A Blogging Event
Last night, bay area bloggers got together in South Tampa to eat, drink, and, in the case of one unidentified web writer, eavesdrop and make inappropriate comments.
Oh wait. That was me.
Decent turn-out for our first effort. Jim Johnson played the role of charming host, mingling amidst the crowd with well-timed words of encouragement. He's as thoughtful as his site suggests, even-keeled with a warm smile that immediately put me at ease. I felt welcomed into the group even though I arrived late because, let's face it, I can't find my way around the corner without getting lost.
Lisa, always a doll, gave me a hug. She probably just wanted to feel the girls one last time before they're gone for good.
Who doesn't?
Joel, Jason, and other illustrious Sticks and non-Sticks writers (some with the best designed facial hair ever, and I don't even like facial hair) all echoed the same question I ask myself every day: "Aren't you supposed to be moving?"
Take it easy, boys. I'll be gone soon enough.
But who will take my place? Come on, when you want to chat up a local Jewish liberal vegetarian teacher/mom who believes "Thou shall wax" should be the 11th commandment, I'm the only show in town.
Which brings me to another observation - our little corner of the Internet lacks some serious diversity. Lisa and I were the only girl bloggers. Joel says he's Hispanic. Everyone else - white and male.
We can do better than that, right?
Speaking of male and white - how yummy is Dave in a tie, all business-like and sh*t - with Tim kicking his young professor vibe? Blogs are no longer just for Trekkie-types. Good news all the way around.
Tommy, our own Mack-Daddy, moved like a king through his kingdom while another Tim took pictures of everyone but me. I learned about site names, gay clubs in Kentucky, and the efforts of a Lakeland liberal to bring civility and charm to that part of the "bay area".
Politics, censorship, Beastie Boys, and local legends were all up for discussion. Plus the Guinness was great.
We're a friendly bunch. You should come join us next time.
posted by kate @ 11:25 AM
15 comments
15 Comments:
The Right Coast Florida babes are hip to the blog world.
Next time, invite us to the shindig.
http://www.tampataxishots.com/2007_0227Image0028_op_800x600.jpg
It was a blast! You're right about diversity; I thought the same thing going home last night.
p.s. The girls looked great, as is. :P
Regretfully, I was unable to attend, maybe next time. Glad to hear it was a success.
I’m thinking, why only two ladies at the get-together? Granted, if Lisa is of the caliber of Kate, then even the two present, no doubt, made quite a positive impression at the gathering. The low female ratio still begs the questions, why so few?
Then it dawned on me. I believe the gathering last night was for those who opine on substantive issues i.e. politics, taxes, education, environment etc. Perhaps if the invitations had been for less weighty matters such as cooking, cleaning and the like, more ladies would have shown up. Another thought that occurred to me was to, next time, invite the ladies to bring along their boyfriends or husbands (at least notify them for their permission) and I’ll bet more show up. I don’t know all the things the ladies write about, maybe knitting, crocheting, catering and what not, but I’m sure if invitations were set low enough, plenty more women would be there.
I’m not sure though, maybe many of the ladies just don’t feel capable of expressing their thoughts to a discernable bunch of folks. Maybe I am giving the women too much credit for being thoughtful and opinionated; but, that’s just the kind guy I am—willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
I arrived late, work and all, but there is an element and a factor to being a single female blogger. You need to be very aware of the sketchy element. It is definitely something women have to look out for more. But maybe I shouldn't have an opinion or a voice...being a lady and all.
There are plenty of local female bloggers, but for some reason most of them didn't go to the get-together last night.
Goader -- Don't worry, I got my husband's permission to attend and I'd saved up enough money from my weekly grocery allowance to buy myself something to eat (a male blogger ordered for me, of course). I didn't try to tax my delicate female brain with any serious conversation. I only smiled, curtsied and addressed the male bloggers as "sir." Rest easy, dear sir.
"Then it dawned on me. I believe the gathering last night was for those who opine on substantive issues i.e. politics, taxes, education, environment etc. Perhaps if the invitations had been for less weighty matters such as cooking, cleaning and the like, more ladies would have shown up."
I was there - my last three posts were about marrying across the political aisle, doughnuts and an incongruous toilet. Weight of opinion and subject was definitely not a requirement. Either that or I crashed the party.
Nice, Lisa. If any site is able to draw out your dormant smart ass, it's mine.
So proud!
Hey Lisa, good retort—for a girl.
I was there for the Guinness, not the politics or cooking/cleaning issues.
Yummy, eh? I'll have to put that in my Blogger Hall of Fame Official Biography. Thanks Kate.
maybe I'll try to make it next time :)
I wanted to attend, but instead I attended the firing of Mr. Stanton. With much anger I sat perplexed during the event. I should have gone to the event...
I love me. Who do you love?
Yourself??????
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