This past weekend I attended the 2008 Dallas WordCamp where wordpress bloggers, enthusiasts and experts gathered to share and learn about wordpress. I met lots of enjoyable people who’s blogs I look forward to reading and who’s paths I hope to cross again in the future.
I’m a fairly inexperienced blogger. Up until this weekend, I didn’t really know much more than how to create and manage a post plus manipulate a little bit of the basic html code. Although, I quickly seem to forget the html code if I don’t use it often. But, that’s okay because I do know how to search for the code when I need a little refresher course. In fact, lately, I’ve just been going to HTML Code Tutorial since they do a great job of explaining how the code works with images (I’m a very visual learner.)
Despite half of the conference sessions being over my head, I still picked up a great deal of tips and suggestions. In fact, one of the best, tip filled presentation was 45 Ways to Power Up Your Blog by John Pozadzides. He gave a ton of suggestions on not only the what of blogging but the how. There were several great plugins and even a theme he recommended.
Another good speaker was Lorelle VanFossen. If you are looking for a great book to get you started on learning about blogging, you should really grab a copy of her book “Blogging Tips: What bloggers won’t tell you about blogging.”
Another favorite, Liz Strauss, spoke about being you and authentic in your blog. Liz and John P stood out the most to me as not just bloggers but successful business people.
And lastly, there was Matt Muttenweg, who I’m sad to say I didn’t even know who he was until he spoke at the event. He released WordPress 2.5 and highlighted several of the features that had changed along with giving a little back ground of where they started.
This new blog is my attempt to try out some of the features, tips and tricks I learned. Please bear with me as I get the hang of all these cool features. I have so much too learn!
If you want to see what a weekend of ideas, suggestions and work can do, check out the Internet Lawyer’s Blog and the wayback machine from just a few days ago.
If you attended the 2008 Dallas WordCamp, I’d love to hear your feedback of the event. Or if you are interested in learning more about the event, just ask. Do you know of any other great events like this where you can learn more about blogging?
It was great to meet you, and please, don't be afraid of HTML and such. The majority of WordPress users now never see any of it unless by accident. 😀
It was great to meet you and we loved your energy and enthusiasm. I'm thrilled you jumped on the wagon so fast with this blog. It's a great way to explore the possibilities.
Good luck and hopefully I will see you next year at WordCamp!
Thanks Lorelle. It’s the engineer in me that wants to figure it out even if it is just bit by bit.
I look forward to see you at WordCamp if not before that.
Hi Sara!
It’s great to know you! I’m no engineer, but I love knowing the HTML too. It’s like knowing the Alphabet to me. I want to be able to talk the language, even a little.
It was folks like you that made WordCamp worth doing it and such a success.
Liz, events like WordPress are always great. One of my friends who did have a blog yet came and is planning on starting one thanks to what you and the other speakers taught. When she gets it up and running, I’ll post it to my site for you to see. Thanks for the comment.