BlogHer 2008 Pity Party Contest

Posted by Kelby Carr in mommy blogging, web 2.0 on 07 14th, 2008 | View Comments

I am totally bummed. It’s like being a teenager. All my friends are going to a party, but I’ve been grounded. I am, of course, talking about BlogHer 2008. If you are a cool blogger who is a she, you’re supposed to be going to this conference. You’re almost entitled. What gives?

UPDATE: the contest winner will be announced Saturday night at the BlogHer Pity Party Live Chat at MommyTalk.com.

I know I’m not the only one who’s oh-so sad about missing out on the blogging chick party of the year. I’ve seen my Twitter friends whine about it, too. Those of us who can’t go should have a chance to do something, right? I mean, we’re already going to be forced to watch it all go down with about a kajillion tweets (posts on Twitter that are a play-by-play of the conference).

BlogHerSo I’m holding the BlogHer 2008 Pity Party Contest. Hey, even if we can’t go, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun? Or at least do what I personally love to do: complain when I don’t get my way. I chatted with the cool chicks at BlogHer, and they eagerly agreed to offer up a sweet blogarific prize for someone who can’t do BlogHer 2008. Enter the Pity Party Contest and you can win a free ticket to the 2008 BlogHer Reach Out Tour conference of your choice* (I’m doing Reach Out Tour Greensboro! Whoo-Hoo!).

Plus, I’ll buy the winner a pack of 100 uber-cool Moo MiniCards so you can network in style at the conference. Have you seen these things? They are some kind of freaky cute. They aren’t sponsoring this contest, but I just love the minicards.

Welcome to the party. There’s just one requirement to enter the contest. You have to NOT be attending BlogHer 2008. Hey, you can’t be part of a pity party if there’s no reason to pity you! To enter, leave a comment below about why or how it sucks that you can’t go to BlogHer 2008.

Want a bonus entry? Subscribe to Kelby Carr.com by email.

The BlogHer ladies also have a cool alternative for people who can’t attend. If you haven’t already, be sure to register for BlogHer in Second Life. I will definitely (virtually) be there.

One winner of the BlogHer Reach Out Tour ticket (valued at $100) and Moo MiniCard set of 100 (valued at $26.98) will be chosen amongst those who comment here. To get an extra entry, also subscribe to the newsletter. The winner will be selected randomly through Random.org. If the winner cannot make it to a BlogHer Reach Out Tour, the winner can instead choose $100 towards registration at BlogHer 2009. Deadline to enter is Saturday, July 19 at noon Eastern Standard Time.

  • It sucks because I only started blogging in Sept last year and they didn't invite me!
  • I'm so glad to have found you. I don't feel so alone now!

    Joannes last blog post..Break In
  • I've read how much fun those ladies are having...I'm bummed too! Then I find I missed this giveaway...DOUBLE BUMMED! Good luck to all those who entered, sounds like a wonderful contest!!

    Annabelles last blog post..MOVE THAT BUS!!
  • Sky
    I think it royally sucks that I'm not at Blogher. This morning I was going through different blogs and it's all "Oh! I'm having so much fun at Blogher" or "Blogher is the place to be".

    Apparently. Until I found this place I thought I was the only person NOT at blogher. Thanks for the pity party!!

    seeryusfam@msn.com

    Skys last blog post..Can't Forget to Mention
  • I guess I'm going to have to throw my own pity party since I'm missing BlogHer AND your contest :(

    After a cup of coffees last blog post..Blog Hop!
  • I'm surprised the Daddy bloggers aren't revolting...."I can't blog...my wife's having fun at BlogHer."

    I was on the fence about going - the expense, the separation, the travel - but next year I hope to be there.

    It is quite an event!

    Lynn from Organicmania.coms last blog post..BlogHERs Worrying About What to Wear
  • I just linked to you at BlogHop '08 Party Central! And can I whine that NOT ONLY AM I NOT AT BLOGHER, BUT I MISSED THE NOON est DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING TO WIN YOUR PRIZES. :(

    Didn't you mean noon Pacific time since BlogHer's on the West Coast? PLEASE DIDN'T YOU MEAN THAT??

    ;)

    Happy weekend!

    Robins last blog post..Poodle skirts & bobbie socks, but only in my mind
  • It absolutely sucks that I can't go! I've never been and would love to meet some great bloggers, especially now that I'm starting to connect with some through twitter, etc. Also, I love conferences and have attended some through my job, but they won't pay for a blogging one!

    Oh! And I couldn't even attend the sessions in Second Life because I was...at work!

    pity pity whine whine all right here ;)

    Modern Mamis last blog post..Feeding My Toddler
  • I'd love to go to one of the Reach out locations. This is a great idea to help take the sting out of our not being there! Thanks.

    World's Greatest Mommys last blog post..The BlogHop '08 Party Post...
  • Whaaa! It sucks because I would like to meet some of those wonderful women bloggers. Great idea to have our own party though!

    Sandras last blog post..Bargains on eBay
  • How cool! I've been so bummed about not being able to go - it's like you said, I feel like I've been grounded, dammit. It's not fair! Wahhhhhhh.

    Ok, but seriously, great idea for contest and I'll be at the pity party tonight.

    I also subscribed via email to you :)

    Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near Yous last blog post..Friday Five (again!~)
  • I feel like I'm missing out on all the fun -- new people to meet and new things to learn. That, in a nutshell, is why it stinks that I'm not going. But, I'm all about the pity party... :)

    Michelle@Life with Threes last blog post..Man Cold
  • To busy to go to something like blogher, but like the poster above me said the alternate is sometimes more fun. I know the pity party is going to rock!
  • Amy
    Not going to BlogHer and it totally sucks because I know that everyone is there learning tons and I am completely missing out!

    I want to go next time!
  • Yay! This is a cool contest. I'll try and make it to the actual pity party tomorrow night.
  • Oh, man. I'd LOVE to go to BlogHer. But we're watching our money closely this year, as our oldest daughter is entering college. Private college. *gulp*

    And it really sucks that I can't go, because one of the ways I'm trying to make some extra money is by learning to "monetize" my blogs, and I know I would learn about professional ways to improve the contents, the presentation, and not-too-intrusive ads for my sites. Not to mention the FUN and the networking. *groan* I hate that I'm missing it!

    I'm hoping for 2009!

    Carolyn Bahms last blog post..47×365 No. 78 - Howard
  • This is like junior high redux ... whiiiinnnneee... Actually, not so much. I'd love to attend BlogHer, do the networking, the learning, meeting the friends but your pity party is like an alternate prom event -- and sometimes they're even more fun than the "real" thing!

    Willows last blog post..Pushmi-Pullyu (Push Me, Pull You)
  • I'm not going either. Every year I want to go but timing or money is never there. I actually thought I'd go this year until we bought a house and all our money is going to fix it up.
  • I wish a lot of things about BlogHer - that it were closer, that it wasn't so expensive (to register, to stay there, to get there...) I am a baby blogger and this would have been a great way to network and learn some things. Oh well, maybe the reach out tour?

    susies last blog post..Theme Thursday - UnRefined
  • No BlogHer SanFran for me. Summer is just too hectic. However, I'm gonna be sure to hit at least one of the Southern Tour conferences.

    TX Poppets last blog post..WFMW-Canning Tomatoes
  • I'm not going because I was not prepared... because I didn't realize how much I would want to go... and I am so sad. :(

    So I'm hosting an "I'm not going to BlogHer" Margarita Party at my blog and hoping someone shows up to chat with me. If they don't it will just be me drowning myself in margaritas. That's not all that bad.

    Domestic Spazs last blog post..The post where I beg you to subscribe
  • I've been wanting to go to BlogHer for a couple of years now and it has never worked out for me to be able to leave my family at that time. Whine! I *KNOW* I'll get there someday. In the meantime I can hold out hope to win this!

    Christys last blog post..Zachary
  • Great idea for a contest! I have been wishing to go to BlogHer, but not this year.

    Thanks!

    Kellyns last blog post..Debt-Bribing
  • I think the most suckiness comes from the fact that I live an hour away from sfo and I have to know that they are RIGHT OVER THERE so close and yet so far away, getting awesome swag and going out drinking.

    While I sit her with the dishwasher repairman. For real.
  • I'm so with you! I hadn't planned on going and then decided I was only to find out I couldn't - totally bummed! So many friends going and so many people I wanted to meet and now we have to have it rubbed in all our faces how much fun we're missing out for the next week, er, year.

    Ashlee - Mama's Nests last blog post..Like Waking Up for the First Time
  • Oh, pick me, pick me! I'm also SOOOO bummed about not going. When it was time to figure out our schedules for the year, I wasn't that interested, but now there are so many people I would love to meet in person. I'm also still nursing my little guy, which makes things more difficult. He'll probably wean in time to do something later this year though!

    -Kristie

    Kristie McNealys last blog post..Unique Blanket Protects Baby from Germs, Sun and Nosy Strangers
  • I'm in my third trimester and was told that I couldn't fly all the way across the country. Talk about lousy timing!
  • I'm broke and a cross-continent trip to SF just wasn't on the cards this year. Pooh.

    zchamus last blog post..As with most of our marital battles, I win by default
  • I am so upset that I can't go too... please, I wanna come!!!
    I signed up for 2nd life as well; just hope I can figure out the techno stuff

    Karen MEGs last blog post.."Wordless" Wednesday - Mantra
  • THIS SUCKS! I WANNA GO!! Ok, I feel (a little) better now. I need chocolate, booze, a chef, and a masseuse - THEN maybe I won't whine so much about missing out.

    http://svmomblog.typepad.com/new_jersey_moms_blog/2008/07/why-the-blogher.html

    Lynette {Radio}s last blog post..And So It Begins…
  • Boohoo. Nope I'm not planning an exciting trip to San Fran this weekend (or anywhere else for that matter!). But I am now planning to spend my Saturday evening with a bunch of other super cool blogging chicks who are in the same boat as me. Thanks for putting this together Kelby!
    Bradie

    Bradies last blog post..Mommy Monday #5 - Top Women Bloggers
  • Jen
    I have craved the time with mom bloggers especially in the last couple of years. For some reason, BlogHer has tugged at me more in the last two years. Unfortunately, I'm just getting back from vacation and my job has been ignored for weeks. I have a little bit of work guilt... it's MUCH better than mommy guilt.

    Anyway, I really wish I could BlogHer this year. I happily join together with everyone else in this pity party!

    Wah.

    Jens last blog post..An end to a great vacation
  • You are the best! Thank you for doing this.

    I can't go to Blogher 08---too far and too much $$$ considering I don't make a cent off my own blog. Maybe someday that will all change.

    Fairly Odd Mothers last blog post..We've Got Arm, and Other Things
  • Basically, it comes down to cold hard cash. I had to choose between BlogHer08, and seeing my best friend from 7th grade get married in Toronto in August. I chose the wedding, of course! Wish I could have done both, but oh well.
  • It stinks that I can't go to Blogher 2008 because, well, it is on the West Coast in one of my all-time favorite cities. AND there are so many ladies I would love to meet in person because even though I think they are the coolest, they can only be that much cooler in person! And it stinks because I saw all the great perks of going like, oh gee, I don't know: yoga, makeovers, massages, swag...and finally it stinks I can't go because I don't just write for my own blog but I am an Editor for TypeAMom.net AND I blog for Wishpot Baby!
    At least I have the consolation of attending BlogHer 08 in Second Life, being part of the #BlogHer09Pact, and twittering my misery with the other pity party goers.
    Waaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
  • I love conferences, in general. That's the inner geek in me, I guess. But, I have to say that schmoozing with A-list bloggers would totally not be my thing. I'm much more of a one-on-one person and wouldn't get an ounce of crap out of BlogHer so that's why I couldn't travel across the country for it. However, I would go if it were closer because I love learning new things and think the subject matter would be very nice.

    I've met three blogging buddies this year and LOVE it. I expect to meet several more later this year.

    Great idea, though, Kelby. I am having a small amount of Pity Party.

    Shawns last blog post..Good-bye, Guilt-filled weekends!
  • Jill Browne
    Trust you, Kelby, to make a silk purse...

    Hey, what a great excuse for a party!

    Cheers,

    jill
  • boo-hoo! Blogher is not coming to Seattle this year. I am thinking of setting up a networking party for mommybloggers here instead.

    mamikazes last blog post..redbox free movie rental code
  • Ah, wish I could go too! Can't even remember the last time I really got together with a bunch of girls.

    I am doing the BlogHer in Second Life.

    Anyone else want to? Registration is only open until Wed, July 16th and you have to preregister.

    I love San Francisco. P.S. Moo cards are great. I have some, I *heart* them.

    Vicky H
    twitter: http://twitter.com/eeUS
  • My son's 2nd birthday party is this weekend. WHAT was I thinking when I planned? Oh, yeah... that I'd be 20 weeks pregnant anyway and unable to party at my fullest, so "there's always next year". Now I want to kick myself for that!!

    Deb (Missives From Suburbia)s last blog post..The Suburban Strike of 2008
  • I'm bummbed I'm not going because I'm at a point where so many of the topics would be helpful, and I'd love to meet many of the fantastic bloggers I follow on twitter. At least I'm not alone. Unfortunately I am just too swamped at work to make it happen. Sob.

    followthatdogs last blog post..How many men does it take to watch a toddler?
  • Count me in on the big pity party, and I would LOVE to go to the one day event in Atlanta!

    Dawn @ My Home Sweet Homes last blog post..Cow Appreciation Day 2008!
  • Mel
    What a super idea!! Last year being a relatively new blogger I didn't have an interest in going to meet a whole bunch of people I didn't know, but this year I am bummed because I know I would have had a blast. I have been working hard to get my blog out there and would have loved the opportunity to learn from some of those uber-famous A-list bloggers. I also am jealous about all those after hours parties!! I am hoping to attend Reach out in DC in October and it would be great to have a free ticket since money was the biggest issue for why I couldn't attend BlogHer in San Francisco. Thanks for adding the mini cards too. They are super cute!! Have a great week!!

    Mels last blog post..Blogging Pet Peeves
  • Kelby
    Summer, what a killer idea!!! I will work on that. The only issue? How to pick just a few Type-A Mom editors without getting the wrath of everyone else. Maybe a writing contest?

    Either way, my hope is DEFINITELY to not only go but to have some sort of Type-A Mom festivities (or festivities for all the sites I do... foodiamama.com and dadosphere.com too).
  • SF was just too far away, but! Thank goodness for Boston being so close, but I still want to join the pity party!!!!

    Great idea!
  • Very good idea, Kelby. I wish you all could come! I just bit the bullet and did it, and even from So Cal it is costing too much. I understand how flying cross-country plus hotel plus conference is crazy-spendy.

    I am glad you all have something special. I will miss you all. AND if you comment on my blog (or email me) I will bring you all virtually, by writing out your names and blog URLs to publicize for you. If you have Moo Cards and want to send them to me, I would be THRILLED to set them out for you, also.

    T.

    TLC@SendChocolates last blog post..The One Where I Write the Words Pt. 2
  • I'm another whiner stuck at home. I hate that I can't go and everyone else will be there. It just makes me feel so left out of all the conversations going on right now, Blogher is about all that anyone is talking about.

    There needs to be a Type-A Mom BlogHer thing for next year. See if a company will sponsor 3 or 4 writers from Type-A to go to BlogHer and pass out their swag or whatever.
  • This is the first year I thought seriously about going to BlogHer. But, we have been trying to move for 2 years now, and everytime we get close, something happens. We were determined to move this summer, and our month to move was July. I could not justify 1. spending the money while buying a new house, and 2. leaving for a weekend when we would possibly be in the middle of a move.

    Needless to say, moving did not work out like we thought. We are still looking for a hosue but we are NOT in the middle of a move. and I could go now, but it is too late.

    I was going to throw myself a pity party, but you beat me to it. Thanks for great giveaway, and we will all just have to make sure we go next year. :-)
  • I just need some girl time (and bloggin' girls would be great) but alas, I cannot go to BlogHer. Boo Hoo. Thanks for the awesome pity party. I feel just a tad better... ; )

    Elaines last blog post..Best Shot Monday - My Little Artiste
  • I can't go to BlogHer because I scheduled myself to take the MCAT during that period of time. Also, this is the best contest idea ever. :)
  • I feel a tiny bit better that I'm not the only one not going to BlogHer..and that I can have my pity party too.

    I was determined last year that I was for sure going..and then I decided that I wanted to go to Vegas for my 10th anniversary and well I couldn't do both.

    I'm hoping next year is my year and that hubs gets some more frequent flyer miles stocked up by then.

    Jeans last blog post..What Have I Gotten Myself Into This Time?
  • Yes, it sucks! It is sad! It double sucks that I won't be attending BlogHer 2008. I wanted to meet some of my blogging idols, but instead I will be crying buckets of tears.

    Brunettes last blog post..Mad Dayz
  • Oh surrrrrrrrrrrrrre. I almost even missed getting to come to the PITY PARTY! SHEESH! Talk about rotten luck! Well, here I am...and I'm telling you, there is very little "networking" to be done in Podunk, USA,therefore, ANY opp to be with other bloggers (even in a pitiful fashion) is better than sitting alone in the glow of my computer screen!

    PICK ME! PICK ME!

    Paula Clares last blog post..200TH POST SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!
  • Oh a pity party is perfect. I'm totally bummed that ONCE AGAIN, for yet another year, I won't be meeting all my female blogging buddies, live and in person. /sigh...

    But at least I can be at the pity party! Rock on, chicks. :D

    DazzlinDonnas last blog post..Twellow Categorization Tip Number 2 - Edit Your Profile
  • BlogHer. I can't even stand it. Why am I not going? Money. Time. Three kids. A husband who thinks bloggers are all a little nutso.
    But, reasons be damned. If there's an outreach near me coming up, I am so there. I might need to blog my divorce, but hey, it'll be worth it.

    michellews last blog post..I'd Like to Thank the Academy...
  • Totally sucks that I am not going to BlogHer this year! I mean not only am I missing out on all the parties and such with all the cool kids, I am missing out on a trip to the BEST city in the world!

    Beckies last blog post..Tot School!
  • Wahhhhh...I wish I was going to the BlogHer. Okay, I wish I was going anywhere right about now! I need a vacation!!! I never get a vacation. I haven't had a vacation in 4 years!!! That's a friggin long time!!! Boo hooooo....

    There. Is that pity enough for you? :)

    Cheryl (mamamiacher)s last blog post..GUEST POST: Nicole Crowley on "Listen to Your Baby"
  • I'm 35 weeks pregnant! No way I could go right now...but later in the year? That would be awesome.

    Candace (Mama Luxe)s last blog post..Toddlerism: Do Toddlers Dream of Tiny Sheep?
  • I pout about BlogHer every year, so I'm glad I've found a place to show my middle-aged emo. I plan to wear black every day this week. Maybe I'll glop on some heavy eyeliner and steal my teen's black nail polish. Blogging is the only thing I do just for me and I've been doing it for six years. I should be at BlogHer. I guess if I worked instead of blogging and Twittering and Flickering I could afford to attend, but what would be the point then?

    Cathys last blog post..Favorite comment of the week
  • yes- it totally sucks that I'm not going. And I want to plan to go next year- why must I wait for the announcement of where it will be held before I can truly feel good saying "I'll go next year."

    and I don't even have anything planned that whole weekend. I'm not going to sit around & mope or anything. Much.
  • The Reach Out locations aren't anywhere near me, either. What's up with relegating those of us stuck in the middle of nowhere to, umm, the middle of nowhere?! Wah, wah, wah.

    It sucks that I didn't even consider going to BlogHer this year because Jasper's first birthday is next weekend. (Stupid, selfish baby! Grrr.) Next year, all bets are off.

    Naomis last blog post..Another Grosgrain dress I would love to see Roo in…
  • Gotta type-close the print mag, so can't go. Oh yeah and unsure husband and three boys would like me away with bebe so wee. But how can a hip print girl become web savvier if unable to learn from the greats? Alas, I'll have to have my eyes on twitter and tweet along. Next year in ...

    Deb Puchallas last blog post..Company Worthy: Simple Brunch
  • i was bummed last year when i couldn't make it, but this year, because i know so many more women who will be there, is even worse. i can't make it because my youngest is still nursing and the only way i could go is if the whole family went (for babysitting) and it's just not cost-effective.
    i like the pity party idea. we all need it. and cute cards. :)

    crunchy domestic goddesss last blog post..Do you have five minutes?
  • I'm so disappointed that I can't attend BlogHer '08! This is my first year as a chick blogger, so I'm sort of a "newbie" to the whole experience. I figure I'll have hit the pinnacle of cool when I finally can attend this conference. Or a Reach Out Tour.... hint, hint... :)

    Thanks much, lady!

    Amy G. (Super Woman)s last blog post..Aaaaggghh - I Broke My Toe!
  • It's killing me that I can't go to BlogHer. A pity party is exactly what I needed :)

    All my bloggy friends are going and I so wanted to see Flutter speak, but frankly I just couldn't afford it this year.

    I'm determined to go next year - and praying it's on the East Coast. I'm already signed up for the Boston Reach Out and sure could use those Moo Cards for it!

    catnips last blog post..I admit it, I’m a black shirt-aholic
  • I can't go either! WAHHHH! Mostly it's money, but also timing, babysitting, yada yada yada. You know the drill. :D
  • Ok, how does it NOT stink that I can't go? There's seriously no way that I COULD go, due to childcare, $$$$$$$$, and all that other responsibility that comes with family and motherhood, though. I'd love to meet all my favorite bloggy friends, talk to adults for more than 2 minutes at a time, network, have some drinks, talk about blogging, get free stuff............boo. hoo. Let me win the moo cards, at least!

    Kate Olsons last blog post..A Smiley Is Worth a Thousand Words
  • Awesome contest love the cards so awesome!Hearing all the blogher tweets is so sad and seeing all the fun pics will be even sadder. OHH well got the kiddos bday that weekend so it will keep my mind off of it! And subscribing

    Susan Lindgrens last blog post..Strawberry Fields Forever
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