Here's to the crazy ones that change the world: Digital Parents Conference 2012

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels the troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes, the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo.You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, about the only thing you can't do is ignore them, because they change things, they push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones we see genius because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."

Today I spoke on a panel at the Digital Parents Conference in Melbourne on working with brands. I started the session with this ad from Apple in 1997 because it is so inspirational and it still rings true today. The only thing that is a little different is that genius is no longer only found in the ranks of famous people.

It is found in the true story of someone's life, the humour that keeps someone else going, the drive another has for a good cause and the courage they all have to share part of themselves on their blog. Social media is a revolution, it gives nobodies a voice and it moves influence back to many rather than few.

That passion and influence is worth more than a bottle of moisturiser, and I hope from today we will realise that when we choose to collaborate with brands that we love and are passionate about, we'll remember that.

 I dedicate this to any one with an internet connection. You can change the world and if you are not certain well you can be certain that some of you have already changed at least one life today.

I have listed the twitter handles of those who moved me today below, please add your gamechangers too!

Kristie @HesperasGarden

Andrea @FoxinFlats

 Clint @ReservoirDad

Zoey @GoodGoogs

Georgia @Parental_Parody

Kate @Katesaysstuff

Nathalie @EasyPeasyKids

Emma @Realityraver

Dorothy @singular_insane

Lisa @sawhole

Gemma @mybignutshell

Darren @problogger

Shae @freerangeShae

Lucy @diminishingLucy

and of course Maria @mums_word Trae @glowless Kirrily @shortn_tweet and Brenda @mummytime who made it all happen!

Posted in: Apple, blogging, changing the world, conference, crazy passionate, digital parents, DPcon12, inspiration, Steve Jobs