Social Media + community = true support

Yesterday, I started a campaign to get support to attend The Future of Web Design next month in London so that I can do a presentation on the graceful degradation of CSS3 and launch myself onto the web conference speaking circuit.

So, after only one day of tweeting and asking friends to put the word out by retweeting, there have been over $400.00 of donations! Wow!

Not only that, but my friends Kiratiana, whom I just met at SXSW last month, and Liz Burr, who was one of my panelists at last year’s conference have contacted me to include me in articles and give an extra shout out.

Having so many people show such amazing support in a such a short time feels incredible — especially on the heels of having isolated myself for eight months doing research, developing example sites, and trying to crank out chapters. During that period of time I cut myself off from Twitter (which, while a great tool, can also be such a huge distraction), social events, and making an effort to hang out with friends. Because of this, I felt disconnected from the many communities that in actuality feed me and help me feel balanced and normal.

As the @replies and direct messages were coming in yesterday, I had a total Sally Field moment:

So, this the first post of thanks. Thank you to all of the people who have contributed so far and thanks to the people who may contribute in the future. I am excited to be able to give back!