Quick notes on BlogHer while I have a minute here at SFO Int'l. $10 for wi-fi!
Let me say this: this was a conference of, for, and by people who listened. That's right. Listened. One cannot underestimate the value of this in all contexts, but especially in the context of 300 smart and opinionated women (and a smattering of smart and opinionated men) who were there to say/hear/learn something. And the fact that it got done is not a miracle, friends, no matter how much it may seem so to the devout or the uninitiated. It was the result of a certain ethos, clear in the careful planning and the respectful do-ocracy, of the conference planners. Thank you, Lisa, Elisa, and Jory. And thanks to all the women and men who made it a priority to hear each other out and to allow room for disparate points of view. Let's make this crystal clear for the naysayers: there is no monolithic Woman (as there is no monolithic Man) and there is no monoltihic blogger. So it would follow that there is no monolithic blogger concern, opinion, or criticism. 300 people sitting in a room and actually wanting to move the whole process -- and women in it -- forward and doing it with enthusiasm, respect, and all requisite challenges and critiques, too, is a sight to behold, and I'm glad I was there to see it.
And before the Prescriptive Gender Role Police arrive, let's just dispense w/ the idea that "women listen better than men" or whatever. I happen to believe that women do, as that has been my experience, but let's not get off track. This was well-planned and well-attended. End of story.
End of story? Methinks more like the beginning.
Posted by: The Heretik | Tuesday, 02 August 2005 at 12:22 AM
Good point, as always, Heretik! It really is the beginning of the story for BlogHer. Those gals have gotten a good thing going.
Posted by: ae | Tuesday, 02 August 2005 at 07:54 AM
It was fantastic meeting you (and getting to sit next to you during the Opera/Musical dinner... how DID you tolerate me?) at Blogher. Your blog is now on my list (dang, it is getting even longer) to read.
I appreciate the "listening" thang. Thanks.
Posted by: Nancy White | Wednesday, 03 August 2005 at 02:36 PM
Nancy, wonderful to meet you, and I loved sitting next to you at the Operatic Dinner (my ears are still ringing)! Thanks for your many thoughtful comments. I'm glad I found you and your blog! The benefits of BlogHer are many.
Posted by: ae | Wednesday, 03 August 2005 at 06:45 PM