Instead of trying to describe Saturday’s Okie Blogger Round-up in Oklahoma City, I think it better to let other bloggers tell it from their perspective. (See a list of many bloggers who were there via Don Danz.) My view is somewhat biased as everyone I encountered was cordial, helpful, capable and inspiring.

As with any convention type meeting, the success is relative to the people who contribute. The willingness of everyone to share and help each other be better bloggers during the workshops was indeed inspiring. It’s often said that bloggers are narcissistic, like that is something bad. Yet, I believe having self-love and self-confidence isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when it is shared with others in a caring way.

And when it comes to giving, there was plenty of that. If you didn’t get a good vibe from Kristin and Heather during the sign-in, that was your fault you curmudgeon.

Dan Lovejoy coordinated an excellent educational session with but one flaw; there was not enough time allotted to cover all the topics of interest to those in attendance. You can blame me for that. Kudos to both Dan and his employer, Oklahoma Christian University for sponsoring the workshops by providing equipment and door prizes.

Sean Gleeson opened the Basic Blogging workshop with an entertaining slide show that warmed up the audience and encouraged their participation. Sean also designed the Okie Blogger Round-up logo and contributed in other ways behind the scenes.

Sean speaking, Dan running slides,
and Wild Bill of Passionate America Radio.

Dan led the Advanced Workshop along with a panel of experienced bloggers: Sean, Kevin Latham and Kurt Hochenauer. Kevin (via ITLnet) and Kurt also helped sponsor the event with door prizes and a cash donation, respectively. ITLnet donated the wireless router that provided attendees ready access to the internet throughout the Round-up. The router was raffled off in the evening and won by Tulsa blogger Michael Bates.

After the dinner break, the 2006 Okie Blog Award winners were announced and though not everyone could get an award, all present seemed truly happy for each winner named. (Any winning bloggers who weren’t in attendance, please email me with a mailing address to receive your award.) Thank you to Babs for her help in lending a little class in handing out the “Okies”.

The United States public premiere screening of Mozartballs ended the evening festivities. Having the featured characters in the movie present, and providing background, only made the off-beat one hour Mozart documentary that much more interesting. Thank you to Steph and Lynette for sharing.

I did have one big regret about the whole thing though; I didn’t get to spend enough time meeting and socializing with everyone. However, I feel lucky to have enjoyed the little time I did have chatting with such interesting people.

And while I do hope you caught part of Passionate America’s live web radio broadcast from the event, I also hope you missed my alcohol induced on-air rambling. It was a bit too much fun.

2006 Okie Blogger Round-up photo album.

Others not mentioned, but helping to make the event a success were:
LocalOKads.com
111 Brad Street
Oklahoma Political News Service

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