BlogHer 09 was just like high school.
Well, high school with lots of free stuff. I suppose the free stuff in high school could be considered booze and cigarettes, because there was always some element of pushing and shoving for those. And they were fun in high school, until that first hangover. And then they weren’t so fun. Or so worth it.
In high school, there were the cool kids. The cool kids who were actually cool and the cool kids who were bitches. There were the computer geeks and the people who never came out from behind their cameras. There were the party animals and the social climbers and the gossips. There were the people who would do anything for attention, and the magnetic people who everyone universally loved. There were the hysterical people who had you cracking up and, there were the shy, quiet people who you always suspected were the most special ones. There were all sorts of people. And they were all at BlogHer.
Of course, there were classes. Some were better than others, but the big huge lectures always bored me to tears. The small, intimate classes were always preferable, and the ones where class participation was paramount were my favorites. And there were always a few classes that I wish I’d taken.
Cafeteria food was pretty dismal and I wisely opted for sneaking home at lunch.
There was the worry over one’s appearance. Having the right shoes or jeans became more stressful than one’s GPA. Being too fat or too thin was the cause of much angst, but in the end, everyone was so busy worrying about themselves that they barely looked at anyone else.
There were parties. Loud, crazy parties that got broken up by cops. And they were fun. But, I always preferred hanging out with a few friends in some corner than being in the middle of the dance floor.
At the end of each day I came home to my own child-free room. Except I didn’t appreciate it then.
And, in a blink, high school was over.
Did I like high school, you ask? Yes, I did. I have some very fond memories of great nights and really good friends. Do I want to go back to high school? No, not really. I miss parts of it, but I’m happier here, and now. Well, maybe I’d go back just once a year for a few days. Yes, that would be perfect.
So, BlogHer, see you in 2010. I’ll be there.
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{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
that’s exactly how i looked at it! very high school-ish. but omg…i had fun! and i loved meeting you and hanging out with you! you’re terrific! and i look forward to seeing you in october!!
I loved meeting you too. And I had a blast– it just felt so reminiscent, you know?! And next time I’m taking pictures!!
I’m so glad my 1st (and only, so far) blogging conference was Blissdom. I loved the intimacy of it. I feel like I got to know a few people really well instead of being bombarded by huge crowds of people. It’s definitely the perfect intro to the land of blogging conferences. Baby steps, you know…
But, I do plan on being at BlogHer next year, too.
Great post! Even though I was not there, I had a feeling it would be sort of like High School – which can be considered bad and good. I have great memories of H.S. for the most part. Too many hangovers to mention here, but anyway! I look forward to going to BlogHer ’10. And meeting you! I know you’d be aweasome to meet and hang out with. I will be very upset, though, if someone who I admire in the blogosphere turns out to be a meanie in real life. That will kind of be devestating, you know? So… how much free time is there at BlogHer? Because let’s not forget NYC = lots of shopping. Will I have time to shop?? ;)
Yay! Does that mean I will get to meet you? Squeee!
Yeah! :)
Really? You felt like it was high school? I’ve heard that before from more then one person. But, I didn’t feel like that.
I hung out with 50 year old women, not size 4 women, men, two lesbians, drop dead gorgeous women, jewish, catholic, mormon, tall, short, … you get the point. I ran around and tried to spend a little time with everyone and not enough time with just one “clique” I didn’t see anyone fretting over clothes/shoes and all I saw was people seriously dancing all night long.
I must have been wearing a blind fold. Was there some drama I missed?
You were the social butterfly in high school, huh? :)
Not in a bad way… but, yes, it felt very much like high school. To me, at least.
Great post! That was my theory too from reading all of the BlogHer09 twitter comments. Yikes! I didn’t get to go this year and sure wish I did. However, I think my assessment would’ve been eerily similar to yours. And, it seemed like it was all about the swag, who has the swag, where to get the swag, whether or not to ship the swag home, how to recycle the swag… :)
We didn’t get to meet, although, I feel like I did because I was Angry Julie’s roomie and she said you were cool! Maybe in 2010.
Hopefully! Loved her— she was as angry as I am scary. ;)
Yikes, my high school experience was very scary so I’ll be passing on attending BlogHer.
However, I’d love to see what kind of free stuff you got! And do you feel totally refreshed after a couple good nights of rest minus little ones?
Sounds like it was productive and fun. But I’m glad your back – I had nothing to read in the morning.
Oh, the swag… The kids were psyched- Strawberry Shortcake, Mr. Potato head, make-up, books etc. It was fun and I do love me some free stuff, but that whole aspect did seem to take away from the rest. There were so many PR people and so much product pushing and less about actual content. So, fun stuff but nothing I couldn’t buy for $150 at Target.
totally what I thought – most of it was crap that I tossed in the trash bin!
Hey woman!!! You stole my post theme!!! Maybe because we think alike. I had someone ask me yesterday whom my BlogHer girl crushes were? I said YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I think you and Cynthia (Nap Warden) were my girl crushes. Not the big names, not the big companies, real authentic people aka women!!
I still haven’t thought of a post to do, but I’m barely here right now. My crap is everywhere, husband is really tired of the stories, and I have trash to go through.
but alas I can’t wait to High School Reunion 2010!!! aka New York!!!
Awww, I don’t think I was the subject on any crushes in high school, so already this was better. You were on my top list too!!!
I totally hear you – I stayed away from the parties and the gossip for just those reasons. I was soooo happy to meet you and several other friends I’d already made online. I’m going at it with a different attitude next year and I think that will help my mental state, a lot.
When I first walked in to the Sheraton, I sat down in a chair along side the wall of the lobby and almost cried I felt so intimidated! I felt like I’d just made a giant mistake. Then, by magic, the Foo was recognized! (she was in my arms) By three of my online friends – all at once. So I immediately felt better. If that hadn’t happened, I’m not sure I would have stayed…it was totally like high school in some respects!!!
Ugh, those first few moments sucked!!!
It was very much like high school, wasn’t it? Shuffling from room to room, eating greasy fried spice in the cafeteria, seeing all the different tribes in all of their glory. But it was certainly a great experience, the ones I’ll remember are the smaller encounters, like the one I had with you (actually talking in the midst of all the Bowlher craziness).
I was so happy to meet you, you’re an absolute doll!
I totally agree– I loved meeting you too!!
Blast! I was hoping that you would tell me something that would make me feel better about not going. Nope, still feel all bitter and jealous and ticked off about it. Exactly like high school. Even though it sucked to be there, I hated missing a day. Not much chance I’ll be in NY next year either, but I’m so gonna do Mary’s BlogWhore thing so I’m good:). Glad you had fun, though!
This is exactly what I expected to read and hear…I’m going next, and looking forward to it, but will have a lot to keep in mind before going…
I wondered if anyone felt like that. Reading all the twitter comments made me think of the HS-ish atmosphere too. Maybe I’ll go next year, and bring my social butterfly sister. She can meet people and then introduce me. Ha. ;)
Some posts I read and I think, man what is all this BlogHer stuff I want to be a part of that, and some stuff I read and I’m think, I’m so glad I don’t have anything to do with that. I was totally over high school in high school. But I do think it would be fun to meet everyone that I already know online. I’m sure that is the best part.
I’ve heard the high school comparison more than once. I did not like high school. At all. Which I admit is mostly my own doing, since I was one of the very, very (did I say very?) shy people who was basically mute the entire time. If BlogHer reverts me back to that person, eh. I’m not so sure I should ever go.
I didn’t go, nor do I have any real feelings about it either way but I did want to say that I LURVE your new picture! It was like, “OOOOhhhh that is what she looks like!” LOL!
I still feel like I missed out… Whaaa… wish I could go next year.. Hope you tell me more more more…: )
i have to say, that meeting you was high on my list of great moments. You are not only a very nice, but you are kick ass gorgeous. damn you to hell.
Alright, you sold me – when do tickets for next year go on sale?
(Must be proactive to avoid turning completely green with envy. High School rocked.)
I wrote just about the same thing, only you wrote it better;) I’m thinking we were the same in high school. That’s why I LOVED hanging with you at Blogher!
I’m sending you an email about an idea you planted in my brain…
Great take on the whole affair. Such a pleasure hanging out with you for a few quieter moments.
Sounds like it was fun and stressful and something everyone should do once! Thanks for the report. If I ever go, I’ll have a sense of what to expect.
Welcome home. Hope you’re refreshed!
This makes me all anxious inside just thinking about it! I’m glad you had fun. And thanks for the honest report!
Sounds like you guys had a great time!! Even if there’s a little growing up to do…
Nice recap — I cannot wait to go next year.
I hated highschool! And I was hoping to get to BlogHer sometime in the next decade. Damn.
I always wondered what Blogher was like! Now I know!!
I know myself well enough to know I’ll end up being the social butterfly if I ever make it out to a BlogHer conference. Until then, I’m glad I get to live vicariously through you (and your comments)!
Dang – I missed out! Maybe next time it’s in the midwest, I’ll have to take the time and go. Hopefully someone took photos!
I hated high school, but I loved BlogHer! of course maybe if you had been in my high school, I would have loved it too.
If Blogher ever comes up to Canada-land I’ll be sure to go. Maybe this time I won’t be ‘the band camp girl’ :)
Where are the pictures? We need pictures?!!!!!
I was terrible about that! I have, maybe, three. Next year I vow to take more!
I want more details about the free stuff. Cuz I didn’t get anything for free in High School either.
I had a great weekend and am so glad that I was able to meet you. I’m sad that we didn’t have a chance to hang out more.
I’m hoping to make it to NYC in 2010, see you there…
I’m so glad I met you! Yay! Keep in touch on Twitter and I’ve added you to my RSS feed so I’ll be visiting:)
I said just about the same thing – that it felt like high school! Except I didn’t know as many people, and I felt more shy. Weird, huh? Somehow I missed meeting you :( Maybe next year!
Gah, I’m jealous! I want to go next year so badly! I want to meet all you fabulous bloggers!
So bummed I did not meet you!
very interesting perspective. I like it and it makes me want to be able to go so badly next year.
Like high school? Yikes. I’ve been sitting on the fence about BlogHer10. I’m so new at this whole blogging thing. I’ve read some amazing posts by some amazing ladies; ladies whom I’d like to meet. But that means they would be meeting me too. Even if I could muster the guts to pull myself away from the back wall or from behind the potted fern, who am I?
I think I would totally feel the same way, but it sounds like it was worth the experience!
Having never been to Blogher, I really loved your comments. I have a feeling I would have felt the same way. :)
I totally would have felt that way had I been there. I usually skipped high school classes. I’m glad you got away for a couple days, though, and that you had some fun!
Great analogy. I think anytime 2000 ish women come together, high school or some peoples case, junior high, is bound to repeat :) See you in NYC though!
@chaotic_barb
I am so new to the blog world and would really like to take some blogging 101 classes and was bummed to miss out on this year’s Blogher; didn’t really know about it until it was too late. Did you learn anything from any of the sessions you attended? Do you think it’s helpful in getting a newbie up to speed?
Sorry it felt like h.s. for you. I remember how un-fun that could be at times. I think I will still take my chances next year in NYC since it’s so close to me!!! Maybe we will get to meet!?!
Cheers,
Jodi
Don’t get me wrong– I am totally glad I went, that’s just how it felt for me. I think I chose my session poorly- I didn’t love what I went to, but heard great things about others. I did a bunch of help in the “geek lounge” and that was super helpful. Hope you go and that we meet! :)
I’ve been reading as many posts like this as I can, to justify the fact that I didn’t go… like missing a dance in high school… “that’s stupid. I didn’t wanna go anyway,” kicks sand.
perfect analogy.
Loved this recap, and loved meeting you at BlogHer. Thanks for not saying “Awww”, like most others did when I introduced the name of my blog. Only wish I could have talked to you more. Next year…
I think this is by far one of the best and well put recaps I’ve seen yet.
sounds like you had fun!
Ok, WOW. You? Genius. This recap? Spot-on and absolutely inspired.
I had so much fun with you, you are even nicer, smarter, funnier and OMG, more gorgeous than I imagined! I can’t wait for the “class reunion” next year! xo
OK, so I honestly think that meeting you within my first hour there set the tone for my entire weekend. I’m so grateful that happened. You are completely awesome.
Spot on post.
xo
I loved this recap. What a great way to put it. :)
I was sorry to miss it…
Thanks for the “skinny”…I think probably all conferences are a little like this, right?
I go to quite a few for work …some cliques…some people who take themselves way too serious! Most people just want to get away…and that would be me!
I feel like life in general is alot like High School so I can imagine how it was at BlogHer….but I still can’t wait to go!
I’m so sorry I didn’t get to meet you! I was walking around lost all day Friday I swear! Having to stand in line for an hour to get my badge ruined my entire morning!
Glad you had a great time :) One weekend at BlogHer had to be much less painful than 4 years of high school!!
Hmmm… yours isn’t the only BlogHer recap I’ve read where it’s been said the conference felt clique-y. I don’t know if I’d want to go! I mean, I’d LOVE to go so I could have the chance to meet bloggy friends IRL. But I think maybe I’d want to do it on a much smaller scale!
I wonder how soon til 2010 Blogher fills up…how long do I have to buy my tickets??
great comparison :) i am doing my best to make in 2010. Hey noticed your new pic on twitter and here!! very nice :)
I am planning on having the same reaction as Maggie, Dammit, when I meet you in person.
Don’t disappoint me.
:)
-Francesca
Great BlogHer post! I love the high school analogy. I hope I get to go next year to meet all of these great people.
Hopefully I’ll see you next year… and not be worrying about how fat I am in my Guess jeans. Oh wait… that WAS high school. Maybe I’ll pull out my bodysuit and vest in NYC. That’ll fly, right?
Still wish I had been there!
OK, next year? I want to actually sit down and have a real honest to goodness conversation with you. I felt like all I did was say hi to you about 20 times.
What an interesting analogy! I do think that every conference has its cliques (though I’ve mainly only gone to nerdy ones like AMWA and NASW), but I do shudder a bit to think of going back to high school again. But I won’t know until I try, so I hope to get in with the “in” crowd between now and NYC2010, heheh.
Yeah….I’m all set with the high school scene… I don’t know that I’ll ever attend a BlogHer.
Excellent recap – it’s what I had pictured in my head… :) I am, however, going to go against my painfully shy mode and go next year, I’ve registered so there’s no turning back. ;) Hopefully I’ll have a chance to meet you next year! :)
Perfectly said! My thoughts exactly, actually. It was great meeting you, if only for a second.
I liked high school – and I KNOW I’d like BlogHer. I’m SOOOO attempting to go to BlogHer ’10!
I am so glad you had fun : ) Kind of. I mean kind of had fun, not kind of glad that you had it : )
The only thing is you didn’t have to pay months in advance to get into High School.
I have a feeling, “knowing” you as I do, that those who hung out in your “crowd” likely had a better time and a better grasp of reality! Glad to have you back. New York next year? My town and just a drunken train ride away!
I’m just sorry we didn’t get to hang out by the lockers together more than we did… ; ) WONDERFUL to meet you though!
Hey Jill….so nice to finally meet you, you know? Yes, all kinds were at BlogHer. No friggin’ doubt about that…..but what amazed me is how the right people found each other you know? I’m glad we bumped into each other on more than one occasion but a more substantial chat would have been nice…..next time though. Or at least we’ll try. :-)
Lee
It was awesome meeting you, Jill! What an amazing weekend of fabulous, smart, funny women…. :))
Great Blogher post– but Im almost scared to ask which group I fit into ? lol
Btw Im loving the new set up… i so want to move to wordpress– but so scared.
I am so excited about BlogHer 10. Except now I’m feeling such a feeling of guilt – at leaving my kids for 2 days – I’m almost considering NOT going. The thought of FLYING without my children has left me paralyzed with a fear so great, it actually keeps me awake at night. Driving is more of a risk, especially because I’m prone to accidents, and I’ll end up in the ghetto. Okay I have to go blog about this issue now.