In the Midst of a Mom Blogger Evolution

It's something that's been whispered about at nearly every event or meeting I've attended in the last two weeks...the Silicon Valley Moms Blog network is dissolving as of July 1st. I first received the news while we were in Los Angeles recently. I read the email announcement with a lump in my throat, but as we were traveling, I didn't have the time for a thoughtful, passionate response myself, although I read through the dozens of others each day we were away.

The overall SVMoms network included some fantastic writers . . . witty wordsmiths...creative comediennes, some published authors and real life journalists and some lucky writers whom were chosen to participate - like me. I savored my involvement in the blogging group, considering myself fortunate to be in the same company as the other contributors, and grateful for the opportunities that presented themselves.

So as each morning I see the arrival of a Big Tent daily roundup email in my inbox as a countdown to June 30th when I will receive my last ones, I'm sad to say goodbye to the Big Tent group I had become accustomed to using to stay in touch with the other contributors, and share blogging opportunities or technical help. Part of this is because I although I contributed to the New Jersey Moms Blog, I have been south of Montclair only once, so it was at times challenging to relate to some of the other New Jersey writers from Central or South Jersey purely because I had no idea about the philosophies or school systems or landmarks they wrote about (I'm sure they had difficulty relating to my writing as well. ;-)) So I pretty much have stayed in North Jersey or in New York. We can drive into midtown in 30-40 minutes, or be there in 44-57 minutes via train or bus. It's a fairly quick trip and a matter of just a few miles. On the other hand, it takes us an hour and a half worth of two trains and a cab to get to Princeton. 

I found it easy to relate to many of the NYC Moms bloggers, whom I saw on a near weekly basis. I also found it easy to relate to the Chicago Moms bloggers, having JUST lived there and explored that city and area for almost two years as a new parent. It was still easy and interesting to relate to the Silicon Valley Moms, having lived there for so long and being so familiar with the schools and housing along the peninsula, the culture and daily life. So the connection to other regions of bloggers will be one of the things I will miss the most about SVMoms.

While I wish SVMoms could continue, I can understand the multitude of reasons for which it is ending, and I don't really need the details or explanation from those involved. It is what it is. What I'm optimistic about is what all of these intelligent bloggers will do from here. What smart collaborations will come out of this: which splintering groups will blog for good . . . which bloggers will form tighter friendships . . or attract sponsors. Is geography the best way to amass similar socio-economic demos?

There's been many requests and attempts to begin something anew from the group, and I will likely join one or two of the starting groups as I see how the communities start to take shape. I'm thankful for the blogging friendships I've made, and to SVMoms for extending me a hand as a blogger. Hopefully I'll be able to continue these relationships and strike up new ones as things evolve beyond SVMoms. . .into whatever lies ahead.