But really, she wasn't a complete stranger. We know each other in the bloggy world. The thing folks outside the blogosphere don't get is that we bloggers have the benefits of a real community, and we never have to help anyone move.
Once I figured out who all the bloggers were...and as I said previously it's not that easy...Black Hockey Jesus, for example, is not black. Anyway, once I figured out who's who, I could talk to them like old pals.
To Nanny Goats: Are you still commuting between the two cities?
To Junk Drawer Kathy: How was your visit to the Blog Family Robinson?
To JD: Is your bunion any better?
Yep. We know all kinds of things about one another. Which is the real reason for crashing the conference.
And if one is brave enough to crash a conference, what's to prevent one from crashing a dinner party?
Here I am with some of the Mick Jaggers and Susan Boyles of the bloggy world: Maggie, Sprite, Anymommy, Amy, Sandi, Jessica, Ann, and Anna (Vodka Mom was behind the camera). On the phone with us was the biggest rock star of all--think Beatles meet the Maharaja kind of status--Braja.
And if one can crash a dinner, why not a session? I didn't want to take advantage of conference, so I brought my own pretzels and micro-brews. I did, however, go to the humor session to support my sistahs.
Plus I thought I could learn a thing or do. Which I did.
Jessica of Bern This and Anna of Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder gave some great writing advice:
--Use specific detail. For example, instead of writing, the man is tall. You'd write, the man is very tall.
--Don't use too many unnecessary or useless or redundant words to say what you can say in a paired-down, short, concise, straight to the point manner.
--Don't use cliches. I personally thought this tip was worth its weight in gold.
Besides the food and the advice, there were parties. I had the pleasure of crashing a few of them with Carolyn Online and Ms. Picket (who both look 29) btw. And truly, we did end up in the bathroom with Bossy. Singing I Will Survive.
And yes, I did end up in bed with Father Muskrat. I believe he was wearing a paper McDonald's hat on his head and holding a doll in his lap. We aren't that familiar with one another, but Muskrat knows I collect dolls. My suspicion is that Father Muskrat had the doll because he was trying to impress me and get into my...ah...my... header. Sorry dude, I don't allow Brats to mingle with Bonos.
But seriously, Blogher was blast (even though there were no Cusack sightings). It's true that you really can connect to people in the virtual world. Here's a book by two bloggers who did. Ms. Pickett and Carolyn formed the type of friendship where you can ask your pal to help you move. Check it out HERE.
posted at humor-blogs
23 comments:
I could totally see myself crashing Blogher. I'm going to call you about next year and get some pointers.
It seems to me that the best way to attend Blogher is to crash it.
I was a champion crasher in high school (not of parties - I was INVITED to the parties - but of NYC events I couldn't possibly afford).
We all crashed the Peter Lemoncello concert (or whatever his name was) because we carried in lemon jello and said it was a present (from what I can remember). I really, really can't believe the back door folks let us in. He was the worst. performer. ever. Just as we had suspected.
Heh. Good on you. WAIT! You were at the Humor Bloggers session? I didn't see you? Kathy and I snuck in late and stood up against the wall near the front. Huh. (We had to go meet Tim Gunn.)
And the bunion is fine, thank you for asking.
SO great to meet you!!!
Jeff: Please do. And bring you mouth organ.
Jen: Damn. You got me beat. Although I once snuck back stage at a Ravi Shankar concert by telling the bouncer I was his sister.
JD: I so enjoyed meeting you--and glad you weren't nude.
Sounds fun! Maybe one of these days.
where was all this fun--in the greater Toledo area? That's not that far from here!
All my jealous self can say is:
Yeah, yeah....WHATever.
:-)
I only hope Carolyn Online and Ms. Picket aren't 22, 'cause then you've just insulted them.
This whole thing sounds a blast. Veddy noble of you to bring your own micro-brews, of course.
Reforming Geek: Hope you can. The best part is you'll get to have that dandy Blogher 10 badge on your site.
Sage: It was in Chicago--hence the Cusack patrol.
Jocelyn: Thanks. I am nothing if not noble.
omg what a great photo of THAT PHONE CALL!!! :)))
I agree with Braja! That was an amazing time and I am also glad about the you know what. I'm setting my standards higher for you know what from now on!
It takes a big man to walk around with a doll in his hand all night. Which is why I ended up losing it.
Braja: Yes, you're spirit was greatly felt.
Sprite: I do love my steak once in a while.
Muskrat: No worries. I knew you were a big man when you posted your bare behind on the internet.
oh lord i almost forgot about the impromptu singalong. in the loo.
and girl: you is one awesome pimp! THX!
Best comment thus far was from you where you said you were glad JD wasn't nude. I go to BlogHer and meet JD with clothes on so you don't have to. :)
When Kathy and Jenn visited us (The Robinsons), it was great. We missed you. Maybe next time or maybe next year's BlogHer. :)
I desperately want to go to BlogHer next year. Perhaps I'll take some kind of demeaning second job and save up the money, and get some blog fodder in the process. I think my head would explode from meeting so many awesome people.
Yes, I said awesome. I can't think of a better adjective.
That sounds like so much fun! I'm very jealous!
Okay, i gave you some good writing tips, now give me a boyfriend. What? I think that's a fair request
Don't use cliches? I am so screwed.
Chicago is even closer and with better rail connections!
Ms. Picket - Yes, you were our fearless leader in that loo.
Unfinished - JD is lovable with or without clothes.
Mrs. Robinson - No need to save money for the conference. You CRASH it, darling.
Cookie - It was fun, but at a price: 10,000 calories (from gain alcohol) a day.
April - Cliches are a dime a dozen.
Jessica - No problem. But do you really want a dude from Toledo, Ohio?
Sage - Next year NYC and Robert DeNiro stalking.
Well, you can't see my face, but you can see my MENU!!!!
And yes, there's nothing like meeting you guys face to face. Now when I read you I can HEAR you and SEE you in my mind.
Awesome.
Glad you had fun. I'd like to go to Blogher but its really expensive! Well maybe next year!
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