Blog? Social Media? What has the Law got to do with Social Media? Oh, can I really make a living from blogs?
If these are questions you find yourself asking, then you should have been at the first-ever -- yes, you heard me -- first-ever Blogcamp event in Ghana, which took place at the AITI-KACE. The theme was Voice of a New Generation.
A Blogcamp is actually a gathering of bloggers (newbies and oldies) to discuss the world of blogs, share ideas, and find ways of using social media to impact their communities in a positive way. The event was organised by the largest association of bloggers in Ghana, BloggingGhana. Almost 400 participants 'invaded' the venue -- the burning passion and quest for knowledge was simply overwhelming.
I had awakenings, epiphanies and inspirations throughout the event.
Highlights
- The first highlight of the event for me, was when we had the pleasure of interacting with Brett Morgan of Google via Google+ hangout, as he talked on "Making blogs graphical with HTML5" -- 'twas really cool.
- The second was when Nana Yaw Asiedu was called upon to talk on "Social Media and the Law". I know a lot of the attendees share what I'm about to say. He was introduced as a lawyer and so the 'Ghanaian' mind expected to see an 'old' (used relatively) individual. But no, we saw this unassuming young man step up, take the mic, and 'school' us on the topic with undiluted authority. Mindblowing! I dubbed him, "The Coolest Legal mind at the event". ;-)
- The breakout session on Photoblogging was amazingly handled by Nana Kofi Acquah.
Mac-Jordan Degadjor's session on Social Media for Corporate bodies was engaging. I particularly love the point he momentarily turned the session into a 'mini movie theatre' by playing a video on 'What a Blog is'! - The main sponsor of the day, Vodafone Ghana had three raffles and gave prizes to winning participants. The prices included Android torres phones, Mi-Fis, and Web Boxes! Others also won free BloggingGhana T-Shirts -- myself inclusive. :-)
- The biggest highlight for me was the launching of the Social Media Awards by Golda Addo.
Memorable Quotes
The day had its fair share of quotes that should be in ink:We never really know where it'll lead us, but we have to start from a place of integrity.~ Nana Kofi Acquah
" It's impossible to be politically correct as a blogger and be taken seriously. "~ Nana Kofi Acquah
" You need to take a stance. It's either you are a mouse or a cat, you can't be a mat. "~ Nana Kofi Acquah
" Truth is the best defence in defamation, but it should be truth you can prove. "~ Nana Yaw Asiedu
" Those in most need are the ones to really exercise their democratic franchise. "~ @kinnareads
" If for nothing at all, joining BloggingGhana allows you a lot of reach. "~ Kajsa Hallberg Adu
" It annoys me that a lot of people are interested in poverty in Africa. "~ Kobina Graham
It was a great event -- thanks to the organisers and the sponsors.
In the words of the in-law in a Ghanaian TV advert, I end by saying, "mE ba aha dabia abE didi"!
I know you folks have got other exciting experiences to share about the BlogCamp event. I'd love to hear them. Do leave a comment, and let's get interactive.
