IZEAFest, Blogs, and More

I’ve been hella busy at work lately, and haven’t really had much time to post, and I’m really sorry about that. Not to you, but to myself. I do this for me – it’s fun and engaging, and I get to express myself and really help people while I’m at it. No offense, and not to sound arrogant, but if I only did this for other people my happiness would wax and wane on your approval. And let’s face it, you’re a fickle bunch.

So some good news – I am (albeit very unexpectedly!) going to IZEAFest this year! It’s being hosted in Orlando at the Renaissance hotel literally right across the street from Sea World. It starts off with going to Howl-o-scream at Busch Gardens in Tampa with front-of-the-line VIP passes, then Friday some awesome networking and panels by famous bloggers and the big boys of social marketing. Friday night is at the Orlando Ice Bar for an awesome party! Saturday is more panels and speakers, networking, and fun, followed by Howl at the Moon – a cool piano duel show that gets everyone involved. Sunday is when “Bloggers takeover Sea World!” – I can’t wait to see Shamu and the other cool marine life. Maybe I’ll even get to ride the Manta roller coaster! I’m very excited to meet some of you – major people I hope to meet in person and at least introduce myself: Drew Bennett (BenSpark), Heather in BC, Aaron Brazell (Technosailor), Connie Foggles (Brain Foggles), Ted Murphy (IZEA), Murray Newlands, Carri Bright, and the rest of the IZEA Insiders “I’m Not a Famous Blogger” crew.

I’ve been working on blogs for a few years now – at least since my first year of college, so it’s been about 8 years now. At least 6 of those years I’ve been using Word Press to power my blogs, so I’m pretty familiar with it. A few weeks ago, a college professor / textbook author contacted our Help Desk and wanted to know if anyone would help him on the side with setting up a website for his book. WordPress seemed like the right tool for the job. In just a short time, I’ve been able to help several members of the blogging and IZEA community with their Word Press blogs (in fact, one of the reasons I’m going to IZEA Fest at all is because I’m helping with a few Word Press blogs right now).

The other really good news is that I’ve added quite a few new clients and seen several of my regulars in the last few weeks. It really helps that business is picking up in this harsh economic climate. It means I’ll be able to afford gas and incidentals while I’m at IZEAFest! Woo hoo!