I've been reading lots of recaps about people's experiences at BlogHer. You won't find any pictures of me with new soul sisters sipping wine and collecting swag. You won't here me throw out any inside jokes or talk about how many business cards I collected.
I went to BlogHer with different expectations, actually no expectations at all. It was a completely last minute decision to even go. I found out they had room for me literally a few days before the conference started and since I only live about 20 minutes outside of San Francisco, I decided to check it out. I am new to blogging and never in a million years pictured myself at one of these conferences. I went with the intention of attending a few sessions and just finding out what it was all about. I didn't have a new outfit with matching cute shoes, I desperately need a haircut and I didn't even have a fresh pedicure.
When I walked in I was overwhelmed. It was way bigger, louder and flashier than I ever could have imagined. I went to a couple of break-out sessions and then ended up eating lunch alone in my car in the parking garage. But don't feel sorry for me! I just needed some fresh air and to chill out for a few. I didn't attend any of the fabulous parties. Half of them I didn't know about, and since I just recently had surgery and am still on antibiotics, I couldn't drink anyway.
But this is not meant to be a pity party! I felt like this was my "fly on the wall" BlogHer. It was my way of dipping my feet into the pool before jumping in. I was perfectly happy with how things went. I easily could have put myself out there, introduced myself to more people. I could have sought out my blogging soul sisters and danced the night away. But I wasn't really feeling like myself and since I decided to go at the last minute, I felt unprepared.
Next year I will kick BlogHer's ass. But this year I am happy with my experience. Now I know what to expect and how to get the most out of it. I have two favorite recaps. Click here and here to check them out. One is from a blogger I did not meet and have never read before, but she was in one of the sessions I attended and I have since checked out her blog. The other is from a blogger I read often. BlogHer is like anything else in life. You get out what you put into it. And even those who may seem like part of the sorority have moments where they feel just as insecure as everyone else.
So despite my less than stellar experience, I, like Amy in Ohio, have renewed focus on why I started in this blog in the first place. If I write from the heart and put myself out there for all the internet to see, for every person who shuns me, a few more will embrace me.
6 comments:
Absolutely - living and blogging on our terms. that is the only way it will work.
Great to meet you!
I for one thought you were fabulous...fly on the wall or not! SO glad you were able to come...just wish we could have spent more time together!
Next year, I suppose!
Thank you for the linky love. Plus, A Mom Two Boys is awesome (Unless you fail to recognize her TWICE. Yes. That would be me. Duh!)
I'm glad that you were able to be a fly on the wall. I wish I had done that this year but seriously, if you prepare next year will be great! I hope to meet you in '09
We only chatted for a very brief few minutes in the hotel bar before the final keynote, but it was lovely meeting you.
I was overwhelmed, too...OFTEN, so you're not alone!
Thank you guys for your comments. I am glad I went for sure. I enjoyed meeting everyone that I did, even if briefly.
I thought I had too many blogs to read before, now I am totally screwed.
That's a perfectly reasonable way to approach BlogHer! I've been to all four of them and I thought this year's was a bit overwhelming myself.
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