Friday, July 24, 2009

There is No Holy Grail.

Ahem... is this thing on?

Right then. Listen up, Internets! It seems we have a few issues to address here at Blogher09. It's come to my attention through my own personal experience, plain viewing and accounts from other blogging friends and blog-strangers that there is a different sort of vibe in the air here at the conference this year. It's not a good one either.

1. The Swag Grab- Yes, free loot is fun. I'm not going to say that I don't like to get free stuff. I do. But I'm not about to go elbowing a few babies, stealing swag bags off of carts or run into a party just to pick up a free key chain, phone or what have you. It is not why we are here. We're here to talk shop, learn a few things, network and see our friends. The purpose of Blogher is people. Got it? It's not getting your hands on some 3 ounce sample of Tide and a pink All Lollipop as you shove another well-meaning blogger out of the way. That kind of karma will just kick you in the ass later.

2. There is No Holy Grail- I know it is overwhelming. You want to see your favorite bloggers, your friends and meet the cool folks over at Nikon and Sprout. Plus, you want to make yourself known too. Blogher seems to be the end of the quest. The best place to search for answers to all your blogging questions and find that elusive golden chalice that will bring in tons 'o blogging cashola. But it is just not like that. Sure, you can make contacts, get some work and learn a whole lot but the secret to making money at blogging is that there isn't one. There is no tried and true formula. The truth is while money can be made doing this it is not big bucks money. It takes constant effort and a whole lot of time. It takes balls. You can brand yourself and before you do that you need to know what you stand for and who you and your blog are. You don't go into blogging to make some coin. It's just that simple. You do this because you love it. It's your passion- be it food blogging, photography or simply writing. That is all. Embrace it for what it is.

3. Manners- This ties in strongly with the first two points. We may be online half the time but that doesn't give us the free reign to lose our manners. Don't ask a blogger if they are "well-established." Don't go around asking "how can I make money?" repeatedly. Don't ask someone you just met if they can help you find a fave blogger of yours so that you can meet them. It's a tad awkward. It's off-putting to the person and doesn't make them want to get to know you further. Blogher is a wonderful way to meet other like-minded people. However, it doesn't mean that manners no longer apply. Don't make me throw an Emily Post tome at your head.

Now go, have fun. Blogher is people. Remember that.

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:47 PM

    Hi,

    Hopefully today's post will cause the "inappropriates" to reconsider their behavior and improve their style for everyone's benefit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous12:21 PM

    Right on, girlfriend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my.

    I missed seeing you. Next year, if not before.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I followed a link from Jodifur. Very well said!

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  5. You go. So fricking true. It was my first conference, and I was incredibly taken back by some people's perpetual quest for swag.

    I was floored by the gluttony there--too much of everything unimportant.

    But I did meet some really cool people, made some strong connections, and gave my brain and body a chance to take in a really awesome city.

    How did our paths not manage to cross? Wish we could have sat down and chatted a bit. . . next year, if not at a dcmm event before then.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You go. So fricking true. It was my first conference, and I was incredibly taken back by some people's perpetual quest for swag.

    I was floored by the gluttony there--too much of everything unimportant.

    But I did meet some really cool people, made some strong connections, and gave my brain and body a chance to take in a really awesome city.

    How did our paths not manage to cross? Wish we could have sat down and chatted a bit. . . next year, if not at a dcmm event before then.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes. And yes. And more yes.

    ReplyDelete
  8. No swag for comments? I'm not commenting.

    (awesome post!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. It was wonderful seeing you again. I was shocked when I heard from one of my Carpool mates on the way home that someone had their BowlHer swag doll STOLEN. Jeez louise, people, it's just STUFF. That dang doll will get played with once or twice and then end up at Goodwill or sold for a dollar at a garage sale.

    ReplyDelete
  10. do you mean i won't be able to quit my job and stay at home blogging all day for millions of dollars?!??!! you've ruined my dreams. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting! It's always good to hear from a reader and not say, a robot.