Yes, there were some not so great moments at Blogher. Life is like that, so why should Blogher be any different? Luckily the things that weren’t so great were pretty unimportant.
No wifi in the rooms so that means taking turns with the connection. Next year, wifi in the rooms would be really nice. In fact I’d be tempted to stay off site if the hotel didn’t have wifi in the rooms.
The connection wasn’t always reliable in the conference areas. In fact, it was very unreliable. I can’t imagine how to resolve that, I’m not geeky enough to figure it out and I’m not sure anyone is geeky enough to figure it out. 700 women, all needing a connection. All needing an IP address. All pulling in and sending out data, nonstop, for hours. Nightmare.
The food, not great. I’m not a fan of conference food in general so I had low expectations and those were met. When I’m on a trip, I try to avoid that flexitarian thing because all meat eating is a risk to my digestive system, the vegetarian options weren’t very appealing. I’ve eaten very little since I’ve been here. I also think 3 or 4 spreads of food rather than 2 would have helped. Nobody likes standing in line for bad food when they could be at the bar or at a table blogging, networking, socializing or even taking a nap.
Now the big thing… the cliqueyness. I’m not a huge name blogger. Yes I’m a Blogher CE. Yes I was a presenter. Yes I know quite a few of the big name people at Blogher, but I really am not one of the top Bloghers. I didn’t have a circle of friends to hang out with. In order to meet Bloghers, I had to crash some circles of fast friends. I had to crash the cliques. I expected that and if you are someone who didn’t expect that then you are living in a weird world, my friend. Life is like that. And it’s ok. We’re a tribal kind of people and Bloghers are incredibly tribal.
I know that cliques make many women feel bad about themselves. I know the "outsiders" can feel like they aren’t wanted or respected. Take my advice, please. Step into the cliques. I know it is hard and you might be shy or unsure of yourself, but do it. I crashed a lot of circles and there was not a single time when I felt unwanted or unappreciated. Not one single person was rude. Not one single person made me feel like I did not belong. NOT ONE. Take a risk, step into that tight knit group of people. Shake hands. Offer hugs. Ask questions. Ask for cards. Give your own cards. You will be accepted and appreciated. Cliques aren’t bad unless you allow them to be.
The worst thing about Blogher, for me, I DID NOT MEET SUSIE FREAKING BRIGHT! OMG I have only been talking about that for how long? And my panel was scheduled opposite hers! What was with that? I have a serious bone to pick with Elisa about the panel schedules. It’s all about my needs, after all.
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Hi, I found your site on BlogHer. I was so hating the fact I wasn’t there! I would feel the same way about the cliques. But I’m really hoping to go next year. It looks like so much fun and hopefully it’ll be in a better place.
Actually the whole clique thing is what worries me the most. I’m not good at the infiltration thing. Really not good at it.
I think I need to get some book bloggers on board for next year. 😉
Sassymonkey, the clique thing was my biggest concern too. It didn’t have to be — everyone was friendly, nice and very interesting.
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Cliques can suck, but as Denise says, these weren’t exclusive ones. They were people who knew eachother one way, experiencing each other in a face-to-face way. Emotional bonding is hard to walk up to and insert yourself to be sure. Folks aren’t unfriendly, but as a person (not just a blogger) you have to be outgoing enough to say “Hey, I’m___. What’s your blog?” Or hand them a card. I didn’t bring cards but I just wrote my blog on my namecard. It worked. I fear cliques, too. But that is my baggage. 🙂
Excellent advice, Denise.
Also, Did you see this picture I took of you and Liz? So cute!
And if you can include your partner’s name in a Flickr comment, I’ll amend the other pic.
Ah, Denise!
I met Susie the first night and continued to see her throughout the weekend. Had I only known.
As it was, she wanted to meet other bloghers who lived in Santa Cruz, so I introduced her to Grace Davis.
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I found the clique thing hard. I agree, people were usually very nice, but it felt somewhat difficult to infiltrate the groups. I mostly blamed myself, but reading around it seems that many people felt the same.
By the way, it was very nice to meet you, Denise.
It was nice to meet you too!
🙂