Disqus - Latest Comments for tiffanyeckhardt

Re: Ohio Blogging Association Meetup

tiffanyeckhardt — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:30:55 -0000

Thanks Elena! I had a great time and learned that I have so much more to learn! I definitely would like to take your two day class. I'll be in touch.

Re: What’s Your Take on Whole Authors VS Bloggers Thing?

tiffanyeckhardt — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:20:16 -0000

Great topic Nate!

I'm a little late in the discussion.. but felt like putting my two cents in. I have had a couple experiences where being a "blogger" was a disadvantage. Bloggers in both cases were not considered press, which is just a little off subject of authors vs bloggers.
I was invited to attend a press conference for a opening of a major exhibit opening at a museum. I was directed to the blogger table to get my name tag. The bloggers were the only ones asked to wear name tags. I sat down by a journalist who read my name tag and asked, "what is the qualifications of a blogger?" I felt that I had a big "looser" sign posted on my chest.

I am a travel writer and applied for a press pass for the Memphis in May Beale Street Music Fest. I was told that bloggers were not considered press. I had planned to not only write about my experience, but take pictures and create videos. I can't count the number of shots I'd could have gotten if I was allowed in the press box. It was frustrating.

I have had this kind of push back from marketing professionals who seemed to feel the same way about social media.

I think it boils down to influence. I responded to the journalist at the museum that I do not have any professional training. However, I do have numerous people who seem to enjoy reading what I have to share and a following on social media platforms that reaches enough people to be invited to the press conference.

The challenge is in placing a value on the influence. An author or journalist has the credibility of being published and is being paid to write. Even if I don't have the titles or backing of a paper or magazine, I am influencing my audience with my writing. It would be nice to be recognized in professional circles as credible, but until then I'll be content with following my passion, reaching an audience who chooses to read my blogs and working with businesses who understand that influence.

Re: QR Codes – Driving Adoption by Doing it Right

tiffanyeckhardt — Fri, 06 May 2011 07:48:25 -0000

I kind of like it when people get creative with technology.... did you see @jeffreyhayzlett QR Cufflinks? A friend of mine is helping with a wedding and plans to purchase the cufflinks for the groomsmen. If anything, it will give the techy guys a chance to explain QR codes to Grandma. :)

Re: The Hitched Life: Memphis in May 2011

tiffanyeckhardt — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:15:49 -0000

This was our fourth year... we love dancing in the mud, among other things! Missed Rome's fopa. Woops. :)

Re: Case Study: TasteCasting Applies Human Business Teams to the Restaurant Industry

tiffanyeckhardt — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:49:22 -0000

Am I missing something? Tastecasting closed their website a few weeks ago. Are they back up and running? I am one of the original members. I would have liked to be included in any new Tastecasts.

I loved the concept... I think of it as guerilla marketing. And that is exactly what it is. Marketing. Disclosure is important. However, I never fully got what the fuss is all about. I never shared anything that I sincerely didn't believe. Isn't there is always an element of compensation in marketing?

To divert a little: I would even go as far as to say that businesses should "reward" those who market them using social media more. For example, I had checked into a local coffee bar 84 times with Foursquare. That check in resulted in 84 posts to my facebook and twitter. (probably annoyed some of my friends) Yet, I love the coffeehouse and went there everyday. It is my opinion that business should reward their loyal "evangelist" with an occasional free latte. It just makes good business sense to me.

That's just my 2 cents!

Re: Go ahead, make my day

tiffanyeckhardt — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:56:17 -0000

You Made MY Day! :)

Re: Rethink Every Assumption

tiffanyeckhardt — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:00:50 -0000

I couldn't agree more! My husband and I have totally downsized. We were a casualty of the housing market "bubble". We didn't just own our home, but 30 units of rentals. UUGH. Needless to say, we are now much leaner and are thinking of how we can cut back more.

The bottom line for me is that "stuff" (wether it be home, car, toys, ect.) cost money to maintain. What I realised is that the "stuff" wasn't making me happy. My real passion is traveling, second only to love of my family and friends. I could not afford what I really wanted to do because I was pursuing the American Dream. I love what Rolf Potts, author of Vagabonding says, "Traveling isn't expensive, maintaining stuff is." I just wonder if Americans have bought into materialism at the cost of their true dreams and passions?

As my husband and I plan our adventures around the world we are discovering that it is much easier to travel without a car abroad than it is in America. The rails in Europe make traveling to different cities feasible without having a car. You can't do that in America. In most cities a car is a must have. We have downsized to one car, but would get rid of it if we could.

I believe there is pride in ownership. We will maintain our home, but rent it out when we travel. The difference with our new outlook is that every purchase is evaluated. Do we need it and is it a must have? Is it going to move us closer to our dreams? What is the cost to maintain?

I love this lighter/ leaner mindset!

Re: Beer & Werewolves….Good Times.

tiffanyeckhardt — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:20:49 -0000

Thanks for sharing Kelly! Jeff and I will be there...Jeff for the beer...me for the music! ;)

Re: Taste ‘em, Pick ‘em, Take ‘em Home!

tiffanyeckhardt — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:03:50 -0000

Thanks for sharing Megan! I love picking apples, strawberries and blueberries. It always makes me feel nostalgic.