2006: A Year In La Blog...well, half a year anyway!

While I prefer looking ahead, there's just too much I gained from 2006 not to take a post and look back.

Amazing to think I just started blogging in May of this year...and yet more amazing to think there was a time when I blogged not at all.

Indeed it was a year of many "mosts", so I thought I'd commemorate them here. Some of you may remember these posts, for some new readers (welcome aboard!) they're new for you...

Most fun singing with "fan armies": A fan-organized event became a midnight musical rivaling The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Featuring a special 60-minute episode from the now-retired Buffy The Vampire Slayer TV series, it was amazing to witness what I call "fan armies" in action, an audience we marketers can learn much from and a topic I'll continue to cover in '07 (also of note is the $2 million-dollar lawsuit that another fan army slapped on Universal Studios - yep, the studio caved :-).

Most fun hissing with bloggers: I came, I cursed and I even took real-time polls while standing in the ladies room line after the movie. The NYC opening of Snakes On A Plane was silly, fun and hyped--exactly as it promised to be. If you ever have the chance to go to a blogger event of this magnitude, don't hesitate. 'Twas the best time to be had in Times Sssquare all year.

Most fun debating: Ah, the infamous Agency.com "Viral Video" to win its pitch to Subway Restaurants: you remember the one touting "When We Roll We Roll Big!"? Please marketers, when we set out to connect with our markets let's make good on our promise to them. We learned how not to use video--and we had one heck of a time debating with the community.

Most non-newbie moment: Making it to 100 posts felt great--not because of the number of posts written so much as the lessons learned and colleagues made. I had A LOT to learn but I stuck with it, got (a little) better and shucks, you guys stuck with me.

Most moving interview: My interview with Sgt. Josh Salmons, a military blogger stationed over in Iraq at the time. Our interview started on July 4th which made me feel like I was doing something to help on Independence Day...and I hope it helped him feel a little closer to home. Speaking of home, he's safely back in the States now and he's still blogging away --amid worries the military will shut him down.

Most over-the-moon moment: Getting green lit to blog with the smarties over at "The Fix" just shot me to the moon and back. Best of all, I was able to meet so many great men and women I wouldn't have otherwise "met". Thank you, Ann Handley...you made my year (and thanks for embracing the Book Club, too!).

Most important riddle: I riddled a few times this year and yeah, I'll riddle more in '07. But this riddle "shared" some particularly important ideas on "The Share Economy" (thanks to Vaspers for teaching me this pivotal principle).

Most fun going in-world with a hunk and a punk: There's a multitude of ways for a NYC girl to spend her Saturday night but I opted to get my geek on and go "in-world" (Second Life) with the hulky Jackson Jacks (Tim Jackson's avatar) and the hipster Dallas Dibou (Paul McEnany's avatar). Quite an enlightening experience with some of my best blogging buddies.

Most fun telling a country to lighten up: Fight fire with fire folks. When Borat gives you the spotlight make sure you shine by joining in the humor--it pays in spades to be a good sport.

Most difficulty letting go: Call me a girly mush but I still mourn over the loss of Pluto as a "planet". Alas size matters in the galaxy, too. Pluto...you'll always be my 9th planet.

Most fun giving out FREE goodies (bookworms are cool!): Move over Oprah, we marketers have our own book club now--and we're over 550 members' strong. It's old media (books) meets new media (the Web) meets new best practices and smart is sexy :-). Btw, you can still join-in the current segment, learn how here.

Most fun doing something to give back to the community for all they've done for me: I had so much fun polling you guys and then surprising you guys with this collage. Also of note is another goodie that David Armano compiled from polling us in his "2006 In Your Words" slide show. DA, I know how much work goes into these goodies, bravo on a piece we'll cherish for years to come.

MOST fun blogger I met in person (as I met many more through blogs and e-mail): Why all of you silly! Really special to meet up with: Mario Sundar, David Armano, Greg Verdino, Noah Brier, Joseph Jaffee, Max Kalehoff, David Berkowitz, David Reich, Neil Vineberg, Paul McEnany, Lewis Green, Toby Bloomberg, Marianne Richmond, Josh Hallett, Andy Sernovitz, Jackie Huba & Ben McConnell, and Paul Gillin. Please forgive if I've left anybody out!

Most impressive marketing: Seeing is indeed believing--and prompts dramatic and positive changes in behavior. This program in particular "revealed" such clever, creative thinking that, in addition to saving lives, it won an award (while a small award, it's for BIG thinking).

But the MOST THANKS go to this community for being my mentors, colleagues and friends. No doubt we have much more ahead than behind--and this girl's got some tricks up her sleeve for '07. Yep, that's a promise.

P.S.: Believe it or not, amid all this blogging I actually did get a lot of work done this year and I thank my clients immensely! But I basically stopped watching TV--and I slept about half as much (but you guys are more than worth it :-).

Comments

[Mack Collier]

A GREAT recap, wow I didn't realize how many amazing posts you had left this year! And it's funny because I came here looking for the link to the collage you created for all of us, and here you link to it in this post!

Thanks for doing such a great job in 2006, can't wait for 2007!

[David Reich]

Hey ck -- You've helped open our eyes and made us think. Thanks.

[CK]

Mack: This girl just follows your lead...I can't tell you how much your generosity and teachings helped me to learn. And to not suck so much--I was sooo bad when I started, it's true. But I'm sticking with it and learning.

[CK]

David: I may have opened your eyes but I'm SURE I wore out your ears. You are such a pal to listen to me "blah, blah, blog" all year long. Thanks for being one of my best offline...and now online...pals.

[mindblob]

CK,
Congratulations! What a wonderful recap of the year 2006. Brilliant achievement, really!
Kindest Alien Wishes.
Luc.

PS : Great visual... yes, perfect time for Champagne ! : )

[CK]

Thank you for making '06 so enriching and teaching me about the world, Luc (my "alien friend")...I'm very much enjoying finding marketers outside the USA. You and Gianandrea teach me so much about Europe.

[Toby]

CK - Isn't it amazing what can happen in 6 "blog months?" Thanks for the shout out .. it was awesome meeting you in DC this month. Can't wait to catch up with you in Manhattan in March!

[Ann Handley]

Congratulations....wonderful post, wonderful year...well, 6 months.

But wait a sec -- have I told you my "dog year" approach to dating a blog...? Each month is equal to a year. So there you go.

[CK]

Toby & Ann: Thanks to "my girls!" for being the good estrogen factor in this corner. Guys, please don't take it the wrong way as I love you much...but it's so nice to have some great girl-power, too. Hey, someone needs to enjoy the pretty graphics (hee, hee).

[gianandrea facchini]

brilliant! you did all of this in six months. first time i got into your blog, i thought you were a long tima blogger (well, in the blogosphere 6 months IS a lot). look forward to read from you for 2007, 8, .......

[Marianne Richmond]

I think you ALSO may take the prize for the first "Year in Review" post....and definitely the one for 12 months of great posts in 6 months. Great meeting you in DC....looking forward to March in NYC.

Marianne

[Cam Beck]

Great review, CK! I am truly grateful to have stumbled upon your blog a few months ago. Where has the time gone?

[vaspers the grate]

Getting to know you CK is one of the top 3 highlights of my 2006 year.

You have inspired, re-wired, and set-on-fired me.

[CK]

Marianne: An award, how fun. Alas, the blog has been reward enough. Wait, no it ain't...I want money, power, fame and, uh, world peace! Seriously, it has been a great learning tool and like I said, great to meet you guys (and GALS). Thanks for all you do (even tho' you'd say you don't do much).

Cam: I am so grateful that you stumbled my way and me yours. You do so much to support the community and are so darn humble about it.

[CK]

Vaspers: That means an awful lot to me. I'll never forget going to your blog and just having my head turn with all you threw at me. Keep fighting the good fight...I'm counting on you teaching me loads more in '07.

[Chris Thilk]

CK - Yours has been a great addition to the community. The stuff you write is obviously coming from your heart and that's exactly what this whole endeavor is supposed to be about. Here's to even more good stuff in 2007.

[Noah Brier]

Thanks CK, it was great to meet you as well. All the best in 2007!

[Cam Beck]

CK -- I think you have that backwards... The community actually supports me. I'm just happy to be along for the ride.

[Lewis Green]

CK,

You have been a busy girl. If I were to write something similar, you would be among the highlights.

[CK]

Chris: That means a lot and I thank you. This community is all heart.

Cam: Good point, likely not the only thing I'll get backwards (ha, ha).

Lewis: You're so supportive to everyone and give a lot of yourself...it doesn't go unnoticed, just know that.

Noah: You too, keep up the great blog.

[Valeria Maltoni]

CK:
Your personality and skill both shine in every post. This one topped a very interesting and varied half-year. I loved this post!

[Tim Jackson]

Great recap... looks like you were actually fairly busy... gosh. I feel pretty much like a slacker now. (Hanging my head in shame...)

Let's all hope that the recap for '07 has 12 full months of fantastic highlights.

Thanks for coming to the dance- we're all the better for it.

[Paul McEnany]

"You have inspired, re-wired, and set-on-fired me."

And that's why I love Vaspers. I want to go write a song out of that sentence. :)

Anyway, killer recap CK. 2006 was the year all of us came together, and I see big big things in our future. Thanks for always being a good shoulder, a fabulous writer, and an insightful thinker.

[Cam Beck]

BTW -- I totally dig the graphic in this article. I love how your charm spills over in every post and comment. :)

[CK]

Valeria: Thanks much. I'm so glad I know of your blog now; love the style and lessons.

Tim: You're such a pal and do so much for the community. No wonder we call you 'Mr. Group Hug'.

Paul: What a great comment. Always a shoulder for you (ya punk!). I'm enjoying watching you soar on various sites/blogs.

Cam: I'm so glad you like the graphic. I've got a weakness for fun graphics, just can't help myself.

[Roland]

CK, Happy New Year and congratulations on a job well done with your blog. Wonder what you have up your sleeves for 2007? I think it is time that I publish my own. BTW, love the graphic. Cheers!

[CK]

Rockin' Ro: YOU were the one who told me where to go back in May to get my blog. It all started on that conversation...

[Mario Sundar]

CK!

It was great hanging out with you this past year and reading your awesome posts. I look forward to meeting with you sometime this year as well.

You're the best!

Mario