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BlogHer '07 "Know Before You Go" - It's Okay If You're Small, New, Young, Old, Single, Childless...
by Perhaps this sounds familiar to you:
"Well, I would be going to BlogHer, but...
...my blog is too small."
...my blog doesn't fall into any one category."
...I'm not a mommyblogger."
...I don't really know anyone who'll be there."
Maybe you've said it, or thought it, or know someone who feels this way. I know there are still plenty of would-be attendees who are interested but unsure about signing up.
I know this, because last year I was one of them.
Like many of you, my blog simply chronicles my life's escapades. It's not any one "type" of blog. My readership is modest. And last summer, I honestly wasn't sure if it would be okay for me to attend a conference for "real" bloggers.
I worried that I didn't know enough about blogging or BlogHer to attend. I worried that my blog wasn't interesting or serious or well known enough. I worried that everyone would know each other, or that it would be hard to find someone to talk to. I worried that I would be older than everyone. I worried that I would be younger than everyone. Essentially, I worried that everyone would be a "certain way," and that I would find myself odd-woman-out for one reason or another.
But I signed up anyway.
Turns out, my worries were needless. I had underestimated how empowering it would feel to be surrounded by hundreds of women who also think blogging -- in whatever form, on whatever topic, for whatever reason -- is cool. Anywhere I went, I could engage in conversation about my "secret online passion" and not suffer the glazed-eyes or inevitable questions I get from non-bloggers. (You know the ones.)
In the end, I learned a ton, had a blast, and forged instant friendships all in a matter of hours. It was pretty awesome.
All this is to say that although this year I'm part of the BlogHer team who is planning the conference, I know first-hand how it feels to be undecided, and offer the following resources for those who are still on the fence:
- Peruse the Day One and Day Two schedules to see what's in store. Stay tuned as speakers continue to be added to the list.
- Read through the Frequently Asked Questions.
- And don't forget to check out our http://www.blogher.com/forum ">Forums
If you're on the fence, I hope you'll consider joining us. Registration options are available here.
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Granny SueI am a storyteller, writer, librarian and countrywoman. I have lived in West Virginia over 30 years and have done the things you read about in history books--growing tobacco, making molasses, living without electricity.
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Comments
But I'll be all alone!
I just posted about this very thing at my blog the other day. About the best part and times during BlogHer. And my dorks have all confirmed the truth--we're all dorks and all want to have fun.
~Jenn~
Mommy Needs Coffee | Mommybloggers
BlogHerContributing Editor, Mommy and Family
Endorkening myself further...
Agreed :) That's what BlogHer is all about...
Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder
Surfette
Great Post!
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for linking to your post - we're definitely on the same wavelength!
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.org
...my blog is too
check
check
check
check
I want to go, but truth is I just can't afford to this year.
I will try to look as rico suave
in my own glasses in your honor, kperfetto. We'll miss you!
Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder
Surfette
The sign up deadline is July
The sign up deadline is July 20th, right? I'm not going to completely count myself out just yet. One thing I've got going for me: Chicago is in reasonable driving distance; no need for a flight. (Although with the price of gas I might as well fly.)
kperfetto: Yup, you have some time to decide
So, keep thinking...we'll try to suck you in yet!
Elisa Camahort
BlogHer and Worker Bees
elisa@blogher.org/elisa@workerbees.biz
I very much want to attend-
I very much want to attend- blogging can feel solitary sometimes, which is strange considering what awesome community tools there are. The thing is that I really DON'T know a single person who will be there... and I feel (correct me if this is wrong) but that I'll be the baby. At 20, it feels like it will be mostly women older than me in attendance. I've never been to Chicago, either, so I'd be really nervous to travel alone...
any insight to get over both the fear of travelling to Chicago alone, and the fear of being the only post-teen blogger?
-Lisa
http://insatiablelf.blogspot.com/
This is a chance to move beyond what you
know...
And since you don't know anybody this is a great time to practice your people skills and meet new folks.
As for the older women part. Yeah, there will be older women there. And young women. And more than a few that will be time transcendent.
I suppose you could put out a shout out to find out how many 20 something bloggers are planing to attend but really it is a gathering. All are welcomed.
You won't be alone that long cuz the place will be crawling with bloggers. And food. And conversations that will change your perceptions that you didn't know you had.
Gena - Out On The Stoop
What Gena said
Terrific points. :) "Time transcendent." That's one I'm going to hold on to. Thanks Gena.
Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder
Surfette
I wanna
I wanna be "time transcendent"!!!
But I am not going to be at BlogHer...sigh....so I'll have to be a time-transcendent-wanna-be-at-a-distance.
~~ Contributing Editor, Mata H. also blogs relentlessly at Time's Fool
MataH: Oh, no!
I didn't know you weren't going to be able to come...now I'm sad :(
Elisa Camahort
BlogHer and Worker Bees
elisa@blogher.org/elisa@workerbees.biz
thx, Elisa
Me too.
~~ Contributing Editor, Mata H. also blogs relentlessly at Time's Fool
Ummm I'm 23
I'm 23 and I'm going and that's pretty post teen. I also went last year at the tender age of 22. So yes, 20 something bloggers attend. Just be careful because sometimes you'll walk into a really awesome conversation about childbirth and you'll decide to never have children. Other than that, you'll be fine. Promise.
Heather B.
Personal Blog: No Pasa Nada
BlogHer CE: Business, Career & Personal Finance
Howlinggggggggg
You're right. Did we hear the same conversation?!
Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder
Surfette
HeatherB: Ask me to tell you about the
photos...
HeatherB: When I see you at BlogHer I'm going to tell you, with big gestures and dramatic vocalization, about the photos I saw of a friend's childbirth that convinced me it (childbirth) is very very unnatural. LOL.
Nothing but respect for all of you who have done it!
Elisa Camahort
BlogHer and Worker Bees
elisa@blogher.org/elisa@workerbees.biz
All of the above were true
All of the above were true of me last year when I signed up to go to BlogHer. But I made myself do it anyway, because I felt so alone as a blogger in my real world. I can't say it was always easy doing the social thing with huge groups of women, all of whom seemed to know one another since high school. But I made myself go up to people and by and large, everyone was friendly. It is worth the discomfort, however, in being with 700+ people who 'got me' and my passion for blogging. This year I know more people, so I'm hoping it will be easier. As Jenn says, we're all dorks, and this is the place we can let it hang out.
By Jane
ByJane.blogspot.com
I am very shy in real life but am sooooo
Looking forward to the conference....
I figure it is a chance for me to push my social awkwardness and just plunge in and try to meet all the ladies I read online and make new contacts too...
Unless I am glued to the wall and stammering and yammering like a fool
Look for me at http://crunchycarpets.com or check out the ladies at www.wetcoastwomen.com
maybe next year
between finances and my ongoing health problems, it's a no go this year. I was so upset last year, and I'm still sad about it this year.
I'm hoping I can save up for next year - any chance it will be on the east coast?
Rachel - a Gaggle of girls and sites
blog, recipes, and book reviews
Go Exploring!
I think one of the best things about this conference sounds like it initially takes people out of their comfort zones (always a healthy thing) and they quickly meet other interesting people and get to have a fun time.
So if it spooks you, go!
Keep in mind, although we may all be precious souls none of us are so unique we are so different to everyone else. A conference like this brings people together who have similarities and you'll find new friendships. I'm sure you can make yourself known to the organizers at the conference and they'll introduce you to others.
I can't make the conference myself this year but the idea of having additional conferences in different locations is great and I'm sure the organizers will explore that.
So take a step of faith and go exploring at a conference of women with a similar interest!
Smiles
Belinda
Creatively Belle - Earring Holders and Jewelry Designs
Maybe the outgoing should wear "Talk to me!"
buttons...
so the shy and nervous can identify a safe person to talk to.
Perhaps we need a Lego corner like at South by Southwest? I know for me a glass of wine and some appetizers are the great equalizers, so definitely come stand by me. : )
lauriewrites
That's a Great Idea!!
I may have to make myself a t-shirt that says that!
I seem to have left my awkward-shy self somewhere back in my 40s. I swear each day I open up more and more. Don't recognize myself sometime but I like it!!
Debra
A Stitch In Time
Deb's Daily Distractions
Hey Deb...
We just need to commandeer ourselves a "Welcome Corner" somewhere! If you want to coordinate tshirts let me know. : )
lauriewrites
I'm A Newbie
So excited to be going to my first Blogher conference...the agenda sounds terrific...I'm a newbie blogger...a baby boomer mommy with grown kids...but now I have a new passion...and look forward to meeting others who share it...
you should have a special session for first time attendees...see you in Chicago
Judi
ayearto50.blogspot.com
Sounds like there will be a
Sounds like there will be a lot of us first-timers traveling alone. So we'll just have to start chatting.
----
Jen
http://yawwblog.blogspot.com
http://angryfatgirlz.blogspot.com
http://toledolefty.blogspot.com