July 21, 2009
The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about the Best Online Moments Evah!!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 6:58 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
The Unexpected Good Surprise of Being Here
A friend across the planet says something meaningful. A hero comments on something we’ve written. A new client signs up. We laugh out loud at something unexpected and fun!
Online life can be the best. Let’s talk about the one in a million moments that touched our lives.
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: burningwell.org
Related article
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Filed under SOB Business, Successful Blog |
C'mon. Let's talk!
193 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about the Best Online Moments Evah!!”





Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Liz!
ME Liz Strauss said
Heya Glenda!
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you online?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Meeting you, of course!
ME Liz Strauss said
Well, I’ve gotta agree that our meeting is an outstanding moment. So much has come from a visit by you to my blog.
Joe Hauckes said
Hey Liz,
Hey Glenda,
Other than meeting you guys, my best online moment was when I got my First Comment.
Really, I felt like someone actually read what I wrote.
ME Liz Strauss said
What do you think you’ll be conquering next Glenda?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Isn’t it amazing how one blog comment or one post interview can lead you on a journey of friendship!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Joe,
That’s a high, isn’t it? Realizing that real people are listening. Matt Mullenweg tells how excited he got when he realized that dozens of people all over the world would be using his code.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Joe! How are you this mighty warm afternoon?
ME Liz Strauss said
I still think about the person who left the first comment on my first blog. I wonder how he’s doing.
Char said
Hey everyone!! Just realized it was Tuesday night and that I have all evening to hang out with you.
The Goal Guru said
Thinking… thinking… hard to pin down best evah…
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#6 Liz, I have a few things up my sleeve, but need to finish up loose ends first.
The Goal Guru said
Just saw you above me, hi char, hi everyone
ME Liz Strauss said
Char!
How are you! How goes the summer with the kidlets?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Char!
Char said
Hey Jill! Funny meeting you here
Hanging out with you twice in one day - fabulous!
Joe Hauckes said
That has to be something to write home about too.
It is amazing to realize the reach one has on the internet, just look at the recent visitors map and you can see people from the far reaches of the earth that I will never visit!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Jill!
Don’t stress, pick one that stands out at this moment.
The Goal Guru said
Personally I think the best moments are whenever someone comments on my blog and challenges something I thought I knew.
Char said
Hi Glenda! How’s your summer going?
Liz - how was your trip to DC? Summer is definitely busy with the kids but oh, so much fun. I’d love to stop time and keep my kids at their ages right now.
Joe Hauckes said
Not sure that came out the way it was intended, but you get the idea.
The Goal Guru said
I like that more and more online interactions lead to real world friendships.
-Jill
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe your voice has already gone there.
The Goal Guru said
And after about 6 months on Twitter, I think I’m getting the hang of it, in a groove and surprised at how it is making me a better writer.
-Jill
ME Liz Strauss said
Char,
My trip seems to be sowing some success … yeah! I’ll be back in October for the event and November for the followup. heh heh!
Kids, darnit, if they don’t have to grow!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Char, summer is going well, just wish someone would turn down the oven! And you?
ME Liz Strauss said
Jill,
I think that Twitter is teaching us to take our words more seriously and to use them better too!!
I’m with you. I’m getting better just by doing it.
Char said
The best moment EVER came a few weeks ago when my online life and offline life collided in the best way!
I was talking with one of the Mom’s at the pool as we were noting that our two youngest daughters both loved dolls. We started talking about American Girl dolls, specifically, and she says to me, “Oh, you have to check out this great site - they have the best scoop and stuff on American Girl dolls.”
I said, “Really? Which one?”
She says, “you have to visit dolldiaries.com”
At this point I about lost it - and asked her if she knew it was really my site. She didn’t and she was so surprised (pleasantly) to meet the voice behind the site.
Karen Putz said
Hello all!
ME Liz Strauss said
Char!
That’s fabulous! You were a hero before they even knew it. Rock on!!
Karen Putz said
Wow Char, that’s a crazy neat moment!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
My last virtual book tour was also one of the best online moments. It was pure magic!
Joe Hauckes said
Now THAT us cool Char!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Karen!
Glad you came in time to hear that story of Char’s. How awesome! Wish I could have been there giggling.
Karen Putz said
Glenda, I loved that book tour you did– I know I enjoyed writing my blog post about your book!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Karen!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Karen, I’ve been wanting to do another one, but in a way I’m scared to because it’d likely not have the same magic.
Joe Hauckes said
Or, Glenda, it could be even more magical than before!
Char said
Hi Karen & Joe!
Glenda - our summer weather has been oddly cool - which is fine with me.
Karen Putz said
Leap, Glenda! Or take it down a different angle– appeal to bloggers with disabilities for the next tour or parent bloggers with children with disabilities.
ME Liz Strauss said
#38
It never has the same magic … it has the magic of the new moment. When you’re fully expressed in what you’re doing the magic comes with you.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, quite possible! Then there’s the matter of fitting it in!
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh yeah, Glenda,
You get to fit in … none of the rest of us do, why do you?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Karen, it’s just finding the time to leap!
Karen Putz said
My best ever online moment was two of them– one was my interview with Marlee Matlin when she was on Dancing with the Stars. The second was an email that I got from Beth B, inviting me to write for the Chicago Moms Blog, my mouth stayed open for the longest time as I was so amazed that I was asked to write for them. I’ve been syndicated several times in newspapers all over. Still amazed.
Char said
Glenda - I like Karen’s suggestion of tailoring it to parent bloggers of children with disabilities.
ME Liz Strauss said
#43
It was one of my best insights when I figured out that the world couldn’t possibly hold a meeting to decided I didn’t belong.
Joe Hauckes said
Glenda, if you get over your own objections and doubts, it will happen.
but you already knew that…
Karen Putz said
Glenda, I hear ya about the time factor. I think Liz has clones behind her, that’s how she does it all.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, Char, if I could have two weeks in August to do nothing else, I’d love to do a British Invasion virtual book tour in prep for my UK trip next year, in between SOBCon and WordCamp San Fran. Yeah, right!
ME Liz Strauss said
Karen,
More like I spend hours in the corner rocking myself into submission. heh heh
Char said
Glenda - that sounds like fun - can you make it happen?
Joe Hauckes said
Oh here’s something unique for ya’ll
Tomorrow night I’M being interviewed on a Webcast!
Who’d a thunk?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#50
Karen, yeah, did you see her video on double productivity? Faith wasn’t forthcoming when I tried handing work to her.
Michael J. Carrasquillo said
A small personal nugget: When you got someone RIGHT where you want ‘em, GO FOR THE KILL, THAT’S TRUE HUSTLE!
Lis you’re fantastic, nice to meet you in person!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#53 Char, yes, in my dreams!
ME Liz Strauss said
#51
So plan it, do it, make it happen. Be ruthlessly determined that you will get there.
Karen Putz said
Way to go, Joe!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#54 Way to go, Joe!
Karen Putz said
Glenda, yes, saw Liz’s post on double productivity– I gotta practice that.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Michael,
Great to see you here! Have a beverage or a Klondike bar!!
Yeah, we need to be determined to get to our goals.!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#58 I’ll add it to the list!
Char said
Glenda - I agree with Liz (#58) - it reminds me of my all time favorite quote -
“A goal without a plan is just a wish!”
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Karen, figure I’ll aim for triple productivity with the team of me, myself and I.
Timothy Johnson said
Hi all! Happy Tuesday!
Char said
Hi Michael & Tim - yes, it is a Happy Tuesday.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#64 Char, totally agreed. Just need to prioritize my goals, and my membership site needs to move to the top - so I have money to do all these other things!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Mr T, long time no see!
ME Liz Strauss said
I like to end the day with something almost finished so that in the morning I can finish something very quickly and feel like I’m on a roll!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Mr. Timothy,
How’s the summer treating you?!!
Timothy Johnson said
Howdy Miss Glenda… up for a dance?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Definitely, Mr T!
Timothy Johnson said
Summer OK, Liz. Lots keeping me busy. Just re-released Race Through The Forest. SWAT is in final editing at the publisher.
The Goal Guru said
Char that poolside story is so neat
Jill
The Goal Guru said
Those American Girl dolls have better “lives” than some real life children do!
Timothy Johnson said
Hey TGG… have you had to “endure” an American Girl store yet? I’ve got two girls who have chugged the kool-aid
Char said
Jill - trust me, I know! My girls’ dolls live a pretty good life.
The other thing that happened that really surprised me in a good way, was when my illustrator for my kids printable site went to the library with her kids and the library had stacks of our coloring sheets out for kids to do.
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah Tim Johnson,
I bet you’ve already chosen your favorite doll!!
Char said
Tim - what do you mean endure?
One of the things I couldn’t wait to do when I was in Chicago for SOBCon was go to the American Girl Place. My husband, on the other hand, went to a nearby bar and said to call him when I was done!
Marti_L said
Good evening everyone! I’ve missed you!
The Goal Guru said
Char Real world unsolicited affirmation feels good, doesn’t it…
Timothy Johnson said
I have to give American Girl credit for pure unbridled capitalism at its finest.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Marti!
They don’t sell Chucky at the American Girl store.
The Goal Guru said
I staycationed at the Westin on Michigan Ave a few doors down from American Girl store, they have a special check in desk and hotel pkg for AG peeps. Cha Ching!
Marti_L said
Hope this finds all of you well. Some of my most memorable online experiences have been right here!
The Goal Guru said
<>
ROTFL!!!!!!!!
Timothy Johnson said
Adding Chucky to the American Girl line would add a fun spin to the product line.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Marti!
The Goal Guru said
Who DID come up with Amercian Girl anyways??
The Goal Guru said
Ckucky… Still ROTFL
ME Liz Strauss said
#88
Timmy J
I love your evil inclinations.
Char said
Jill - you asked for it - A woman named Pleasant T. Rowland. The roots of the doll line are really pretty wholesome. http://www.agplaythings.com/HistoryOfAG/HistoryOfAG.html
The Goal Guru said
Char= reading it now, thank you
ME Liz Strauss said
Nothing like wholesome to make a Tuesday feel like we belong in a bar.
Drinks anyone? heh heh
Char said
The “over the topness” of the brand has evolved over time - specifically after Mattel bought it.
Marti_L said
Son is sending me a text message - be right back…..
Megan said
Open comment night? A first for me! Hope everyone is having a great evening
Karen Putz said
I’m guessing that Pleasant is one wealthy woman.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Megan!
Great to see you! We’re just talking about being online and American Girl dolls. heh heh
The Goal Guru said
I find it fascinating that I can watch the solar eclipse live in Asia right now http://www.ndtv.com/news/videos/video_live.php?id=LIVE_BG24×7
Megan said
Hmm..Being online, I’m a fan of. American Girls? Surprisingly I never got into! I’ve been to the American Girls store in Chicago, but I was more of a Barbie girl :)Well, Barbie & sports. Ha.
Marti_L said
Sorry. I am a terrible text messager. Very slow with the keys. I wish he would just call - LOL
I noticed there is no longer a “get follow up replies by e-mail” option. Did you mean for it to be that way, Liz? I rather liked that feature.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Wow, reading the American Girl doll’s history is a great example of Liz’s SOBCon presentation - start with one product and build on it each year.
Char said
Megan - you sound like my daughter Megan - she is more of a Barbie girl and loves sports. We used to call her “princess dirt” because she would be out in the yard kicking a soccer ball in heels and a fancy hat.
ME Liz Strauss said
#99
The folks I know who worked with her said that she really related better to the dolls than the people.
Marti_L said
Laughing at the thought of Chucky being in the American Girls doll lineup
Smiling at everyone here!
Megan said
Ha. We Megan’s tend to think/act similarly
I was outside a lot as well. Played soccer for 12 years..But that never stopped me from getting manicures and shopping with the girls after a game! Ha.
The Goal Guru said
I had a Darie Daring doll or someone like that. She had a motorcycle and a dune buggy
The Goal Guru said
The female Evil Knievel
ME Liz Strauss said
You guys should start the American girl blogger line.
Char said
#106 - I’m not overly surprised.
#104 - further reinforcement that Liz is one smart lady
ME Liz Strauss said
#112,
Thank you Char.
When we plan how we grow our customers know what to buy next.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#112 Exactly, Char!
Karen Putz said
#111 The Liz Strauss Blogger doll would be a best seller.
I’m off to go spend some time with my kids– they’re somewhere in the house and I’ve been chained to the computer all afternoon and evening. Take care all and good night!
Marti_L said
Char, I loved your description of your daughter as “princess dirt” That’s so cute!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
G’night Karen!
Marti_L said
Bye Karen, sorry I was late and didn’t get to chat much with you!
Char said
Megan - just got your Twitter follow request and looked at your profile and site. You and I need to connect!! You’d be interested in my Sports Girls Play site.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Karen!
Thanks for coming!
ME Liz Strauss said
I’m with Marti, Char!
Princess Dirt is a winner!
Megan said
#115
The Liz Strauss blogger doll would definitely be a hit! Although, I’m not sure we should further encourage the younger generation to be online even more. Maybe not until high school anyway. Of course, a blogger doll could inspire them to do better things online!
Megan said
And #118. We’ll definitely chat at some point! I saw that link on your profile! I’m interested in anything revolving around sports!
ME Liz Strauss said
I’m so laughing at Blogger Liz the doll. Can’t imagine the places it would end up.
Char said
#121 - it totally fits her personality
#122 - the American Doll of the Year this year has a great story - it deals with bullying in all aspects of life…school, sports and online - making it real and relevant for girls of today.
Megan said
#125- American Girl should team up with my sorority, Kappa Delta. When I was in school I was Executive Chair of our Stand Up! Stand Out! program.We went into the local elementary and middle schools and talked with girls about bullying, peer pressure, goals, life, etc. It was incredibly rewarding. While I never had one, that’s one thing I do love about the AG Dolls; they have incredible stories and teach important lessons for young girls
Marti_L said
Megan, I added you at Twitter.
I would love to have a “Liz” doll. Hope it’s not a bobblehead though, they kinda creep me out *grin*
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Do any of these dolls have disabilities?
Marti_L said
That’s a good question, Glenda! I don’t know, my daughter was never interested in them, so I have only a passing familiarity with them.
Megan said
Great Marti! Look forward to connecting
And I agree..Plus,a constantly bobbling (sp? ha) head might make writing a blog difficult! Ha.
Marti_L said
Glenda, maybe you need a doll of you!
Char said
Another fun online moment happened today when I finally talked on the phone with a blogger I have been following for about 3 years. Funny thing is that he has been following me for about the same time.
ME Liz Strauss said
#127
I’m fairly certain a bobble headed Liz doll would creep me out even more.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Marti, I thought I was already a doll!
ME Liz Strauss said
Char,
It’s always fun to find that we’ve been admiring folks from afar who’ve doing the same thing. Yeah!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#133 You think so, Liz?
A revenue source for sobcon perhaps?
Marti_L said
I always think of the Dwight Schrute bobblehead from “The Office” LOL!
Thanks for connecting on Twitter, Megan!
#132 Char, that is so cool! I haven’t talked to many bloggers on the phone, and haven’t meant any in person. It sounds like a really great experience - so happy for you!
Char said
Marti - the one thing I learned by going to SOBCon this year is that most of the bloggers we develop relationships with online are just as cool in real life.
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti!
You’ll be in a blogger room one day soon and I know you’ll cry through the whole conversation.
Megan said
#132-That is really neat Char! I’m excited, because I’ll meet a few of my favorite Tweeters on Thursday at some social media events in Chicago
Marti_L said
Glenda, you ARE a doll!
Joe, I just scanned through the older comments - congratulations on your upcoming interview!
Char said
Megan - all I can say is that Chicago has the best social media community. Makes me really wish I lived there (specifically in the Marina Towers).
Marti_L said
#138 Char, I’m sure you’re right!
#139 Liz, I so look forward to getting to meet all of you in person!
Joe Hauckes said
Thanks Marti_L
I zoned out when the conversation turned to dolls.
Char said
#144 - sorry about that Joe
didn’t mean to make the conversation go all girly.
Megan said
Char, I’m quickly realizing that! And everyone is sooo nice
And Joe, what would you like to talk about? Anything on your mind?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, how’s your ebook coming?
Marti_L said
Awww Joe, sorry the conversation drifted into “girly” territory. Wanna talk about motorcycles? *cough plugging-my-most-recent-post cough*
Joe Hauckes said
Glenda, that was done last month, I’m thinking of just giving it away. Maybe as an incentive for RSS subscribers?
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
I think you’ll do well to put a price on your ebook even if you give it away for free.
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, $4.95 now, any lower & I AM giving it away!
Megan said
Joe, what is your ebook about?
Marti_L said
Best wishes on the e-book, Joe!
Joe Hauckes said
Megan, it’s short & sweet 10 pages about Blogs vs Websites.
For business or personal use
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
JOe, perhaps the price is too low.
Joe Hauckes said
Glenda, I’ll find out tomorrow night, the interview is about reasons to use Anti-virus software AND blog vs websites for business.
Marti_L said
Joe, are you more pro-blog?
Megan said
Oh, very neat Joe! Best of luck with it
Joe Hauckes said
#157 YES!
Megan said
I’m going to go grab some mint chocolate chip ice cream from the freezer! I’m pretty sure I hear it calling my name
Be right back!
Char said
Joe - if you plan on giving it away, gather info in the process in case you then want to market a follow on product to the same group.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Good luck, JOE!
Char said
Megan - grab me some ice cream or a Klondike while you are at it.
Marti_L said
Joe, what distribution channel are you using? Kindle? PDF?
Speaking of Kindle, I was rather astonished at learning they deleted books from Kindle owners, due to a publishers rights issue. Certainly they have the right to delete material from their website if it is shown to be distributed illegally, but yanking it from Kindle owners’ personal readers seemed bizarre to me. Doubly so since the deleted material was the book “1984″.
Megan said
Sadly no mint chocolate chip..Grabbed a Skinny Cow instead, which is just as delicious! Just ask my puppy..She lovess ice cream! Ha.
Megan said
To go with #165- http://twitpic.com/b6cz0
Joe Hauckes said
Marti_L
PDF download, not Kindle.
I heard about that happening more than once.
To me that would be like me buying a Hardcopy of 1984 & the Book (firemen, remember the book) coming into my house to confiscate (burn) my copy.
WRONG! ALL WROMG!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
now your blog can be published onto kindle. Wondering if its worth it.
Marti_L said
Oh Megan! What a cute puppy dog!
ME Liz Strauss said
We’re talking everything online tonight even puppies. I’m likeing this a lot!
Char said
Glenda - not sure if its worth it (too soon to tell) but it is easy to go through the submission process. I have one of mine there and plan on adding the others.
Marti_L said
I agree, Joe. They should have some front-end system in place that prevents people from uploading content to the Kindle that they don’t own the copyright to. As far as I can tell from my unsuccessful experience of trying to upload to Kindle, anyone can upload anything.
There’s a disclaimer you click that yes, you own the rights, but I don’t think there is any actual checking done by Amazon until someone (like the rightful owners of the 1984 copyright) files a complaint.
I have no idea what (if any) punishment is faced by those who upload material they don’t have the rights to.
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah do it Glenda!
What can it hurt?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Char, thinking its a way to reach those who don’t read blogs. Yes?
ME Liz Strauss said
You’re right Marti, but what they want is more Kindle content. They’re afraid that fences will stop that.
Char said
Yes! And thinking it is yet one more avenue to get your content in front of more people.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, have you done it? Wonder what happens with videos in posts.
Megan said
Anyone want to give me a 1-2 sentence summary of what Kindle is? I haven’t heard of it.
Marti_L said
Char, congratulations on getting a successful and legible upload to Kindle!
When I tried, my result was a mangled mess. My formatting was apparently incompatible, and the chapter titles and page breaks were totally hosed.
Joe Hauckes said
Sorry kids I gotta go
Time to go to sleep
Wonderful to find so many bests
Online is not just ours to keep
Comments and Triumps and meetups
Worldwide exposure for our thoughts
Friendships built upon online exposure
Are as real as can be ever caught
So Goodnight my friends til the morrow
I leave you now, but not in sorrow
With all the best wishes I can gather
No other time spent would I rather.
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Megan, kindle is the latest electronic toy. You can wirelessly upload books from Amazon to it, and read on the gadget rather than hold a real book.
ME Liz Strauss said
What a great night this has been. Thank you all for coming and sharing your puppies, your books, and your dolls!
ME Liz Strauss said
Outstanding Joe!
Goodnight,
Sleepy swell!
Char said
Liz - thanks for being such a great hostess and letting us all connect!
Marti_L said
Megan, the Kindle is Amazon’s e-book reader. It is about the size of a notebook. It works using something called “electronic ink” so the screen is not backlit like a computer screen.
It is pricey, a couple of hundred dollars, then you have to buy each individual e-book you want to read.
They recently expanded the reading material to blogs. The blogger can charge a “subscription fee” for people to be able to read the blog on the Kindle.
Someone uploaded George Orwell’s “1984″ and “Animal Farm” to the Kindle and they were selling them without the actual permission of the owners of Orwell’s estate. When Amazon learned of the copyright issue, they DELETED the books from all Kindles and gave the buyers of the e-book version a credit for the purchase price.
Many found the irony of “1984″ a book about censorship and Big Brother, being sucked out of the e-reader without the Kindle owner’s knowledge or permission.
Megan said
Ohh..Nevermind. I think I know what you’re talking about
Thank you!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Liz for the space to hang with friends.
Megan said
Oh wow..Interesting stuff Marti. And yes, very ironic. Haha.
Marti_L said
Wonderful poem, Joe!
Thank you all for a wonderful chat! Liz, as always you are a delightful hostess.
Peace and joy to all - goodnight!
ME Liz Strauss said
Megan and Marti,
That’s the best story of the night.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Night everyone!
Megan said
It’s been wonderful chatting with you all! Can’t wait for next Tuesday! And I look forward to connecting more in the future!
Night
roro said
How I can start in my life for every thing till arrive success ?