Hi there, Your post about losing yr mom moved me. Sorry for your loss, but glad for you that you had her for so long, and that you were able to be there at the end. It brought back memories. My dad passed away 10 yrs ago this week. It's hard to believe that it's been that long.

Two women in my mom's office lost their mothers unexpectedly (one to a heart attack and one to a stroke), but neither was found for two days, as they lived alone. After that, my mom and I now call each other every morning, just to check in. We don't get into long conversations, just a quick check-in, occasionally a quick note about our day. Someday in the future I know I will miss these simple calls and connection. Thanks for writing this
My recent post How to use Twitter Lists My POV

Laura, thanks for the comment - I'm glad my post was helpful. Good luck at your talk!

The challenge I run into with some clients is they want to create a blog, and they have good content, and have crafted a well thought out reason for blogging. But they want to stop there.

They fall into that "If I build it...they will come," mentality. They often realize it takes time to build up a blog's following and increase in Google page rank, both of which would grow faster, and lead to more conversions and customers if they engaged in judicious social networking. But some of them perceive that as frivolous, a waste of time.

I am gathering stats of social media success stories, and showing them competitors who are engaging their audience, and reaching out. I'm slowly making headway, but to me, the synergy (to use a good, if overused, word) between a blog, and the right social networking platforms for each client - are a powerful mix. Not everyone should have a fan page on Facebook, not every company should be using LinkedIn, not every client needs to be on twitter, but a little bit of time spent on the right one or combination can go a long way.

I am also interested in which basic plugins work/don't yet - SEO Pack, akismet, comment LUV, etc. also - which plugin are you using for you comments, ah it looks like it is the Intesnse Debate plugin. When I hover over nancy's gravatar/image, I see her latest tweet, and links to find her via linked in etc. cool! One more question - I also like the coment luv plugin - I assume you have to choose to use one or the other on your blog.

I Can't participate live on Monday, but will check it out later. thanks