In addition to the amazing feedback we received from all the attendees at the conference about Zwaggle and the Zwaggle Recycling Room. There’s also been a bunch of great posts out there talking about Zwaggle as well. Check out just a few of them:

• Kim Moldofsky on Baby Center
• Terry Beth’s post at Fake Plastic Fish
• Stimey’s post on The Junk Yard Pyramid
• Ariel’s on Inside Voice
• Jennifer Jeffrey’s mention
• And of course Carmen on Mom to the Screaming Masses

There are so many more, but that’s just a sampling.

Even more exciting was this note from Jill the director of Create Now, the charity we sent a bunch of the swag to.

“Thanks so much, Adam, Zwaggle and BlogHer for sending us these wonderful items. The troubled kids that Create Now! serves will love them, especially since most of them have so little in their lives. It will mean a lot for them to know that people like you and the bloggers at the conference who donated their goodies really care.

The items you sent to us will have several uses: (1) After all of our arts mentoring workshops, such as a music class or an art project, we give all of the kids gift bags with goodies inside, including candy, Certificates of Completion, CDs and other things. These items will be perfect for that; (2) We sometimes sponsor Talent Shows for the kids and these make fun prizes; (3) Some of our youth are parents themselves and they occasionally bring their children to our office. The Circus DVD will be entertaining and they will enjoy the magnets.”

I won’t lie. This all feels great.

Thanks everyone!

BlogHer ‘08 was a rockin’ success from seemingly every angle. Particularly exciting was that the Zwaggle Recycling Room did an amazing job of collecting the unwanted swag that conference attendees were given and passing it on to those who did want it. Some of the swag was barely seen - I think we collected a handful of “50 free print” cards from Snapfish. Some of the swag was a bit less popular - anyone need a florescent light bulb recycling kit? When all was said and done, by our best guestimate we recycled more than 1,000 pounds of swag, either by repurposing items to other bloggers who wanted it, sending the unwanted gifts back to the vendors, donating items to Create Now or out and out recycling. Go, Team Zwaggle!

The best part of the conference was passing on the message of Zwaggle to the public. Time and again, bloggers asked me, “What is Zwaggle, anyway?” When I started to explain, the furrowed brows cleared and the light of comprehension dawned in their eyes. “OH, wow,” one said. “What an awesome idea!” It is, indeed. Passing your unused gear to those who need it - it’s the old fashioned hand me down system, with an Internet twist (and a whole lot of other really cool features and benefits). I really think after this weekend, more people “get it” than ever before, and I’m psyched to see how explosive this whole community is going to become. Zwaggle has gotten some great press on this, as we approach the first year anniversary of the company.

Freecycle, look out! You’ve got NOTHING on Zwaggle!

In just a few days, my favorite time of year will be here. It’s an intense, crazy, non stop talk fest, where I can meet up with old friends and make new ones - a place to make contacts and connections and learn more about my most favorite subject - blogging.

Yes, I’m talking about Blogher. It begins in just a few days, and I can’t wait. My first Blogher conference was tough. I was nervous and unsure. Last year was my second year, and it was much smoother and relaxed, and I enjoyed myself so much more. Blogher means many things to me. It is a place to go where you don’t have to explain what a “blog” is, or correct someone when they mention your “blob”. It is a place to feel secure, to have your questions answered - to learn basics like RSS and to discuss privacy issues, with other women who just get it. One of the best parts of Blogher is the incredible Schwag. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way, and now bring a collapsible bag to bring it all home. Each attendee is given a bag with things like laptop carriers, lotion, t shirts, pot holders, stickers, coupons, books - the list goes on and on and on. Wait a minute - did someone say POTHOLDERS?

Yes, each attendee last year was given a potholder, and by the end of the conference, they were strewn around like confetti after a New Year’s Party. I happen to LIKE potholders and we go through them like water, so I grabbed a few extra. In talking with other attendees, we discussed what should be done about the stuff we didn’t want - we felt guilty for not wanting some of the things and, being unwilling to toss it in the garbage, we tried to swap it out with others. This year, the lovely ladies at Blogher have taken our tiny swap, mixed in the awesome appeal of Zwaggle, and come up with a winner of an idea. This year, Zwaggle will be in charge of the recycling room, and I’m tickled pink. Are you going to be there? Come and say hi - I’m apt to jump up and give you a hug. Or, if that makes you uncomfortable, a handshake. I’m cool that way. Bring us your unwanted schwag - the too small shirt or the coupons for food you don’t want - and feel great about helping both the environment and your fellow Bloghers. Helping yourself, helping others, and helping the environment - a win win situation for all of us.