This was the second such occasion I have ever attended. It was more low-key than the previous one and consequently more agreeable. Over-all (and intending no disrespect) the bloggers present were more on the nerdy than the sassy side than the last such meet-up.
Other participants and their takes on the event can be seen on, or via:
floating life (and here)
As it was a[n?] historic occasion, I should like to take this opportunity of acknowledging the Eora people, on whose land the meet-up took place.
There is something a bit awkward about such meet-ups. They are like blind or internet dates – will you and the others meet mutual expectations? – will people click? Not everyone has even read everyone else’s blog. Lurking somewhere in the room is a barely-suppressed spirit of emulation as we dance around our respective hit counts. Since blogging is (pace McLuhan) the medium rather than the message, it can be a bit difficult to find and/or establish the common ground: the enthusiasms pursued in blogs can be pretty personal. Being gay or lesbian of itself is definitely only a start. I fear I got off to a bad start with Michael because I don’t share his enthusiasm for dogs on public transport (though I do share his dislike of the black-clad transport police). Now that I have read some of his blog I particularly regret this, since we must be just a few degrees of separation apart. I also would love to learn how he has managed to afford so much travel! Likewise, I never really got to talk to Panther who was at the opposite side of the table. It was only today that I realised once again that there would have been some associative tendrils to tease out.
It probably takes a little longer for people to relax into each others’ company than the time I had available, as I had to rush off to Randwick for the last night of the film festival at about 6.30. Still, it was good to meet everyone and I will read everyone’s blogs now with (renewed in some cases) interest quickened by personal acquaintance.
Adrian, once of Gay Erasmus, was asked after by Witty Knitter, and I was happy to be able to pass on some relatively recent news. Adrian, we miss you!
February 29, 2008 at 3:43 pm |
They must have finished talking about hit counts before I arrived, around ten minutes after you had left. I think. BTW, this post has, it may be said, led to a slight adjustment in my side bar now that Feb 13 has receded a little. ;)