Christine

Getting Started for Burning Man (and Open Kitchen Camp Announcement)

We're just five weeks away from heading to Black Rock City, and we've decided to be mildly daring. We're sharing our plan for an Open Kitchen Camp on the playa with our ether friends and followers. Specifically, we are planning something for 'Friends of Open Kitchen' on the playa, so comment on this post if you'd like to be on our guest list.

My husband (who is joining the Rangers this year) has been nagging me to share a Getting Started checklist, and I finally did so tonight. I've reposted it below in case other folks would also find it useful.

Help Nominate The Electric Company for AmEx funding

As a Sesame Workshop supporter, I recently received this pitch from the organization: cast your vote for bridging literacy at American Express for the (perhaps becoming annual?) Members Project, which gives away $1.5 million in nonprofit funding. If you're concerned about literacy issues, or perhaps just nostalgic, please check it out.

BlogHer '08 Wrapup, Through Newbie Eyes

Earlier today, I volunteered my stepdaughter Katy to craft a post on her experience at BlogHer '08. Not only because she's a bright, baggage-free 15-year-old, but also because it's healthy for 'we the jaded' to see social media through fresh eyes.

Overheard at the BlogHer '08 Morning Keynote

A couple of snippets worth sharing from this morning's BlogHer '08 keynote panel....paraphrased, of course:

Blog Monetization Redux: Dump Google AdWords, and Sell Product

This afternoon's lesson from BlogHer '08: Monetization happens, but you have to be strategic, and you probably need to sell directly. Take a look at these blog mavens for concrete examples:

BlogHer08, What a Difference Three Years Makes

As I sit in on the BlogHer '08 panel entitled "Pursuing Your Passion Never Gets Old", I'm struck by how much the bloghersphere has changed in the scarce three years since the first BlogHer gathering. Then, it was a room full of techies, early adopters, and activists, with vehement discussion around establishing a voice for women in the blogosphere.

Personal News: I'm Joining First Round Capital

Big personal announcement today! I'm officially joining First Round Capital. (Thanks very much to Josh for his warm welcome.) I'll be working closely with Rob Hayes in the San Francisco office.

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Quick Take on Science Fiction and DRM

A quick, fun snippet for the day: Thanks to Doug Dockery for passing along this great science fiction spoof on digital rights management issues. True to the best SF, it ports real-world issues into an alternate reality context: if DRM legislation and technology take the more conservative path, have we established barriers to artificial intelligence? How will Cylons think, create, and communicate?

Following this BSG line brings up more science-fanciful food for thought: What intersection will emerge between DRM and gene mapping? As genetic sequences are copyrighted (or patented), what limitations might DRM place upon one's ability to reproduce? Submit your novellas now.