My view from the Academy Awards stage at the Kodak Theatre

How many people can say that they spoke on the the stage where the Oscars are held?

I have a personal rule, which is that whenever someone asks me to do something, I always say yes without thinking about it. Jeff Pulver one time told me that he calls that putting yourself in luck’s way. Usually, it turns out to be a good idea. I’ve agreed to do many things that I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to do had I taken a moment to think about it. One such instance was the #140 Conference in LA, hosted by Jeff Pulver. It was in the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles (yes, where the Academy Awards are held). I’m sure had I stopped to think when Jeff asked me, I would have been way too terrified to get up on that stage. Thank goodness I’m more impulsive than fearful because it turned out to be such a great experience.

Reasons I’m grateful that I just said yes to the #140conf in LA:

• Got to have lunch with some of my favorite book peeps on Twitter: @vromans @booksquare @kirkbiglione @thinkmaya @permanentpaper. I find it truly profound that I have these friends around the country who I can learn from and connect with every day — and then even in person every once in a while. It reminds me what a gift Twitter is. Just think, even 3 years ago I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to know these wonderful people — and now I can connect with them nearly every day, know what they read, think about book publishing issues, etc. What a gift.

• Got to meet @JessicaGottlieb. I’ve been following her on Twitter for a while now and always thought she seemed like a lot of fun. She’s really funny in person. When her talk is posted, be sure to watch it on blip.tv. It’s good for a smile.

• Got to hang out with my friend @MarkTauber who’s the publisher of @HarperOne. Good friend who I don’t get to see often enough. Really smart; awesome panel moderator (I’ll post video when it’s up online). Helped turn around a day that started out not so great. (thank you Mark!)

ETA:

• Left with an awesome Kodak video camera in my goodie bag. Thank you Kodak! You’re the best! What an amazing conference you sponsored. You are an inspiration. Be sure check out the Kodak speech in the opening remarks. I’m now a fan!