Edited to add new information. Scroll down.
As some of you may know, Johnson & Johnson is throwing an all-expenses paid blogger junket featuring spa services pampering and celebrity photo-ops in the beginning of April. About a month ago, some of mah blog sistahs started emailing me asking if I was going. The answer? No. I wasn't invited.
I had already solidified my plans to speak at BlogHer Biz and I knew the dates overlapped. Plus, I don't have a baby anymore so I didn't think much of it.
Until last week when I got three different emails from three different people (over the course of 2 days) asking if I'd like to attend Johnson's Baby Camp.
Then after a day or so went by and I hadn't responded, I got another email telling me that I had better hurry up and RSVP since the camp was filling up.
So finally, after working out all the childcare and travel logistics (Johnson's would have done well to have their camp on a weekend when their target audience didn't have to arrange childcare), I decided that I would be able to go after all, but would have to skip part of the camp to attend BlogHer Biz. I RSVP'd yes and was contacted by someone who said they'd help make all the necessary arrangements.
Then today, I was disinvited to Johnson's Camp with this to-the-point email.
Unfortunately, we can only accomodate those who registered to arrive and leave within the parameters of Johnson's Camp Baby.
In other words, because I'm going to BlogHer, I'm SOL.
I totally get it. They are shelling out tons of money and a blogger mama who can enjoy the full pampering treatment deserves to go in my place. Trust me, I'm not crushed, I'm laughing. And I'm delighted that someone more deserving (and less mouthy?) will be able to go.
Edited on 3/21 to add: Stop the presses! A mommy blogger (of color) emailed me today to tell me that when she declined, the J&J folks asked her if she could come even if it was just for "part of the event." This means what they told me about why I couldn't come isn't true. Not professional, J&J.
Those of you that are going, I have a little side project for you: I'd love to know how many bloggers of color attend Johnson's Baby Camp. Will one of you email me Twitter when you get there so I can have those stats for my Blogher Biz talk? (Or, if you are a blogger of color, let me know if you were invited.) Just curious.
Edited to add: I'm now hearing that people are being disinvited for a host of other reasons (one being: no slung babies allowed. Or breastfeeding babies. Yes, at Johnson & Johnson. The baby company.) I fear this is another PR nightmare-in-the-making. Have you been disinvited? Comment away!
Sites linking to this post:
Mom-101 (Though to clarify, my feelings aren't "hurt" for being disinvited. I'm merely pointing out the lack of professionalism in this whole ordeal.)
Queen of Spain (a MUST READ esp. for PR people)
Moms Connected
Fake Plastic Noodles
Scobleizer
Maryamie/Maryam Scoble
Pop! PR Jots
Susan Getgood/Marketing Roadmaps
Flamingo House Happenings
Eye on Blogs (cbs5.com)
Contest for Moms
Media Orchard
Confessions of an It Girl
Loralee's Looney Tunes
