Inspiration v. Intimidation

So far my readership consists of 3 people. That's including my mom. And suddenly, here I am at BlogHer '08 surrounded by incredibly smart, empowering female bloggers. The women that I want to connect with. So, of course, I am telling all of them about Yours Truly, right? Hell no!

Coming out as a blogger isn't so easy. In fact, it's down-right terrifying! It implies that I am in the game. That I have something to say. That I have value to add. That I am regularly posting engaging and inspiring content. Because these other women are. And they are becoming famous for it. Some rightly so, others not so much.

I started this as a research assignment of sorts. I wanted to find out more about this powerful group of consumers because, well, I'm an ad gal and wanted to learn how to engage these women. And, yes, probably sell them something. But, then I forgot all that. Suddenly, I didn't want anything from this community. Except to be a part of it. Soooo sappy, I know. But true.

It's official. I have drank the Kool-Aid. I am bowled away by women like Gwen Bell, who I only met for maybe 20 seconds, but listened to throughout the weekend and thought, "Hey, she's pretty damn smart." And I haven't been disappointed by her continuously fabulous posts. Appreciating your peeps, love it. And there are so many others that I am now reading, following and fully enjoying.

So, I've started to whisper my blog name. And include it in web comments. And slowly introduce Yours Truly to someone other than my mom. I will do my best to make these other incredible women proud. To add value to the blogosphere in my own little way. And I vow to never ever wear a condom dress. At least not in public.