Back From Vacation, 'Redeemed' & 'Influential'

I just returned from a week in Mexico where I chose to be "totally unwired." Luckily, Ypulse has grown to the point where I can now take a vacation and know the blog is in good hands (thanks Meredith!). Before heading to the beach, I was in Vegas briefly for CES. I don't have lots of gadget coverage to offer and was in and out of the Kids@Play event where I spoke (and didn't take good notes at all – FAIL), but I did manage to try out Mattel's computerized Barbie manicure machine that digitally paints your nails (a bit pricey for the tween set) and heard more about RideMakerz, the new virtual world for boys and dads who are devoted to their toys (cars). I loved that Alice Cahn from Cartoon Network gave props to libraries for being the new public squares — not just quiet places to read, but spaces kids and teens can hang out in and access technology, play games, etc. and that John Davison from WhatTheyPlay was the contrarian in the room when he called some m-rated video games the new rebellion or rock 'n' roll for teens in a conversation about how consoles like the Wii are bringing families together.

What I didn't love was when I heard a few panels that overly focused on the negative, i.e. ripped from the headlines – sexting, bullying, strangers, etc. I almost died when one of the moderators asked a Girl Scout, if she knew of any "trashy" girls who posted sexy photos online. I Twittered about this as I heard it and a friend responded that some people "traffic in fear." I guess when you're selling products or consulting that's focused on "keeping children safe," it literally pays to remind people of all the hazards kids face online.

As I was working my way through the hundreds of emails that awaited me last night, I was thrilled to receive a forwards of this report from the Berkman Center with the subhead: Children are no more at risk online than off, a study says. One email had the subject line: "You must feel redeemed!"

I also received an email letting me know that Fast Company listed me as one of the most influential women bloggers out there along with Arianna Huffington and Dooce (wow). While the description reads that marketers flock to Ypulse, we all know this community is much more diverse (and "influential" than just marketers). And while Totally Wired didn't make the best-seller list, I hope my influence has been felt by adding a voice of reason to this discussion of tweens and teens online and a counterpoint to those who "traffic in fear."

Just a few thoughts as I continue to dig out and slowly get back "on the grid."

Categorized under: Totally Wired

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