I Quit for LIJIT...

BlogHer 09: Bringing it back to Chicago

There are lots of post-conference reviews and summaries coming to light as BlogHer attendees write about their experiences. Some are on blogs, some are in the traditional media. I was unsure how I should go about talking about the conference, because as a marketer and a blogger, I have a few different angles I can take on the subject. Since I'm mostly caught up on sleep, I thought that I would share a different sort of top ten list with you--the questions I have after returning home from BlogHer. There are a few that I can actually answer and a few that don't need it...

Question #1: Do I talk about all the awesome bloggers I met?

    Because really, I could go on and on and on and on with regards to the caliber of women (and the few men) that I met while at BlogHer. There's not enough room to link to them all.

Question #2: Do I mention the incredible sessions that provided much food for thought?

    Whether it was listening to how some of my favorite bloggers tend to their craft or hearing about how big companies are dealing with social media, there were learning opportunities around every corner of that Sheraton.

Question #3: Do I dissect what it felt like to be a non-mommyblogger wandering around an expo floor full of major sponsors looking to reach the mommybloggers?

    At another time, perhaps.

Question #4: Do I discuss the issue of swag and how crazy it has all become?

    No need to since many other talented writers have already done a better job than I ever could.

Question #5: Do I bring up how amazing it is to hear bloggers read their best work aloud with tears streaming down my face and my heart swollen with pride?

    The Community Keynote is the best part of BlogHer in my opinion and reminds me why we all started doing this in the first place.

Question #6: Do I share the numerous conversations I had about Lijit, listening to feedback and explaining how we strive to provide value to bloggers?

    Let's just say that Lijit stickers became one of the most coveted accessories of the weekend.

Question #7: Do I approach the topic of how much I've learned since first attending BlogHer in 07?

    You can see it firsthand here and here.

Question #8: Do I broach the subject of just how many parties and events took place outside of the official BlogHer conference lineup?

    Lots and lots. If you wanted to attend BlogHer without ever really attending BlogHer, it was quite possible. (And you probably walked away with better swag than I.)

Question #9: Do I even begin to wax poetic about how grateful I am to work for a company that gets it?

    No. It's been a while since I've written poetry but if you must, check out the rhyming ode I wrote to the Lijit stats. This will remind you why I don't write poetry often.

Question #10: Do I simply thank Elisa, Jory and Lisa for allowing me to be there for a small part of the magic?

    Yes. See you ladies next year in New York City.

{Photos courtesy of Veesees and Southern Fairytale...because I still haven't uploaded my pictures yet}

Showing a gnome around Boulder

I often find myself doing odd things because of my job. Slap a sticker on a drunk Guy Kawasaki? Check. Put your head through a whiteboard made to look like a widget? Check. Take a gnome around Boulder and give him a tour of local startups? Ummmm...okay.

When my friend Lindsay asked if I would help out, I didn't hesitate. It was fun hanging out with the little guy for two days and I learned a few things by taking the Yim gnome (that's his name, btw) around town.

Basically, when you work for a startup, you ALWAYS have time for a photo op. Especially one involving an inanimate object and a Twitter mention.

This was Day 1 with Yim...

Powered by Whrrl

And in case you can't get enough, even more startup fun with Yim on Day 2...

Powered by Whrrl

Not only did I have fun getting to see the offices of all my favorite Boulder tech startups, but I really enjoyed playing around with Whrrl. It's a fun application and very easy to use. If you like telling stories with your pictures and having an easy way of sharing that story with your friends, be sure to give Whrrl a whirl.

Word on the street is that Yim will be attending BlogHer as well, so this may not be the last you see of him here.