It was perfect weather for yesterday’s outdoor Blogade at Kush Cafe. So perfect that the turnout was lighter than expected. That was probably a blessing as my web design guru Veronica brought her laptop, so we all had a chance to see what was going on.

Everybody was late. Everybody! Rob of Luna Park Gazette was the first to arrive. Ok, so he was only a few minutes late. Then others started trickling in. Eleanor of Creative Times showed up with Michael of Art in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Modern‘s Gerald was there, as was Morgan of Save Bedford Stuyvesant. We even got to meet Morgan’s mommy briefly when she dropped him off! Of course, Blogade mommy, Louise OTBKB was there.

Veronica showed us the latest and greatest WordPress plug-ins and stuff that may or may not have sunk into my little pea brain. No worries, she posted a PDF link on her Noseround site so we can look at it over and over.

What did I learn yesterday?

I learned that my WordPress software is in serious need of an upgrade.

I learned that people will respond “yes” to an RSVP and then not show up. You know who you are. Yeah, you!

I learned that my fellow bloggers (and my web design guru) rock.

 

It’s Reclaimed Home’s turn to host the rolling Brooklyn Blogade. Since this is not a neighborhood blog and since I’ve lived in just about every part of Brooklyn, I could’ve chosen any location.

I chose Kush in Clinton Hill because one, I can walk there from my Bed Stuy home and two, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn. Like, on the top three.

So anyway, what’s a blogade all about? Well, it’s a monthly gathering of bloggers who get together to exchange ideas, encourage one another and eat. There’s usually a theme. I wanted to talk about the technical aspects of blogging, so I’m getting my web designer to fill us in on blogging from different angles.

Vanessa of Noseround Productions will look at breaking away from your average post and making your blog more interactive. She’ll bring in examples of plug-ins, add-ons and open source platforms, such as web carts and forums. She’ll try to explain ways to make your blog both user friendly and also owner friendly.

Sounds good, no? So far there are about 20 of us gathering on the 28th. If you haven’t RSVP’ed yet just give me a holla to let me know you’re coming. I’m still working out the menu, but it’s a brunch thing with a vegetarian and a vegan option. Cost will be less than $15.

Hope to see you there!

 

Flatbush Gardener’s panorama. I’m totally jealous of this shot.

After thorough planning on the part of Louise “OTBKB” Crawford, Eleanor “Creative Times” Traubman and countless others, the 2009 Blogfest went off without a hitch. The large space at Dumbo’s Powerhouse Arena seemed more intimate than last year’s Lyceum and the format flowed better, IMHO.

There were some kick ass videos presented by Adrian “Brit in Brooklyn” Kinloch and Blue Barn Pictures. The evening was dedicated to Bob “Gowanus Lounge” Guskind. Flatbush “A Year in the Park” Brenda introduced a video tribute to the blogger who died earlier this year.

“Blogs of a Feather” was introduced at last night’s event. This is a small break out session of like minded bloggers. I co-hosted the house/food/crafts section with Janah of Eat It. We had a great group that included Alana of The Roux, Ann of Open Spaces Feng Shui , Ameet of Rice of Life and Melissa of Fork This.

I was psyched that Casa Cara and Vanessa of Etsy, joined in, because I’m a big fan of both of their blogs. We hung out for a bit at the after party.

Professional organizer Amanda Wiss of Urban Clarity also joined us. She was great, but it made me a little uneasy, sort of like having a psychiatrist around when you know you’re totally nuts. I could’ve sworn Amanda was frowning upon me when I announced I didn’t bring business cards. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.

We met would be blogger, Sylvia, who is thinking of starting a DIY crafts blog specific to Brooklyn. Hope she does!

Next Brooklyn blogger meet up is on a much smaller scale. Reclaimed Home is hosting the June Blogade at Kush on June 28th. Mark your calendars!

FLICKR SET

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009 from Blue Barn Pictures, Inc on Vimeo.

The Brooklyn Blogfest is next week! You needn’t be a blogger and you don’t have to be from Brooklyn to attend. 2009 marks the 4th annual celebration of blogging created by Louise Crawford of Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn. This year’s event is dedicated to Gowanus Lounge founder, Robert Guskind, who passed earlier this year.

Apart from networking, eating and drinking, there will be an actual program. There’s a “Why we blog” panel, a “Birds of a feather” theme breakdown (I’m co-hosting “Food and Home” with “Eat It“), a shout out to new bloggers, a video montage of photos, raffles and more.

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009 will be held at the Powerhouse Arena in Dumbo followed by an after party at Galapagos. Doors open at 7pm. Pre-registration is suggested.

Hope to see you there!

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009
May 7th at 7 p.m.
PowerHouse Arena in Dumbo

For the most current information and to register online: go to brooklynblogfest.com

Find out why Brooklyn is the bloggiest place in America at the Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest on May 7, 2009 7 p.m. at powerHouse Arena in DUMBO.

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009 is an exciting, idea-filled event for bloggers, blog readers and the blog curious where you will find: Insight. Advice. Inspiration. Resources.

Here’s your chance to meet your favorite bloggers; learn about blogging; be inspired to blog.

“Where better to take the pulse of this rapidly growing community of writers, thinkers and observers than the Brooklyn Blogfest?” ~ Sewell Chan, The New York Times

WHY WE BLOG will be the theme of a high-profile panel discussion. This year Brooklyn Blogfest introduces BLOGS-OF-A-FEATHER, special small-group sessions, where you can connect with other bloggers who share your interests.

Once again, there will a VIDEO TRIBUTE TO BROOKLYN’S PHOTO BLOGGERS and the annual SHOUT-OUT: a chance to share your blog with the world!

Whether you live to blog, blog to live or are just curious about this thing called blogging, you won’t want to miss Brooklyn Blogfest 2009: the best Blogfest yet.

To find out about sponsorship opportunities for Brooklyn Blogfest, contact Louise Crawford (e: louise_crawford@yahoo.com, c: 718-288-4290).

The Details:

Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest
May 7, 2009
Doors open at 7 p.m.
powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Admission: $10. ($5 for students and seniors)

Brooklyn Blogfest After-Party
Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(right across the street from powerHouse Arena)
Cash bar and refreshments

If you’re not a regular reader of Brownstoner, you may want to jump to the end of this post because it won’t make sense to you. On the other hand, if you live in Brooklyn, you know from Brownstoner.

I confess. I’ve been a Brownstoner junkie since it launched in 2004. In that time I’ve gotten real estate tips, home improvement tips and scored some salvage from the forum. But most importantly, I’ve been entertained by the kooky comments.

Up until a few months ago, the trolls were getting out of conTROLL. It was laborious to sift through the junk and nastiness just to read a couple of interesting comments. Brownstoner finally put his foot down and the current situation is if you want to comment, you have to sign in. It’s all peace and love and understanding now.

Which brings me to last night when reader “Biff Champion” decided to throw a party at Union Hall to get to know some of his other anonymous blog junkies. Well, here’s where it gets confusing if you don’t read Brownstoner. You see, there’s this guy. At least everyone assumes he’s a guy because women aren’t that nuts. Anyway, he calls himself The What and he’s all financial doom and gloom. So, he predicted that October 16th would be the end of the world. And this was the end of the world party.

The What didn’t show. Or if he did, he didn’t make himself known. I got to meet Dave in Bed Stuy, Montrose Morris (Ok, I knew her already), Mr. B (that’s Brownstoner, ok knew him too….remember, he’s Mr. Flea), Pitbull NYC, Denton and others I was curious about. I would’ve taken pictures but I had to respect everyone’s wishes of privacy. The poor sucker in the photo above is Bob Marvin. He doesn’t care. He uses his real name.

We had a great time meeting a bunch of anonymous strangers!

After we left the party, we grabbed dinner at The V Spot, a vegan cafe we’ve been meaning to try. We only had entrees because it was too late for the works, but I must say, both dishes were excellent! They have live music on Fridays and brunch on weekends. Do you know how hard it is to get a non eggy brunch in this town? In any town? So, we’ll be back….even though my husband didn’t take the fill-your-stamp discount card because “Ah, we’re never in this neighborhood.” Whatever.