First Person Friday: BlogHer thoughts edition.

by

carla1505

Ok, People, you got the pictures (weren’t they lovely? G-d forbid I manage to remember to bring a camera & not always resort to the camera-phone) & now the musings.

The thoughts.

You know, the ones which *aren’t* all sponsor thanking and panel-love sending.

BlogHer? I ADORED IT.

But let me back up first.

I have to admit: I was pretty much dreading it.

It isnt so much Im a recluse (no matter what people say!) it’s just that Im often an observer when meeting new people en masse.

I like to hang back initially and just watch & absorb.

Im the person in the corner of the room checking out the mayhem until I feel comfortable enough to approach total strangers and introduce myself (which, now that I think about it, is reason 347387 why it’s a good thing my blog name doesnt resemble a venereal disease).

I feared Id be completely overwhelmed by the whole BlogHer-shebang and proceed to say about three words the entire weekend.

I feared Id wander about aimlessly, connect with no one, and potentially spend the 3 days hiding in my room.

(This did almost transpire but only because I was thisclose to convincing Workoutmommy & FatFighterTV to hide with me, get a movie, order roomservice & loll about on my bed.)

I feared what I like to think all of us (many of us? none of you? please to hit me up in the comments) fret about when going to conferences like BlogHer.

*I* think Im entirely the same online as off—will you?

Will there even be anyone there I know and who has any idea who I am/or any interest in finding out?

And, as I guess is so often the case, my frettage was unfounded.

I had a fantastic time.

The panel went well (which I knew it would given our preparation & the fact other women on it are friggin’ awe inspiring) but more than that I had a chance to talk & connect with people in a way I dont ‘in real life.’

It was a conference comprised of kindred bloggin’ spirits across many genres and totally felt like a sisterhood.

(Id add that the word sisterhood includes the vaginally-challenged but I didnt meet any male  bloggers while I was there.)

So many at-the-time strangers came up to me and shared their stories that I left Chicago truly feeling uplifted and CONNECTED which was exactly what I needed.

Blog bettering tips? None for MizFit (& more than you’d ever wanna know about that coming next Friday).

SEO info? Eh, didnt glean much of that either.

Swag: This seems to be a hot topic and really one on which I cant weigh in. I did get lottsa swag but stuck with the expo kind of thing where the treats were pressed in your hands as you walked past.

I did go to one party where I saw women practically knock each other down in an effort to get a swag bag (the bags were rumored to contain vibrators).

More than annoying the desperation over the vibrating-swag craziness stuck me as pretty damn funny (& yeah. a little perplexing.)

Finding my mojo in a way Id forgotten? Laughter & connection? Hell YES. And that’s really more what I needed.

BlogHer for me was more about being surrounded by women (& a handful of men) with whom I had a bunch in common.

My days are typically filled with 3 year old dramatics or the solitude of writing so, as a result, BlogHer09 was perfect for me.

Mingling.  Talking sans child yanking on pant-leg.  Laughing. Commiserating. Connecting.

And thankfully, unlike last time I visited the Windy City, I didnt flash a soul.

**cue flash(pun intended)back movie-like montage to my last Quaker sponsored visit to Chicago**

If you’re a BabyMama on any kind of a regular basis you’re aware that the aforementioned hectic life means I rarely shower without tinytoddlerpryingeyes waiting for me to hurry up and finish (TMI? yes, but that’s the way we roll here).

As a result, one big reason I was looking forward to the generous hotel stay provided by Quaker was the chance to take a long luxurious shower.

Alone.

Did I mention LONG?

In fact SHOWER was the first thing I did Saturday morning and it was fantabulous.

Long and, because of the lovely enormous window, totally beautiful and relaxing.

(you see where Im going here)

Post-shower we all met in the lobby and, as I walked up to the group, I heard a woman say: …and that’s why they call this hotel naked building.

My. Heart. Dropped.

I’d made the assumption that, since there wasn’t a *shade*, the window in shower must be tinted.

Entirely.

It wasnt.

It ISNT (for those of you who may have the opportunity to stay at the well-windowed Hard Rock Hotel in the future).

And, when I went back upstairs at the end of the day, I discovered a shade pulled veryveryVERYtightly to the top of the window.

So tight & snug that, were you a mama who was way too excited about her solo-shower time, you mightcould unknowingly invite all of Chicago into your watery fun.

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Comments

  5. Hey Miz,
    Someone has suggested I don a pink wig and make next year’s event…and for a chance to meet you, it’s worth it! (wait…what am I saying!?!? There are cameras!)

    Very cool! And it IS about connecting up with others. And what a great place to find people that can relate so well to your life.

    Welcome home…

  6. I almost went this year but didn’t.
    Lots of reasons. I was afraid I wouldn’t fit in being one of them.
    Interesting you felt the same way and thank you for sharing that with us.
    Will you go next year??

  7. I have read pretty much the same thing a bunch of places (not the nakedness :)).

    Most people said it was fun for hanging out and meeting folks and getting free things.

    I would love to hear more about why you felt you didn’t learn anything much.

  8. Vaginally challenged LOL

    Did you see lots of swag fighting or was it only one time?

    Were there as many companies there as people said looking for bloggers to sponsor?

  10. Will you go next year??

    Right now I say Im not sure. And I am sure that, in a few, months Ill say HELL YES! (need to replenish the bank acct. as I ALREADY miss the blogginwomen I spent time with)

    Were there as many companies there as people said looking for bloggers to sponsor?

    there was a lot of swag fighting and, IMO, it was kind of…gross. Initially I thought that it was a sign of the economy. That we all can/could use a free treat. upon reflection Im not sure.

    as far as the companies and wanting to sponsor? yes and no.
    YES they wanna give product away on our blogs.
    and if thats what you mean by ‘sponsor’—then yes 🙂

  12. Great post, Miz! I want to echo everything you said. I definitely had my fears about meeting people – whether or not they would think I was lame or cool in person, etc. I’m glad that we both made the most of it because I had the chance to meet YOU 🙂 You are definitely just as authentic, real and awesome as you are on your blog every day. And the swag? That was just a big ol’ crazy mess at times. But overall, I thought things like the expo were tastefully done and I was generally impressed with how everyone there balanced the need for sponsorship (in order to have a conference in the first place) with the need to focus on learning more about how to be your best blogger and true to yourself.

    Happy Friday!!

  14. Sounds like it was a fabulous trip. It’s easier to let our fears get in the way, sometimes we need to face them head on and then tell ourselves after that it wasn’t bad at all!

  15. They need to put a disclaimer on hotel shower windows…ATTENTION Guest: This window is not tinted in any form or fashion. Please, remember to pull down the blinds or less risk showing your naked self to the world. Thank You!

    Glad you had fun, naked hotel and all!!! LOL!!!

  16. Blogging is such a solitary pursuit I often wondered what BlogHer would be like!

    Thanks for the insight.

  17. Mizfit, one thing I enjoy so much about your blog is the way you present your posts. I almost feel as if we are sitting down together and you are telling a story. Thanks for the great insight in to the mysterious blogHer for those of us who are vaginally challenged. 🙂 Oh, and to answer your question, I too am an observer at first. Once I have a good scope of those who are there, then I warm up and start mingling, but in the beginning I am fine just observing.

  18. Ha! Love the recap!

    It sounds like a great time was had. Shame you didnt get any of the vibrating goodie-bags. What does it say that women were climbing over each other to get them? LOL~

  19. What is the obsession with the swag? Maybe you have to “be there” to get it?

    Sadness about lack of concrete blogging information. But I’m glad you had fun and got the bonding time you needed!

  20. What SBS said 🙂

    I also wanted to add that meeting you in person you are entirely as you portray yourself here (and a little more silly!!).

    I had a great time at BlogHer and met lots of women as well.

    The ugly side for me (I haven’t seen anyone else say this so it could only be me) NOT NICE BLOGGERS.

    I approached some people and they entirely snubbed.

    I was disappoint by that and surprised.

  21. I’d go just for the vibe.

    I’m glad you had a great time and didn’t shower for the masses. I remember last year’s post. Ack.

    I’m shocked people snubbed Kim. Rude!

  25. DITTO!

    and my kids beg to look at this picture everyday because they are so excited I got to see Ronald. Good thing they don’t know how to read! 🙂
    (because really….a mother shouldn’t be wearing that shirt, lol!)

  26. Yeah, I worry about this stuff sometimes, too. I have time to think before I post (whether I do or not is a matter of debate)and I don’t have that luxury in person. That said, I yam what I yam. Take it or leave it.

  27. I’m back 😉
    I just wanted to add to Leah that I was intrigued by the fact you talk just like you post.

    (I mean that as a compliment)

    I edit a great deal before I press publish.

  28. I LOVE that shower story. Glad this time went a little smoother! And thx for the warning about the Hard Rock.

    I so wish I’d gone to Blogher. I remember having the same kind of high you describe from a writing workshop in Squaw Valley–there’s nothing that beats the energy of hanging out with kindred spirits. (And I knew you’d have a blast even if you didn’t–your positive energy and humor just radiate and I didn’t think it would suddenly go missing at a conference!)

    Sounds like there’s a “Part II” to this post coming next Fri and I can’t wait to hear it. Spill, girl!

  29. Sounds like you had fun! Interesting that a blogger conf. didn’t give you any tips on actual blogging tho. I’ll be giggling over “vaginally challenged” all day;)

  30. I am so much like you about large meetings. I really have to step out of my comfort zone to jump in and start talking. My husband says you would never guess that from how I make small talk, but I guess it goes to show that inner turmoil doesn’t necessarily show on the outside.

    I would love to do a blogger type conference some time. Wish I had gone to Chicago – I miss Intelligenstia coffee big time!

  31. Am already signed up for next years conference (and yes. That may in part be due to the fact that I just really, really want to go to New York. Hehe).

    Nice to hear your thoughts on this… I think that a lot of people who blog tend to be the shy type so maybe that makes it easier for everyone to mingle.

  32. Thanks for the reminder about the shower incident! Made me giggle all over again.

    I wish I could have attended Blogher, but I have the same problem as my cousin, Leah (gosh, wonder why that would be) – I need time to think up all this brilliance! LOL
    I tend to freeze in public situations, and my mind goes blank, proving to one and all that I truly am a dumb blonde!

    (And what’s up with people snubbing Kim!? Sheesh!)

  35. That swag craziness reminds me of our ill-fated trip to IKEA – it’s just a chair, people!

    Glad you got out of it what you wanted to – sounds like you had a fun and sane trip!

  36. Oh good – I can get to your website now. Earlier it was like strangely missing. I thought you had closed up shop or something. 😉

    Love the Blogher stories… and how you pretended you didn’t grab one of the vibrating swag bags. 😉

    Glad it was all good and that you enjoyed!

  37. It was fun meeting you in person and your panel went really well.
    The one woman (Kate?) I hadn’t seen before and you are right. She was friggin’ awesome 🙂

    Is that really a live Ronald or a statue??

    I didn’t see McD’s there.
    Were they handing out fries?

    Sarah

  38. Miz. Fabulous to meet you -wish we had had more time to talk.

    Everyone-I was amazed that Miz is just a tiny slip of a woman. Technically she is taller than I, but I felt HUGE standing across from her.

    This was both the best and ugliest BlogHer I’ve attending. Meeting individuals I love is always a great (but exhausting) experience. The swag, the drama, the sense of entitlement by some bloggers was truly distasteful.

    I walk with one of the vibrator-party hostesses today. And they are already working out ways to throw a party next year where they can give away fun things without that ugly.

    I went to this BlogHer to say goodbye; I came home from this BlogHer committed to planning a track for next year, actually be on a panel next year -on what I cannot guess- and try and write one post worthy of submitting to the keynote committee.

    So I guess I’m going.
    Im so glad that you will be there. me? Im where you were. I cant imagine that Ill be blogging in a YEAR. 365 days. Who the hell knows WHAT will be happening then 🙂

  39. is there more? there’s always more 🙂

    and no, not really much to add.

    it was eye-opening for me.

    I saw many bloggers approach companies for sponsorship.
    ADVERTISING.
    Inquire politely for a piece of their marketing dollarpie.

    Only to be cheerfully offered product.

    eyeopening.

  40. So did that swag bag really have a vibrator in it??

    “Vaginally challenged” and the shower story almost made me squirt water out of my nose as I was reading.

  41. How sad is it I want to know that too:
    were there really vibrators?
    if yes did anyone come out of their rooms the rest of the weekend.

    🙂

    feel free to delete my comment—I’m trapped at the office and silly today.

    Thank you for all you do for us.
    For teaching and making us laugh.

  42. I’ve enjoyed going to professional meetings all over the world! It’s great to see all the new technology, instruments, etc, and get to meet colleagues from so many different places and backgrounds.

    I’m really glad you had fun!

    PS Kill the clown 🙂

  43. OBviously have not experienced BlogHer or similar conferences, but I imagine my feelings would be the same as yours, pre-connections with all the fab people you met. I’m sure you’re familiar with feeling in a blog slump, as I am wont to do every so often, but I’m also sure that you felt so energized and inspired by all the bloggers you met. I have gotten to meet a variety of food bloggin’ ladies here in NYC and without fail, I get a supercharge from that interaction, shy though I may be to initiate it.

    Oh and your Hard Rock Hotel story pretty much made my day. Thanks for takin’ one for the team in order to tell us that tale. 🙂

  44. I went to a writing conference once by myself and HATED it. Everyone else brought a friend. Ugh. Never again would I go solo.

    I like product samples, but SWAG for the most part is just junk that ends up in the landfill. It’s expensive, too, speaking as someone who has participated in trade shows and had to buy that stuff…

    You and Ronald make a cute couple….

  46. first, i’m wondering if POD’s comment was an intended double-entendre?

    second, thank you for normalizing my social self. I thought you would be one to roll in with a posse of sidekicks (mostly human) and people would just swarm to you as you charmed everyone with your witty conversation. I’m proud to share the ‘observe first, then approach’ trait with you:)

  47. A few thoughts:

    I need to know if Ronald made you do the thumbs up or vice versa.

    I still think I might go to BlogHer 10 and hide in my room. I already bought a ticket. Will you hide with me? Drag me out?

    Have a great weekend.

  48. yes it was a real live Ronald…giving out apples (of course huh? and the swag bags at that booth? Ill spare you the story but lisa/workoutmommy and I tried AND FAILED to get one :))

    Ann? I think your comment is so much of my worry. (not your comment 🙂 but the sentiment)
    Im not Loud!Boisterous! as some people seem to think I might be from my posts (?) as a result sometimes they *assume* Im…aloof? snobby? when it takes me some watching to jump in the fray.

    and once Ive jumped, well, IM IN.

    and silly.

    and thisclose to loud.

  50. I’m glad that your fears of standing in a corner alone weren’t realized — because HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN? It wouldn’t have! And I would have talked to you even more if you weren’t always surrounded by your posse or running off to do something (like a radio interview). But I’m glad that I got to talk to you when I did!

    The panel was excellent. You guys were very well-prepared, and I appreciated that. I went to other panels where that definitely wasn’t the case.

  52. Oh, I’m so glad you had fun and didn’t hide out!

    Mostly because I’m EXACTLY that way. Definitely the quiet one in the group – until I get to know people, and then I’m (also like you) “thisclose to loud.” LOL. Too funny. 🙂

    And re: the swag – I’ve never been to a BlogHer or fitness conference (obvs.), but the film conventions I go to are equally hilarious. They’re more restrained: everyone gets a goody bag with their registration, and the stuff available at the expo tends to be more along the line of the Latest! Greatest! Theatre candy! So people don’t necessarily get crazed about that, but the stuff IN the goody bags? I’ve never seen grown people get so bent out of shape about so much CHEAP CRAP.

    I mean really, who needs another d*mn t-shirt? (Though I’ll admit that’s how I replenish my workout tees, LOL: conventions are good for that, at least. ;))

  53. LOL at Zandria’s comment.

    You have a posse?

    An entourage?

    I will be Turtle next year.

    I’m going for sure to NYC!!

  54. I am with you COMPLETELY. I had the same fears going in… especially about being the same in public as I am on my blog. I have a clear writing voice. It’s the voice in my head that I hear all the time which I know does not come across when I’m speaking. I mumble, I forget words because my brain is already on the next thoughts, I sound silly half the time. I worried a lot about meeting people because in person I am not nearly put together as my blogging thoughts. But it did not matter at all in the end. The shy me did a decent job of meeting and mingling.

    And I knew you were a people watcher type (me too!) so I never would have thought snobby or aloof. Just observant. And FUN, which you are. The blog Miz and the real MIZ totally match. 🙂

    As for the $wag situation…. I didn’t care much about the swag at all. After carrying a bag around while I was tired I was ready to ditch all of it. I still don’t even know what I have because Cammy has it all. To be honest, I am okay if I never get it. I was happy with my BlogHer experience minus any swag. And it was a bit depressing watching bloggers beg for the bigger things: ad dollars and sponsorship. The companies there were more looking to use bloggers to get word about them through free products than to build beneficial relationships. It was a bit depressing to see the begging and all.

  55. I always get the impression that bloggers are quite outgoing in real life because we blab away on the internet. I don’t know why it surprises me to hear that you aren’t, because I’m totally quiet in crowds too! Put me one-on-one and I’ll blab away, but I rather just fall to the back in big crowds.

    Happy to hear you didn’t do that this time around and got to meet some amazing ladies 🙂

  56. OMG, that shower thing is too funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t/never had your kid issues with showers BUT I do understand since I do like my showers….. Loved hearing about your time. Man, that swag thing.. too much!!! Love the “vaginally challenged” line.

    Have a great weekend!

  57. Ah i get the same way about blogger meet ups, or even just big events like that!! **But hiding out in my room with movie and snacks would be SO much better!** And it never fails that I have a fabulous time and chat everyone’s ears off 😀

    And I’m sure 1/2 of Chicago is now totally jealous of hot naked hotel lady’s guns….

  58. Thanks for your honesty.
    I’m not sure if I will attend next year and now I have more info with which to make my decision.

    If I got I’m wearing a don’t f*ck with the fitness blogger tee.

    So funny.

  59. Im so surprised Mary that you felt that way. as an “outsider” (outside of your head I mean :)) who spent lots of time with you I do have to say your external voice is just as clear as your posts.

    and this?

    It was a bit depressing watching bloggers beg for the bigger things: ad dollars and sponsorship. The companies there were more looking to use bloggers to get word about them through free products than to build beneficial relationships. It was a bit depressing to see the begging and all.

    you said a mouthful there.

    My .02 on it is coming.
    At some point.
    Though youve said it all with the fact that they arent interested in ad dollars merely foisting product upon us.

    I ADORE THE GIVEAWAYS especially in this economy. but IMO it is merely SYMBOLIC of not valuing us that they dont wanna share a piece of their ever shrinking marketing pie.

  60. I’ve done a lot of video game conference panels/activities/demos so while I’m familiar with conferences, they always feel like work to me. Of course the getting to know people you only knew online is fun and hanging out, but there’s always that awkward first hour/day/whatnot where people are getting used to being social face to face.

    Then the drinks usually start flowing and we all forget that we’re shy and have fun. 🙂

    Me? I’m a little bit like you in the sense that I feel I need to test out the waters a bit before I jump into crazy but I do enjoy it.

  62. Loved all your pictures and tweets about the event and love your final reflection. I would have had the same anxiety about the whole thing as well as I am someone who prefers to kick it at home. Alas, I am glad you went. I love your message and ideas. Also, not sure if you know this but my blog turned one this week. Thanks for always supporting me and mark. I hope I am fortunate enough to make it to bogher soon.

  63. Wonderful to get your feedback on BlogHer and SO GLAD you had a wonderful time & connected with so many others.

    I’m one of those people who loves live events, networking, and meeting new people. And I love how you used the word “sisterhood.” That’s awesome. And that’s what it’s all about — connecting with others and showing your authentic self.

    EXACTLY what you do here in your blog 🙂

  64. glad you had such a great time!! and while i love free shiz, begging and knocking people over?? that’s a bit much…

    ps- you can hit refresh now 🙂

  67. Wow… naked hotel indeed…

    I think I would have been there trying to convince a few to just hang out but I’m glad you fully enjoyed all BlogHer had to offer!

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