In short, it was a great time. It's a well known fact that men are a very small minority at BlogHer. I'm not sure how many men actually attended, but I would venture to guess no more than 30 of 600+ attendees.
The focus of BlogHer is the user. The implications of social media tools are at the forefront, while technology takes a back seat. There is no competition in the room, no egos, just people wanting each other to learn. The only tension perhaps was the overuse of the term 'Mommy Blogger'. At the final session one participant did say something like, "I'm not a mom and I am not married, but I still blog." That statement received a huge response.
In a number of conversations recently I have been asked, "What are the best conferences to learn about blogs and social media?" Previously it has been hard to name more than a few great events. Why? Too often the 'blog' conferences get way to technical for the beginner. For example this year I have attended: New Communications Forum, Syndicate NY, Gnomedex and BlogHer
At this point, if asked again, "What is the best conferences to learn about blogs and social media?" I would say BlogHer.
Sure with BlogHer there is an overarching women's theme, but some of the sessions didn't really heavily involve women's issues. For example the sessions I attended all focused on the use of the format and how it's impacting society and business. These included:
The Next Martha Stewart - This was a discussion of how individuals can build their own brand with blogs and other social media. Of course the panel were all women, but the basic principles apply to anybody.
Business Blog Case Studies - This session reviewed a number of business blogs (some successful, some failures) and then opened up to be a group discussion of best practices from a business standpoint. Once again, it was not a women-specific topic.
Political Blogs - This session looked at how both national and local politics are being impacted by blogs and citizen's journalism. Same as before...not overly female specific, but just a good discussion of the topic.
When you become too involved in the development side of things you sometimes lose sight of those using the tools. This can range from the bloggers themselves to the consumers of the content. BlogHer brings things back to balance and opens your eyes to the limitations and potential of social media.
I had a blast and thank Toby and Marianne for convincing me to go.
Visitor Comments
Well said Josh, wish I would have gone.
It's becoming clear in my mind it's like Dave Winer said at Gnomedex, the users do know best. Not only what they want, but what works. As I am sure you are, I am scrambling each day to learn from clients.
Posted by: Kevin OKeefe | July 30, 2006 9:25 PM
Josh-
It was great to meet you and your restaurant recommendations were spot-on both nights. And maybe I learned something from you, too.
Leah
Posted by: Leah | July 30, 2006 9:59 PM
30? Where did you see 30 guys? I would say 10 max - the rest where guys helping the organizers. :))
And yes, it was a great confernce. Funily enough, I always seem to have been where the Mommy bloggers not have been. :))
Looking forward to September now ;)
Posted by: Nicole Simon | July 31, 2006 2:08 PM
Josh - You can now boast that you are one of the cool (smart) guys who attended one of the first BlogHer conferences.
Enjoyed our 6:1 dinner Sat night.
Posted by: Toby | August 1, 2006 9:45 AM
What did inspire you to go? (sorry if you mentioned this in the past - found your entry through others)...
Posted by: Jill Warner | August 2, 2006 11:44 AM
Jill: I went because Toby and Marianne said I should go.
Posted by: Josh Hallett | August 3, 2006 11:03 PM