I'm back from my whirlwind adventure to speak on the Elle Decor panel 'Redesigning Design' at the DCOTA winter market. First, I just have to say that DCOTA is the most beautiful design center I have ever seen; spacious and light filled, it's a pleasure to spend time there.
Jennifer and I with Empress of the EyeUnfortunately due to the weather, the moderator, Allison Mezzafonte and 2 of the panelists, Habitually Chic & Little Augury were unable to attend. We soldiered on however and Ellen Rubin, executive director of brand development for Elle Decor, took on the role of moderator. The Peak of Chic, Velvet & Linen and I had a great time discussing how we feel the internet has impacted the design world and how our blogs have impacted our lives and careers. I think the biggest impact for us all are the friendships our blogs have made. As Brooke said in the discussion, it had traditionally been so hard to make friends as passionate about design before our blogs; sentiments echoed by both Jennifer and myself. Nearly everytime one of us has met a fellow blogger the first thing we say is "I feel like I already know you!".
with Jennifer and Lynda Quintero-DavidsOther subjects we hit upon included different social media outlets (facebook, twitter, blogger), their pros and cons and how we utilize them. Of the three of us, we don't utilize twitter but do have a presence on facebook. We felt there was only so much time in the day and we try to concentrate on our blogs.
Advertising was another subject we hit upon and our conclusion was that blogs maybe can't make one much money, but the opportunities they have provided the 3 of us outweigh any financial incentives ( I mean, Elle Decor asked us to speak at a conference; hello, thats amazing!). It was so great to meet fellow bloggers (Hello Empress of the eye and Focal Point!) and to help contribute to the design dialogue that Elle Decor continues to foster by continually reaching out to the blogging community. Thank you so much for including me and keep up the good work Elle Decor!
boo hoo.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fabulous experience. Hopefully we will get to hear more of the dialogue from either you or Elle Decor!
ReplyDeleteGreat meeting you too at the conference yesterday Sefan! Well stated info presented and now new blogs for the new year to follow =)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day... and BTW: I posted the pic of you, Jennifer and me on my FB wall: http://on.fb.me/hANqda
Lynda (@ FOCAL POINT)
Stefan, what a wonderful xperience!
ReplyDeleteBlogging has bought me so much joy and I have met some wonderful people through it!
Stefan, I agree with you completely. I feel I know so many bloggers although Jennifer of The Peak of Chic is the only one I have ever met. I think blogs are great for the design industry and all those interested; it is "The more you know, the more you appreciate" philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI have not yet been to DCOTA and was glad to see your appreciation. A lot has changed with the design centers lately, but I hope they can survive the current economy as as a much needed trade resource.
LA -so sad to have missed you again!
ReplyDeleteQuint - it has been sucha pleasure following all of the blog coverage that elle decor has done. It helps to foster a credible ONLINE design community.
Lynda -it was great to meet you too -thanks for the pics!
Devoted - sadly a number of showrooms had closed but hopefully when things pick up they'll be filled again! Isn't Jennifer the sweetest?!
You look so swelligant—here and at the pics at Velvet and LInen. I agree with you about the friend-making world of blogs. Although I am old enough to be your mother, when I click onto your blog, I get to be a student. While many people my age have giving up on their homes, it is still my laboratory and I, its mad scientist.
ReplyDeleteps I never told you, but it was through your blog (one of the first I read) that I found JCB, PVE, The Blue Remembered Hills—all very different—all enjoyed. I think the common denominator is passion—and good lord my age is showing—integrity and honesty. What not to love?
Love the yellow tie and blue gingham shirt. Such a smart combination.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet -the tie was a sort of gingham as well!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting invited, that's huge!
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, that shirt-tie-sweater combo is very suave!
Stefan, wish there was a video of the event. Then we could all see it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was wonderful.
Congratulations - loved reading about the topics you all discussed. Agree w/Janet - the tie looks great. Also glad our ice storm came didn't get in the way of your travel.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I went to your program and got to meet everyone.
ReplyDeleteI look like such a geek in this photo. I immediately made a hair cut appointment!!!!
congratulations!!! wish I could have been there to see you all speak!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
lauren