Thoughts
Yesterday, I shared ten observations I had about attending the BlogHer conference over the weekend. I purposely kept them very generalized with a small dash of personal experience on top. Today, I’ll be a little more honest about my overall experience.
I attended BlogHer with a couple goals:
- Meet up with my own personal blogging community – those bloggers I read on a regular basis, some of whom I’ve previously met, others whom I’d be meeting for the first time
- Form bonds with new bloggers whose blogs I’ve never read; return home with new blogs to add to my Google Reader
- Attend interesting panels that will allow me to grow my own blog
If I’m really honest with you, I’ll admit I only achieved one of those goals (#1) and part of a second goal (#2). Let’s take a look at each of the goals and how the conference may or may not have contributed to successfully achieving those goals.
1. Meet up with my own personal blogging community – those bloggers I read on a regular basis, some of whom I’ve previously met, others whom I’d be meeting for the first time
Throughout much of the conference, I spent social time and panel time with three of my favorite bloggers: Pseudostoops, Alice and Sizzle. It was my first time meeting Alice and Sizzle (which pleases me to no end) and getting to spend such concentrated time with these lovely ladies made my weekend.
I ran into other bloggers I know, which was cool. Including a reconnection with a lovely blogger from Denver whom I’ve sort of lost touch with over the past year. This reconnection sparked my butt to follow her again. I only wish more of my favorite bloggers were able to attend this event, so I could meet them, too.
I brought my camera to the Thursday night party, where I took pictures of the ladies I would spend much of the weekend with. I didn’t take another picture after that night, so this is all you get:
Nilsa + Sizzle
Nilsa + Alice
Nilsa + Psuedostoops
2. Form bonds with new bloggers whose blogs I’ve never read; return home with new blogs to add to my Google Reader
Meeting new bloggers was relatively easy. Since I knew only about 10 of the 1,500 bloggers before the conference, pretty much everyone was new to me. Having said that, forming a real connection with these bloggers? Kinda hard. We’re either sitting in panels, where talking amongst ourselves was not recommended. Or scurrying from one session to the next. Or being swept into the madness that was the exposition (when there’s so much free swag to snag, it’s hard to have any real conversations with people). Or trying to hear over hundreds of energized women attending the parties. As I said, easy to meet people, harder to form real bonds.
Thankfully, Pseudostoops shared the amazing woman behind Back to Me. She’s local to Chicago and smart as a whip. Plus, the two of them are 2/3 the brains behind the great review blog, Live Well Spend Well. I ran into her throughout the conference, ate meals with her and am sure to follow her blog moving forward. Maybe even see her again in real life, since she lives only a few towns away.
Another lovely lady came to me by way of blog speed dating. It was an ice breaker exercise on the first day of the conference. And while I can’t say you really get to know anyone through it, you do walk away with a ton of business cards. Naomi was at BlogHer for work reasons and she was on a panel for one of the sessions. She’s cute, perky and very likeable off the bat. She’s also all over the internets! So, when I changed my expectations for the conference, I opted to attend her “more serious” panel discussion on social activism in the blogosphere. I chatted with her before the panel and got to sit with her at lunch later that day. She’s one of those people who is very affable and someone I’d definitely grab drinks with next time I’m in her neck of the woods (on the east coast).
In addition to those two lovely ladies, there are definitely other blogs I plan to start reading. I got to meet these women. Or attend panels in which they were speaking. Baby Makin(g) Machine. Doobleh-vay. Sweet | Salty. Knotty Yarn. What About Our Daughters. And others I’m sure I’m forgetting.
Clearly, I met some new bloggers and have many new blogs to read. But, I don’t consider this an absolute success. Mostly because I really didn’t bond with all that many new bloggers. A few, yes. But many, no. Part of that is my fault as I sort of checked out of this conference to some extent (after the first night, I stopped going to the parties because it was too much to attend the conference all day and then party until late at night – I’m too old for that shit). But, part of it is the nature of the beast. When you’re at a conference where everyone has attention deficit disorders, it’s hard to really focus on one another.
3. Attend interesting panels that will allow me to grow my own blog
So this goal was a big fat fail for me. The keynote addresses were really interesting. I got to hear big names like Tina Brown (former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker) and Ilene Chaiken (creator of The L Word). As well as women with impressive resumes, like producer for PBS, Northwestern University professor, Microsoft researcher and so on. That was cool, however the keynotes had little to do with growing my little blog.
After a horrific first day session (I won’t say which one out of respect for those involved) that offered little content and was terribly moderated, I actually changed my outlook on the whole conference. I realized quickly I’d learn very little about my blog. Or how to make it better. Or how to become a better blogger. And with that in mind, I opted to attend sessions that were interesting. Social activism growth in the blogosphere. Healthcare research and how the blogosphere has changed that arena. Story-telling and how to make an otherwise bland statement into an interesting blog post.
Overall, I attended some interesting panels. But, only after a change in my initial strategy. And I still walked away without a real grasp on how to become a better blogger.
So, what kind of taste is left in my mouth after BlogHer? Personally, I’m glad I went. It was local, so I didn’t have to worry about travel expenses, hotels, eating out all the time and never sleeping in my own bed. It was worth the $200 conference fee to go see what this much-talked about conference was all about.
However, I doubt I’ll ever attend another BlogHer conference. It’s just not for me. I’m hyper sensitive to certain things. So, I noticed how obsessed people are with their phones and computers. I noticed how envious people are of those making $$ off their blogs. And how obsessed they become with wanting to turn their own blogs into cash. I notice how crazed people get over meeting celebrities (whether it’s a big name like Paula Dean, Tim Gunn or Rick Bayless, all of whom were at the exposition, or big name bloggers like the Bloggess, Amalayah and others). I notice how some women only care about getting free stuff, even if it has no relevance to their lives (just to say they got it). I notice how women still size up one another even when among friends. I notice when women barge into a conference room trying to get a seat for the next session before letting those attending the previous session room to get out. And I notice that all things are not created equal (there were quite a few exclusive parties that were invite only and/or you had to know about well in advance – and I can tell you it was not easy to figure these things out prior to the conference).
I guess you could say I noticed the uglier side of the conference. And that’s not to say anything bad about the conference itself. The people behind BlogHer work very hard. The conference, for the most part once you’re onsite, is well organized. There is a very positive energy at the keynote sessions. The break-out sessions had some interesting topics that were relevant to many of the people in attendance. And if you have the energy to constantly work a room, introduce yourself, sell your blog, sell yourself, then you can walk away having met a great number of very interesting people.
What I realized is that I operate better on a small scale. Put me in a room with 10 people and I’ll make the effort to meet each of them. To find common ground with all of them. And to likely follow-up with them after the fact. Put me in a hotel with thousands of people and I’m more likely to just be a number. A fly on the wall. A grain in the woodwork. That kind of opportunity is wasted on me. And I leave wishing I got more out of the experience.
There you have it. I didn’t drink the BlogHer punch. I’m not an addict. I’m not all gah-gah over the experience. I am glad I went. I do encourage many of you to continue to be excited about your experiences (if you went) or the possibilities (if you plan to go in the future – it will be in NYC next year, btw). But, don’t expect to see me there. It’s just not my style.
July 28th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I think…for a lot of the reasons you mentioned, I’m glad I didn’t go. I’ve always gone back and forth about Blogher, but it never seemed as though I would truly gain a lot from it, besides networking and discovering new blogs. As a personal blogger who is not looking to make money off her blog, it seems a bit too much for me.
Though for the social media aspect, I can understand why it could be so relevant. I’m glad you were comfortable enough to expose the ugly side of BlogHer. :)
July 28th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Thank you for such an honest post about BlogHer. I actually went back and forth about attending such an event too — is it worth the money, would I really get anything out of it, how many people would I actually make an effort to get to know. I can say that after reading this, I seriously doubt I’ll ever go. Like yourself, I prefer to be in smaller groups where I can actually get to know people. I am not one of those people who immediately warms up to new people especially when its on such a large scale. I also tend to think simplier is better, so seeing people constantly on their computers, phones, etc would probable be a little disheartening for me as well (I’ve never, ever traveled with my laptop — when I go away for the weekend, it stays home). I honestly think I would rather spend the money on visiting my favorite bloggers on my own.
July 28th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I’m so glad you posted about your full experience, I have very similar feelings about the whole MONETIZE push, as well as the way women can be in a big competitive group (I went to girls school, I’m all full up on estrogen, thanks!)
I’ve never seriously considered going to blogher because I think I would be lost. I love small meet ups where I can talk with people one on one, but I don’t think BlogHer would meet my needs. I think this is one to file in the “good to know!” category =)
July 28th, 2009 at 8:43 am
See? This is what I like about you (among other things). You’re honest, you give your opinion and provide examples.
The more I read about people’s experiences the more I begin to feel that perhaps it might not be for me. I think my primary reason to go would be to meet bloggers I’ve been reading and like so much (*cough* like you *cough*), how to improve my writing, and perhaps pick up some creative blog ideas.
Again, thanks for your perspective!
July 28th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Your sentiments where expressed by many others throughout the blog-o-sphere. One of my friends who went years ago said the same thing. I did want to go just to experience it but part of me knew that it was going to be what you described.
At least you had the opportunity to see some blog friends and hear some interesting sessions. You live and you learn and you now know that it is not your cuppa tea.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I really enjoy Sweet | Salty’s blog. I’ve been reading it for years now thanks to a friend!
Knowing you the way I do (which isn’t all that well) and knowing myself, I’m pretty sure that I would also have an experience similar to yours. I’m sure I’d have both good and bad experience from the event and maybe someday, if I keep blogging and have the money to go and see what it’s all about, armed with dazzling business cards and several of my blog besties, I’ll go. Otherwise I’ll just have to live vicariously through everyone else =)
July 28th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Thanks for posting your thoughts about the conference. It feels like this year was an up/down one for a lot of the attendees. I appreciate reading some honesty about a blogger’s experience instead of reading a bunch of oo’ing and ahh’ing over swag. <3 you.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:19 am
This is pretty much exactly how I felt last year (my first year at BlogHer). I attended this year with the intention of meeting up with friends from the blogisphere and exploring Chicago. I only went to two panels! At times I felt a bit like a slacker but honestly? The session topics did not interest me and I am not looking to monetize my blog, be a mommyblogger or stuff my suitcase with shwag.
I’m totally glad we got to spend time together even if half the conference I had no cell reception and couldn’t find you for lunch!
July 28th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Well first, thank you for introducing me to a few new blogs. :) (although I have no idea how I’ll find time to read them). Anyway, I’m a lot like you when it comes to “women’s events.” They seem like such a good idea and there will be this positive, “women power” vibe, but sometimes there is just too much estrogen in the room. I avoid women only big social events for that reason. Perhaps I’m too much of a libra and need both the yin and the yang, or in this case the male and the female. As far as sessions on being a better blogger, I wouldn’t worry. You’re a very good blogger.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:42 am
this is a wonderful, honest recap of the event. i love it.
super jealous you got to meet sizzle! was she as wonderful as ever?
July 28th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Love your recap, I would probably react the same way. Almost every “review” I’ve read has been disappointed with the panels/breakout sessions. That seems unfortunate to me, because you’d think that would be an area where some of the MOST emphasis is placed by the organizers. Maybe it was and just fell flat, it happens…but still.
So, I just joined Blogher on the urging of some blog friends. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with it. I feel like the website doesn’t make it very easy to find new blogs and it’s not like I need to always be posting up blogs there…I have 2 of my own blogs.
Mind if I ask how YOU use it?
July 28th, 2009 at 11:38 am
The reason I would go to the conference would be for #1, like you said. And even though it sounds like it was a lot of fun, I think I’d rather do that on an individual basis, the way I have so far, rather than at a giant conference.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:39 am
It sounds to me like BlogHer is getting too big.
Maybe there needs to be smaller conferences within BlogHer: mommybloggers (I know they all scorn that title but c’mon, that’s what they are), tech bloggers, food bloggers, wedding bloggers, life bloggers (*grin*)…
July 28th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I really appreciate reading how you saw the “other” side of the conference – ie the greed and petty nature that women can often demonstrate (further adding to awful, but sometimes true, stereotypes). I think you are quite observant and I dig how you are honest with yourself and never “gave into” any kind of crazy over the weekend – both socially or physically. Cause, coming from a new blogger who doesn’t even know how to operate the BlogHer website (we’ll have to have this discussion one day), I don’t get it, either.
July 28th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
That’s a very realistic review. All those things that drove you crazy would have aggravated me too. I’ve never been tempted to go to BlogHer, because I dislike travelling and find it very stressful. Now I’m more sure than ever that I’m happy to leave it to others.
July 28th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I can’t TELL you how sad I was to not get to say good bye to you! Or see you more after the seminars!
We will TOTALLY have to get together–it would be a waste not to as we live so close. Heck, MAYBE we can even invite pseudostoops :-)
(And I’m sorry if I was a freak about the Tide pen/stain situation. I was enjoying having lunch with you and didn’t mean to bail for a bit! :-()
July 28th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I’m glad you shared this. I was debating attending the 20-something blogger meet up next year or the Blogher conference and I think this pretty much sealed the deal. I’ll definitely have a better time talking to people my own age and not feeling so insignificant and left out.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I agree that this year was definitely more overwhelming than past years and the vibe seemed off but I still enjoy going to hang out with people I read.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
i know what you mean… although for me, the whole weekend was worth it for getting to hang out w/pseudostoops all weekend, FINALLY meeting you (yay!!), meeting sizzle through you, and pseudo’s blogger friends. i think partly because i really didn’t go in caring about the conference at all – i nearly just bought a lobbycon pass, since i was so uninterested in going to panels about blogging. i ended up REALLY enjoying the feminism one, though, and learned some good info in the comedy writing one. i’d go again, probably, but stick to the “room of your own” panels, skip the rest, and try to keep on meeting up with friends :-)
July 29th, 2009 at 12:05 am
[...] To BlogHer or not to Blogher?- Like a lot of you, SoMi’s Nilsa attended the BlogHer conference which was in our lovely city and gave her readers a little recap. Her thoughts on what she experienced are kind of the reason I didn’t attend. That and the fee. To me, it sounded like it had potentional to be fun, but I am very apprehensive of the following: large groups of females (by large i mean more than 4…), watching large groups of females go crazy for free stuff, meeting Bloggers IRL. I don’t know what my apprehension about the last one is, but I just am very wary, it probably comes back to my self-esteem/self confidence. I don’t know. But Nilsa did touch on a subject that was very interesting to me the idea of social activism through Blogging. I struggle a lot with the idea of my blog being about personal issues, interests, fluff, etc. I am trying to find a reason to blog, which is why I haven’t as much lately. I feel like I could be spending my time doing little more than complaining about my life on here instead of doing something to improve it. I do have a fledgling foodie blog that i need to spend more time on because i feel it to be the start of something wonderful, but what about the idea of social activism? what about a blog as commentary on the world around me, instead of the world within me? i like the idea, something to ponder. Nilsa, on the otherhand always has something to say that makes me think. which is why i am also posting the next link [...]
July 29th, 2009 at 1:34 am
This has been a really helpful and honest review, thanks! As much as I would love to meet some of my favorite bloggers in person, networking on that scale is incredibly intimidating to me. I too would prefer a small group and deeper connections. I never considered attending, but appreciate that you articulated perfectly why that decision remains the right one for me.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I really didn’t jive with blogher my first year. I said I’d never go back. And I did. This year was much much better for me.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I’m reading your experience thinking I might have felt the same way if I had gone. I’ve never been to one and hadn’t wanted to go until this time, because it was in Chicago and I’ve only been there once for 2 hours so that doesn’t really count. People that read my blog tell me I should go, but I’m still on the fence and this year, because I’m not in the US, it was just impossible. Next year in NYC huh? I guess I could definitely go to that one, we’ll see where I am then, but for now by little blog can stay as little and as unknown as it is and I’m happy with that.
I’m glad you got meet Sizzle though, I totally heart her! And if you decide to come to the NYC and I decide to attend, I would love to meet you, I’ll stop twittering, I promise ;)
August 16th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I can imagine it would be really hard to meet new bloggers with everyone being so distracted and time being so limited. It’s funny, you almost have to meet people before, then meet up with them there, like you recommended (to go with friends).
November 9th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I hadn’t seen this post before. I can’t believe how expensive Blogher is. I think the conference succeeds largely on bloggers’ (probably accurate) instinct that you can’t promote a blog without making friends with more popular bloggers.
I’m sorry, there’s just no way people are willing to pay that much to go to hour-long writing and marketing sessions when you could get a whole college course for the same price.
It would be fun to meet the people I’ve been reading, though. And it would be nice to get promotional help from more successful people. I’d probably go if it were in my hometown and didn’t cost so much.