When BlogHer announced the venue for the conference earlier this Spring, they also asked for suggestions about panel topics. I sent in a suggestion for a “Blogging for Beginners” session, because when I was first starting out, I could have really used personal help. I remember how intimidating it is to sign up for a blog and then look at the dashboard and think “now what?”  Elisa emailed me back and said “great idea, which blogging platform are you familiar with?” I said WordPress, and she replied that if I was interested, they might ask me to volunteer to help with the session.
I assumed that it meant that I might be on hand to answer questions afterwards, so imagine my surprise when she said no, you will be our “WordPress Guru” and teach new bloggers to start a hosted WordPress blog! I was flabbergasted, as my Mother would say, because those of you who have been reading a long time know how many questions I have had to ask, how much help I have asked for, and now for me to be the one answering the questions-I really wasn’t sure I could do it, even as I walked into the session on Saturday morning.
Well, I did. I had a great group of ladies show up wanting to set up WordPress blogs, including one young lady from Germany who told me that her country had sent her to the conference because they knew how important blogging can be! How cool is that! I met Ursula, and Colleen, and I met Vicki.
Vicki is formerly from Michigan, she has degrees from U of M and family in the U.P., and she works at the Lincoln Park Zoo as a Docent. She had a blog set up on TypePad, but she didn’t want to continue paying for it every month and wasn’t sure if WordPress would be the right choice. I helped her create her account, and then she asked for more personal help once the conference was over. Working from lots of emails and phone calls, I have moved all of her TypePad files over to WordPress, and helped her set up A Mark On My Wall. Don’t you love the Ocean Mist theme? So pretty.
Today, Vicki is having major surgery including general anesthesia, which is why I worked so hard all day yesterday to get her blog running so she wouldn’t have to worry about it. Please keep her in your thoughts, send positive healing vibes her way or say a prayer if that’s your thing. We might be strangers to her, but the power of the Blogosphere can be a mighty force when it is channelled in someone’s direction. Good luck today, Vicki, and don’t worry about your blog. Your site admin is taking good care of it 
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Great story! I hope I can find someone as nice as you to help m out while I make the switch. I hope she does well
You’re a good choice for the WordPress Guru, Elizabeth.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Jeremy- I am available to help you! Email me at elizabeth@table4five.net and let me know what you want to do, and I can definitely help you move off of Blogspot. I can ask you more specific questions in the email.
Twitter: pz5wjj
says:
Nice story! And you’re right, Vicki’s blog is beautiful!
She’s in my prayers too!
Twitter: soleflormom
says:
All my blogs, even the two ones with my own domain, are hosted in blogger, but I’m really thinking about own hosting and wp platform. I might need your help then.
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Thanks, Mimi!
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Laura- I should be able to get you switched over from Blogger to your own domain, self-hosted with WordPress.org, sure! Just email me when you are ready!
Twitter: Table4Five
says:
Thank you, Graham
Twitter: dawniemom
says:
How cool that you were asked to actually DO the panel, and that you passed with flying colors.
Good job!
I just helped my sister move her new blog off blogger and onto word press. I love word press!
Thanks for this ever so kind post, Elizabeth! The fog is clearing, all went well and I’m so excited about my new blog at WordPress. You are a GREAT teacher and support. Thanks!
Vicki- Good luck in your surgery. You will be in our prayers.
Elizabeth- I would love to get some help from you, if you have time. I have a domain name and hosting, but I have no clue what to do from there. Can I use WordPress for that? I’ve sent you an email. Write back when you get a chance. (I’m sure you will be busy with all the new requests you get!)
*hug* -Marie