April 28, 2009
The Mic Is On: We’re Talking SOBCon09!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Who, What, When, Where, Why and What’s for You?
The event that started right here in the comment box is taking place for the third year in Chicago this week. Stop by to add a word or two or to find out what will be happening that you might want to pay attention to.
- How’d it get started?
- Who’s going to be there?
- Who are those speakers?
- What will the sponsors be doing?
- What’s happening for the folks who can’t go?
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring links of memories or bring your questions.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?
Filed under SOB Business, Successful Blog |
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132 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Talking SOBCon09!”
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ME Liz Strauss said
Like I’ve talked about anything else for the last week …
Marti_L said
Hi Liz! Hope this finds you well. I’ve missed you. We’ve had a bug (NOT swine flu *grin*) so I haven’t been online much last couple of weeks.
Marti_L said
Sadly, I will not be able to attend SOBCon09. Too many responsibilities here at home, what with taking care of grandma and husband.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Marti!!
I know you have a life to attend to, but I so like to think you’re a part anyway.
Sorry to hear folks aren’t well.
Marti_L said
I will be there in spirit and will be following closely on Le Web *grin*
Where’s Joe?
Marie said
What will be happening for those of us who would love to attend but cant make it.
ME Liz Strauss said
You’re quite a traveler, Marti!!
Marti_L said
Laughing at my sloppy self, as I just realized I dribbled biscuits and gravy from dinner onto my t-shirt. Duh on me.
Joe Hauckes said
Hey Liz,
Hey Marti,
Me too, not able to make it to SOBCon09.
I loved being there the last two years. Met so many great people (some more than once).
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Marie,
I’ve arranged a uStream set up to be going for most it. AND a virtual swag bag.
For folks who can’t come, they’ll still get most of the stuff that other folks get to take home.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi!
Popping in, in between last minute packing for Sobcon! Taxi comes at 6:45am!
Joe Hauckes said
Oooohhh, does that mean you will be sending Klondike bars to us Liz?
Marti_L said
Hiya Joe! Great to see you! Sorry to hear you won’t be able to attend either. Dog gone real life *grin*
Yes, we managed to pass some sort of stomach flu around and around. Daughter had it, then grandma, then me, then hubs.
At least we weren’t all sick at once, and it is pretty much gone now. (Hooray for health!)
Marie said
That will be great - I’d love to go and do not want to miss out, but sending a child to college for his first year…forking out lots of $$$.
Marti_L said
Hi Marie and Glenda! Good cheer to you both!
Virtual swag sounds awesome!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda!
You are so going to be a hit!!
Sleep well tonight!
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
Did you really want me to mail you a frozen treat?
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah Marie,
I know about college expenses. My son went to Georgetown. Ouch!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
What’s fun about the virtual swag is that folks who only have electronic stuff can participate too.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
I’m so excited, Liz! See you tomorrow evening??
Marie said
So - what awesomely, wonderful things will I be missing out on? I’ve got to get to Chicago…
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
No, not tomorrow. I’ve got lots to get done before I move downtown. I need to keep focused. Sorry.
Marti_L said
I have my hands full convincing grandma that we didn’t have swine flu (she’s a bit paranoid, even though there are no reported cases in our state). I finally said, “Even if it was, we’re all better now!” Logic rarely sways her though - LOL
Marti_L said
Glenda I hope you have a safe journey and a wonderful time!
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti!
Maybe you should tell her it was swine flu and that you were saved by a miracle!! heh heh
Joe Hauckes said
Marti, sorry you guys aren’t geeling well, but it sounds like you may be over it.
Marie, you may be missing meeting the best friends (online or off) you will ever meet at any conference anywhere.
Ms Glenda HI!
Liz… YES! Please.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, perfectly understandable!
Thanks Marti!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Joe!
Marti_L said
I want everyone to go up to Todd Jordan and say “This hug is from Marti” then hug him *grin* He is so sweet and thoughtful.
ME Liz Strauss said
No, Joe,
Not mailing ice cream. I’m taking pity on the postal worker who delivers to you.
Marti_L said
LOL @ Liz! Come up with something really silly like, “I held this magic rock and it cured me!” I love your sense of humor!
Joe Hauckes said
But Liz, SHE likes Ice Cream Too!
Just send enought for two
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#29 Marti, Todd IS such a sweetie!
ME Liz Strauss said
Exactly, Marti!
Tell her that CBS wants to put her on TV!!
Marti_L said
Glenda, will you give him a hug and a grin from me? Please?
Marti_L said
ROTF @ Liz
ME Liz Strauss said
#32
Does the word MELT mean anything to you?
Marie said
I can only imagine - I bet. And right now for me - it would be such a wealth of knowledge all in one spot!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#35 Marti, have I missed something? Is Todd now coming to sobcon?
Joe Hauckes said
Hey guys, some good news today for me.
I’ve been invited to “speak” at a Webinar/teleseminar about online business protection (AV’s etc) and the differences between Blogs & Websites for startups.
Not until July but it IS exciting!
Marti_L said
Glenda, I’ve been offline a lot last couple of weeks, but I THOUGHT he was going. Not 100% sure.
Liz, do you have confirmation on Tojosan?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
That’s awesome, Joe!
Marti_L said
Joe that IS exciting! SO happy for you - I’m sure you will be wonderful!
Joe Hauckes said
#37, Ok, I’ll get my own Klondikes & pretend that they came from SOBCon09. But you have to remember to send ne a postcard.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
That’s great news! Write that ebook and you’re rolling.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
#41 Really?? Now I’m excited!
Joe Hauckes said
Thanks guys, this is the first time I was asked to do anything like this (except for SOBCon07 where we did an Open Comment Night, but I didn’t do much more than walk around with a mic).
ME Liz Strauss said
#46 and others,
No, Tojosan isn’t coming. I’m sure of that.
Wish he was. He’s the best.
Marti_L said
Joe, they say the key to speaking is to picture the audience naked *grin*
Marti_L said
Awww, so sorry to hear Todd can’t make it.
Joe Hauckes said
@Marti, That could get me in trouble if I am not careful.
Marti_L said
Joe, just practice and relax. You’ll do great!
Joe Hauckes said
This is weird, when I sit outside during the day, I can see the Keyboard clearly and the screen is way too dark.
But I’m sitting outside now in the dark and I can see the monitor great but can’t see the KB worth a darn.
Good thing I know where all the keys are, huh?
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
You’ll be fine. I know it.
Delaney said
Sorry I’m going to miss SOBCon09. I’m doing my first half marathon in Cincinnati then. The Flying Pig Marathon as in when pigs fly, I’ll be doing this. http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, need a lit keyboard?
ME Liz Strauss said
So, Joe, did you ever think that the conference would get to be three years old?
Marti_L said
Well folks, still a little weak here, so I think I’ll just sit back and chill out. I wish all of you much joy, and best wishes to all those attending the conference!
Look forward to your poem later, Joe!
Robert Hruzek said
Yee-haw, y’all! A big ol’ tip o’ the hat to ya! Man, I’m pumped about comin’ to Chicago once again!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Marti, sending you well thoughts!
ME Liz Strauss said
Good luck, Marti!
Don’t forget to tell G-ma we’re looking forward to seeing her on TV!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
How are your nerves?
Joe Hauckes said
Marti, I hope you and yours start to feel better soon, best of health to all of you.
I hope not to disappoint you with the poem tonight, no idea what it is going to be about yet.
Stay relaxed and stay tuned.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Robert, looking forward to meeting you ! When are you arriving?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Robert!
Thanks for coming!
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy Liz! Howdy Glenda! Howdy Joe! Dang, looks like I just missed Marti…
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, Yes I really did expect to last this long and well into the future, especially after meeting you and Terry and Chris and Lorelle and everyone else at 07.
How could it not continue into the next generation of friends?
ME Liz Strauss said
You bringing anything with you, Robert?
Robert Hruzek said
I’m supposed to arrive at 1 pm Thursday - if the weather cooperates! Brad Shorr has graciously volunteered to pick me up again. What a pal! I’ll be at Hotel 71.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz,I’m doing good. Probably won’t really sleep tonight ,never do when I need to get up early. Need to make my breakfast and lunch, and see if I can stuff a few of my books in somewhere.
Tomorrow is big for me…taking it one step at a time!
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah, it’s Chicago. Who cares about the weather? heh heh
Robert Hruzek said
I’m really lookin’ forward to meeting you too, Glenda!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Robert, without Karen there, I guess there’s no need for the nerfball gun!
Beth said
Hi..happy to see you here, but I may be late…oops…I’m sure Liz is back to work and Glenda you better get some rest..I will email you all the pick up info..can’t wait to see one and all..
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Beth!
Can’t wait to get the ball rolling, but I have a webinar and two meetings tomorrow still.
Joe Hauckes said
Hey, another weird thing, but related to SOBCon.
Have any of you seen the show Special Unit 2 on Sci-Fi?
Every time I see it, I look for all the landmarks like the Chicago River, the El (around the corner from the hotel I stayed at), the Skyline from the Lake AND I can actually see the Hotel room I stayed at in Hotel 71.
I know, Weird, but really great memories!
ME Liz Strauss said
That’s so cool, Joe!
I’m delighted by the thought that you see places you recognize.
Kurt Scholle said
Hi everybody! I’m looking forward to meetinig you all at SOBcon.
Brooke said
Hello all! I hope you are all having a great night!
Robert Hruzek said
Glenda, you’re right; no nerf gun fun this time. Maybe next time…
Hey, gotta run; just stopped for a quick one.
See y’all in a few days! Yee-haw! (waves hat)
ME Liz Strauss said
I am, Brooke!
How are you tonight?
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Robert!
So much to do. So little time …
Joe Hauckes said
See ya Robert, sorry we didn’t get to talk too much.
Brooke, I knew you would make it, glad to see you could make it.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Beth! I need to reboot shortly - Outlook won’t open to check my email .
Brooke said
Hey Liz! Hey Joe! Klondikes?
Will English said
I definitely going to make SOBCon next year! I’m sad I’m going to miss out.
I’m sure there will be parties and meetups non-con goers can attend, ne?
-Will
Marie said
Wow Liz - you guys are one tight group - and it sounds amazingly fun!
I need to make plans for 2010 meeting for sure!
I’m usually never home intime for open mic night and catch it the next day - but this has been fun to be a part of.
Joe Hauckes said
Ok, since Liz won’t mail Klondikes for fear of melting…
CATCH! Klondikes for All!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Joe!
I want a Heath Bar Klondike. They’re a sponsor of SOBCon!!
Brooke said
oh thank you!!! I needed a Klondike!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Kurt! Hey Will!
Sorry you had to wait while I woke up!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Marie!
We’re tight, but we love new people who come to visit and stay.
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, you have to tell me how you got Klondike (Heath or otherwise) to sponser SOBCon. Did you show them 3 years of OCN?
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
Beth gets the credit for Klondike. She tracked down the agency that handles their account. Then, yeah, I showed the Google searches for Klondike on my blog and pictures of people eating Klondike bars at SOBCon last year.
My exact words were, “Klondike is already a part of the conference.” heh heh
Will English said
what would YOU do for a klondike bar. .
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Will!
I’d dance with the Klondike bear in public.
Joe Hauckes said
Liz, the power of New Media and the community coming together around a product… Priceless…
They couldn’t ask for better promo than that.
Besides, we love Klondikes round here!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, they were pretty excited to be a part of it. I think you’ll find you’ll get your Klondikes in the virtual swag bag somehow.
Will English IV said
long as you don’t do what this guy did. . .
ME Liz Strauss said
You can bet I won’t do what that guy did. Or what anybody else did either.
Joe Hauckes said
Ok, here’s one from the Archives, mostly links to all the friends at SOBCon07, but still all friends.
http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2007/05/15/meeting-old-friends-for-the-very-first-time/
Will English IV said
gotta love 80’s commercials!
Joe Hauckes said
And here is a reflection post on SOBCon08.
http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2008/05/06/my-take-on-sobcon08-it-takes-passion-to-be-successful/
Joe Hauckes said
Oh, I so wish I could be a part of SOBCon09. BUT I WILL be there for 10!
Bean said
That is great new Joe about the webinar. Too bad you can’t make SOBCon
Bean said
Congrats again Liz on the Social Media Club recognition. Make sure you allow your self to celebrate your achievement Thursday night. SOBCon will be there in the morning.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
I love both of those blog posts. They were great to read again!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Bean,
I’m not the kind to fret over things. I like to have everything ready before I go. I pack days early so that I can enjoy the travel …
Joe Hauckes said
Bean, Thanks, the webinar thing is a nice step forward for me.
You don’t know how much I really miss not being able to attend SOBCon this year.
I am glad to hear that you are going to make it though, you’ll love it. Great people, great city and great time.
And it sounds like you have some great students too.
Bean said
I am glad to hear it Liz, too many of us get sucked into fretting over details.
You are right Joe, I have some amazing students. I feel very blessed that they invested in this opportunity of SOBCon
ME Liz Strauss said
Bean,
You find the world you look for. The world sees what you show it.
Mary Kay said
Hi Liz, How I wish I could be at SOBCon09, but cash flow is a little low … slow times with the biz.
Thanks so much for providing us with a U-stream feed. Is that real time? (sorry, I’m a newb)
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Mary Kay,
UStream, if we get it rolling, will be live. We’re planning on it!!
Char said
Hi Liz and everyone! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be coming to SOBCon this year.
Joe Hauckes said
Once again it’s time to say goodnight
Filled with sadness and with delight
Sad because I can not be a part
Of something I hold so close to heart
Wishing that I could be there again
With old friends and new friends who can
Delighted because I know that you’ll meet
Liz and my friends, they are such a Treat
Besides the fact that you’ll all use Twitter
New things learned will cause a such a jitter
Then when everything is said and done
You’ll all blog the experience and share the Fun
So, sadness and delight are what I feel
Because my friends will together again conjeal
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Char!
Can’t begin to say how glad I am that you’re making it this year!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
Your poem is both beautiful and generous.
Outstanding.
Good night.
Sleepy swell.
Char said
I’ll send you and Stephen the slides in the morning. Love the variety of sponsors for this years’ conference! Way to go.
Bean said
That is an amazing poem, Joe. It is loving.
Bean said
err I meant lovely but loving fits as well
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks, Char.
You’ve been such a help all year!!
Char said
My husband wants some really good Chicago pizza while he is there this weekend. Any recommendations?
ME Liz Strauss said
Lots and lots of Chicago pizza. How do you define Chicago pizza?
Char said
I don’t know - I guess he’ll just have to ask once we get there Friday.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah! I like thin, greasy, and gooey. But most folks think Chicago pizza is deep dish. We do that well too.
Mary Kay said
It does seem like deep dish pizza is what some perceive to be Chicago pizza. But if you grew up where I grew up (south side), Chicago pizza was thin crust, deliciously greasy, and typically just cheese & sausage. My mouth waters even as I type these words!
Kurt Scholle said
I’d vote for Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeria Due. They aren’t too far form SOBcon.
Kurt Scholle said
Has the Sat nite activity been announced yet?
Mary Kay said
Liz, is it too late to sign up for the Friday night social event?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Kurt,
The sponsor for Saturday bailed. We’re scrambling. I have ideas, but no promises.
ME Liz Strauss said
You can still sign up for Friday or Sunday, Mary Kay.
ME Liz Strauss said
Okay, kids, time to tuck myself in.
I’m fading fast and tomorrow is my last chance to get my blog in order before I leave. heh heh