I have this really strongly worded post in my drafts folder regarding my current feelings on blogging and all of my insecurities that seem like they are highlighted by blogging. It continues to darken my drafts folder rather than my front page for several reasons, one of which being MY INSECURITIES.
I’m guessing that if you’re going to BlogHer in Chicago this summer, especially if it’s your first time, you’re probably nervous.
1. What if nobody knows who I am?
2. What if nobody talks to me?
3. What am I going to wear?
4. What if I don’t get invited to any of the parties?
This will be my second time attending BlogHer and #1-3 all apply to ME, but I know, logically, that mostly my fears are just my little demon insecurities creeping in and attempting to sabotage me. Fear number 4, though, you’re covered because you’re already invited to a party, a party that I’m helping to host.

The People’s Party 2009
open-invite pre-BlogHer party
Thursday, July 23, 2009
8:30-11pm
Sheraton Chicago X (“Ten”)
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Hosted by:
The Bloggess
Green Mom Review/ IzzyMom
Motherbumper
Mrs. Fussypants
Playgroups Are No Place For Children
Velveteen Mind













A private performance by Chris Mann, Share the love on his Fan Page!
The People’s Party is aptly named because it is for EVERYONE. I hope that when you read “everyone” you realize that “everyone” includes YOU. And you. And YoU. And yOU. It’s the perfect place to meet people, so that you’re not just sitting in your room, alone, watching p()rn in your PJ’s, scratching your butt, and eating an overpriced hamburger you ordered from room service.
What I need for you to do now, is go over to Megan’s place, and RSVP that you ARE coming to the Party, when you get back, we can chat about insecurities #1-3 (listed above.) Hurry back!
Did you RSVP??
Okay! {clap, clap} Let’s talk about our feeeeeeelings.
1. What if nobody knows who I am?
I’m SWEAR I’m not trying to scare you, but many of the people you’ll meet will have never heard of you, or your blog, or your Twitter name. That’s okay, though. I’d never heard of Amy in Ohio or Mommy Bits and they hadn’t heard of me until last BlogHer and now this year, I’m driving from Tennessee to Cincinnati and driving with them the rest of the way to Chicago. It’s like, we all became friends or something. Weird. I know.
If someone hasn’t heard of you, it doesn’t mean you’re not worth knowing. Introduce yourself to people and don’t be offended when they have no idea who you are.
2. What if nobody talks to me?
Okay, I swear AGAIN that I’m not trying to scare you, but you *might* have to talk to people first. I know it’s scary and all your insecurities start bubbling up in your throat and choking you at the mere thought of walking up to someone, sticking out your hand, and saying, “Hi. I’m Jennifer from Playgroups are no Place for Children.” The thing is, though, if you’re standing alone in the corner, it’s not very likely that someone is going to just come up and talk to you out of the goodness of their heart. That’s just not how it works.
Every year after BlogHer, there is a backlash against the “cliques.” With THAT many women (especially women), who rarely get to see one another, there are bound to be groups that form. Many of the so-called cliques are groups of women who’ve known each other for years, send one another Christmas and birthday cards, call one another on the phone. In other words, they have a HISTORY together. It’s natural for people to hang out with the people they already know, and usually they aren’t purposely leaving anyone out.
I promise you, though, that if you go up to people, introduce yourself, ask them questions about their blog and where they’re from, most people will AMAZINGLY talk to you. If you’re with a group who decides to go to dinner, say, “hey, mind if I come, too?” If they are not complete a-holes, they’ll say, “Of course you can!”
Something that I did last year with a group of people was to form a sort of support group and exchange cell numbers before leaving for the conference. That way I ALWAYS had someone to call if I was suddenly feeling like I had nobody to eat lunch with or to go to the free swag suites.
Remember that if you don’t make an effort, you will SO regret it when you get home. Take the chance, it will be worth it.
3. What am I going to wear?
Go read this post by OHMommy.
During the conference, I’ll probably be wearing simple tanks, t-shirts, jeans, and possibly a casual, flowy skirt. In the evenings, I’ll probably go fancier with a dress and some cute wedges. Last year, I felt TOTALLY underdressed at all the cocktail parties. I won’t be making the same mistake this year.
Anymore fears that I didn’t cover? Any questions?? I hope that you have RSVP’d by now for the People’s Party!! See you in Chicago.