The SNAP Recap I Swore I'd Never Write | Occasionally Crafty: The SNAP Recap I Swore I'd Never Write

Friday, May 1

The SNAP Recap I Swore I'd Never Write

Every year I've wanted to go to Snap.  Every year I talked myself out of it.  Blogging has been just a hobby for me.  I couldn't justify the cost or time away from my kids.  And every year, I'd kick myself as I'd see all the posts roll in, recounting the amazing classes, the bags of swags, and the connections made.

I was jealous.  Pure and simple. 
 
So, when I finally convinced myself (and my husband) that I needed to go to Snap this year, I promised myself I wouldn't write one of those awesome "braggy" posts about how amazing Snap was, because I probably have a reader or two feeling the exact same way I felt.

And yet, here I am.  Writing a post about Snap.  The one I swore I wouldn't write.  I'm doing it because I learned so much and feel so strongly that there are things I learned that need to be shared.  Today.  With you.

Excuse the poor photos- it was SO yellow in there!  (Every blogger's nightmare!)
Yes, Snap is a lot of fun.  There is a lot of chatting, way too much sugar, amazing goodies given out, and lots of friendships made and strengthened.  
Snap Recap
My roommates and I:  L to R-- me, Jennifer from The Craft Patch, Christine from The Five to Niner, and Kelly from Here Comes the Sun

I heard awesome speakers.  

David Tutera

Blogger Roundtable



I met Mindy Gledhill!  
I got pretty bracelets!  
I won prizes!  

But honestly, that's only the surface of what Snap really gives you.

I learned that no matter how big or teeny-tiny your blog is, pretty much everyone feels like they are failing to achieve success.  I have always struggled to understand why I haven't had meteoric growth on this blog even though I'm doing all the "right" things.  Imagine my surprise to hear a blogger who gets 200,000 pageviews a month express the exact same frustrations.  (I would kill for those pageviews).

Bottom line--  Popularity does not equal success.  Money does not equal success.  Pageviews do not equal success.  Being recognized at Snap does not equal success (although it feels good!)  I,and you, have to come up with a definition of success that is intrinsic yet measurable.  It can't rely on luck, or the whims of other people.  What success is to each of us is intensely personal.  So that's one thing I need to work on- defining what success means to me.

I learned a lot about making money and increasing my audience.  But I also learned that some of the practices required to do that leave a bad taste in my mouth.  I'd love to have a full-time income from blogging, or even a part-time income.  But I don't want to sacrifice my personal ethics or the interest of my readers to do it.  So while you may seem some increased monetization in the form of ads, affiliate links, and sponsored posts,  I am even more determined after Snap to stay true to me and my policy of only accepting things on this blog that I love and believe in.  So when you click on those links or ads and make a purchase, you'll know that I put in some serious thought before allowing them here in our space.

I have been reminded that family needs to come first, that I will never get these moments back.  I heard some awesome reminders from Becki at Whippy Cake and Heidi Swapp that make me want to step away from the computer more often and live my life.  If that means a smaller blog and less posts, so be it.  I love my family and don't want to be the mom with my face in the computer and my back to the kids.

I was reminded how much fun it is to create.  I helped build a workbench, made cards for families in need, had fun creating gifts for friends and roommates.  I started this blog because I love to create!  Never let life, or the business of blogging, suck out that love of creating.  Learn new things, practice old skills.  Always find time among the craziness to just sit and make pretty things.

I learned that I can push myself.  When the time is right, maybe when my kids are all in school and I have more time to devote to it, I can jump in to this blog with both feet, set wildly important achievable goals for myself, even if it scares me.  I can dream big, and actually fulfill my dreams.  There is a place in the blogging world for everyone.  And I will make my little corner the best it has ever been.

Are you a blogger on the fence about going to Snap?  I can only say, for me, it was well worth it.  My ticket wasn't paid for by a brand.  I don't make a lot of money to pay for my conference.  But I took the chance and went for it, and it paid off.  I hope I'll see you there next year.

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18 comments:

  1. WOW! Sounds like a great time! I want to go to a blogging conference this year for sure!

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    1. It was fabulous! I hope you make it to one- there are so many great choices now!

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  2. This was so inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing - what a great conference!

    Christina

    http://www.fitnessandfrills.com

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  3. Great take aways! It was my first year at SNAP too after 5 years of blogging. I think we have similar attitudes about the whole thing (and we managed to sit at the same roundtable though I don't know how we didn't' meet!). I really thought I would learn more about the technical side of blogging, and while I did some, it was so much more about relationships, and that was pretty awesome!

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    1. Haha! I was usually pretty good about introducing myself to people- sorry we didn't officially meet! I get overwhelmed by too much techy or numbers stuff, so I'm glad there was more to SNAP than that! Hopefully we can meet next time!

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  4. Blog conferences can be so motivating and rewarding. It looks like you had a great time.

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  5. This conference looks simply amazing. I love attending a conference and leaving with so much motivation and knowledge. I want to attend SNAP next year for sure!

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    1. It really was great. It was so well done and I learned a ton. Hopefully I'll see you there next year!

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  6. So glad you went and pushed yourself out of your comfort zone! It looks like a wonderful conference. I am so glad you got to experience it!

    ​​
    xo katie // a touch of teal

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  7. I want to go to a blogging conference. It may be yet another year before I do, but I'm excited to attend one. It looks like it was fun

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    1. I highly recommend this one if you're a "maker". It was a blast!

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  8. Can we make this a yearly thing? So glad that we could hang out and meet IRL! xo

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  9. I just stumbled across your post here and it looks like the SNAP conference was a great one. As someone who has raised her children and is now enjoying my grandchildren (TONS!!), I commend you on your putting family first. (I loved how you put it 'face to the computer back to the kids.') You'll never regret not posting as often as you would like. But you WILL regret missed moments with your wonderful family.

    I'm going to spend some time poking around your blog -- and getting inspiration!

    Best,
    Nina

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    1. Hi Nina- thanks so much for your comment. I know you are so right and I am committed to be present in their lives! Thanks so much for stopping by- hope to "see" you around again soon!

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