I was fortunate enough to make it out to the Des Moines, IA ‘tweetup‘ on Monday night. I had a blast even though a headcold had me feeling like a whipped dog. There was a ton of energy and I felt like I was among people really looking to do some cool things. I was fortunate living in Orlando to meet some pretty cool people and be ‘in the mix’ so to speak. I realized the only reason I was lacking that back in Iowa wasn’t because other people aren’t out there, but because I wasn’t out there meeting people.
Well I’m hoping to be better at that (well as much as I can with everything on my plate). Life is short and as cool as social networks are, the real meat and potatoes of these relationships is face-time and meeting the people behind the avatars (although mine still rules). There’s a community blossoming here and I feel fortunate to have met some of the people working hard to grow it.
As a follow up I”ll be doing some brain-dumping about conversations that were had about BlogOrlando and if that model works in a setting like ours. I think it could, but only with the right mix of people, topics and weather.
Coworker Rob has a great site new that’s really taking off. CSS Newbie is focused on giving folks new to CSS some real world examples and tutorials. Rob has a background in both writing and technology and fuses those worlds seamlessly and elevates code-nerdy writing to a pleasurable experience, and I know only more cool stuff is on the way.
Latest post is a real winner - 7 Tips for Print Style Sheets. Check it out.
I’m thrilled to be showing off my new HappyWebby self. I can’t thank Varick and the ngen works crew enough for the honor. Just to be included with the other webbies is awesome, but to know that these superstars liked my work enough to vote for me is just off-the-charts.
Jake’s latest post points out something many folks have probably seen and been to timid or too concerned with the fallout to mention - the hypocrisy of the social media ‘expert’. Kudos to Jake for calling these folks out (although they are certainly not the only known experts to not practice what they sell.) I’d love to see some thoughtful discourse around this topic.
Well it looks like I’m going to be a Happy Webby! Thanks to Josh for the nomination and the ngen works crew for such a cool gift. Man I hope they have some super-slim down mojo for my mug or we’ll all be getting a dose of the post-holidays Jabba-the-Webby that I have become.
I’m pitching in a prize for Jake’s series of online contests. I’ll be doing some custom WordPress theme work for some lucky winner, others will get goodies from Picnik, Microsoft and other. I’m honored to be included in the group, hopefully my prize will make someone’s day. He’s started the competition, you should check it out. The first contest is surprisingly simple, take minute and learn to share.
Friend and social media mentor Josh Hallett has taken a position with Voce Communications. Josh has been a huge help to me over the past 4-5 years as well as a thoughtful friend. I’m thrilled to see him elevate his exposure. Join me in congratulating Josh over at the Voce announcement.
