Tonight I had the pleasure of hanging out with some of Cincinnati’s finest bloggers at the Everyone’s Famous! Blogger Bash, hosted by 5chw4r7z (Bob) at the AVS Art Gallery on 4th.
I loved every minute of it. It was great being in a room with people saying things like, “I’m Twitpic’ ing us” or “I’m definitely blogging about this tomorrow” and no one even thinking twice about it – no one even batting an eye or raising an eyebrow. It was bizarrely comforting and reassuring on some levels to be amongst people who “got me.”
Back in July I flew out to San Francisco to attend BlogHer with Amy and Susan. While there we joked that we were THE Cincinnati bloggers (as in the only bloggers that existed/lived in Cincy). Up until that point, I knew of no other local bloggers – especially of the Mom variety.
Aside from great conversations and getting to meet people I’d only known online, tonight’s event was a good reminder. I am not alone.
To those of you who “don’t get blogging” or think, “It’s so weird that you talk to strangers online,” it’s OK. I am no longer going to assume that means I am the odd (wo)man out. I have come to accept the fact that not everyone is going to get it and they don’t have to. I’ve decided that from now on, it’s not me. It’s you.
It is you (the skeptic) that is missing out on meeting great people with interesting stories and hilarious personalities. It is you that is missing out on a community that is growing every day. It is you that will someday (I hope) discover the blogosphere and finally understand what I’ve been talking about.
Through the blogosphere I’ve learned so much about myself and this city, I’ve made great friends whom I’d never would have met otherwise. I wouldn’t trade it or them for the world.
Oh Shannan, that’s so true!
I’m so glad you had fun meeting other bloggers and had a chance to get out and socialize.
I’m always a bit scared because I suck at small talk.
I do think I’ll be going to the BlogHer reach out thingy that’s in Atlanta next month though. Should be fun.
Fun! I wish I hadn’t been working or I would have gone!
Maybe next year… : )
Hi Shannan,
It was great to meet you too! The night was WAY more fun than I expected. (I am often not so comfortable in parties of strangers.) Julie’s friends ARE the best!
Bummed I missed it! Glad you had a good time.with.out.me. Though I don’t see how…
I feel so defensive when my non-blogging friends, turn up their nose and say things like, “why do you write online?” “Aren’t you afraid of the perverts?” “I just wouldn’t have time to blog….”
Like you, I’ve met so many wonderful people thru blogging, it’s all worth it!
Shannon, I’m glad you and everyone else made it.
I’m a huge introvert but things like this party and blogging in general challenge me to be more outgoing.
It is nice to know theres others out there, who are completely normal and blogging.
Damn, sounds like a fun event. I can’t make ‘em all, but I wish I could.
You’re da best.
How long would it take me to drive from Cleveland to Cincinnati?
Pauline we should totally have an OHIO blogger meet up. It could be you, me, Jen from Playgroups, Amy In Ohio, Susan. It would be fun!