Our Attendee Spotlight is:
Tatiana G. King who's blog is Love @ 1st Byte
What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?
BWB is my first experience attending a conference dedicated to bloggers within the Black community. Sharing in the experience of networking and being involved with those that have flourished within the industry (and those just starting) is a key element for my personal growth as a blogger/writer. I am intensely focused in gathering knowledge from other bloggers to build Love @ 1st Byte into a recognizable brand and trusted voice in the tech world.
Why did you decide to start a blog?
I have been involved in tech and the Internet for over 15 years to varying degrees. Most recently, as a Twitter user (started in 2008); I've amassed an organic following of people that are engaged and trust my opinion on consumer devices, products and overall tech news. I created Love @ 1st Byte to expand beyond the 140 character limit and showcase enriching coverage of those topics.
In addition, as a Black woman within and highly interested in technology I am still considered an anomaly. I aim to change that viewpoint which is why the start of my blog was extremely important.
Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?
I'm interested in connecting with bloggers from all standpoints; whether with those more technically inclined and well versed in Java, CSS, HTML5, etc., to those more dedicated to design and entertainment; or even bloggers that focus on SEO strategy and branding. I'm obviously also super excited to meet with other bloggers that discuss technology.
What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?
Proofread thoroughly and review EVERYTHING! You may have the most interesting point of view or unique idea, but if you introduce these thoughts in a convoluted or grammatically incorrect manner, the trust formed with the reader is diluted. Quality is King.
Design is just as important as content. If you’re just starting out a blog or looking to spruce up an existing one, look both within and outside your circle for help with site structure. Form a plan of action and look for viable solutions (not everything involves having to use lots of money). Remember that clean and readable formats will always trump sites with poorly designed or non-functional aspects or sites with too many design elements.
Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?
My goal is to assist in the creation of a movement that will change the overall narrative of the Black community’s involvement in the tech space and cultivate a higher mainstream awareness of the varying aspects of technology. I see Love @ 1st Byte as being one of the major catalysts of change to introduce Black bloggers, engineers, startups, and others. In five years, LAFB will be a recognizable and leading source where people readily visit to catch up tech news and opinion, and is considered an expert source
Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?
First-person perspective and advice on brand development is an essential take-away that I would love to learn from fellow bloggers. It is my hope that while attending BWB I can gain and foster lifelong friendships with like-minded people, as well as find synergies and collaborations with other projects within and round my area of focus
Do you have something to offer bloggers to help them take their blogging to the next level?
I believe I have an intrinsic understanding of how technology fits within, and modifies culture on a variety of levels. I consider myself a technical/creative hybrid that understands the less accessible items like general coding, while having the ability to marry that into creative thought and work out solutions that can be readily understood.
In addition, I consider myself a Word-Smith; I am adept at converting big thoughts into focused narrative. In addition, my level of resourcefulness is on 10. My other areas of expertise include event and show management.
Welcome to BWB !
