Wednesday, March 29, 2006

An Offer I Couldn't Refuse

A few days ago I was invited by Stephen Taylor to join Blogging Tories. This was no slouch offer. I knew that it was a huge opportunity to get my message out there, but due to technical problems at the time, I reluctantly said I'd have get back to him.

Well, my IHTG ("In-House Tech Guy" who inhales the groceries before they even reach the fridge) spent a lot of time helping me out, and the issues were somewhat resolved. I contacted Stephen to reveal the good news, and my IHTG did the rest.

This all coincided with my breaking story about the YWCA propaganda report (see previous post), so it's all somewhat of a blur. That was a busy day - phone calls to media, attempting to resolve annoying technical issues and then finally trying to get out a coherent story.

But it was all worth the effort. I would like to express my gratitude to Stephen Taylor for his marvellous invitation and helpful advice; to Joan Tintor and other fellow bloggers for their glowing references to my piece; to my patient husband who tolerates stacks of newspapers and notes all over the place, and to countless others who have left so many encouraging comments on my blog.

Ms. Markson, I appreciate that you took the time to tell me your side of things. In a sense, you too are a victim in the relentless pressure to get one story out and then rush to the next. Maybe we're all to blame with our insatiable appetite for news.

And a special note to my IHTG - I couldn't do this without you. Thanks.

16 comments:

Sara said...

how old are you? cause you sound like me,, my messy computer with papers, books half crumpled notes and me sitting in th middle lol

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Old enough to have a 22 year old son!

Clutter knows no age boundaries, Sara.

The problem is that every day I start out saying, "This is the day that I get a handle on things! I'm going to exercise, clean up this mess and get my life back in order."

And then the computer draws me like a magnet! Glad I'm not the only one with this problem anyway.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Vicki, I actually have 2 IHTG's, so I guess I've got it pretty good. My son is the blog-assistant. My husband knows a lot of computer stuff too, so I've got excellent resources.

Yeah, can you imagine life without a computer now? I'd rather give up both my T.V. and phone.

Sara is amazing for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing her on CTV. We know she'll give the straight goods anyway.

Sara said...

stephen is hard to refuse though he's like the Harper of the blogging land lol

Sara said...

by the way if you google my name you will see my history of this stuff... sara landriault

also my local tv channel here is having me on tomorrow at 6pm,, well I'm there at 8am but hey taped is better than live what if I have to pick my nose hehe...

I do all of this in about 2 - 3 hours a day on the puter. Most is taking away from hubby time not kids so hubby need some attention soon or uh oh

Sara said...

t.v. local ottawa tomorrow, the A channel against the president of the Ontario Coalition for better childcare... someone wish me luck!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Wow, that's great Sara! You're getting to be a high-profile advocate for childcare choice. This is one "womens' right to choose" that I totally support!

Good luck! Looking forward to hearing all about it on your blog.

Sara said...

you and me both Joanne,,, I"M F(*&(*&ING NERVOUS

Sara said...

Good point. We agree. Thanks for writing.
By the way, I've read a lot of patronizing reports from special interest groups on all sorts of subjects in my time. This one was in the top two or three.

Lorrie Goldstein


I got that back from Lorrie today... he does care

sry bout posting so much but I am freaking nervous

Joanne (True Blue) said...

LOL! Sara, you'll be great! Just let your passion guide you.

Tap into some of that outrage: media manipulation; left-wing radical self-interest groups and mightier-than-thou policitcians telling you that you're not qualified to raise your own kids!

Got the fire now?

Sara said...

NO!

Anonymous said...

I'd like to comment on the new look of your blog, Joanne. When I saw the colour blue is was initially surprised because it was a change from the original pink, but everything inside me said "this is right and good!" No self-respecting Tory would colour themselves pink in any way, so what was that about? Well I guess if Belinda can change colours, so can you!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Hey, Carolyn! Glad you like the new look. Again that was with assistance from my IHTG.

Yes, I guess we ladies are allowed to change our minds, but that would be just about where the similarity ends between Belinda and I.

BTW, Everyone, support Sara! Please!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Fred, that's a great question. Try asking Brian at "Canadian Blue Lemons" on the BT blogroll. He's the financial expert in our group. I'd be interested to see what he says.

Lemon said...

Ive started a petition
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/111327/petition.html

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Fred - According to Diane Finley, the YWCA report was indeed paid for by the previous Liberal government, and is staledated.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/493016.html