Speaker Spotlight: Kellep Charles

Kellep  is the creator and Executive Editor of SecurityOrb.com (@SecurityOrb), an information security & privacy knowledge-based website with the mission to share and raise awareness of the motives, tools and tactics of the hacker community, and provide best practices and counter measures against malicious events.

Kellep has appeared and made regular contributions to local media outlets such as PGCTV, WPGC 95.5 FM, Politc365.com, WPFW 89.3 and the examiner.com to discuss technology, security, and privacy matters.

Kellep works as a government contractor in the Washington, DC area as an Information Security Analyst with over 15 years of experience in the areas of incident response, computer forensics, security assessments, malware analyst and security operations.

Currently he is completing his Doctorate in Information Assurance at Capitol College with a concentration in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Human Computer Interaction (HCI). He also holds a Master of Science in Telecommunication Management from the University of Maryland University College and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University.

Kellep will be joining Blogging While Brown this Summer and facilitating the workshop Security, Privacy and Safety Tips for your Wordpress Blog. Welcome Kellep!​

Speaker Spotlight: Trezanay M. Atkins

Trezanay M. Atkins is the creator of The Brand Infringement Firm, a law firm that helps pastors, entertainers, fashion designers, and athletes when they have to fight for how their name, talent, and brand should be used. 

Before forming The Brand Infringement Firm, Ms. Atkins practiced in Los Angeles in the litigation departments of two international law firms, where she participated in all phases of litigation representing matters in the film industry. While attending law school, Ms. Atkins worked in the business and legal affairs department of CMG Worldwide, a leading intellectual property rights corporation, where she advised clients of their rights in trademark, copyright, and right of publicity. She also negotiated license agreements for the use of intellectual property in advertising, film, television, and radio usage. She also negotiated merchandising and endorsement agreements on behalf of clients. In addition to contract work, Ms. Atkins negotiated settlement agreements for infringements of property rights - saving clients thousands of dollars in legal fees by avoiding the courtroom. 

Very active in professional organizations, Trezanay is currently a member of the American Bar Association, Entertainment and Sports Forum, Marion County Bar Association (MCBA), Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles (BWL) and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

Committed to service through community, faith and family Trezanay resides in Indiana. During her free time, Ms. Atkins performs music and enjoys the music of others. She is a classically trained vocalist. In addition to solo vocal performance, she has been a part of jazz, chamber, and gospel ensembles. It is her passion for music that drives her legal practice. 

She is an active member in the religious community and is committed to serving churches, pastors, and other faith-based organizations in their business and intellectual property needs.

Trezanay will be presenting When Keeping It Real Goes Real Wrong! at Blogging While Brown. Welcome!​

Speaker Spotlight: Luvvie Ajay

Luvvie Ajay is a writer, social media strategist and techie from Chicago. She's been blogging for 10 years, and is behind the award-winning pop culture and humor blog, AwesomelyLuvvie.com. Luvvie’s a former columnist for EBONY.com and has contributed her writing to Clutch Magazine and Uptown Magazine. She’s also winner of the Women’s Media Center 2012 Social Media Award.

Her background is in Communications and New Media, and as a social media strategist, she helps clients figure out how to use the various online tools to further their missions. She has presented at several conferences over the years on these topics. They include: The Nonprofit Technology Conference, BlogHer, AFTRA Broadcast Conference, Chicago Social Media Summit, and the Social Media For Nonprofits Conference, among others.

Luvvie is passionate about social justice and is addicted to shoes. She combined these loves and founded The Red Pump Project (Red Pump) with Karyn Watkins in March 2009. Red Pump is a national nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls, using red shoes! Their work has earned them a Congressional Record from the U.S. House of Representatives as well as recognition from the City of Chicago Council and much more.

Luuvie will be presenting the workshop "Turning your brand up to 11 with a Podcast" at Blogging While Brown this year.​

Attendee Spotlight: Savvy Brown

Our Attendee Spotlight is on: Savvy Brown

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

Networking, Affiliate Marketing, and blog monetization.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I believe being healthy doesn't have to be complicated, being green can be easy, and being broke isn't an option. I wanted to share my continuing journey with others and get help along the way.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Green and tech bloggers.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

No post should be more than 800 words. Readers LOVE lists. Quality content will bring readers back repeatedly.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

Brand expansion into products, media, and books.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Blog monetization ideas.

This will be Savvy Brown’s first time at Blogging While Brown, so head over to her blog and share her some support!

Attendee Spotlight: Sister Stephanie of The Sister Source

Our Attendee Spotlight is on: Sister Stephanie of The Sister Source

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

Network with more experienced bloggers; learn more about SEO; learn more about how to get followers/readers; and meet potential contributors.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I wanted to be a voice for women of color that are so often overlooked in the policy landscape.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Women and political bloggers.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

It is good to see learn from more experienced bloggers. Take your time and do it right.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

Hopefully a major player in the policy scene---a place where national political candidates will come to 'court' women of color.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Advice!

This will be Sister Stephanie’s first time at Blogging While Brown, so head over to her blog and show her some support!

BWB Founder Gina McCauley on Black Enterprise March/April Cover!

Be sure to pick up the March/April issue of Black Enterprise to see Blogging While Brown founder Gina McCauley on the cover! Gina was chosen along with other “Leading Texas Tech” entrepreneurs to grace the cover of the magazine. Known to many in the tech field, Gina was handpicked because of her passion and commitment to Blogging While Brown! Black Enterprise is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, they have provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers.

Congratulations Gina!

To celebrate this cover feature we are offering a LIMITED OFFER on all ticket sales to the upcoming conference! Use the code “BECOVER” up until April 1 to receive $30 off tickets purchased for Blogging While Brown! So, what are you waiting for? Purchase your tickets today; this is a conference you don’t want to miss!

Attendee Spotlight: Toya Nicole from Ms. Travel Chic

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Toya Nicole who's blog is Ms. Travel Chic

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

Networking, how to monetize my blog, developing my personal brand and growing my audience.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I am very passionate about travel. When I would take trips and post photos on my social media accounts I often had friends (mainly fellow brown girls) comment that they "wish" they could travel like me. I wanted to start a blog to show people that you can travel well in luxury accomodations (if desired) for affordable prices. I also think is important no matter your relationship or financial status to see the world and take a well earned vacation. African Americans dont travel as much as we should and its my hope through my experiences, tips and resources offered via my blog it will encourage them to travel.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Travel and Lifestyle bloggers.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

Be Authentic

Post consistently

Blog about what you are passionate about

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I would like to be a lifestyle and travel brand expert consulting and motivating black women to travel more. I would like my blog to be a resource for travel tips and resources. I would also like to offer branded "Ms. Travel Chic" travel products like luggage tags, t shirts and travel bags.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Tips on growing my audience and strengthening my brand

This is Ms. Travel Chic's first time at BWB ! Welcome !

Attendee Spotlight Valerie Lee from Cupcakes and Travel Magazines

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Valerie Lee who's blog is Cupcakes and Travel Magazines.

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

Meeting people and getting tips - I'm open to the entire experience

Why did you decide to start a blog?

To share my opinions and talk about the subjects that interest me...

This is Valerie Lee's first time at BWB ! Welcome !

Attendee Spotlight: Jay Blessed from JAYBLESSED.com

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Jay Blessed who's blog is JAYBLESSED.com

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

I was encouraged to attend Blogging While Brown 2013 by one of my fellow Caribbean bloggers, SocaMom. After researching more about BWB, plus the fact that it would be in my hometown of NYC, I was more than sold to the idea! I was inspired to invest in this opportunity of networking with other bloggers, expanding my knowledge on new technologies, traffic builders, maximizing SEO, in addition to, learning new platforms and processes for monetizing my website.

I want to reach my target audience, which not only consists of Caribbean nationals but lovers of Caribbean culture worldwide.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

In April 2011, I resigned from my full-time marketing job at a renowned law firm in NYC, after just one month of "test" blogging and decided to wholeheartedly invest my time and energy into my passion for media fusing the love I have for my Caribbean heritage.

It wasn't an easy decision but I had my husband (co-founder of JAYBLESSED.com) there to support, encourage and advise me on every move I made.

When I started my blog, there were many Caribbean websites which mainly consisted of forums and photo sites - outside of the news sources. Therefore, I decided to fill that void by bringing fresh, daily content; incorporating entertainment news, news, music, fashion, interviews and a healthy dose of celebrity gossip from all over the Caribbean and abroad into one place!

While the Caribbean has its own celebrities, a lot of celebrities that appear in mainstream and international blogs are also Caribbean or of Caribbean descent. Therefore, they also have a home on JAYBLESSED.com.

My writing style and delivery has definitely solidified my place in the blogosphere and helped me in building and maintaining a strong and loyal readership and fan base.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Specifically, I would love to connect with mainstream bloggers who have dominated in the category of entertainment news and technology.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

1. Stay informed on all things new to keep your content fresh and your readers coming back! 

2. A blog is a beast that needs to be fed. Keep active, keep writing, keep posting! Keep your blog alive.

3. You can't be a successful blogger and not be involved in social media. Keep your audience engaged on multiple online platforms.

4. Use every opportunity to MARKET YOURSELF for you are your best source of advertisement.

5. A blog can be draining, therefore it is ok to take a break and even ask for help! It's sometimes necessary to walk away from your blog for a few hours to even a day to keep your mind, body and spirit renewed.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

WOW! In five years, JAYBLESSED.com would be the leader in Caribbean entertainment. We are presently grooming our platform into a successful international media brand encompassing Web, TV, Radio, Concerts, E-commerce and Lifestyle.

Do you have something to offer bloggers to help them take their blogging to the next level?

BWB is not only an African American conference, but one whose "brown" includes a number of Caribbean-bred bloggers like myself. I wear my Caribbean heritage as a badge of honor and my readers are just as loyal.

I can offer bloggers a different perspective on writing and understanding their specific audiences and targeting them through their online multimedia use.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I am in need of as much advice as I can possibly get! Though I have a handle on things, I am sure as I meet and converse with other bloggers, that they'll introduce me to new ways of writing, coding, promoting, organizing and even thinking!

As a blogger who started less than two years ago, there were many blogs before mine. However, none within the Caribbean niche market, specifically for the people interested in Caribbean entertainment news and Caribbean celebrity gossip.

This is Jay Blessed first time at BWB ! Welcome !

Attendee Spotlight: Miz KP from Sailing Autistic Seas

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Miz KP who's blog is Sailing Autistic Seas.

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

I hope to meet bloggers from around the country who can bring their personal insights on what it is like to be a blogger of color in this day and time. I hope to learn from them and get some great information to make my blog better.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I created this blog because I believe that it will give me an opportunity to share my experiences with other parents who have children with special needs. I believe that parents learn best when we can share what we know and ask each other questions.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

I am interested in connecting with bloggers who write about issues affecting people with special needs (especially minorities). I have not met many minorities who blog and are also parents of children with special needs.

This is totally unrelated to special needs issues but it would also be great to meet natural hair bloggers as well.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

Have an editorial calendar and write posts in advance when possible because stuff does come up when you are a working mom trying to maintain a blog as well.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I see my blog as a destination for parents of children with autism and other special needs. I see it becoming a place where they come to often to get and share information.

This is MIZ KP's First time at BWB! Welcome 

Which Badge Should I Purchase for Blogging While Brown 2013?

Which Badge Should I Purchase?

The Platinum Badge is an ALL ACCESS badge that get's you into every conference activity currently on the schedule or which may be added in the future. It is for a blogger who is serious about monetizing their platform and figuring out how to create a sustainable way to build and grow their blog.  The Platinum Badge is the only way to attend the Business of Blogging Pre-Conference. Last year's Business of Blogging Session sold out, and this year's Business of Blogging is smaller to allow and even more vibrant exchange of ideas and networking opportunities. Check out the speakers from last year's Business of Blogging Session. Watch the video above to watch the Blogs & Brands panel featuring agency veterans Tyrha M. Lindsey, Managing Director for L.A.I. Communications, Jennifer Polk, a Vice President with Edelman Digital and Mananya Soobhawan, Digital Supervisor at Weber Shandwick as they explain best practices for bloggers who want to partner with brands.

Read what others have to say about the Business of Blogging.

• Chasing Joy - More Blogging Tips: Blogging While Brown
• '83 To Infinity- Blogging While Brown Pt. 1:The Business of Blogging
• The Root - The Root is Live From Blogging While Brown
• Carolyn Edgar - Blogging While Brown 2012
• Philadelphia Tribune - Blogging While Brown Draws the Best and Brightest

The Gold Badge is a great option for someone who is stretched for time and wants to fly in on Friday instead of Thursday. Or maybe you want to spend Friday morning exploring New York City.  You gain access of all of the conference activities except the Business of Blogging session, including all of the conference parties and the Beginning Blogger Boot Camp along with all of the panels, keynotes and workshops on Saturday. You also have the option to appear in the Attendee Spotlight which will be featured on the Blogging While Brown website, Twitter feed and Facebook page. 

The Saturday Day Pass gets you access to the keynotes and panels on Saturday, June 22, 2013. 

What is the Business of Blogging?

The Business of Blogging Session is a gathering of aspiring and high-potential bloggers who want to gain skills to monetize their platforms and build a sustainable business model. BOB provides an exceptional opportunity for bloggers to to connect with other bloggers, brands, and industry professionals and develop the critical skills and relationships necessary for success as digital media content creators and social media influentials

The small size of Business of Blogging allows attendees to create deep relationships and develop critical business and leadership skills.

Who Should Attend?

Ideal attendees for the Business of Blogging are individuals who:

• are highly motivated to build a successful and financially sustainable online platform and have a passion for social media.
• want to develop relationships with a network of social media leaders for professional and personal benefit.
• are committed to building and expanding their platform using  current best practices. 

How Much Does it Cost?

Registration for the Business of Blogging is only available by purchasing a Platinum Badge which costs $250 until March 1, 2013 when the price increases. Space in the Business of Blogging session is limited to 55 participants and 10 mentors.

When is it scheduled?

The Business of Blogging Session is tentatively scheduled to begin on Friday, June 21, 2012 at 9:30AM and will end at 4:30PM. There will also be some type of informal "meetup" on Thursday night near the conference hotel for attendees that arrive the nigh before. 

Attendee Spotlight: Markeshia Ricks from Too Thrifty Chicks

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Markeshia Ricks who's blog is Too Thrifty Chicks

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

We (Ashante Reese, my co-blogger, also is registered for this conference) would like to know more about the business of blogging, specifically how to find advertising opportunities that fit in with our specific niche and the world view we promote.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

What began as a genuine interest in finding unique pieces in thrift stores turned into a “thrifty lifestyle” that values sustainability and incorporates the reduce, reuse, recycle principles in all aspects of our lives. Our blog is the public documentation of that lifestyle and the community that we're building because of it.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Bloggers interested in fashion, thrift store shopping, frugality, sustainability, womanism and DIY. We're looking to connect with bloggers who want to collaborate, particularly if they're in the D.C. Metro area.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

Know when your audience actually reads your blog. We've found that people who are interested in our blog are more likely to read it after 5 p.m.

Also, tap into your resources. If you've got friends who've shown an interest in what you do and are strong writers, use their services to keep fresh material flowing. They also tend to pull in their friends who might not read you.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

That's something we're developing.

Do you have something to offer bloggers to help them take their blogging to the next level?

We're both strong thinkers, writers and photographers.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Their wisdom, experience, tips and tricks.

This is Markeshia Ricks First time at BWB! Welcome !

Attendee Spotlight: Renee Simpson from Soul Food Therapy

Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Renee Simpson who's blog is Soul Food Therapy

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

I hope to connect with likeminded individuals that I can keep in touch with and hopefully collaborate with in the future. I also hope to learn as much as I can to help move my blog forward.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I cant really remember why I started but Ive continued because I decided to use the blog to start my company.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Food bloggers, but I think I could learn something from any blogger.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

Have a schedule that you can actually commit to. If you can find an accountability partner, do. Recognize that your blog can take you places you werent even thinking about going. Avoid analysis paralysis and perfection procrastination. And dont give a rats azz what somebody else will think of your first thought. You will never please everyone.

(umm, does anyone know where the apostrophe is on the ipad keyboard???)

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I see me and my blog making hella scrilla, cheese, #dollabillzyall. By then I will have left my day job and built my culinary nutrition company. I think at that point I will have moved on to writing some cookbooks and opening a healthy cooking school. My blog is a starting point for me.

Do you have something to offer bloggers to help them take their blogging to the next level?

Well... I am certainly no expert blogger, but if anyone needs some nutrition or culinary expertise I would be happy to contribute.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

Yes, please spread the word about my blog and I will do the same for you.

This is Renee Simpson First time at BWB! Welcome !

Blogging While Brown Founder Speaks at Santa Clara University School of Law.

Gina McCauley, the founder of Blogging While Brown will speak at Santa Clara University School of Law on Friday, February ​22, 2013.  She will be speaking on the following panel at 10:15.

Transforming Lives with Tech (starting at 10:15am): Innovators are now finding ways to serve public interest and social justice legal issues with technology. For example, in January 2011, when Egypt shut down Internet access, citizens in the midst of a political crisis were able to provide Twitter updates. Today, ordinary citizens, politicians and entrepreneurs are expanding the use of mobile technology to close the digital divide and widen access to life-changing opportunities. This panel will discuss some new technology slated to solve such social justice issues, as well as some of the accompanying legal concerns.

Speakers for the Transforming Lives With Tech panel:

• Marina C. Hsieh: Santa Clara University School of Law, Senior Fellow (Moderator)
• Gina McCauley: Blogging While Brown, Owner
• Elizabeth Sweeny: Santa Clara University, Frugal Innovation Lab Program Manager
• Michael McGeary: Engine Advocacy, Co-Founder and Chief Political Strategist; Hattery Labs, Strategist
• Steve Wright: Grameen Foundation, VP Poverty Tools and Insight

She will be citing the following references:

Malcolm Gladwell - Why the Revolution Will not be Tweeted - The New Yorke

Problems Arise as Blacks Pass Whites on the Mobile Digital Divide - News On

The Power of Mobile - The Pew Cente

The State of the African American Consumer- Nielsen and the National Newspaper Association. ​

Really? IBM Predicts the End of the Digital Divide- CN

Participatory Culture - Wikipedi

17% of cell phone owners do most of their online browsing on their phone, rather than a computer or other device  - Pew Center

​

Attendee Spotlight Babs from Babs In Blogland

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OUR ATTENDEE SPOTLIGHT IS:

Babs who's blog is Babs In Blogland

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO EXPERIENCE AT BWB 2013?

I'm really looking forward to meeting other brown bloggers from all over the country. I hope to gain valuable knowledge that will help me to improve my presence in social media. And I hope to have fun!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START A BLOG?

I started blogging in 2006. I had a very active social life and wanted to share details of my dating and social escapades with my friends. I quickly realized that they didn't want to hear from me every day and I didn't want to repeat my stories over and over. Blogging was the perfect idea. I could write about my adventures and my friends could read about them at their leisure. Then I gained a following and subsequently formed new friendships. Blogging has been such a blessing. I love it!

ARE THERE SPECIFIC TYPES OF BLOGGERS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN CONNECTING WITH AT THE CONFERENCE?

I believe that I can gain from meeting all types of bloggers, but I always look forward to meeting bloggers similar to me

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP BLOGGING TIPS FOR OTHER BLOGGERS?

It's important to blog consistently. The easiest way to lose readers is to take a "hiatus" because they will lose interest or forget about you altogether. Blogging can be a lot of work, especially if you have a day job, but you have to be committed to regularly contributing to your own site. Also, it's important to check out other blogs and leave comments. That's a great way to increase your traffic.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOU AND YOUR BLOG IN 5 YEARS?

I would like to continue blogging freely about my life, but have sponsorships that bring in extra income. Also, I would like to be better at the technical aspects of blogging.

DO YOU NEED SOMETHING FROM YOUR FELLOW BLOGGERS TO TAKE YOUR BLOGGING TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Sharing knowledge and best practices.

THIS IS BAB'S FIRST TIME AT BWB! WELCOME!

Attendee Spotlight Marc Polite from Polite On Society

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OUR ATTENDEE SPOTLIGHT IS:

Marc W. Polite who's blog is Polite On Society

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO EXPERIENCE AT BWB 2013?

I hope to really see the breadth and depth of the Black Blogosphere, and learn about interesting blogs, new and old. There are many distinct voices out here, and I know some of them will be in attendance.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START A BLOG?

I started a blog because I wanted to have a voice, and establish myself as a writer. I saw blogging as the chance to self-start a writing career.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC TYPES OF BLOGGERS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN CONNECTING WITH AT THE CONFERENCE?

In particular, I hope to link up with bloggers that tend towards covering social commentary and current events.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP BLOGGING TIPS FOR OTHER BLOGGERS?

I would say, blog regularly, and blog honestly. Talk about what YOU are interested in, not what is the topic of the moment. You will draw in your audience slowly but surely if you take that approach.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOU AND YOUR BLOG IN 5 YEARS?

I see myself extending further into publishing, releasing e-books as well as print books. Beyond that, some time down the line, I would like to branch out into writing short stories, science fiction in particular.

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER BLOGGERS TO HELP THEM TAKE THEIR BLOGGING TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Definitely. I have my academic background which allows me to explore current events in a deeper than surface kind of way. In the years I have been writing publicly online, I have tapped into networks that have truly rewarded my foundation in Black history and politics.

DO YOU NEED SOMETHING FROM YOUR FELLOW BLOGGERS TO TAKE YOUR BLOGGING TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

I need feedback, interaction, and contributions.

This is Marc W. Polite's First time at BWB! Welcome!

Attendee Spotlight: Stefan Roots of The Chester City Blog

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Our Attendee Spotlight is:

Stefan Roots who's blog is  The Chester City Blog

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

Excitement and learning. 2012 Philadelphia was a great learning experience but because I was home, the excitement factor was lacking. New York City is an exciting place and I expect some exciting people will be participating just because it's New York. And, I've always wanted to go to the Schomburg Center.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

I was publishing a community newspaper and was getting tired of all the work it involved. When the local paper said they were looking for community bloggers, I took them up on the offer and morphed the paper into a blog.

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Can I dare say, Men? As a man, my biggest thrill in Philly was meeting the few guys who attended the session, most of whom were presenters.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

Identity your target audience. Consistently offer good content. Let tech tools take your post to Twitter and Facebook. Incorporate video. Don't get hung up on the numbers.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I'm really hoping someone takes over The Chester City Blog since I plan to leave the area soon. However, I will be creating new blogs with a far greater audience reach as I establish myself a subject matter expert. And, they will be built to earn income.

Do you have something to offer bloggers to help them take their blogging to the next level?

My blog is a partnership with the local newspaper of my community. Thanks to them, I have a much broader audience than I could have obtained on my own. If you are new, it's a great way to start. If you have an established blog, approach the local paper, especially if they already have an online presence. They want every new reader they can get. Aligning with the local paper also provides some legal protection which allows me some risk that I would not take if I were on my own.

Do you need something from your fellow bloggers to take your blogging to the next level?

I'll be launching at least two new blogs this year, one as an author and the other featuring community journalism. I'll be keeping a eye on other bloggers who discuss new trends in design, growing an audience, and corporate partnerships.

This is Stefan Roots second time at BWB! Welcome BACK!

Attendee Spotlight: Tatianah Green of BLISS

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Our Attendee Spotlight is:

  Tatianah Green who's blog is BLISS {Black Love & Inspiration for Saved Singles}

What do you hope to experience at BWB 2013?

I hope to connect and learn from more seasoned bloggers who not only blog about their passions, but how they work with others to get their message across to the masses.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

God gave me the idea to do a magazine about relationships. I got the greenlight to start blogging while in graduate school so it's been a labor of love to do this but I love blogging about everything BLISS is about and then some. At first I was nervous about blogging because of my busy schedule but I decided to push forward and start seeing this vision come to life!

Are there specific types of bloggers you are interested in connecting with at the conference?

Relationship and Fashion bloggers. The fashion bloggers are very creative and I aspire to expand my blogging to other areas besides my favorite: relationships.

What are your top blogging tips for other bloggers?

Blog only when inspired. Keep it personal and real with your audience. Create unique content, look at different angles of a hot news topic instead of just what everyone else sees. Blog on other blogs and expand your horizons outside of what you are most passionate about; ie have your meat and potatoes (your blog) then your side items (other blogs you write for). This gives you balance and keeps your mind thinking of fresh ideas.

Where do you see you and your blog in 5 years?

I see my blog expanded to a full magazine with the same topics we tackle but with more. The information that I usually present on the blog can be read by people of different ethnic groups, not just the Black community. I don't want to put any limits on the possibilities so TV, radio, print, and definitely multimedia web content will be a part of what I do with BLISS in the future.

This is Tatianah Green's first time at BWB! Welcome Tatianah!

Blogging While Brown 2013 - New York City, June 21-22, 2013

The 6th Annual Blogging While Brown Conference will be in New York City, June 21-22, 2013.

Registration for the conference opens January 1, 2013. 

If you would like to be a speaker at the conference, the Call for Ideas will open on January 15th and will likely close on February 1st. 

Conference Location: 

Conference keynotes, workshops and panels will take place at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037-1801 (Map and Directions)

Tentative Conference Schedule:

While we have not finalized the schedule, we know that many of you are anxious to make travel and hotel arrangements. 

The pre-conference business of blogging session will open on Friday morning and end on Friday afternoon. Blogging While Brown events will begin Friday evening and go all day on Saturday. Typically, there is an informal Sunday brunch for people waiting to catch their flights home. There will likely be informal social events on Thursday evening as well.

Hotel:

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Aloft Harlem at a rate of $229 per night. You can reserve your room online or by calling 1-866-961-2995 and asking for the Blogging While Brown Group Rate.

A Belle in Brooklyn Summer Tour Kicks Off @ #BWB2012

Join Belle, Demetria L. Lucas, as she signs the paper back release of "A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life." The signing will take place after the "Blog to Book" panel on Friday, June 1st in the Franklin Rooms Foyer at The Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia.