As I’ve said before, I’m still wading my way into blogging events. I like going to see friends and I like meeting people and I like getting to know other people I already know a little better. I think most of us who go to similar events are probably all on the same page here, I’m not telling you anything new.
Things start to get complicated when you add swag – to use the jargon – and products and toys and technology and mailing lists and lovely sales smiles. The first bloggers brunch I went to I avoided taking home things with me (except one truck, which I never blogged about and possibly means I’m on someone’s naughty list somewhere), but at the most recent one, held nearly two weeks ago, I admit I got more… shall we say… involved.
Yes, that’s me up on the stage, modelling what from memory was called an ‘on the go’ look from Mix Apparel, the new clothing collection put out by Coles. Model-dom was thrust upon me in seconds as I was plucked from the audience, leaving behind a probably very confused son, who was watched over by Kelley and Shae (thank you) while I went backstage to get stripped down and boob handled (AGAIN!) to then turn around and show said outfit to the audience.
And how do I go about telling you that in a way other than what I described above? More imaginatively? Creatively? Entertainingly? Well, I suppose I could show you a picture of my first (and only!) time I’ve been on a catwalk.
That’s me, the blonde in blue. I’m about four years old.
I got the keep the outfit, which was cool. The pants and belt are good, however the top and cardigan feel a little thin material wise and I could only walk in the navy blue wedges for five minutes before they started killing my feet (disclaimer: I am fussy about footwear). I feel like I need to apologise for saying so, but hey, I can only be honest.
After thinking about it all, I often wonder why I keep myself at a distance. Usually it’s because a lot of businesses, while no doubt worthy and fantastic, just don’t ‘speak’ to me. I’m not anti-consumerist by any means – anyone who’s read here for a period of time will know I do the odd sponsored post and giveaway for things I think feel suit my interests and those of the blog. But things are… I don’t know. Safer? More black and white when transacted over the computer, perhaps? When we all come together, I get a bit wary and so on the times I do get the swag lust I also end up feeling disappointed in myself. Such is what happened the other week. I left, weighed down by bags, and only realised once I got to the train station that I’d left one behind. I felt a full twenty seconds of irritation before my other voice kicked in: It’s fine. Is this the sort of thing you want to get upset about? It’s not important.
But it is, you see. To some, at least. And these people might sit and look at me who’s quite happy to attend and drink the champagne and wonder what do I have to bring to the table? You bring you, a friend told me, bless her, when I confessed my dilemma.
For the record, I do sincerely thank Kids Business for inviting me. I opened the post saying why I like events, and I hold myself to that. On the other hand, I can’t deny it opens up some curly questions; I do try to manage a blogging – and dare I say – professional integrity and expectations (as I concurrently figure them out). I don’t like accusations of ‘selling out’ because I don’t think I have, but I can’t convince someone otherwise if that is what they’ve set their mind to believe. I suppose the best I can do is set out my thoughts plainly, as I’ve tried to do here, cross my arms and say your move, buster.
Also, as this time of year reminds me, I’m well aware of how blessed I am when there are so many others out there in need.
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I’m supporting Movember this month. Here is my fundraiser page.
Photo credit: Kids Business Flickr stream, used with permission
