(With my friend and mentor Liz Strauss via @rbucich)
Swag bag fights and party fallout are all the buzz today. Maybe I am the only one, but I never saw any of this bad swag grabbing behavior. I know how things take on a life of their own after events, and I do not want the awesomeness of the weekend to be overshadowed by negativity. Let me share with you my perspective.
I have shouted from my laptop repeatedly, “Blogging brings us together!” Last weekend proved all my theories true.
White, Black, Latina, Asian, Native American
Christian, Jew, Agnostic, Mormon, Muslim
Republican, Democrat, Libertarian
Straight, Gay, Lesbian
The labels stop communication.
The labels keep us for understanding.
The labels keep us apart.
This weekend there were no labels. We were all just people with the common thread of our love of blogging.
We met, we hugged, we made eye contact, we connected.
We healed old wounds, cleared up misunderstandings that so often occur via the written word, and we met as people without labels. Our differences didn’t matter, relationships were strengthened, and friendships were born.
It was beautiful.
If you were there, I would love to hear your story. What did BlogHer mean to you?
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great post! love it
Toni´s last blog ..BlogHer 09: My Thoughts, My Pride and The Short Insert About Stupid People
You are correct. It was as beautiful as you.
Amo´s last blog ..So You Think You Can Dance, Dorkfish?
I’m no @outdoorDogs. She is the hawtness
Isn’t she? My pals all fell in love with her!
Poppy Buxom´s last blog ..BlogHer09 Report #3 Celebrity Sighting Edition
It meant the world to me. To finally meet all the wonderful people (like you) I have come to know so well. As Jim Lin (Busy Dad) said, “It’s like meeting your best friend and a celebrity all at the same time.”
Momo Fali´s last blog ..Forget Cleveland…it’s Chicago that Rocks
As Flinger would say, “TOTES!”
Great recap — really gets to the heart of what’s important. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet you but have discovered many new friends, introduced and unintroduced, but still “met” through this shared experience.
Caryn´s last blog ..BlogHer Interlude
I am still shocked at soooo many ppl I didn’t get to meet. It just happens so fast!
xo
Love this post, though I wasn’t at BLOGHER. I know what you mean!
Alyssa´s last blog ..Menu Plan Monday – Getting Back to Basics
Amo nailed it. You looked hot!
I loved seeing mah peeps, stalking seeing my favorite bloggers, and squeeing like a fan girl.
As for swag? Honestly, I haven’t even unpacked it. (Except for the Chris Mann EP, which I’m ripping to iTunes even as we speak.)
xxx
Poppy Buxom´s last blog ..BlogHer09 Report #3 Celebrity Sighting Edition
You should’ve handed out motrin at the “Turkey Roll Up Party”
Exactly! I love this! You said it wonsderfully!
Great post Alli! I agree with you 100%! Throw out the label and the judgmental behavior .. and we will all get along just fine!!
Tammy Munson´s last blog ..Day 49 – messing with my head
Alli – I love this perspective. I was mostly star-struck all weekend (mostly due to fabulous people like yourself) but was so blessed by how nice and inviting EVERYONE was! Aside from learning plenty from the sessions, I mostly learned that a community of women is one of the best places to be and BlogHer provides that, even if for just once a year.
Mary
Mary´s last blog ..MaryMassey: @ConsumerQueen ahh, yes, thank you!
Aw, Mary. You rawk. I love ya, babe.
or.. wonderfully.
In a very surreal blogging moment, I found myself face to face with the person who made me the angriest on the Internet this year-a person who questioned why a friend whose child had died wascollecting money.She got quite a comment lashing,myself included. When she mentioned such an incident onSaturday and I realized who she was, my first instinct was a flush of anger. But with her there in front of me, explaining how she hadn’t understood the community or this family’s role in it, I could see how she stumbled into a much bigger deal then bargained for, and been backed into a corner. And, while I still disagreed with her, for the first time, I felt empathy as well. It was a powerful moment the universe coordinated.
SO great to meet you!
It meant meeting a kind lady who lives a few miles from where I grew up and celebrating our our mutual love of the General Lee!
muskrat´s last blog ..political correct birthday parties are for pussies
YEE-HAW!!!!!!!
Ah my lady you do it again. Great post! It is great to see everyone for who they are – without a label. It is also great to see women jump in to help people they have never really met – whether it is to stuff 500 bags or sob their hearts out at their stories. It is a good reminder since I left with a negative feel. Bring on BlissDom!!
Kat´s last blog ..lake life and boys
I don’t even let mean people register for BlissDom.
I can’t BELIEVE I left without Chris Mann’s EP. WHAT ON EARTH WAS I THINKING?!?!
Anyway – I had the best time – good to see friends, and spend time with some of my favorite ladies.
Kicking myself about that EP though.
Sarah´s last blog ..Happy 4th Birthday, Pumpkin
It was wonderful to finally meet you, girl. xo
maggie, dammit´s last blog ..BlogHer ‘09, what else?
Megan (Velveteen) asked who I was thrilled to meet.
I said, “Maggie!”
She agreed!
Thank you. It’s exactly what I tried to say but only you said it better. Bravo.
Gave me chills..hope to get there someday dragging Heather ( my creative business partner that hates crowds along) LOL
I know we would love it.
Donna~Blessed Nest´s last blog ..homemade deodorant: check it off my list
Now this post is making me wish I had gone.
You’re simply adorable, miss Ali.
Nell
What an absolutely beautiful post!!! I so wish I could have been there, but no worries, I will definitely go to NYC next year!!
WoooHooo!! Can’t wait to meet you:)
Dr. Mommy´s last blog ..Keeping the Faith
I loved the people the very most too. I love that there are so many voices with stories in one place. I love that when I read them now, I’ll be able to imagine them talking to me from the screen. It was a lovely time.
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..BlogHer ‘09 – It’s all about the people
I’m so glad to read your perspective, which, per usual, is like a breath of fresh air in a sea of negativity. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. (SNIFF…can you tell I am PMSing?)
Love you babe and love that picture of you with Liz Strauss. Awesome! You rock!
Looking forward to BlissDom! And crossing my fingers ’bout BlogHer in NYC.
Jamie´s last blog ..She Will, She Will Rock You
Oh I will tell you the secret BlissDom scoop. Hee hee
What a wonderful post! It makes me want to go to Blogher ‘10 (and Blissdom) even more! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa´s last blog ..Taco Del Mar: Review and Giveaway
WOOHOO!!! I totally agree!!!
It was all about the people!!! I LOVED BlogHer because of all the incredible relationships formed and strengthened. I am sad to read all the negativity out there. It wasn’t the focus for me there nor do I want it to be the focus now!
BTW – your tagline cracks me up. And boy do you look good!
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..You’re Invited to our Live, Interactive SnazL Birthday Party!
I had a wonderful journey – shared it on my site. I didn’t see any of the bad stuff either. It was all good!
Sarah´s last blog ..Make it work…with Tim Gunn at Blogher
I did see the behavior. And it was terrible. And a close friends baby got hit in the head. And while I loved blogher, witnessing that totally colored my experience.
I called my post the good, the bad, and the ugly, and it was. I loved meeting all the people, but am still appalled by the things I witnessed.
My full story is here-
http://jodifur.com/2009/07/blogher.html
jodifur´s last blog ..The Hardest Part Is Over
I’m not much of the blogger but I love social media, and without being in this wonderful new space, I would have never met you or the many incredible gals that have brought so much fun, knowledge, joy, power, purpose, and meaning this past year…so a big ((hug)) and can’t wait to bee with you again soon
Beth
p.s. I just love Liz too…great photo
Beth Rosen´s last blog ..Blogher has left the building..what are you left with..add your top 10
I’m with you, it was an extremely positive experience for me. I just blogged about it here: http://momspark.net/blogher-09-from-my-perspective/. No drama for me, either, just great memories.
I’m already having BlogHer withdrawals.
Amy {Mom Spark & Mom Made That!}´s last blog ..BlogHer ‘09, From My Perspective
It was my first BlogHer and I’ll admit, I was scared because of all the “stories.” But that’s all they were…stories. I had a blast.
I was giving away swag at a party and didn’t witness any of the bad stuff.
I met so many really nice people and no one dissed me or gave me the cold shoulder. Everyone I stopped, took a moment to shake my hand or hug me, exchange cards and find out who I am.
I made a lot of IRL friends out of my online friendships. I learned a lot from everyone that was there. Everyone was very willing to give advice, talk and help me out. All I had to do was ask!
Although, I didn’t get the opportunity to meet you. Maybe in ‘10!
Michele (scrappinmichele) McGraw´s last blog ..BlogHer Surprises from a BlogHer Virgin
Cool! I am so glad you had a great time!
It was the chance to hang out with my people. You know, the people who GET what you do, where you don’t have to explain exactly WHAT blogging is and how it’s more than just a “cute little hobby”.
It was wonderful.
Wisconsin Mommy´s last blog ..It’s hard being on this side of the desk.
Great post!! And SO true. I would be having a great time until I would hear someone talking negatively, and then I’d get pulled right down in it. I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort since I returned to stay out of the muck and mire of it all.
Thanks for the reminder!
Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity in my Subjective Life´s last blog ..28 Things That I Learned At Blogher
Love this post!! I had such a fabulous weekend. I loved meeting someone new and finding out how we can blog together. There’s always something we can to do to help each other out!
Marie {Make and Takes}´s last blog ..Indoor Summer Crafts to Beat the Heat
That dress looks great on you!! I know that is not what you asked for comments about, but I had to tell you.
(passes Kate a brand new $20 bill)
Obviously wasn’t there but can I just say Dang woman, you look amazing in that photo!
Michelle Smiles´s last blog ..One year ago today…
I was fortunate not to experience any of the elbowing of babies and swag attacks. I wanted to focus on the people! Not the swag! It was nice to psuedo meet you at Poppy’s. Wish we had more time to chat, but we left around 11:30. I follow you on Twitter, but only later did I connect that you are Mrs. Fussypants with FIVE boys! That STILL amazes me!
MaNiC MoMMy´s last blog ..eaR iNFeCTioN SyMPaTHy
We shall meet again on Poppy’s rooftop!
PS- You ask Poppy for us?
I did not see very much of the crazy behavior at BlogHer, but feeling very attacked right now. The whole MommyBlogger attacks have left a bad taste in my mouth, now being guilty by association, based on the actions of a small few. The backlash sucks and I am really debating if I will go to BlogHer 10 next year since I will be footing the bill.
I enjoyed meeting women I knew and other women I have never read before.
And yes, I’m still calling myself a mommyblogger. So be it.
Jennifer A´s last blog ..You say I’m a mommy blogger like its a bad thing
I call myself one just for fun.
Sitting with friends. Being myself. Laughing till I pee a bit. Loving every minute of it. BlogHer was all this and so much more.
Secret Agent Mama´s last blog ..“You blog; I do luggage.”
Remember that business card????
I am still traumatized.
(shudders)
Hey, I wanted to meet you! I’m sorry I did not. I’m thinking of attending Blissdom as my pal VDog had such a great time last year.
Though I am not employed by BlogHer, I did attend the first conference in 2005 and thus I swell up with a sort of owner’s pride whenever I read the posts of attendees who had a wonderful time. Indeed, it was not all “that” – the swag melee, the pushiness, the drunkeness – it was mostly about excellent conversations both on and off the podiums and fellowship that sustains and guides many of us. You captured that essence in this post.
All the best to you! See you at Blissdom and/or BlogHer10NYC!
Grace Davis´s last blog ..BlogHer 09 – My Community Keynote Reading
It meant gaining respect for someone that I disliked and never would have thought I’d respect, ever.
Avitable´s last blog ..Anatomy of a Post #BlogHer Avitable
BlogHer brings everyone together.
I still want to see the picture someone took of us with my arm around your shoulders. I was too terrified to even pay attention to who took it!
(giggles)
Here’s one of them: http://www.flickr.com/photos/avitable/3768246721/in/set-72157621757851925/
Avitable´s last blog ..Reason 4,887 that I hate people
My husband calls that look my “crazy eyes!”
Best photo ever.
But I do kinda look like I may be unstable.
Jury is still out.
BlogHer meant putting faces to names for me, setting voices to their words. I had the best time and meeting you and everyone else just made every word I’ve put into my site completely worth it!
I actually have a poem I’m posting tomorrow on my site and you’re in the picture!
It was a blast meeting you!
Sprite’s Keeper´s last blog ..BlogHer: Quotables
i finally got to meet you and you’re lovely.
my recap is really long.
Karen Sugarpants´s last blog ..My Mighty BlogHer Recap, With Canadian On Top
Blogher was just so amazing. The highlight of course was the people. Meeting people and putting faces with names.
On Friday night I started, and on Saturday finished, this post – http://prairie-mama.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-its-about.html It really sums it all up for me.
You were darling in your green dress and were just so sweet to me. Thanks
Kim´s last blog ..Home Again
I I won’t miss it next year. I want to meet all my blog girlfriends.
The Peach Tart´s last blog ..Can I Have a Penis with that Party?
It exceeded all my expectations in every way. I laughed, i fell in love over and over again, and it ended with a lovely intimate party with incredible people.
I’m afraid it won’t be topped.
xoxoxox there’s MY kiss.
I am sorry I didn’t get to go. You DID look fabulous in that picture!!!
bermudabluez´s last blog ..Weekend Commuting…
http://tracey-justanothermommyblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/very-long-post-with-way-too-many.html
tracey´s last blog ..It’s Always Something…
We stumbled on this blog and fell in love with it. You are a true role model. Been reading it for few days now, so we just have to comment it. Looking forward to new stuff from you.
ParentsElite´s last blog ..Can money really spoil your child? Why should you educate your kid about money?
Oh I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve missed something really, really big! I wish I could’ve been there! I’d love to meet so many people…here’s hoping maybe sometime it will be in the Tampa Bay area, here in Florida! (wishfully)
sweetjeanette.blogspot.com
Jeanette´s last blog ..