Chad has a post up on his thoughts, also linking to Vincent.
I'm still making my mind up, in how to handle this. On one hand, I'd like to be social with the other Virginia bloggers, but on the other hand..... I really don't like the attitude of the people organizing this and telling us what we need to discuss.
It also bothers me that misleading statements were distributed at the start of this planning, like "plane tickets have been booked". Who on this list needs a plane ticket?
I just don't understand what the Sorenson's motive is in being so divisive.
Come on down, NLS!
Posted by: Vivian J. Paige | May 28, 2006 at 01:40 PM
Thanks for standing up on this issue.
Posted by: | May 28, 2006 at 01:53 PM
Good post Ben. "Misleading Statements" ..that is the understatement of the year. The bottom line is the best bloggers in the state were not included.
Posted by: Kilo | May 28, 2006 at 02:20 PM
I agree!
When I tried to discuss this blog conference with people in a rational manner, Sorensen got angry and downgraded my blog! They definitely have some sort of agenda here.
Posted by: Virginia Centrist | May 28, 2006 at 02:36 PM
Then Sorensen called me up and threatened to have my picture photoshopped in a really evil sounding voice!
God, Sorensen can be so divisive...
Or...at least I think it was Sorensen that did all that stuff...it may have been someone else...I'm trying to remember...
Posted by: Virginia Centrist | May 28, 2006 at 02:38 PM
Plans have begun locally Ben, for C'ville Too. I'll keep you informed.
Posted by: I'm Not Emeril | May 28, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Virginia Centrist- You are my new "most favoritest" blogger. :D
Posted by: Melisssa | May 28, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Right back at-ya!
Posted by: Virginia Centrist | May 28, 2006 at 03:23 PM
The conference may be fun..
but lets be real here...
no one can dispute that the most read(for good or bad) blogs wont be attending.
Posted by: Too Conservative | May 28, 2006 at 04:35 PM
Just because the "most read blogs" won't be attending doesn't minimize what they're trying to do. You all are choosing not to attend. Just because you were not each personally approached for your input or to have your very own panel doesn't make this divisive or any less of a summit. Just let it go, guys.
Posted by: Jason | May 28, 2006 at 05:02 PM
Agree with Jason. This whole dispute makes bloggers look insane and childish. The people who are driving it are doing themselves a great disservice.
Posted by: Virginia Centrist | May 28, 2006 at 05:07 PM
Ben, I would guess the plane tickets are for the speakers and other involved people from other states.
It does appear that the conference was "hi-jacked" from virginia blogs to be something else, but having never been involved with the conference, and having little desire to go over father's day weekend, I've pretty much ignored the whole thing.
Posted by: charles R. | May 28, 2006 at 05:14 PM
Jason-
it does minimize it because the people who break the stories...are us four.
this has nothing to do with ego..it's just plain fact.
we're not going to be there..i will say it's like the league of nations after world war I...it failed because the 100 pound gorilla usa wasn't there.
Posted by: Too Conservative | May 28, 2006 at 06:36 PM
Charles, I just don't see any speakers from other states. Jerome Armstrong works for Mark's PAC, so I assume he lives here in the DC area now.
Posted by: Not Larry Sabato | May 28, 2006 at 06:53 PM
Other than Q and O, I believe I am the only podcaster (and I focus on Virginia). I'm not going only because of a family committment. However, I would have gone, despite the fact that I was not contacted and found out at the last second (after I proposed one in Hampton Roads). Bottom line, Sorenson seems to have some good guests and good bloggers in attendence. I think one would be remiss to not attend unless they truly had other committments.
Posted by: JR | May 28, 2006 at 06:53 PM
It does sound like consideration may be lacking - and that there is no one truly in charge!
Posted by: Fan of Integrity | May 28, 2006 at 08:11 PM
I'm debating whether it's worth the time and effort, err ... but I would love the opportunity to make snide comments during Mike Shear's presentation.
Just a thought...
NLS: Too bad you're not attending. That might have convince me to drive across the Blue Ridge to the Peoples Republic of Charlottesville.
Posted by: the blue dog | May 29, 2006 at 10:47 AM
NLS- Re:Jerome? I don't know for sure, but there's a chance he'll be coming in from out of state, because, you know, he has that book thing he's promoting. You might have heard of it, something about the crashing of a gate...
This whole thing reminds me of when Kristen and I were in charge of organizing a debate for a group. We started organizing and planning six months in advance, including choice of topics. This is like, if John Kerry couldn't come, and he called me up and said, "Hey, Mel. Listen, I'm not coming because when you chose the topics, remember, like, six months ago, you didn't call me and ask if I was cool with them, so, uh, tough luck, I'm not comin' girlie."
Either go or don't go, I don't really care why either way. You're just making yourselves look like fools by continuing to bitch about such a non-issue. "OMG!!! I wasn't consulted..." Like a little cheese with that whine? Go get up your own conference if you're so concerned and/or upset. Let it go, like Jason said.
Posted by: Melissa | May 29, 2006 at 12:11 PM
I live in Alexandria, and that tour is thankfully done.
Posted by: Jerome Armstrong | May 30, 2006 at 07:58 AM
I KNEW you didn't really kill Ben's cat, VC!
Posted by: | May 30, 2006 at 09:48 AM
SORENSEN is divisive? No, kid, that's all you. They've done nothing but arrange a conference. Your little ego just can't stand not receiving an engraved invitation. Boo hoo. Stay in your grandmother's basement pining away for Lara Croft all weekend, instead. Like most weekends.
Posted by: | May 30, 2006 at 03:47 PM