1000 Women Bloggers......and me!

July 18: First impressions of BlogHer 08, in San Francisco. Fantastic conference. And I'm just exaggerating, there are a bunch of us guys, but we are definitely a tiny minority. A new concept for white males! In many positive ways, this conference is unique by dint of its population, but on the other hand, a BlogHer is a blogger, is a blogger. And I'm finding there is ample common ground, information sharing and interests. One thing that you can't help noticing is the amazing positive energy here. It's palpable. It's also extremely well organized, and boy (or girl), do they know snack food - danish, Snickers, popcorn, chocloate, even Swedish Fish at the Sesame St. booth. It is also striking how non-commercial this is. Even though there are sponsors (J&J is here through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization, of which we are a founding sponsor), there is surprisingly little "pitching" going on. Maybe I'm stereotyping, but it seems that there is a female sensibility for "sharing" and connecting, as opposed to a masculine one of "selling" and deal making. Speaking of which, I'm reluctantly being impressed by Twitter, which the participants here seem to love. While it seems a bit like "social stalking" to me, it certainly is an interesting way to keep in touch. I noticed a twitter from BlogHer yesterday which read: "I'm amused that there are men here at BlogHer..............they're smarties! ;-)" I was kind of amused by THAT! But I think she may be right.

Comments

[Mother Jones, RN]

BlogHer sounds like a blast. I'll see you there next year. By the way, I'm adding you to my blogroll. Thank you for sending me your link.

MJ

[Kristin Davis]

Sounds like it was a lot of fun -- I wish I'd been able to go!!

Interesting comment about the "sharing and connecting" versus the "selling and deal-making" that typically goes on at conferences. I think that's so true. When I attended it last year, I felt like I was with a whole bunch of friends -- great, dynamic environment.

So are you tweeting now on Twitter?

Best,
Kristin

[robhalper]

Kristin,
Thanks for the comment. Actually, I'm still not used to twittering, though I understand it now. It's as much a time management issue as anything else!