I’ve been a little bitter this past week. My complexion was radiating a mightily distinct shade of green. I knew it was coming, and that I had no intention of going. The chatter and excitement in the blogosphere that led up to the highly anticipated BlogHer ’09 conference in Chicago was making me itch with a desire to be a part of it. I simply had to take in every drop of enthusiasm brought to life in the form of posts and tweets from my fellow bloggers with tickets, drooling as they polished off their business cards and fretted over which strappy sandals to pack. “Damn”, I said as I imagined stuffing my favorite Bandolinos into a suitcase, “I don’t even have business cards. I’m SO not ready for this.”
I told myself I was too new at the whole blogging thing to warrant attendance to a conference. I didn’t feel as though I had quite earned my badge. I thought loftily that next year, next year I’d be ready. So I sat back and by the power of Twitter watched it all unfold from my laptop.
Wow.
Stop by any of the popular parenting sites, and you’re bound to get a personal recap from those who attended…and some have painted none too pretty a picture. There are endless stories of women mobbing the marketing expo for free gifts, pushing and shoving their way with little concern for the safety of others, people whose only interest was to get free stuff; and others who simply acted unprofessional in general.
Those who have been writing blogs dating back to the times of online journals, and who have been attending the conference for years, saw their happy gathering of typing souls morphing before their eyes. They were embarrassed by what took place, and frustrated and torn by the desire to see their blogging community flourish, but not to change like this. They were concerned that the women who acted less than stellar clouded the reflection of bloggers in general. I think Mom-101 said it best that “our actions- for better of for worse…reflect on the entire community.”
I felt for these women who continue to see their world alter with the onslaught of new bloggers popping up everywhere; the face to the name blogger is changing daily, and not always for the better.
There were of course, others that had a wonderful time, enjoyed the seminars, and didn’t notice much of the drama that took place. That’s the kind of BlogHer I was expecting to hear about; the kind I want to see.
Regardless, where does this leave me? I am new to this world, this entity that is the blogosphere. I am fueled by the desire to write, to share, to experience, to read, to be read, to be understood, to entertain, to provoke thought, and to be a part of this vast community. I am one. I am one of oh, so many.
Registration for BlogHer ’10 is already underway. It is in New York, and as I picture myself, a brave solo traveler, bags packed, driving to the Big Apple with my cds blearing my favorite songs as I sing at the top of my lungs in total excitement of the days ahead; I stop and wonder.
Is this for me? Am I bold enough to go on my own, not knowing a single soul in person, and not having made enough personal connections to have my own BlogHer Buddies? Do I qualify in my own mind as worthy? Do I qualify yet in the minds of others? Does it matter?
But also, is it worth it? This is not a business venture for me. This is writing for the shear compulsion to write. I will not be sponsored, and the trip would be entirely out of my own pocket. Is it financially wise in these times to simply go for the desire of the experience, with hopes to learn ways to better this little hobby of mine?
These are the questions I am facing. The answers I had best decide upon soon…BlogHer ’10 will sell out in no time.
I think you should go. Why do you need to be "qualified?" The heart and soul of blogging is in the fact that anyone can do it, people blog because they want/need/love to write, not to make money. Yeah, I know lots of people have turned it commercial but it's the "hobbyists" just like you who got it all started.
Anyway, you have a whole year–I'm sure you could in that time find a buddy to go with.
If you don't at least try then next year you could be sitting here writing another regretful post! Go for it! Even if you do go, and you do feel wierd or whatever, at least then you'll KNOW what it's like.
I agree with Alicia. Every group has its "in" crowd (in this case, women bloggers who blog enough and read other blogs enough to be interested in getting together once a year), and although I'm sure there will be BlogHer stars, there are also be plenty of bloggers who are less known and probably less serious about it than you are. One way to get known is by going to events like this–attending some of the panels you find interesting, introducing yourself to writers you admire (hence, the need for business cards). I read somewhere that like 95% of blogs are abandoned, and you have been at this for over a year so you've already earned all the cred you need. Do I have to remind you that you have been featured on Boston.com? I know 1500 people (I checked) may seem intimidating, but that's really a pretty small community, and I also imagine there will be even smaller subgroups (moms, politicos, crafters, etc). There will probably be posts from roommate seekers, so if you split the cost of the hotel room and don't drive once you're there, it won't be out of reach financially. And I know my brother-in-law will do anything in his power to make it possible. So, my dear, JUST GO!! xoxo
Go! Go! Go! The more there are people like you there for the writing and the learning and the sisterhood (gah, sorry for the sappiness) the better it will be for all of us. Your presence would be a boon.
Thank you everyone. Mom-101, your visit is a pleasure!
I wish I had more time to think. I don't think I can register NOW for something a YEAR from now—but I know it HAS to be now or there will no more tickets.
Also, I would go even if I didn't have a blog but just loved blogs and wanted to go to BlogHer. I don't think of it as being an event where people judge other people on blog qualifications. Just on shoes.
Great, just what she needs, a reason to buy more shoes.
O Come on we will go together! LOL I just started my job and hopefully I will meet a lot of people and will want to see them in person next year. So the big apple um i think it should be a big YES! Now following from MBC.
-Blake
http://centerpetpharmacy.com/blog/
If you have the desire for the experience, than you should definitely plan to go! It's like anything else in life; we rarely regret that we took a chance, but often regret that we didn't.
Plus you have time to do some more online networking and possibly find a blogger or two to join you!
Of course you should go! Even if you go all by your lonesome, you certainly won't be alone for long.
And you can always look for me in my FREE HUGS! t-shirt.
TellingDad.com
I'm with Alicia. Go, girl!
Life is all about experiences, good or bad. GO!!!
I can be your NY buddy! I can always amuse myself… anywhere. No joke.
Yes, yes! Go! I just started blogging and I've always heard about BlogHer and always wanted to go but thought I had no reason to be there. But this year I am going, even though I won't know a soul there. I figure I can learn a little about writing & blogging & I can meet some people. Maybe I can meet you there?