I’m still trying to process the whole BlogHer weekend because, dude, it was a whirlwind. I arrived late on Wednesday, geared up and energized, then left early Sunday, totally drained, but motivated. I will only touch on the highlights of BlogHer because, seriously, there is just too much tell.  Don’t get too excited though, it’s still a novel.

NETWORKING. My main mission in attending BlogHer was networking with online friends and new contacts.  I went up to everyone I could, both big and small names, to tell them about myself and learn more about them.  I was not star-struck or intimated by anyone, because, seriously, in the grand scheme of life, they are just people, like me, who like to blog.  Lori, from @acowboyswife, told me at the Nikon party that someone was scared to approach her.  We both laughed and thought it was silly that anyone would be fearful of introducing themselves.  Soon after, at the next party, someone said the exact same thing to me, and I was shocked!  So, please, never be afraid to approach someone, no matter who they are!  On that note, there were a few who I could see as unapproachable, but I didn’t let it stop me.  I met so many wonderful women, and men, and I feel so grateful.

SWAG.  I’m sure you have heard by now that there was all kinds of swag drama at BlogHer, and there was.  There was miscommunication about who would get swag, then people who were taking more than one bag, and blah, blah, blah.  It was quite comical and baffling at the behavior, really.  There were parties that myself and others were supposed to receive a bag of swag, and we didn’t.  It was too bad  that we didn’t, but my heart still kept beating, and that wasn’t why I paid close to $1000 to go to BlogHer anyway, because I could have bought better swag with that budget.  I WILL say that I agree with several others in that the parties with swag hand-outs needed a better system.  I suggest that these groups use single-file lines, and only give swag to those people who are on a strict RSVP list for that particular party.  Also, there must be enough bags for everyone at each party in order to avoid the pushing & shoving that I witnessed.  To place bags of goodies in the middle of the room for free for all, is not fair, or safe to people just trying to have a fun, relaxing time.  BowlHer did a GREAT job with their swag, in my opinion. (I’m assuming everyone got a bag there) [Read more...]