Rebecca's comments

Hey Leif!

Congrats to you too for meeting your goal.

Miss me? I'm right here in Queen Anne, now, and for a while. :) I'd love to see you fine folks at an upcoming event, so I'll check Biznik's calendar and hope that schedules cooperate.

p.s. Great time of year for gloves.

A year later, WOW! Thanks for keeping us honest, Leif. Here goes the report:

"I will have built solid new skills as a writer"

CHECK! I went from being a freelance writer focusing on product development and games design to managing a team of writers at the website called Classmates.com. Has it come a long way in the last year? Yes. Still a long way to go? Most definitely. I feel more engaged in how to talk to users online than I ever did before, and work with great writers who teach me all the time.

"learned all about website design."

CHECK! Sort of. Working on clients' websites and at Classmates has most definitely helped me learn. Not only do I now understand all those acronyms, but I also feel comfortable talking about how to engage users and what intuitive, clean design looks and feels like. And you know what, I love it, and love learning more and more each week.

"and fostered strong new Seattle contacts."

Definitely! While Seattle doesn't exactly offer you her warm hand throughout the year, I feel a certain connection to several people here, and wouldn't you know it, I owe that to Biznik in large part.

"In Oct. '08, I will -be earning my highest wages to date"

'Tis true. Steady, good pay. Although the 3 week trip to southeast Asia and an empty LA condo in October made my checking account sag a bit. I'm in the black and feeling fortunate.

"have invested in real estate in Washington State"

Not exactly. I did research and check out a few places, thanks again to a Biznik contact. But, I am not as keen as pulling the trigger on real estate right now. I've rekindled my savings spirit in light of all the fun news of late, so I'm tabling the Trump side of myself for now.

"will be thinking "Isn't life great!"

Also true. Some stones yet unturned but after the recent trip to Asia and the fabulous election results, I am more optimistic than ever and seeing Seattle as a great place to be. Now if only the sun would shine literally and not just metaphorically for me.

That was fun! Thanks again Leif!!! I'll chip in to the 2009 chat later...

This looks like a great bunch (and a great locale).

I'll look for other events like this.

Enjoy!

rebeccakraus.com

Helen, I was looking forward to this again! So much fun last time. Alas, I'm headed on a camping trip this weekend and need to do a little prep on Thursday.

Thanks for being such a primo picnic planner!

Have a lovely evening. Rebecca

I'm now hankering for a trip up to the top. I'll check back, in the hopes the rsvp list opens up.

Enjoy that view! Rebecca

OK I'll just say it: I love ABBA. And Meryl Streep (but then again, who doesn't?).

Can't make it this Wed. as I have plans with a kayak, but I hope you have a blast!

Rebecca

Hey everyone! Look forward to spending some time in the sun.

One glitch is that I now have a broken bone in my foot, so I'm not as quick on my feet as normal. Anyone know about handicapped parking at the stadium (I have a placard.) The less I walk, the more time I have to talk with you all.

Thanks for any tips!

Rebeca

This looks fascinating! A few of my favorite Bizniks will be in tow and I love the topic. I would have even offered to lead a carpool.

Alas, I have other plans that night. But soon, soon, I'll see you all.

Have a fantastic event.

Ah....I can't go now either as I'm taking an all day class, but hopefully you all have a great time!

And I'm still game for 7/19, Kirk.

See ya! Rebecca

Oh, what a fun thing to do with Bizniks! This California-born girl would be happy to come. If miraculously another ticket appears, I'm on deck.

Otherwise, enjoy!

Rebecca

Oh geez, I'm sure there were many over the years.

One of my favorite typos was actually in an article about me as a games copywriter at Mattel. The article listed games I'd worked on, including one called "Bladerdash", instead of "Balderdash" (a game all about WORDS).

Bladerdash, the other kind of racing game.

I really love this idea! I have been in many brainstorms (and lead them regularly), so any inspiration for creative thinking sounds fantastic.

Rebecca

Hi Jessie! This looks great...and what a wonderful group.

If a spot opens up, I'd love to come. Let me know!

Rebecca

I'm in now too! And now you can see the exact same picture of me there too. (Ok, I'll change it sometime. Stay tuned.)

Hope to see you AND your faces around town soon!

Hi Regina, Unfortunately I had to bow out on this one, but I hope to meet you at another event. Thanks for hosting. I've been meaning to try dim sum in Seattle. Enjoy! Rebecca

Hello! I worked in Games Design at Mattel and Cranium so it's fair to say I LOVE games. I'd be happy to bring some never before played in the US games like "Party Scrabble" which is team and timed play. I have many others too--from Cranium-branded ones to Balderdash and beyond. I'm most in favor of the adult social interactive ones (OK, I'm partial to the ones I helped develop!).

Shauna, if you'd like help with a games night, I'd be delighted. The best games nights have 6-8 people and plenty of snacks and space. I'll be on holiday until early January but if you'd like some help, do let me know. It's something I've done a few--or a hundred--times.

Rebecca

http://rebeccakraus.com/GAMES.HTM

This looks fantastic. As I'm flying away to LA the next morning for the holidays, I can't swing it. I'd be delighted to go to an event like this in early in '08, though.

Thanks and enjoy, all. Rebecca

www.rebeccakraus.com

Hey Barak, This sounds like great fun, and perfect for the season. I have a guest coming into town that night, so I can't make it.

I sure hope you do more Treasure Hunts in '08!

Cheers, Rebecca

Hey Barry, I definitely like connecting/networking with other Bizniks often, although I often relegate our chit chats to the evening events around town.

I'd love to meet you over lunch, coffee, or even doffe as John calls it. I continue on a contract in Renton, which ain't exactly smack dab in Seattle, but I'm open to ways of making it work!

(Rachel made the jaunt to Renton, btw, and we had a lovely lunch.)

Rebecca

Ugh! My sore throat is conspiring against me tonight, so I can't swing it. Bill, I love the topic, especially since I've been working at a social networking site for a few months. Will hope to connect with you some other time! Rebecca

Hey Shona!

This is what I'm talking about regarding Biznik. Everyone is so engaged and helpful. I'm glad Rachel mentioned Mikelann--I went to her seminar at Bizjam and she is extremely wise about money issues.

Regarding branding and consulting, consider contacting these folks I've had the pleasure of meeting: Dominic, Kelly Hobkirk, Karrie Kohlhaas, Dinah Brein

Congrats on your new life as an indie, my dear! I'm rooting for you. xo Rebecca

p.s you were here for 24 hours, not 48! A very short amount of time to show you around! You'll just have to come back...