Update: If you are interested in reading my notes for the evening, download the PDF here.

Tonight is the long awaited night of my presentation on blogging to the Writers Guild of Alberta, called the Invasion of the Blog:

The Rose & Crown Pub @ 7 PM
1503 4 Street SW—3rd Floor Private Room
Free for WGA members / $5 for non-members

Last night as I was putting the finishing touches on my presentation I wrote this note: All the negative stories you hear about on the internet are true, but I have not ever experienced any of them. There seems to be a smear campaign in the media, maybe it’s because they are scared all the bloggers are going to take their jobs—which is probably true.

It is probably true. Bloggers have invaded the world and are an important part of it. Smart businesses everywhere are interested in how to reach bloggers because of the social power we have. Blogs and social media have completely changed the face of the internet and as I have been reflecting on blogging I have come to realize more and more just how amazing it really is.

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When I burped as a child my dad would always say—That was well brought up, too bad you weren’t. This never seemed right to me. He also said Your ugly and your mother dresses you funny. I can’t remember why he said that. I think it’s in reference to something, but I can’t remember what. It seems he was always shooting himself in the foot and I was was always burping. I still do and it’s only gotten better.

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There are currently 1452 small, bite-sized posts floating around in my head—I counted them. I am a good counter. One time I counted to a million. I think you can tell where this post is heading. First things first, I want to start with my brand new t-shirts and that funny banner on the side of the page. No, no, second things first, I am having a birthday party June 28 – July 2 at Cypress Hills (SK). I totally fluked out and got a group campground and I need to fill it. I have plenty of space. Please come. I spent most of last night (except I fell asleep) calling everyone I had phone numbers for. I know this seems impersonal, but if you know me then I want you to come. Poets this means you! Let me know.

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Just don’t. Okay? I have rights, you know. The world of copyright is changing. Sharing is caring. The internet is forcing everyone to re-think how we understand what is ours because… well a lot of reasons. For one, the internet is a very open community that is all about sharing. Plus, the majority of what we do is no longer physical, but digital. But you all know this already. Responsible members of this community recognize our sources and attribute the work appropriately.

A couple nights ago Leah and I went to see Knocked Up (hysterical movie, Leah peed herself a little — I think), the new Apatow movie. But wouldn’t you know it, someone (Rebecca Eckler) thinks they’ve been plagiarized, ripped-off, bamboozled and scally-wagged.

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I am giving a presentation for the Writers Guild of Alberta…

INVASION OF THE BLOG… a discussion of the art of blogging!

The Rose & Crown Pub
1503 4 Street SW—3rd Floor Private Room
Free for WGA members
$5 for non-members