SOBCon ‘07 is Over… But is it, Really?
Well, as the curtain draws to a close on another exciting episode of that exciting daytime soap opera, SOBCon ‘07 (sometimes known by its other name, As The Blog Turns), it’s time to reflect a bit on some of the more esoteric and sundry things I’ve learned over two exciting days of nonstop action.
Or, I could just give a you a few random thoughts. Yeah, definitely the random thoughts. Well, let’s see (sound of automobile engine turning over fruitlessly)…
The last I heard, the number of attendees was 110, so overall, it was a good start for something that was completely new and untried. I realize many folks didn’t really have a clue as to what this conference would really be like, so it’s understandable. But now you have a whole year to think about the next one, and to hear from everyone who DID attend. Should whet your appetite.
Seriously, folks, this was quite an event; I’ll probably be processing what I picked up here for months at least. I’m sure I can speak for all who came that we collectively and heartily recommend you consider joining us next time! I had the opportunity to personally meet quite a few of the 110 folks, although I’m sorry to say I missed a few (sorry! sorry!) The problem is, once you get to talking with someone… ah well, you know how it goes.
My biggest surprise at the beginning was just how tall Liz Strauss is! (Funny, she doesn’t sound tall over the phone…) What a generous and kind-hearted lady she is – a definite catalyst for great blogging and great writing throughout the world. It would be an understatement to say this conference could not have happened without her.
It’s ironic, though. When I first ran across Successful Blog, I may be one of the few people who DIDN’T stick around; at least at first. It wasn’t that I didn’t like her – not at all! – but because I was so intimidated by the sheer volume of material on her site! Fortunately for me, I was eventually pointed back to her site by Ben Yoskovitz, and have been a huge fan ever since.
I chatted with Lorelle VanFossen, sharing with her the joys/agonies of having my own domain, using WordPress, and the power of blogging. Quite interesting. She calls herself an “elderly blogger” because she’s actually been blogging for 15 years!!! You know that a human year is equivalent to seven “dog years”? Well, we decided that one human year is also equal to about 5 “blogging years”. That would make her blogging age about 90. ’Course, that makes me about 5…
After the conference, about 25-30 of us stayed around to have dinner at the hotel Saturday evening, and I had a chance to visit with Drew McClellan. Naturally, I couldn’t pass that opportunity up! After all, I felt a personal obligation on behalf of all my fellow authors from the upcoming e-book, The Age of Conversation, to ask when the book would be published. GUESS WHAT EVERYONE! I… don’t know! Sorry, ’bout that folks, but he wouldn’t tell me either, even under threat of hot needles under the fingernails. Tough guy, that Drew.
During the actual conference on Saturday, they put all us computer jocks at the back of the room (the only tables with power connections), and I spent all day sitting next to Vernon Lun, founder of The Good Blogs and very nice guy. (Check out that new widget you see in the left hand sidebar.) Hopefully some of that brain power and entrepreneurial spirit will rub off on me. He also took about a million photos, and you can see them in a slideshow at Terry Starbuckers’s site, Ramblings From a Glass Half Full.
Hey, don’t worry – still more to come! But I’m beat, so I think I’ll give the ol’ fingers a rest for now. Check out the SOBCon site for the complete list of attendees, and check out their SOBCon stories!
18 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Hi Bob
Am spending this whole day ‘reading-up’ on everything I missed out on. Great stories, great pictures everywhere you look.
Really getting to know more SOBConners better this way. Don’t you just love the blogosphere?
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
Karin, my only objection to the photos you’ll find is that so far as I’ve seen, all the ones with me in them show by backside!
Ah, well, fame can be so fleeting! At least people might recognize me when I’m leaving the room…
Nah, seen various pictures of you full faced
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
Thanks for the email, Robert! You were right, it is a dance business, and thanks for the well-wishes. Can’t wait to see what comes from your blog!
Liz and I had a long discussion about the issue of “elderly blogger”. She wants the title of “elderly blogger” based upon physical age. She has given over to me “elder blogger” to denote my blogging age. I thought that was acceptable.
It was great to meet you and everyone. My head is still reeling, as you know, with all of the great people and fabulous information. It was really a stunner conference, not what we expected but totally more than we ever thought. Powerful.
Someone has to say it: maybe you’re looking at the same pictures but from a different perspective (cowers under desk, and I’m hardly one to talk!
You’re welcome Hannah. Nice to know the ol’ gray cells still function when I need ‘em!
Thanks for the kind words, and I could say the same to you: looking forward to seeing great things for your future!
OK, Lorelle, I’ll give those to y’all.
Yep, “powerful” is a GREAT descriptive word; exactly describes the potential for this group! So proud to be a part of it, too!
Hey, Mike, it’s OK; you can come out now (smile). Besides, I found some with the other side of me, so I guess it’s OK now.
‘Course, now it’s now impossible to deny the hair loss; before, I could always lie to myself…
[...] got to meet Chris Brown. We’ve been sharing on our blogs back and forth for months. And Robert Hruzek, who recently replaced his blue shark with a real photo of himself. Oddly, he left my 1000th [...]
I like your thoughts on a blogging year being like 5 human years. I’ve certainly grown and changed over the past four months in huge ways.
And, I, too, was shocked by how tall Liz is.
Great to meet you. Look forward to seeing you again sometime.
Yes, Dawud, isn’t it funny how blogging time seems to move faster than “real” life! I’ve made friends at least 5 times faster than I would have if limited to face-to-face.
The reason, I think, is because we express our thoughts so openly, we can get to know each other better in a much shorter time.
It’s like pen pals on steroids, or something.
Hi Bob
“Pen pals on steroids”? what ever next?
Made me chuckle
Karin H.
[...] Robert Hruzek – SOBCon ‘07 is Over… But is it, Really? [...]
Hi Robert – it was great meeting you in person! And speaking of pictures, I’m glad you finally put a face pic on your blog, too! That shark drawing really didn’t do you justice
Look forward to many years of commenting on each others’ blogs.
Howdy, Tim, my Project Management Buddy!
Well, that picture… I actually DO photograph better from my right side, so it finally had to go. Besides, there was no point in being incognito after SOBCon anyway!
Hi Robert–thanks for the kind email you sent through MyBlogLog today. Normally I’m a heck of a lot more outgoing than I was at SOBCon, but I guess I was soaking it all in.
Here’s to the next one and a real “nice to meet you” then!
Also–my email is buried on the profile page. I like to make it hard for spammers to find it.
Aha! Found it! Hey, I can use that excuse, too – “soaking it all in”.
Be seein’ ya!