What are you going to bring to the party?

Lots of exciting things are happening to our beloved lbobi. The elves are working on new products every day for the SHOP, and lots of interesting comments are being made. The conversation is very important for this to really be a community. Comments are VERY welcome. The biggest and most important aspect of the lbobi conversation is the blog post. Every member of lbobi has the ability to create his own post.

We are in the process of making items that we feel would benefit you. I am not saying the iPhone case is going to change your life, but it IS cool. There are other things in the shop that actually could change your life or at least make you more money. That is why you're in business, right? Hopefully as lbobi grows we can even add items based on your feedback. There will be plenty of free items as well. Since lbobi is a free network and we are not charging a membership fee, by necessity we have the SHOP to help pay for the site.

The conversation is the most important and useful aspect of lbobi in my opinion, This happens when you make a comment. Making a comment means you are entering the conversation or even starting it. Your feedback is what I am using to help set the direction of the blog. I want it to grow organically. I have definite ideas of where I want to take it and what it should look like down the road. Plans: Workshops, podcast, online critiques, live events and, of course, giveaways. Who doesn't like free stuff? I want to make one post a week that focuses on a member of lbobi--who they are and what they do. The more you are involved the greater your chance of being picked. An essential part of any group of like-minded people getting to know each other is the bio page. Put a picture there! Flesh out your page and also add your twitter to the feed so it shows up on the side bar for all to enjoy.

After you have conquered your fear of public speaking, you will be ready for the King Daddy comment--the blog post. When you decide to take this bold step of making a blog post, there are certain things to consider. The responsibility of the Party is suddenly yours. You are suddenly center stage. With this power also comes a huge responsibility. Let's carry the party analogy a little further. Say I am having a party and you're invited, but there is one condition to get in. You have to bring something to the table for others to enjoy. So, please don't show up with a packet of Hot Sauce from Taco Bell and expect to get right in. Go home and make some homemade Salsa, and spend some time on it. Then bring it back for everyone to praise your culinary skills. The same goes for your blog post. It doesn't have to be a huge production. It just has to be interesting! That site you sent to five of your friends because it has this super cool little sprocket on it, THAT is what you should post. If you thought it was cool and you felt compelled to share it with your buddies, then share it with your lbobi buddies.
 
Tomorrow Nick will be posting a quick video showing the basics of making a comment and how to start a blog post. So check back tomorrow.

Master of ceremonies, Jeff