I am where you were last year. I was obsessed with Tweets, Flicr accounts and all of that. I admit, I was feeling a little disheartened about the whole thing until I read this post. Thanks for giving me the desire to be at Blogher '10 again! .-= JenniferG´s last blog ..Now You Know How Much I Love You…An Open Letter To My Children =-.
Ri, MusicSavvyMom
· 4 months ago
I am SO standing up and cheering for you right now!! Excellent, beautiful, uplifting post!!
I had been really jealous of the BlogHer attendees prior to the conference, and eagerly awaited recaps. As I've read many, I've begun to think that the change I've been saving for BlogHer 2010 might be better spent elsewhere. Some of the stories I heard have frankly "squicked me out". *Yes, that's a technical term.*
But now? Not only will I be at BlogHer 2010 in NYC, I am officially going to start petitioning, lobbying and if necessary, bribing you to be my roommate. So...stand by.
I'm still not 100% sure about BlogHer'10, if only because I've come across so much coverage of this year's event that points to it being quite mommy-centric -nothing wrong with that, but it leaves single, family-less-by-choice women like myself cold.
However, the opportunity to meet and interact with other female bloggers on an international level is an exciting prospect, and again, something that might motivate me to attend next year in NYC. It would be incredible to interact with some of the women you've mentioned here, doing such inspiring work on a global scale.
Kudos, and continued success in keeping "the Janis flame" alive! .-= Catherine´s last blog ..Yummy Humpday =-.
jodifur
· 4 months ago
Such a lovely post, and I wish I would have been in that room with you. Thank you for reminding me what it is about.
I wish we could have spent more time to together. .-= jodifur´s last blog ..The Hardest Part Is Over =-.
laurie
· 4 months ago
Thank you, Lindsay. I'm so glad I got to kick my weekend off with the plane/cab adventure with you.
I met Cristina in the lobby with Elisa on my way back up to the room after breakfast on Sunday. I thought my heart couldn't be any fuller, honestly, after spending three days with women and ideas and opportunities I truly care about. Wrong. We had a lovely conversation, and I look forward to sharing her photography on BlogHer.com very soon. She has communicated with me since returning to Bolivia. She does not have a community of bloggers at home. Just being there, for her, was an amazing opportunity - something we have in common because my guiding belief is "I GET to be here. It's up to me what I do with the gift." She writes about indigenous peoples, but is so obviously proud of her photo work and that was where we connected.
I'm sorry I wasn't in that panel more than any of them besides the body image (and the comedy, honestly, because Deb is one of my sheroes), but I kind of let this experience take me where it would this year. Thanks for collecting them all here because I will be visiting. Other lenses are essential and it would do us well to remember that in other places (even here) women are not always free to share their thoughts and images without the world, without personal risk or cost on many levels.
ANd I'm SO with you on this: "But I really believe there were more community minded people at BlogHer than materially, and many bloggers, marketers and PR professionals I met were absolutely wonderful. I’ll be in NYC in 2010 for sure." I've read a ton of comments from people saying "Oh wow, I'm glad I wasn't there." Or "Seems like I didn't miss anything, whew." And if they need to feel that way, cool, but you can't judge it based on the slices of crazy and beautiful that have been shared in so many words already online. It was what it was for all of us, and while some of the themes emerging are legit, it's the people and their perspectives that I was after and, as ever, got. .-= laurie´s last blog ..You're the deepest well I've ever fallen into =-.
Blue Gal
· 4 months ago
I don't mind a bit if you out me as the American woman who cried at the international panel. I posted it at my place.
And yeah the title to that last blog post is IRONIC. ha.
Jane
· 4 months ago
I think you're just about the coolest, most authentic person I've ever met. You do *everything* with integrity. Thank you for sharing this. .-= Jane´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Sunflowers =-.
Marie
· 4 months ago
What a fantastic post. First, I have to say that I am sad we did not get a chance to meet as I so enjoyed our phone conversation a few weeks back.
I wish I could've been at this panel - how inspiring! Aside from all the "drama" and the backlash, for me the most powerful portion of BlogHer was the community keynote. Having 20 bloggers read their thoughts and posts was truly an amazing experience. At the end of the day it was a great reminder about what bloggers contribute to the world and how they can affect people with using just words.
You guys, thank you so, so much. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts, and it's heartening to hear so many others who had a positive experience in the midst of the ruckus- and those who will have one next year.:)
Jennifer- Can't wait to hopefully meet you in NY! Ri- So I guess I can stop looking for a roomie! (Save a spot for Brenda at Seriously Mama too., she broke her foot this year!) But we won't sleep, judging by our phone killing ways. PockLock- Thank you! It's nice to see you here.:) Catherine! I met SOOO many cool non-mommy bloggers, don't let the vocalness of that community in the space shake you- there's def. something for everyone. I hope to see you! Jodi: I KNOW!!! How did we do that? We need to have a mini MD Blogher again.) Laurie: That was the most perfect start to the weekend. I was so glad to have that time with you! Blue Gal: I was so glad you spoke up in there, I was going to cry. THANK YOU for speaking your heart and mind, and I'll out you in the post after lunch.: ) Jane: Wow. Coming from you, that means a lot...you know the respect I have for you and your family. Thank you. (Pricking pin in head to get through door.) PS Right back at you. Seriously. Marie: Thank you! I saw the Child's Play was sponsoring, which was awesome. I enjoyed our chat as well, and look forward to seeing you next year or sooner!:) I've heard so much about the community keynote, and cannot believe that I missed it...but was deep in conversation with several new friends by the river. Sigh. Blogher definitely made me want a teleporter. Deb! Thank you. You were SUCH A ROCK STAR this weekend, and I'm so glad I kept seeing you to huugggg!
You guys rock. You, and others like you, are why I'll be there in 2010.
Ellen G
· 4 months ago
RnRM,
SO happy I met you at the conference. Even though it was when I was making sour lemon faces at a speaker. You're totally cool and I have enjoyed reading your blog. That's the great thing about BH - you never know who you're going to meet, but you are almost guaranteed to have something in common with the woman sitting next to you.
GREAT post. I'm sorry I didn't go to that panel, and I'm glad you let everyone know what we missed. I'll be looking for the recap somewhere. Very proud of these women and that BH gave them a place for their voices to be heard. .-= Ellen G´s last blog ..A “Lovely” Giveaway =-.
EvilSlutClique
· 4 months ago
Awesome post! We're so glad we got a chance to meet you. We weren't at the international activist scholarship panel, but luckily we're friends with BlueGal and she filled us in. We couldn't agree more with both of you about the importance of that and how much those women deserve to be featured more next year, and the opportunity that we have to put more focus on community and activism and less on...well, swag hagging. .-= EvilSlutClique´s last blog ..Nikon Does Not Hate Babies =-.
Lee of MWOB
· 4 months ago
Why hello rock and roll mama! You came over to my place the other day and here I am at yours and wow. Lots to think about. I am bummed I missed that session but from what you say here I can totally say I agree with you that these international bloggers needed to be FEATURED! I would love to have heard them but who knows where I was? I was probably searching for some inspiration elsewhere....I found it at the Blogging as Storytelling session AND at the community keynote AND in the tons of cool women I met.
I laughed at Telling Dad's spoof but really that was not my experience AT ALL. Thank God. Sure too many women were talking about swag and focusing on getting to the parties early to get the swag but I did not see any drama or fighting or anything. There were so many friggin' cool people there and I was lucky to find a lot of them. BlogHer is what you make of it, I learned, but I do think as an entity BlogHer should give a little more love to uh, writers!! That's what we are right? The sessions on SEO almost killed me - there were like 3 of them every single day. Exhausting.
ANyway - I am a new rock and roll mama fan....see you around town sister...
Thank you for focusing on the positive side and for your kind words about Blog with Integrity. We have been renewed by the positive reaction to the pledge and badge, and hope it helps us all come back to a place of common ground. .-= Susan Getgood´s last blog ..Blogola and boycotts and burnout, oh my: Announcing the Blog with Integrity pledge =-.
rockandrollmama
· 4 months ago
Ellen- Thank you. It was so wonderful to meet you- the funny thing is, as soon as you said your profession, I knew who you were going to name. It was kismet.:) But getting to meet such a smart, funny, good hearted woman- that was whipped cream to the day.
EvilSLutClique! LOL, I chuckle every time I read that- I know I'm not supposed to out you, but you guys are SO NICE. Seriously. Your name should be Smart Little House On the Prairie Girls WIth Eyeliner and Sassy Attitudes.
Lee- I LOVE your blog, what a great concept and message. I'm glad you're here! I agree that alot of the negative stuff was only evident if you were right there for it or saw it on Twitter. But it became very real to me when someone showed me the full on handprint on their upper arm from being manhandled on the expo floor. That was sobering. I do think the drama was probably more evident from a distance.
Susan! Thank you so much for stopping by. I love BWI because it clarifies what many would take for granted as bare necessity standards, but raises the question for those who may not even realize those conflict of interest issues are pertinent to them. And it sends a clear signal to those looking to engage with bloggers about if they've put thought into their policies.
I also want to clarify that while I wish more people had been there, I'm not implying anyone is at fault or remiss for not having been. It read more like an awards presentation than a panel in the description, and if I hadn't been assigned it, I likely would have missed it as well. (As I'm sure I missed MANY worthwhile panels at Blogher.) But I would love to see the leaders of Blogher really let the women who win next year shine
And also, I have nothing against swag per se- lord knows my bag came home a little heavier than when I left. It's just when it turns grown women into feral creatures, or bratty, entitled blackmailers, that I have an issue with it. I don't like it as the central reason for people to choose to enter a room.
Thank you all so much for your support, I see on my stats all the folks going to check out the work of the Activists, and I'm so glad. You Rock.:)
melissa
· 4 months ago
amazing. and you're right. donations instead of swag could have made a huge difference where it was needed. and then, people wouldn't have gotten bruised and created stupid hashtags. i always blog with integrity. i always have. and i always will. i just wrote a whole post about the little issue that is going on. and i can tell blogs...like yours...even without a badge...scream integrity. and those are the ones that i'm drawn to. keep doing what you're doing. you're awesome!!
rockandrollmama
· 4 months ago
Melissa! It was so great to meet you this weekend.:) I love your new design, and thank you for your kind words. Going to check out your post now. MWAH!
Tiffani
· 4 months ago
This is why I love you! I've never been to BlogHer and it's doubtful I'll ever go, but I agree that it should be about more than swag and marketing and money. It should also be about doing what you can to help those who need it.
Thanks for reminding us of that! .-= Tiffani´s last blog ..Here I Go Again =-.
amy koppelman
· 4 months ago
hi,
i don't know how to contact you directly so i went to your blog. HOW COOL! anyway, thanks for responding the my papercuts piece. i really appreciate it.
amy
Julie @ The Mom Slant
· 4 months ago
Thanks for the kind words and inspirational thoughts - the session you worked is at the top of my must-read-the-live-blog list. Looking forward to meeting you next year in New York! .-= Julie @ The Mom Slant´s last blog ..We don’t hate brands – we just love each other =-.
Kim
· 4 months ago
Hi there. I am so glad to hear about the panel - I decided on day 1 to go to the Leadership - Hope and Change panel and I felt so glad to see people using their platforms as a tool for change, and it sounds like the scholarship panel was that times a million.
It was great to meet you - we chatted quite a bit at the cocktail party on day 2 - and thank you for being so nice and friendly. :) Go Maryland. :)
To your friend Catherine above - you are not the only non-mom out there blogging their stuff! I can tell you this: I went in totally full of trepidation about being a non-mom in a sea of moms, but I came away feeling VERY strongly that I didn't give a crap who had kids and who didn't, I was just glad to connect with folks I had stuff in common with, and it was totally worth it. I talked to plenty of moms and plenty of n-ms and it rocked!
Myg
· 4 months ago
I didn't get to attend Blogher '09, but have to say, I have read more recap posts than I can now count or even remember. Yours is, sadly, the first that actually mentions what sounds like THE panel to be at.
I know that the marketing and learning how to be a better blogger and finding your voice stuff was important in its own right and when I go to Blogher '10 I'm sure I'll go to some of these. But I think if the individuals making up the bulk of the women's blogging movement could trade a little navel gazing for more global thinking, a powerful force for good would be unleashed in the world. .-= Myg´s last blog ..I am a great father =-.
Cammie (MomsMaterial.com)
· 4 months ago
Wow! Don't know how I got so lucky as to hook up with you just before Blogher. Ok, it was Twitter, love it and have been introduced to some amazing people through "tweets". I am fairly new to the website/blogging world and was hoping to learn about Blogger through you. And I am, thanks! I hope to be there in 2010!
What an amazing opportunity to meet these women who really make a difference. It makes you stop and take inventory and decide how you can use your website/blog to make a difference in your neighborhood, community, state, country and world. It brings new meaning to using your words to make this a better place.
Michelle Lamar-WTM
· 4 months ago
Girl I wish I would have gotten to spend more than 30 seconds with you BUT next year, you and I are going to hang out. Because I plan to stalk you. .-= Michelle Lamar-WTM´s last blog ..Dogs as Smart as Two-Year-Olds? =-.
All Comments
.-= JenniferG´s last blog ..Now You Know How Much I Love You…An Open Letter To My Children =-.
I had been really jealous of the BlogHer attendees prior to the conference, and eagerly awaited recaps. As I've read many, I've begun to think that the change I've been saving for BlogHer 2010 might be better spent elsewhere. Some of the stories I heard have frankly "squicked me out". *Yes, that's a technical term.*
But now? Not only will I be at BlogHer 2010 in NYC, I am officially going to start petitioning, lobbying and if necessary, bribing you to be my roommate. So...stand by.
Rock On, Mama!
.-= Ri, MusicSavvyMom´s last blog ..Guest DJ: Ash from Behind the Lens =-.
.-= Pocklock´s last blog ..Like No Shit, Big Brother =-.
However, the opportunity to meet and interact with other female bloggers on an international level is an exciting prospect, and again, something that might motivate me to attend next year in NYC. It would be incredible to interact with some of the women you've mentioned here, doing such inspiring work on a global scale.
Kudos, and continued success in keeping "the Janis flame" alive!
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..Yummy Humpday =-.
I wish we could have spent more time to together.
.-= jodifur´s last blog ..The Hardest Part Is Over =-.
I met Cristina in the lobby with Elisa on my way back up to the room after breakfast on Sunday. I thought my heart couldn't be any fuller, honestly, after spending three days with women and ideas and opportunities I truly care about. Wrong. We had a lovely conversation, and I look forward to sharing her photography on BlogHer.com very soon. She has communicated with me since returning to Bolivia. She does not have a community of bloggers at home. Just being there, for her, was an amazing opportunity - something we have in common because my guiding belief is "I GET to be here. It's up to me what I do with the gift." She writes about indigenous peoples, but is so obviously proud of her photo work and that was where we connected.
I'm sorry I wasn't in that panel more than any of them besides the body image (and the comedy, honestly, because Deb is one of my sheroes), but I kind of let this experience take me where it would this year. Thanks for collecting them all here because I will be visiting. Other lenses are essential and it would do us well to remember that in other places (even here) women are not always free to share their thoughts and images without the world, without personal risk or cost on many levels.
ANd I'm SO with you on this: "But I really believe there were more community minded people at BlogHer than materially, and many bloggers, marketers and PR professionals I met were absolutely wonderful. I’ll be in NYC in 2010 for sure." I've read a ton of comments from people saying "Oh wow, I'm glad I wasn't there." Or "Seems like I didn't miss anything, whew." And if they need to feel that way, cool, but you can't judge it based on the slices of crazy and beautiful that have been shared in so many words already online. It was what it was for all of us, and while some of the themes emerging are legit, it's the people and their perspectives that I was after and, as ever, got.
.-= laurie´s last blog ..You're the deepest well I've ever fallen into =-.
Thanks for this post. Awakening and honesty is progress.
.-= Blue Gal´s last blog ..This Post Brought To You By Liberty Mutual Insurance =-.
.-= Jane´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Sunflowers =-.
I wish I could've been at this panel - how inspiring! Aside from all the "drama" and the backlash, for me the most powerful portion of BlogHer was the community keynote. Having 20 bloggers read their thoughts and posts was truly an amazing experience. At the end of the day it was a great reminder about what bloggers contribute to the world and how they can affect people with using just words.
.-= Deb on the Rocks´s last blog ..BlogHer 09: Everybody Let Go, We Can Make a Dancefloor, Just Like a Circus =-.
Jennifer- Can't wait to hopefully meet you in NY!
Ri- So I guess I can stop looking for a roomie! (Save a spot for Brenda at Seriously Mama too., she broke her foot this year!) But we won't sleep, judging by our phone killing ways.
PockLock- Thank you! It's nice to see you here.:)
Catherine! I met SOOO many cool non-mommy bloggers, don't let the vocalness of that community in the space shake you- there's def. something for everyone. I hope to see you!
Jodi: I KNOW!!! How did we do that? We need to have a mini MD Blogher again.)
Laurie: That was the most perfect start to the weekend. I was so glad to have that time with you!
Blue Gal: I was so glad you spoke up in there, I was going to cry. THANK YOU for speaking your heart and mind, and I'll out you in the post after lunch.: )
Jane: Wow. Coming from you, that means a lot...you know the respect I have for you and your family. Thank you. (Pricking pin in head to get through door.) PS Right back at you. Seriously.
Marie: Thank you! I saw the Child's Play was sponsoring, which was awesome. I enjoyed our chat as well, and look forward to seeing you next year or sooner!:) I've heard so much about the community keynote, and cannot believe that I missed it...but was deep in conversation with several new friends by the river. Sigh. Blogher definitely made me want a teleporter.
Deb! Thank you. You were SUCH A ROCK STAR this weekend, and I'm so glad I kept seeing you to huugggg!
You guys rock. You, and others like you, are why I'll be there in 2010.
SO happy I met you at the conference. Even though it was when I was making sour lemon faces at a speaker. You're totally cool and I have enjoyed reading your blog. That's the great thing about BH - you never know who you're going to meet, but you are almost guaranteed to have something in common with the woman sitting next to you.
GREAT post. I'm sorry I didn't go to that panel, and I'm glad you let everyone know what we missed. I'll be looking for the recap somewhere. Very proud of these women and that BH gave them a place for their voices to be heard.
.-= Ellen G´s last blog ..A “Lovely” Giveaway =-.
.-= EvilSlutClique´s last blog ..Nikon Does Not Hate Babies =-.
I laughed at Telling Dad's spoof but really that was not my experience AT ALL. Thank God. Sure too many women were talking about swag and focusing on getting to the parties early to get the swag but I did not see any drama or fighting or anything. There were so many friggin' cool people there and I was lucky to find a lot of them. BlogHer is what you make of it, I learned, but I do think as an entity BlogHer should give a little more love to uh, writers!! That's what we are right? The sessions on SEO almost killed me - there were like 3 of them every single day. Exhausting.
ANyway - I am a new rock and roll mama fan....see you around town sister...
Lee
.-= Lee of MWOB´s last blog ..BlogHer '09: The Top 10 Things I Learned as a First Time Attendee =-.
.-= Susan Getgood´s last blog ..Blogola and boycotts and burnout, oh my: Announcing the Blog with Integrity pledge =-.
EvilSLutClique! LOL, I chuckle every time I read that- I know I'm not supposed to out you, but you guys are SO NICE. Seriously. Your name should be Smart Little House On the Prairie Girls WIth Eyeliner and Sassy Attitudes.
Lee- I LOVE your blog, what a great concept and message. I'm glad you're here! I agree that alot of the negative stuff was only evident if you were right there for it or saw it on Twitter. But it became very real to me when someone showed me the full on handprint on their upper arm from being manhandled on the expo floor. That was sobering. I do think the drama was probably more evident from a distance.
Susan! Thank you so much for stopping by. I love BWI because it clarifies what many would take for granted as bare necessity standards, but raises the question for those who may not even realize those conflict of interest issues are pertinent to them. And it sends a clear signal to those looking to engage with bloggers about if they've put thought into their policies.
I also want to clarify that while I wish more people had been there, I'm not implying anyone is at fault or remiss for not having been. It read more like an awards presentation than a panel in the description, and if I hadn't been assigned it, I likely would have missed it as well. (As I'm sure I missed MANY worthwhile panels at Blogher.) But I would love to see the leaders of Blogher really let the women who win next year shine
And also, I have nothing against swag per se- lord knows my bag came home a little heavier than when I left. It's just when it turns grown women into feral creatures, or bratty, entitled blackmailers, that I have an issue with it. I don't like it as the central reason for people to choose to enter a room.
Thank you all so much for your support, I see on my stats all the folks going to check out the work of the Activists, and I'm so glad. You Rock.:)
i always blog with integrity. i always have. and i always will. i just wrote a whole post about the little issue that is going on. and i can tell blogs...like yours...even without a badge...scream integrity. and those are the ones that i'm drawn to.
keep doing what you're doing. you're awesome!!
Thanks for reminding us of that!
.-= Tiffani´s last blog ..Here I Go Again =-.
i don't know how to contact you directly so i went to your blog. HOW COOL!
anyway, thanks for responding the my papercuts piece. i really appreciate it.
amy
.-= Julie @ The Mom Slant´s last blog ..We don’t hate brands – we just love each other =-.
It was great to meet you - we chatted quite a bit at the cocktail party on day 2 - and thank you for being so nice and friendly. :) Go Maryland. :)
To your friend Catherine above - you are not the only non-mom out there blogging their stuff! I can tell you this: I went in totally full of trepidation about being a non-mom in a sea of moms, but I came away feeling VERY strongly that I didn't give a crap who had kids and who didn't, I was just glad to connect with folks I had stuff in common with, and it was totally worth it. I talked to plenty of moms and plenty of n-ms and it rocked!
I know that the marketing and learning how to be a better blogger and finding your voice stuff was important in its own right and when I go to Blogher '10 I'm sure I'll go to some of these. But I think if the individuals making up the bulk of the women's blogging movement could trade a little navel gazing for more global thinking, a powerful force for good would be unleashed in the world.
.-= Myg´s last blog ..I am a great father =-.
I am fairly new to the website/blogging world and was hoping to learn about Blogger through you. And I am, thanks! I hope to be there in 2010!
What an amazing opportunity to meet these women who really make a difference. It makes you stop and take inventory and decide how you can use your website/blog to make a difference in your neighborhood, community, state, country and world. It brings new meaning to using your words to make this a better place.
.-= Michelle Lamar-WTM´s last blog ..Dogs as Smart as Two-Year-Olds? =-.