After 4 1/2 years of blogging and attending 4 1/2 blog conferences, it finally occurred to me why bloggers flock to them like Trekkies to a Star Trek convention white on rice:
We're among Our People.
My non-blogging friends used to give me that "bless her heart" look (the not-good kind) when I tried to explain blogging to them, let alone a blogging conference (which is about the same expression I'd wear if they told me they were going to a Star Trek convention). They had a slight change of heart when I told them Harry Connick, Jr. was giving Blissdom attendees a private concert–
They all started a blog.
I kid, of course, but interesting how "celebrity" legitimizes blogging to them…. (That's all I have to say about that lest I resort to snarky remarks….)
Somewhere along the way, the line separating friends in real life and online friends disappeared. I've met too many. I've shared too much in common. Stumbling onto the talent of an amazing writer, being inspired and moved to action by the words of another, laughing–out loud–from the tales of master storytellers, relating to similar life experiences (the good and the bad), discovering a common faith–all are bridges to relationship.
Geography poses no barrier to digital friendship.
At Blissdom some of the smartest, funniest, most inspiring, kindest, gentlest, challenging, encouraging women convened in one place to learn and share and give and take. I got to meet my (in)courage writing team. I met bloggers I've read my entire blogging career and those whom I've discovered only recently.
And I got to spend t i m e with a few lovies who it hurts to tell
goodbye. Which kind of feels good.
One of the aspects to my friendships whose genesis is from blogging is they're much more diverse than my friendships geographically anchored. Their written words and blog savviness and differences draw me to them.
Anyways………
Stay tuned for much more throughout the week: love for ALL our sponsors (is it okay for me to name a few of my favorites??), congratulations and thoughts for conference founders Alli Worthington and Barbara Jones, a story on faithful obedience, and a tale about a would-be princess.
Good gracious I hope I can get it all in! May the Force be in my fingers and may YOU live long and prosper.
Which suddenly makes me think bloggers need a secret hand-shake or salute or something. I'll get to work on that, too ;).
Your turn: Bloggers, chime in! If you've gone to a conference, tell me why YOU love 'em/hate 'em; if you haven't, what are your perceptions about them? If you aren't a blogger, what is a hobby you love so much you're willing to devote a weekend of your time to focus on it?
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Excellent analogy. I loved every minute in your presence. You = good people. Even with your “certain part of the anatomy that will remain nameless” obsession 🙂 Can’t wait to see you again.
I love the community of being together!!!
Oh, meeting our incourage sisters was just the best, wasn’t it? So many special, special ladies.
I just chuckled when I saw the Star Trek reference because I kept saying it all weekend, but it’s so true.
Love you sweet sister….you are PRECIOUS!
I’ll chime in, even though I don’t feel qualified to do so. I’ve never been to a blogging conference but I have been blogging since 2006. I’d love to go to one and this one pulled my heartstrings since it was in my home state of TN. My perception is that it is a fantastic way to connect with other bloggers. I wonder how you connect. Do you need to know others before you show up? I have so many friends that give me that “bless her heart” look you talked about. Being with a group of bloggers sounds refreshing. Looking forward to hearing more about your Star Trek (ahem) Blissdom conference. 🙂
This was my first blogging conference and I’m just a few posts removed from my first of that too. I was a bit hesitant going to Blissdom but I agree with what you said about how you met some of the most inspiring, fun and talented women of which you are all three! It was great meeting you!
YOour coffee prayer idea was the best! Thanks again. Pop over to my blog to see photos of us (3 Robins).
LOVED meeting you Robin. Look forward to getting to know you better.
{{{{HUGS}}}}
Looks awesome! So glad you went and had such fun! So missed seeing YOU! Love the coffee prayer idea. Stick with it.
Are you considering Relevant 10?
Loved the Prayer Coffee. What a great idea!
And meeting online friends “in 3-D” is awesome!
Hey, those M&M’s gone yet? 🙂
Loved every minute of it and to see you again real soon!
So much fun being with all my trekkies, um… I mean… Bloggies. 🙂 Or something like that!
Hugs!!
Beautiful lady – I’m loving your Star Trek analogy. Maybe I just shouldn’t expect everyone around me to “get it”, eh?
I’m SO SORRY I missed the prayer breakfast – my roomie was speaking so we gave her first shower dibs. And trust me – you would not have wanted me pre-shower. 😉 But I was totally praying from my room. I love ya’ chica.
Angela <><
I have attended Blissdom twice now and I love that I leave feeling energized, legitimized and gotten-ized (so not a word but I needed it to fit). It’s wonderful to be surrounded by women who understand what you do and why you do it. Though I still don’t understand Trekkis…
(PS Have a favor to ask- would you drop me an email?)
This was my first conference and my first time away from home in 3 KIDS! I had the BEST TIME!
I am so, so glad I got to meet you! I put a pic of the two of us on my blog!
You are a blogging rock star in my book!
What an awesome experience you seem to have enjoyed! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
I so enjoyed meeting you! I so enjoyed the conference! I am nearly bursting at the seams with smiles and memories and already a little impatient for next year!
I LOVE my bookmark. I can’t help but love it. Thanks for the thoughtfulness, but even more, thanks for the story that goes with it.
It was great to meet you….and yes, we belong with each other. I told my co-workers that I was going to a website conference. Because I knew, I would get that look, you know the bless your heart look.
I love blogging conferences because that’s the only place I ever see you!