Apr 22, 2008

If they come to a book store in Boston I will be there. Not only because I like to support other bloggers, but because as a PR professional I know what it can be like to organize an event, bust your butt to promote it, and have no one show up. Those days I just want to cry.

Excuse me, but you ARE a rock star! And if you plan an event in DC, let me know!

As I sit here and read your blog entry, I can visualize you in your"PR mode"! Those skills probably went on automatic for you. I cannot wait for the book to come out and yes Pa and I will want to preorder many many copies. You know we are there to support you daughter. We are so impressed with your continual perseverance with this project. May you have many exciting moments with this book as the catalyst. Yes we are so proud of you,but we have always been proud of you no matter what!

I am so excited about this book!!!! So many bloggers I've found from Mamapop that I adore (Sweetney, Amalah, Zoot....). I can't remember how I found you I know I put it in my fangirl/intro email.
So many 'strangers' that I consider my peeps now and I would totally sit down and have a glass or two of wine and visit and laugh and just hang out with.
I hope you get a signing in KC -I'd drive hours for that :)

Congrats Rita!!!!!!!!!

Great perspective on the whole "marketing to mommies" situation. I'm really looking forward to your book.

I hope you get a signing in KC. I may be at home with a new bambino by then, but I'll force my good Chee-man to get it signed for me. :)

I LOVE what you wrote here. You make a great point --> would it be better for blogging mothers to be totally ignored, to have a voice nobody can hear? I'm thinking not.

And you ARE a rockstar because without you, none of this would have been possible.

xo
Iz

I think Finslippy once said she lives in north Jersey; if she's going to appear at a bookstore near me I will do my best to be there. I found her blog when it was mentioned by a columnist in the Star-Ledger newspaper and have put her in my favorites.

You are awesome. This is awesome. But if I have to walk into a bookstore and yell LOVE ME then the deal is off.

(I will however yell LOVE ALICE AND DOUG. That's no problem.)

You are awesome. This is awesome. But if I have to walk into a bookstore and yell LOVE ME then the deal is off.

(I will however yell LOVE ALICE AND DOUG. That's no problem.)

I was trying to explain blogging to some NBMs (Non Blog Moms). They didn't quite get it... which shocks me considering how far and wide this medium reaches. What can I say... I have sheltered friends. The point I was trying to make to the NBMs was that there are so many incredible women writers out there living passionately and sharing all their little happenings with the world. For a laugh. For a tear. For a moment. And if they make some money living passionately, well... good on'ya Rock Stars!

Happy Dialing!

I haven't read any of those blogs (though certainly heard of many of them), and yet you should SEE how full my bookmarks are! My point -- you are showcasing what I am absolutely sure is good writing, providing a collection of the best to those who value this kind of reading material, and making sure it actually reaches people.

Am I missing something? Are there really people who think this is wrong, somehow? Life is marketing -- lipstick and heels, personalized stationary and vanity plates are all marketing, or PR, if you wish. I say more power to you, all of you, and I'll watch for the book to come out. Meantime, I have a lot of new blogs to browse.

-- Laurie @ Foolery

This is great, and if people have hard feelings, it's just because they're jealous. I, for one, am looking forward to reading your anthology! And if you're in Chicago or need a little PR I'm happy to help.

The Internet rock stars aren't hogging the spotlight -- they've earned their way there through years of great writing. You have GOT to be kidding. I mean, do you actually take yourself seriously as you spout this kind of dreck? Yeah, some so the bloggers on your list are good bloggers. Some suck. Some have been doing the same old same old same old for years and only survive because they keep getting newbie readers as their more experienced readers quit. But NOT ONE of those bloggers, yourself included, has earned anything more than any other blogger. NOT ONE. They aren't better, they aren't smarter, and in one example of a blogger who needs to be told daily how pretty she is, they aren't prettier either. They aren't even nicer. In fact, there are a few on that list that are prime beyotches. There are at least two that I know personally have been blacklisted from blogging on certain large cites because they are primadonnas. Ahem.

The main reason they are more successful (and some aren't) is that they PIMP EACH OTHER. Oh yeah, they might get invited to this thing and that thing, but there is a reason and the code's been cracked now. They recommend their friends. They PIMP EACH OTHER at the exclusion of other very good, very love bloggers. And you perpetuat this crap when you write a book and include the same old tired, boring, pimps instead of looking outside the box at some of the best talent on the blogosphere. By doing so...you just cheapen yourself and your opinions. Yes, you'll get plenty of "oh you're SO awesome" comments, because isn't that the nature of blogging these days? To ONLY approve and never have a contrary opinion. Because if you do, then you make enemies and heaven forbid, you don't get pimped by the same Blogher shills over and over again.

It's all so tawdry.

Wow. I'm leaving this comment up only because I think you'll be ashamed of it at some point when you realize how venomous and horrible it is. And then it'll still be here.

Margalit, based on that comment and the quality of the writing therein, any book proposal you were included in would be laughed out of the agent's office.

There isn't a blogger in that list that hasn't earned their traffic and whatever accolades come their way through consistently excellent writing. And having them included will HELP SELL THE BOOK. Isn't that obvious?

Grow up. This isn't high school, it's a meritocracy.

There is indeed enough room for everyone. What a wonderful, clear-headed perspective. Thank you, Rita!

And you can be sure that I will buy the book and support these writers, several of whom are my personal friends.

Hey Rita, I just want to publicly thank you, again, for all of your hard work in assembling this project. Without your industry savvy and persistence none of us would be enjoying being published, and it's really a testament to YOU more than to us that this is happening.

I can't wait to read this book, and with the writers represented, I know it will be excellent.

I agree with you about supporting each other. I see no reason not to support other mom bloggers in their success. Sure, it's normal to wish you were one of them, but it's crazy to hate someone because they're doing well. Those who continue to be successful do so because they have a consistently good product.

Any mom blogger who gets notice means more notice for all mom bloggers - success begets success.

Some may say it's not fair, but that's the way the business works. Much of their success is due to a devotion to work, a quality product, networking, and while some may not like it, time, talent, a little bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time. You can't control those last elements, so it's best to focus on the first ones instead.

Thanks, Rita, for putting this in perspective.

Margalit -- Can you send me some links to great undiscovered bloggers you enjoy, since your comment suggests that we're missing all the truly important, talented writers that are actually deserving of attention? thanks.

Izzy, Christina, mothergoosemouse - amen. Rita, you are the Jon Bon Jovi in this little concert. That sex-change operation looks hot on you.

A little foreshadowing is allowed I hope? Rita, I mean Jon-ette, is holding out on us in a delectable way -- wait'll you read Stacy Morrison, who wrote a brilliant foreword. Like all the best blogs I read about single motherhood, hers made me pee my pants laughing and then tear up. (More Stacy here: http://www.redbookmag.com/archives/your/editor/15;1)

If friendship and fandom and oh-hell-yeah-I-LUVS-THESE-WIMMINS (and man) is pimping, then bring it on.

I've already been called a narcissistic pimp a few times this week. I'm starting to think that it's worth embracing.

Pimp away, yo. If this is pimping, then I don't want to be right. I cannot wait to read this book, and bravo and THANK YOU for putting this together. You are absolutely right, there is enough room for everyone and it's only those like the commenter above who perpetuate (and perhaps manufacture?) exclusion in mommy blogs.

We are ALL rock stars! Thank you for getting that. :)

Having just got back from a trip to Disney World along with 15 other terrific bloggers and writers, I agree with Christina-a lot of what gets a blogger recognition and yes, even rewards, is putting in a lot of hard work, but sometimes, it's being in the right place at the right time.

When I hear about authors writing or being featured in books, I'm happy for them! Okay, I'm jealous for a second, but them I'm happy, I swear. We need to be supportive of each other and we need to remember that it takes ALL KINDS to make a world. What one person thinks is a fantastic blog might not be interesting to someone else, but that's okay. Don't like the posts? Don't read them! Don't think a book about bloggers will be interesting? Don't read it!

I think the book sounds interesting and I plan to read it, and not because I want any favors from any of the bloggers on that list. If they want to recommend me for something, I will be grateful and appreciative. If not, that's okay too.

Put me on your pre-order list. I can't wait. Congratulations to you, Rita, on getting this out there.

Rita, thanks again a million times over for putting the book together.

Can't wait to see you this summer.

xoxo

I came over to comment that I was excited about the book, but have been sidetracked by the crazy. Good Lord, the crazy.

Rest assured everyone on my shopping list this year will be getting a copy. I am happy that all of your hard work is paying off. I don't think a lot of people realize the amount of time and energy that is invested in getting a book to publication.

I had been so impressed lately by the camaraderie and friendliness that had been out there between all the ladies in this sphere or state or -verse, especially in the wake of attacks by "others".

I am hoping that this example of spitefulness is an aberration and not a portent.

Rita, you know how I feel about all this - there's an altar in my home devoted to the Buddah, St. Jude and you. Burn incense and bow down to my version of the Holy Trinity morning and night. My gratitude is that profound, my worship of you never ending.

I'd like to give you my only-born in return. She's a bargain - only one more year until she's 18. She's past her Abercrombie and Fitch stage and digs thrift store shopping. Eats all her vegies, helps around the house, keeps her snark to a minimum. A bargain, I'm telling you.

(Yeah, I don't believe me either.)

All the best to you and to all of us, may we take this opportunity you extended to us and run like mad with it.

Love,
Grace Davis

Rita, I would like to thank you for all your hard work on this project. It's only to show you my appreciation for your hard work, and my thanks for including me in this project that I'm doing a book signing at all. ;)

Margalit, Some bloggers are better, smarter, and funnier than others. In fact, most on that list are smarter and funnier than I. That's a wonderful thing, because it means there are many wonderful blogs to enjoy. It's true, not all wonderful blogs are popular, and not all popular blogs are wonderful; that's unfortunate.

Thank you for being our fearless leader and pimp, Rita. When you started this project, what, 2 years ago? I could never imagined that it would come to this. You have worked HARD despite having 2 jobs: your day job AND your parenting job. You have shared the trials and tribulations with us along the way and it's enough to scare me off ever trying to publish a book on my own. I just don't have the balls. Everyone who wants to pursue writing a book should have a Rita Ahrens advocating for them.

My dear mother pre-ordered the book yesterday. As a working, single (for half of my childhood) mom of 4 kids, she is so proud, not just of me, but of all of us. So thank you for making my mom proud and everything else you've done and continue to do to make my dream a reality. I am so honored to be a part of this.

I love the folks on your list, and I love plenty of folks not on your list. That is what is so great about this community: there are many of us. Fantastic post - and thought-provoking comments.

Sweetney, I'm pretty sure margalit is speaking of my blog, Velveteen Mind. It is totally undiscovered, utterly important, and you should be reading it. And writing about it. And licking it.

Margalit, would self-pimping be considered tawdry? Technically, I think I am whoring myself in this case.

Pimpin' ain't easy, but whoring will wear your vuh-jay-jay out. And no one wants to read about that. Can I hear an "Amen!"

You guys have all just made my entire three years. I did start this book in 2006, and I think most of the bloggers I e-mailed to be in it had NO IDEA who I was. Not one of them ever seemed to care who I was, they just liked the idea.

The blogosphere is not as exclusionary as people think. You just have to reach out.

Thank you to all, contributors and non, that have left such supportive comments. I wish you'd been on my deck the night my agent broke up with me and I held my head in my hands and cried for an hour into a bottle of wine. My husband was the only one there, that night, and he told me to suck it up and keep going. It was SO FUCKING HARD to keep going after having so many doors slammed shut.

But for as many doors as there were slammed shut, there were that many contributors I didn't want to let down. Even after I would've let myself down, knowing the contributors were there made me keep trying. This was not easy. But I'm really, really glad I finished, because you guys -- this collection is more than a sum of its parts. And there was a hugely unknown blogger behind it - ME.

(ignoring mean people...)

This is very exciting, for mom bloggers, women bloggers, all of us. I'm thrilled for you guys, and can't wait to read the book!

You are absolutely a rockstar! I think the book will be fantastic and if I was closer to any of the bloggers featured I'd go and yell for people to love them just for the fun of it!

I personally see a big difference between "selling out" in this way and "selling out" in a way that clutters up your blog with product plugs. The latter, obviously, is what I am opposed to.

I am thrilled at the support as well. An amazing amount of work goes into such a thing and I am buying at least a couple of copies knowing who is contributing. But... can I be in the sequel? :-)

As the Pimp's Sis, I can say that much blood, sweat, and tears were put into this book. By myself and my parents. KIDDING! Rita, you deserve it. I'm so proud you're my big sissy and are having your moment in the sun to share with all of your lovely friends. Thank you again for introducing me to blogging because it's such a wonderful, creative outlet.

And SLAM. Your response about that comment still being up there made me proud. Finally, we can use our wickedly evil writing skills to defend ourselves against someone other than each other.

Much LOVE.

Sis Lil

I'm one of those INCREDIBLY BRILLIANT undiscovered bloggers Margalit is so worried about, and I'm planning to be all up in Sweetney's grill in particular when y'all do signings in DC/Baltimore. Because I demand attention. Oh, but also because Sweetney is awesome, and funny, and smart, and works her ass off, and she DESERVES this, as do the rest of these women, I am sure. There's always room at the top, Marg. The internet's not a finite resource; grab a little patch of internet and then consistently bring it for many years the way Sweetney has, and if you still don't have a book deal, we'll chat.

I can't wait to see this book because I love those writers. I'm so amazed by all of the comments about high traffic counts and the jealousy of the popularity and the bizarro mommy wars (I can say they are bizarro because I am not a mommy).

The reason people read those blogs and generate the high traffic counts is because their authors are great writers and story tellers. GREAT. I have a small blog. I have a small readership/group of friends (which is how I prefer to talk about pimping/being pimped because really, it's a community -- it's a community I happen to like.) Good god, I'm not jealous of their traffic, I'm jealous of how well they write. I wanna get me some of them there skillz.

Just one more note, I exchange e-mails with some of the authors on the list for various reasons on a regular basis. They happen to be pretty nice. I don't expect them to read my blog, or pimp it. I read their blogs because I like the way they write, I wouldn't want them to read mine for any other reason.

You know, its odd, because I've seen Margalit post coherent comments before and isn't normally so angry. Not to defend her, but in a way she's right, bloggers do pimp each other. We all do. We link to posts we like, friends we've met in person, other bloggers we've gotten to know inside the box, and maybe have even met in person by attending blogger meetups and conferences, like BlogHer. It's called networking, and it's how companies and small businesses have grown for centuries. You have to make some noise to get heard. Are there cliques on the internet? Sure there are, in every category, from programmer nerds to mommybloggers. Just like, funny enough, in real life. But there's certainly room for everyone.

sounds like a lotta work, but I do read most of those blogs and agree that it will be a great book in the end. Kudos.

I don't know if I can live with the regret I feel for letting this opportunity slip away from me. I read that list and think "I was supposed to be there with them!"

But, I am so happy for you and for everyone else involved. Congratulations again for making this happen. xoxo

Had to jump in again - just HAD - to say amen to all the commenter's praising Rita's tireless efforts. This was a labor of love, not money and I had a pretty good view of all the work put into it.

Everyone in the book is absolutely grateful to you for giving us a break, many of us our first. I hadn't been blogging all that long when you first approached me and was (and still am) truly honored to be in this group.

I also agree that the universe is abundant. There are many opportunities for bloggers, many books to be penned and many, many spaces at "the top." Whatever that may be. But there's too much credit given to the right place at the right time, at least where you're concerned Rita. You WORKED for this. Hard. You created your own success here and you deserve all of it that comes your way.

Sometimes, it's easy to get frustrated because it seems like the same bloggers get all the great gigs, opportunities, advertising, etc. But then it just makes me work harder to create my own opportunities. I'm getting there. It will take more time, because I'm not well-known and I need more practice. But rather than complain about it, I prefer to let it motivate me.

I read a lot of those bloggers above and even consider a couple of them friends. Will I mention them at times? Of course. It's networking.

And besides, men in business do it all the time. Heard of the good old boys club? Why would someone NOT take advantage of their connections? That's how things get done.

Oh Rita I just love you. And I also respect and admire you, and am deeply grateful for your hard work and persistence with this project.

That is all.

Your post just got forwarded to me. I too am truly sick of seeing the complaints about being offered trips and such. Thank you for standing by us bloggers who choose to monetize our blogs and accept free samples.

I admire all of these bloggers for making something more from their websites. I wish I could do that and it's a goal that I keep in mind. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Rita, you're work in getting this upcoming book together is impressive. Congratulations to you and the bloggers involved. Or should I say, authors. :)

Love this post...I have also thought about the alternative. What if corporate America completely ignored the incredible voices and stories being told through blogging? They're not going to and they can't afford to because blogging is such a popular and genuine medium now. I was, frankly, tickled, for lack of a very sophisticated term, to be invited to the Johnson & Johnson event. I don't know that I'll have many more opportunities like that, but it was a great networking time, too. There are so many wonderful writers out there and it's about damn time that corporate American tuned in to that!

Congrats on the book!

Excellent post! Very well said. (I found it thru Table For Five.)

Like Y, above, I will be kicking myself for years for not getting it together and submitting material for this book when you invited me to join in the effort--my life was just chaotic at the time, and I couldn't have mustered more than a reprint of a blog-post at the time, and I kept intending to do something better, and then before I knew it, it was too late, and I missed out.

But I THANK YOU for thinking to include me, and I'm honored that you did. And I can also point out, that, back then (as now, really), I wasn't much of anyone, and certainly not an internet rockstar.

You can be certain that I'll be reading and giving this book as a gift as soon as it's available. Thanks for all your hard work on it, Rita.

Ohhh, I just linked here from another blog and I'm excited to here about this book! I will definitely pick one up once it's for sale! I'm just getting into this blogging world, and enjoying myself!

For my pimp because I love you, baby! If there is Karoke at BlogHer, you have a list of women up there who owe you a song. (Don't worry. Since you know who this is, you can rest assured I will help round them up.) ;-)

It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp! (sing it with me!)

You know it's hard out here for a pimp (you ain't knowin)
When he tryin to get this money for the rent (you ain't knowin)
For the Cadillacs and gas money spent (you ain't knowin)
[1] Because a whole lot of bitches talkin shit (you ain't knowin)
[2] Will have a whole lot of bitches talkin shit (you ain't knowin)

I do love my pimp girl, Rita! mwah!

The Internet rock stars (as you put it) did not set out to be stars. Like all people who are cool, they just ARE. I'm proud to know quite a few of the people you included, and they are all down to earth, real people -- and as you said, fantastic writers! Congratulations to them all. I can't wait to read your book!

I used to sell advertising from a windowless cubicle on the second floor of 444 N. Michigan. This makes us practically twins, so I had to comment.

Neil Kramer steered me here. Bravo, Rita. As my mother says, a high tide rises all boats together.

Can't wait for the book!

k.

Well, Rita, just remember that pimpin' ain't easy.

I think a few people on that list would disown me as a friend if I didn't say that I am looking forward to this book but really, I am. I'm very proud of you and them. Congratulations. You deserve it.

This is the first time I have visited your blog. I am excited to get the book...hopefully there will be a signing in the DFW area!

I am relatively new to the blogging world. I am continually impressed by the qulaity of the "mommy blogs" out there, both the very popular and the little known (like my own).

As with most things, everyone has their own take. Different people are going to have different views on what is considered "selling out". I've even blogged about this issue myself.
I think your book will do very, very well. I look forward to it.

I agree...there IS room for all of us. And really, just as long as people enjoy what they are doing..who cares if they are one of the rock stars!?

Wow. I hadn't heard of this. Nice idea.

In my experience, even "well-known" authors often don't sell enough books at a signing to make it worth the bookstore's time. That said, I don't think bookstores yet understand the power of the www.

Congratulations on all of your hard work and I'm sure the blogosphere realizes the great effort that went into this project, judging by the comments alone, yes?

We parental-type units thank you for helping us find our voices.

And I'm not even in the book.

[sticks out tongue]

So, there you have it!

I've been mommyblogging since 2004 and reading mothering and parenting since around that time as well, and I have been wondering when I would see an anthology of mommyblogging. Congratulations for the successful grass roots effort - this means it came from one of us, not from a giant company that doesn't actually care about our material.

I've been mommyblogging since 2004 and reading mothering and parenting anthologies since around that time as well, and I have been wondering when I would see an anthology of mommyblogging. Congratulations for the successful grass roots effort - this means it came from one of us, not from a giant company that doesn't actually care about our material.

Will any of these wonderful women (you included!) be coming to northeastern Wisconsin to do a booksigning? We Green Bay Packer fans read and blog, and read blogs, too.

i'll be glad to support other bloggers and will be buying the book! congratulations for getting it out there and for a new list of sites to check out!

Ya got to start somewhere.

OK, so I've heard of just about everyone on this list. Some of them I read, some of them I don't, but I've heard of them.

Would the whole Chick-lit genre be where it is today without Candace Bushnell and Helen Fielding? As a result of their work, and their luck, and possibly their connections, a whole bunch of lesser known writers got a chance to get their books into print and on the tables of Barnes & Noble.

Who knows, maybe Rita's book and Rebecca's book and a few others will do the same for you.

Or me. ;)

And that "pimping?" It is otherwise known as networking.

Awesome book idea. I love that you're going from blog to paper - so old school that it's fabulous! Looking forward to reading it.

Wow. I've been asleep at the wheel. I had no idea that any of this was going on...the book or the drama.

Anyway, have you thought about independent women-oriented bookstores for book signings? (Like Women and Children First...Chicago representing, yo!) Or organizing some readings at regional book clubs? 99% of my pals don't blog, but they are fascinated by this "blogging thing" and would probably welcome hearing about how women make a difference through blogging.

If you need to put anyone up for free in Chicago, let us know. We're friendly and we have guest rooms.

Boston is waiting for you!!! Hope some of your talented moms will come here :) I will be buying the book now! :)

Hi -- I'm here via Laid-Off Dad. I'm really excited about the book, which features many bloggers whose work I really enjoy. This is my first time at your site, but I'm sure I'll be back.

I would be very excited if any blogger did a signing in Dayton, Ohio, but I won't hold my breath!