What is Barbara Howard Thinking?: Chef Janette Barber

Hmm...

Well, actually not "officially" kicked off. My post was deleted by the Ning managers on two communities where I am a member. Or, was. But more on that later.

If you are not familiar with Nings, they are online social communities. Basically, you set up a profile page, add you widgets and photos and links and banners and other blather. Then you join up with a few discussions, make friends, ya know.

The insane thing about Nings is that somehow they spawn new Nings while you sleep. After joining one, you wake up the next morning with 20 "Join Me At XYZ community..." emails. Then 20 more, and so on, and so on. You begin hearing from "friends" that you have never met on Nings that you have never joined. Spooky.

I usually join groups to network and, being the Queen of Shameless Plugs, promote my projects. I've met some really awesome people through Nings ... and some really irritating ones. Oh well, such is life, right. For the most part, I am pretty low key unless I have something really exciting to share with the other members. Like helping to promote their businesses through my podcasts or blogs, stuff like that.

So, how did I get kicked off - or, why did I leave the two "shall remain nameless" Nings? What could come out of my thoughts into a post that would be so offensive that my words would be deleted? Hmm...

It was the title of a book by Celeb Chef and 6x Emmy Award Winner Writer/Author/Producer, Janette Barber. She was my guest on The Recipe Box Show (btw: if you haven't listened to the show lately, you really should. I'm giving away cool stuff!) ANY-way, Janette is a tremendously funny and talented woman that has taken on the issue of body-image in regards to women weight loss/gain, etc. She blogs and provides videos and recipes to help women along the way to discovering they are SPECIAL in whatever package they are blessed with learning how to EMBRACE their B.F.A.'s - listen to the show at http://tinyurl.com/655e7h to find out more. Remember I am the Queen of Shameless Plugs :)

I must say that after one manager deleted my post, she did send an email explaining why she did. I wish she had sent the email prior. Or, actually READ the entire post. Considered my previously unblemished record as an active member of the community. But, que c'era sera.

The other Ning manager was not so kind. She deleted the post and each time I tried to post another entry, it was automatically deleted. Hmm... so I quietly packed up my widgets and dropped out. No fanfare, no goodbye kisses from all my virtual friends. Nothing, not a peep.

Don't get me wrong. I understand we live in a "what have you done for me lately" kinda world. And EVERYONE is EXTREMELY too busy to care about my little drama.

Janette Barber was supportive and kind. A new virtual friend with feelings. It's amazing how certain personalities can connect with you regardless of the medium of communication. Janette has that gift. I hope you'll stop by her blog http://www.janettesblog.com/ and purchase her new book, "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it!

While you're out surfing, drop by The Recipe Box Show blog - Recipes For Life, enter a comment for a chance to win a copy of "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" - THERE, I said it again!

The Recipe Box Talk Show hosted by Barbara Howard

Thursday, August 28, 2008 @ 8pm ET

I will be joined by 6 time Emmy winning producer, writer and celebrity chef, Janette Barber. A four time nominated head writer from the Rosie O’Donnell Show, she has written for the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. She was Hot Topics writer on ABC’s The View during Rosie O’Donnell’s tenure there and won a 2008 Daytime Emmy in Special Class writing for her work on that show.

Chef Janette's show on the TV Food Network, Lighten Up focused on converting fattening recipes to be lighter healthier and less fattening. She was also a spokesperson and recipe creator for Molly McButter through two ad campaigns. Her current project with solftware company, ElmLife, involves creating a web-based, interactive, artificially intelligent software guide. An animated version of Janette will host the guide and interact with users to help them develop better, healthier eating habits. Also, Janette is the spokesperson for EyeCare America's Feast Your Eyes campaign about how healthier eating habits can preserve eye health.

** Join us and YOU COULD WIN a copy of Janette Barber's book "Embracing Your Big Fat Ass" (Atria) which is humorous self esteem and empowerment for women around the topic of body image.