Dear Blogosphere: thanks for the laughs...

So I started blogging a year ago, but the exact date eludes me. In the spirit of transparency, when I started blogging I sucked so badly that I deleted many posts. What's worse, I was so blog-ignorant I didn't know that people weren't even reading my blog at the time.

I asked Typepad and they said I started May 18th, 2006. Amazing to think I've only been blogging a year, and yet more amazing still to think there was a time when I blogged not at all.

Starting out I felt so exposed. Worried what you'd think. Ever fearful that you might say bad blog things about my bad blog. And then I laughed at my silly self and got over it.

Looking back I'm just astounded there existed a time where I was shy expressing my opinions--especially since they reflect my work practices and core principles on marketing (and humanity).

And what good is a darn blog if I can't be silly on it sometimes?

So as I sit here on May 18, 2007, flipping through trade articles spewing notions of transparency, authenticity and community, I can't help but giggle a little. While they're striving to coin the "magic" formula, we already know it: let go of the fear, focus on relationships (not rankings), don't risk credibility and create programs bringing value to all parties.

Oh, and enjoy the heck out of the journey.

Having benefited immeasurably from the generosity of this amazing community I propose we go another round. We'll take it a year at the time. I'm game so long as we keep learning and (definitely!) keep laughing.

PS: Yep, my blog's mantra still stands for year two ;-).

Comments

[Drew McLellan]

CK,

Ahh, I am pretty sure we should be thanking you. For sharing the laughs, the ideas, the passion and most of all -- you.

Happy Blog Birthday!

Drew

[Drew McLellan]

P.S. Nice ears!!

Drew

[Gavin Heaton]

You ... shy of expressing opinions? Never!

A year on, we are all better for having you around ... pushing, coaching, encouraging and challenging us! Happy birthday!

[David Reich]

From the guy who told you a year ago you're wasting your time, congratulations. Boy, was I wrong!

Happy Blog Birthday, Blogette.

Love.

[Mark Goren]

Your milestone is one we should all be celebrating, CK. Thanks for the lessons, support and book sharing! Keep 'em coming...

[Cam Beck]

Still rocking after all these year.

Happy birthday!

[Connie Reece]

Congratulations on your blogiversary! And thanks for sharing how inadequate you felt starting out. It's an encouragement to those of us who haven't been at this very long and are still struggling to build readership. The lesson you teach is to quit worrying and just start writing and connecting with people. And to have fun!

[Lewis Green]

So CK told me a friend (nameless) had told her she was wasting her time. Now we know who that friend is. And David is blogging up a heck of a storm packed with great ideas and stuff (new marketing term). Congratulations CK. Your friend, me.

[Tim Jackson]

The entire community is better off with you around in the blogosphere (and elsewhere). Thank you for continuing to raise that voice of yours- pushing, prodding, asking, telling... it's all good.

Thank you for being here.

[CK]

thanks you beautiful, brainy, smart and sexy bloggers...you made my (birth)day. Actually, you've made my entire year ;-). I really can't begin to express how indebted I am to you for all the lessons I've learned, the laughs we've shared and the endless, boundless support you've given me. How did a girl get so lucky?

Oh right, she jumped into the conversation and shed the fear of looking/sounding silly.

[Mack Collier]

Happy (blogging) Birthday and love the collage of pics, your graphics are really getting good! A whole year of CK, and you're re-upping for another year? Yay it's your blogging birthday, and WE get the present!

[C.B. Whittemore]

Happy Blog Birthday, CK! You, your blog and everything you add to the blogosphere are such treats! Thanks for sharing so much.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Here's to style... and substance. And a special thank you for all the connections you helped everyone make off your pages.

[Kris Hoet]

Hi CK - Happy blog birthday! Seems unbelievable this has been only 1 year, please add a few more ;)

Talk next week

- Kris

[Paul McEnany]

Woot! Happy blog birthday, CK. I sure can't believe it's been such a short period of time (in the grand scheme, anyway). I'm happy for you! Thanks!

[David Armano]

Congrats CK. Thanks for all of the great insights and marketing brilliance you provide here. As well as giving us a place to "hang out"

:)

Maye there be many blog birthdays to come.

[Toby]

Happy blog birthday to you! CK you have charmed the blogpshere with your bubbly personality that comes thru with each and every smart post. Looking forward to "many more."

[Fritz]

You rock, ck. And Congrats on that first year.

[mindblob]

CK,
The blogosphere (I mean the blog-O-sphere, you know like a planet) just wouldn't be the same without you, your positive energy, the briliant ideas and all the precious human links you continuously share with us all. Thank you. Happy Blog-B-day!
Your Alien friend.
Luc.