Navigate the Blogosphere: Customize Your Shareaholic Tweets

If you use Shareaholic you're either going to shake your head and say yesssss while reading this or you're going to think to yourself, what on earth is she talking about?

If you're the latter? I'm talking to you.

Shareaholic is a wonderful tool.

When I got my blog revamped and finally figured out how to safely manipulate the code and whatnot I decided Shareaholic was the way to go. It's so easy and benefits my blog so much I couldn't NOT do it.

In case you're still not sure what I'm talking about I'll clarify a bit more before diving into the dirty details.

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Amazing Reads: Some of my favorite November posts.

If you forget this - I've been posting daily (give or take) for National Blog Posting Month via BlogHer throughout the month of November.

And I'm thrilled that many of my friends have been posting, as well.

I've been slack, as some of them have spotlighted amazing posts over the course of each week, but me? Not so much.

However, I have some great posts for you that I've read over the course of November and so I'm going to share them with you today.

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My head is spinning. Such is life as a blogger.

If you're my friend on Facebook forgive the somewhat duplicate commentary from me. I started to write it all there and decided, well, this is almost a post - is it not? And so, here I am.

And in all my confused glory ...

I am so all over the place when it comes to conferences this coming year.

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Navigate The Blogosphere: NC Blogger Network

Are you a blogger in North Carolina?

I'm not talking about my area, specifically, but anywhere in NC - is that you?

Then you're going to want to know about the newly launched North Carolina Blogger Network.

The network is the brainchild of my friends and colleagues, Allison Barrett Carter of Go Dansker Mom and Nikol Murphy of Mom Complicated, both incredibly talented women who are taking this idea and RUNNING with it.

I'm fortunate enough to be a member of their leadership team, and I'm admin of the network's members-only Facebook group and Instagram account. (Forgive me there, I've fallen behind a bit as Instagram doesn't let people log in and out of accounts very easily! *shakes fist in the air*)

Now, you're probably asking - why should you decide to be a member?

Well, reader, I'm glad you asked!

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Type-A Conference: 140 Characters

If you've ever read my post-conference posts you already know I tend to take a lot of notes by using Twitter. I just do. It's a great way to promote the conference and to ensure that you don't lose your notes. I started after my very first blog conference back in 2011 (which, psst, happened to be Type-A!).

Because the Internet is forever - right?

A few of my own tweets throughout the weekend that sum up new information, intense thoughts and more of what I walked away with. #typeacon hashtags removed because, well, redundant!

And I'm working backwards because that's the way I'm accessing my twitter feed. It's how we do!

At the town hall: 

My personal experience is mine. Much of what I write is for me. The worst thing I could do is compare my content to someone else's.

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Hey, y'all.

Hi, everyone.

Exciting news to share! Today is my SITS day.

Which means for those of you who already know me and love me? This is all going to be repetitive. But you should read it anyway, because maybe you'll learn something new! Or maybe you'll want to chime in and tell all of my new friends why they should love me, too, okay?

So, for those of you who are new here - I'm Andrea. This is my blog. Good Girl Gone Redneck was created in 2009 when my daughter was a little over two years old. If you do the math she's seven these days, but who wants to do math when school's out for the summer?

I'm a social worker turned SAHM turned part-time social worker. I'm also what you'd call a full-time volunteer for all the things. And yes. I do mean ALL. Most of my non-paid gigs go hand in hand with my mental health advocacy and focus. Some of them are blog related, which goes hand in hand with my social media addiction.

* Psst. You think I'm kidding - I know. I'm so totally not! *

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What to say?

Do you ever think to yourself, I haven't blogged in a while so I should probably sit down and write?

No?

Consider yourself lucky.

I do.

And I'm someone who would call themselves a fairly relaxed blogger.

Relaxed in that I don't believe this is my path to fame.

Relaxed in that I don't check my stats religiously.

Honestly, I only check them when I apply to campaigns. And when I do that I have to head on over to statcounter, although Blogger seems to have better numbers for me - but is probably less accurate, or one would think.

Lately Facebook has become the place for bloggers to engage.

I'm in way too many groups and seem to be added to them behind-my-back and in front of my face. Or however that saying goes.

Now, I'm not saying I mind. Not at all. I just wish Facebook had the etiquette that *I* do. When I invite someone to a group I ASK them if they want to join me. I ASK them if they want in.

When I find myself added to a group I'll be honest, sometimes I want to rebel and just leave. Even if it's the kind of group I'd benefit from.

But I don't always. Which is what? Hypocritical? Not quite. But maybe.

Oops.

And if you've added me to a group recently, please know I don't BLAME you. I'm not mad or anything. It's Facebook I'm cranky with. Promise.

And I miss Twitter.

Doesn't everyone?

Imagine if all of the people who say they miss Twitter came BACK to Twitter and started to talk to one another? Imagine what a beautiful place Twitter would be?

I think I just scored the highest number of times to use the word Twitter in a run-on sentence or two.

See? I can poke fun at myself.

Maybe that's what Facebook has become? The place where bloggers go to poke fun at themselves in a more controlled space.

But Facebook could disappear in a hot minute. Well, probably not, but still ... all those pictures. Damn. I need to go save every.single.one of them right this minute.

Maybe I'll publish this first, but I mean it.

It's scary how social media works sometimes. Or all the time.

I don't know.

Social media certainly reminds us we're not alone.

I know there's always that one post. Or that one video. Or that one - well - whatever it is - that tells us to get off the computers and the phones and the tablets and go outside. Or look up at our family. Our partner. Our friends. And it always makes me laugh because that person? Their words or images or video has gone viral. And they get all this publicity and recognition (although, admittedly, I usually remember the relaying of the message more than the person who created it) and they're doing pretty much what they tell us not to do in their message.

So.

Yeah.

Social media IS made up of hypocrites.

And back-stabbers.

And those who crunch the numbers and will do anything to get to where they think they want to be.

Sure.

But ...

But what? ... you ask.

I don't know. It's filled with much more - for sure.

Sigh.

So much more.

But that's a whole 'nother post. Or four.

Or you can go see my friend Tracie again because she has explained it really well already.

Looks like I found some stuff to say, doesn't it?

I'm not even sure where this was headed. Or where to wrap it up.

I just know that "they" say super wordy posts can get passed over pretty quickly. *wink*

So I'm going to head on over to StumbleUpon and see what's happening there.

It's way less stressful. Just way more confusing.

And it's somehow going to get me more exposure, even though it's taken me years to understand it.

So I guess maybe I care.

A little bit.

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Zachary Levi needs our help! #IwantmyNerdHQ

Okay, so take a look at the adorable Zachary Levi. He's a nerd like me. And you. 

Don't pretend you're not one. We all know that most bloggers are ... at least a little bit. *wink*

Oh, don't get huffy now. It's a compliment. I promise.

Now - let's talk NerdHQ.

NerdHQ is an event that Zac (we're that close, I can call him that - fine, we're not but I will anyway!) is working to get off the ground again this year. He is trying to raise funds, get sponsors, do all the things that are required for an extremely large and exciting event such as NerdHQ.

I won't do it justice, but I'm happy to help promote this event because ALL OF THE PROCEEDS from the actual event will go to Operation Smile. So while the event is free to anyone attending, there will be things for sale and whatnot, and those proceeds will go towards supporting this incredible organization.

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Why we blog: my reflections

So y'all know I just returned from Type-A Parent Conference. It was a whirlwind of a weekend.

I'll admit to a few things I didn't mention beforehand.

I was a little anxious. I was driving with someone I'd never met. Rooming with people I'd met once or not at all. And feeling kind of like, wow, this is yet another experience I'm tackling solo. I don't have that "best bloggy friend" that I can run to if I feel overwhelmed. It all turned out okay, though, and I have more to share on these thoughts - but that's a whole 'nother post!

One thing I will say? G-d, it felt good to let my hair down. Literally, figuratively, shed that Mommy title for a few days. Ahh. Don't I look relaxed? 

Type-A Parent Conference is about the people. And yet it's about so much more. I'm starting with some blogging-related informative takeaways. I'm doing my twitter recap post, because last year I felt SO great getting that done. And this year it's a part of my plan to do it again. 

This time I likely am using more of my own tweets, because of what stuck with me most. But you'll see some RTs as well. And forgive the overload of links. I copied some of this directly from twitter and am too danged lazy to remove them all. Plus, you should really know who I'm talking about - so CLICK 'EM!

And honestly, there is no way in heck I am going to be able to fit it all into one post, so be forewarned that many more will follow. Or - like last year - I'll end up doing like a small handful and just fall asleep on my notes. We shall see.

Actually, now I'm overwhelmed. So I'm going to stick with a few tweets about the amazing "Why We Blog" panel of these three incredible and beautiful women. @Cecilyk and @postpartumprogr and @redneckmommy.

So read on for my tweets. Where I'm quoting the speaker and reacting. Important things I must remember as I reflect back:

FOMO. Fear of missing out. @cecilyk #typeacon OMG. Yes. I have this, too. Totally. Yes.

RT @AlissaEnders: I try not to tweet on weekends. - @redneckmommy thinking of trying to do the same. GASP.

Blogging has brought me amazing people. Friends. Community.@postpartumprogr ~ truth. Incredible world to exist in. So supportive.

Seriously. People drive themselves crazy. I can't do it. ~ RT @AnissaMayhew: "dont play the (blog) number games"@redneckmommy

Amazing @Cecilyk talks about number of times that she has considered stopping blogging. #TypeACon ~ Reminds me we all feel the same sometimes

Influence is getting other people to ACT. @postpartumprogr

I am never going to buy followers, EVER. (includes FB, twitter, etc.) -- YEs! @postpartumprogr 

Y. E. S. yes.

Love these words. RT @MelACulbertson: "get out there and be who you are." wise words from @postpartumprogr 

YES. Do it! RT @ErinCLane: I write for me. You should write for you.

Something many could consider. RT @CiaoMom: A blog turned resume. One key to evolving in the social media space. via @redneckmommy 

Focusing on sharing stories that are relevant to me. @redneckmommy talks about blogging w.o the mommy blogger badge. LOVE.

Truth. So much truth. RT @teachmama: 'women have such power, and there is wisdom in our words' via @redneckmommy

@elleinthecity There are these women out there writing what I can relate to, feeling what I am feeling. -  @redneckmommy

Yes. This. So much more than stats+numbers. RT @AlissaEnders: You laughing, crying, responding...that's why we blog.- @Cecilyk

I'm going to love and live in the body I have! @Cecilyk

@kikarose I always love hearing @postpartumprogr talk. She inspires me to write those tough, from the heart, blog posts y'all love.

Listening to the incredible @Cecilyk ... Words that hit home and speak to my heart. A-to-the-WOMEN. 

@MamaMommyMom I hadn't really planned on crying at #typeacon , but this is hitting a nerve.

my reply: @MamaMommyMom Welcome to the reason I am here. :) 

And what I feel was my most important tweet: 

*Why we blog. If you didn't get it before you heard these women, you absolutely do now.* 

So, just a small drop in the bucket of what this weekend brought forth. This panel of women - incredible, amazing, powerful, unassuming women? The BEST part of the conference. And seriously - wholly - why I was there. I thank them, and Kelby for bringing us this incredible window of time where their words were all I needed and more. 

And stay tuned for what's sure to be way too many follow-ups to this post! 

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Heading to #typeacon? My tips!

So this year I'm going back to Type-A Parent Conference. 

And I'm really excited!

But I'm also kind of laid back about it. I'm not stressing over the schedule. I just know I'll be slightly OCD when I get there, and when I have the schedule in my hands I'll be reading, re-reading and living off of that thing for the entire weekend+. I can't let myself stress about it now, or I'll turn into loopy mode and won't be able to function on the other stuff that's important before I head off to Charlotte for this trip.

So - I know you've read loads of tips by now, but I'm going to give you mine anyway. Last year Type-A Conference in Asheville was my first conference ever. This year in Charlotte is my second. See a pattern here? I totally do!

Anyway, some of the things I brought with me last year that I found essential may seem the norm for many conference-goers, but I'm going to list them out for you anyway.

* Your camera
Yes, your cell phone will rock. But your standard digital camera, if you have one, or your fancy-schmancy point-n-shoot, whichever works for you? That's needed. The better pictures I got were on my digital camera. I may not use it all the time, but I'm bringing it anyway.

* Your phone
I know - Duh. But last year the hotel's wireless was wonky. It was so frustrating and the ONLY way I was able to get online was through my phone. Seriously. I had a slightly crappy phone, and it came through for me in a big way. Yay, phone!

* Chargers
Of ALL nature. Your phone. Your iPad. Your tablet. Your laptop. Your camera. Whatever else you might need to charge up - bring it. For reals. And while you're at it ...

* A power strip
I kid you not, you'll find a lot of people who want to be your best friend if you bring one of these with you. I need to be sure I have a working one this year. I didn't bring one last time - but I absolutely borrowed some juice off of someone else's!

* Pen and paper
Sure, in today's electronic world we rely on note-taking methods that run the gamut. But a pen and paper are a no-fail back-up. What if you run out of battery? What if you can't type fast enough? What if - what if? What if you're like me and sometimes just love writing stuff down? Bring it.

* A sweater/long-sleeved cover-up of some sort
Because yes, it's pretty hot in NC in June. But it's also pretty air-conditioned in those conference rooms. Without a doubt.

* An easy to carry water bottle
Reusable is the way to go for me, so I recommend it. It's the best way to ensure you're not dried out while sitting in the aforementioned AC-d rooms. And it's easy and always free to fill 'em up! Plus? Environmentally friendly. Go for it.

* Snacks
If you're like me and can't make it through an all-day class without at least 2 snacks? Bring a few of your own. Plus it's really nice to make friends w. your roomies or whomever else you're hanging with if  you share your extras.

* Gum
Say you have something spicy/salady/soupy for the meal you had prior to the session/party/etc. you're attending? 'Nuff said. Bring enough to share and you'll make new friends for sure.

* Business cards
They're often a given, but if you don't have your own please be sure to collect them from others. Take notes on them, if you can (remember that pen) and remind yourself where you met people, what stands out about them, etc. And if you DO have your own? HAND THEM OUT. Seriously. Don't feel weird. Even though it DOES feel weird. Do it anyway. You didn't buy them for nothing, right? Just do it. I promise nobody will look at you funny.

* Cash
It's always good to have some extra cash on hand. Just cause.

* Socks, or closed shoes
If you're like me and your feet tend to freeze those conference rooms might not be kind to your toes. Bring socks or closed-toe shoes to keep your tootsies warm during the day and save the open-toed shoes for night. Or outdoors. Plus socks are great if your feet get cold when you're going to bed. And then you can avoid packing slippers if you're one of those people who don't like to walk on hotel carpets without some sort of buffer.

And speaking of your room and the other aspect of the conference ... the following options could be a plus for you and your roomies:

* bathroom spray (I don't need to explain this - right?)
* water/wine/beverages of your choice
* a treat or two for your new friends (baked goods are ALWAYS a hit)
* snacks (see previous entry) (and the one before it!)
* whatever else you bring with you that gives you the comforts of home? And doesn't include a pillow and/or towel? Bring enough to share! Your roommates will thank you for it.

I'm sure I have more to add here, (I'm not even going to touch anything to do with clothing, aside from my thoughts on shoes!) but for the time being I'm going to wrap up this post before it becomes even more novel-like.

So, what do you think? Was this helpful? Did I forget anything? If so - what? Please tell me! I still have time to pack. Oh! And DON'T forget a small bag of some sort for the swag. Because yes, Type-A does have swag, and you may get your own reusable grocery bag to carry it home in, but if you're flying that then becomes your carry-on, and you all know you only get one of those, so ... think ahead!

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Why I'm thinking about Facebook

So there you have it. I'm considering Facebook.

I'm hesitant.

I honestly have no interest in joining.

I never have.

But lately I've been thinking I should get with the times and create a page for my blog.

I need to know whether it's worth it - so I went to twitter and asked. Only a few replies. Most were positive. I'm still waiting to hear that one person say they couldn't live without it. Or maybe I'm just already that much closer and two responses were enough. I'm not sure yet.

I write. I write a lot.

I also read. A lot.

I'm a technological addict. I have an addictive personality when it comes to technology.

Just look at the number of tweets I have.

I don't want a page for me. Andrea. But I am contemplating one for me, Good Girl Gone Redneck.

Sigh. It's hard to go back on something that has become a strong part of your life.

It's stupid, isn't it? To be afraid to just say something like - screw it, I'll just sign up. What of it - right? Or isn't it? It's why many people I know are not on Twitter. I couldn't not be on Twitter. But I do not feel as though I need another window. Another way to communicate with the people I like chatting with. I don't want to follow thousands (okay, hundreds) of peeps on Facebook. And I don't believe I want thousands (again - exaggerating) of peeps following me.

Hmph.

What to do, what to do?

It's quite the conundrum.

Yes, it really is.

What do you think? Argue it for me, if you would. Join Facebook or not?

Tell me why. One way or the other. What's important. What are the benefits?

Is it really a requirement of future generations? The only way to move forward in social media and networking? Tell me what I'm missing.

And maybe, just maybe ... I'll consider it some more.

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