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?
Like I’ve talked about anything else for the last week …
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.
Sadly, I will not be able to attend SOBCon09. Too many responsibilities here at home, what with taking care of grandma and husband.
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.
I will be there in spirit and will be following closely on Le Web *grin*
Where’s Joe?
What will be happening for those of us who would love to attend but cant make it.
You’re quite a traveler, Marti!!
Laughing at my sloppy self, as I just realized I dribbled biscuits and gravy from dinner onto my t-shirt. Duh on me.
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).
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. 🙂
Hi!
Popping in, in between last minute packing for Sobcon! Taxi comes at 6:45am!
Oooohhh, does that mean you will be sending Klondike bars to us Liz? 🙂
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!)
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 $$$.
Hi Marie and Glenda! Good cheer to you both!
Virtual swag sounds awesome!
Glenda!
You are so going to be a hit!!
Sleep well tonight!
Joe,
Did you really want me to mail you a frozen treat?
Ah Marie,
I know about college expenses. My son went to Georgetown. Ouch!!
Marti,
What’s fun about the virtual swag is that folks who only have electronic stuff can participate too. 🙂
I’m so excited, Liz! See you tomorrow evening??
So – what awesomely, wonderful things will I be missing out on? I’ve got to get to Chicago…
Glenda,
No, not tomorrow. I’ve got lots to get done before I move downtown. I need to keep focused. Sorry. 🙂
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
Glenda I hope you have a safe journey and a wonderful time!
Marti!
Maybe you should tell her it was swine flu and that you were saved by a miracle!! heh heh 🙂
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. 🙂
Liz, perfectly understandable!
Thanks Marti!
Hey Joe!
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.
No, Joe,
Not mailing ice cream. I’m taking pity on the postal worker who delivers to you. 🙂
LOL @ Liz! Come up with something really silly like, “I held this magic rock and it cured me!” I love your sense of humor!
But Liz, SHE likes Ice Cream Too! 😉
Just send enought for two
#29 Marti, Todd IS such a sweetie!
Exactly, Marti!
Tell her that CBS wants to put her on TV!!
Glenda, will you give him a hug and a grin from me? Please?
ROTF @ Liz
#32
Does the word MELT mean anything to you?
I can only imagine – I bet. And right now for me – it would be such a wealth of knowledge all in one spot!
#35 Marti, have I missed something? Is Todd now coming to sobcon?
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!
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?
That’s awesome, Joe!
Joe that IS exciting! SO happy for you – I’m sure you will be wonderful!
#37, Ok, I’ll get my own Klondikes & pretend that they came from SOBCon09. But you have to remember to send ne a postcard. 🙂
Joe,
That’s great news! Write that ebook and you’re rolling. 🙂
#41 Really?? Now I’m excited! 😉
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).
#46 and others,
No, Tojosan isn’t coming. I’m sure of that.
Wish he was. He’s the best. 🙂
Joe, they say the key to speaking is to picture the audience naked *grin*
Awww, so sorry to hear Todd can’t make it.
@Marti, That could get me in trouble if I am not careful. 😉
Joe, just practice and relax. You’ll do great!
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?
Joe,
You’ll be fine. I know it.
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/
Joe, need a lit keyboard?
So, Joe, did you ever think that the conference would get to be three years old?
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!
Yee-haw, y’all! A big ol’ tip o’ the hat to ya! Man, I’m pumped about comin’ to Chicago once again!
Marti, sending you well thoughts!
Good luck, Marti!
Don’t forget to tell G-ma we’re looking forward to seeing her on TV!
Glenda,
How are your nerves?
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. 🙂
Hey Robert, looking forward to meeting you ! When are you arriving?
Hey Robert!
Thanks for coming!
Howdy Liz! Howdy Glenda! Howdy Joe! Dang, looks like I just missed Marti…
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?
You bringing anything with you, Robert?
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.
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!
Ah, it’s Chicago. Who cares about the weather? heh heh
I’m really lookin’ forward to meeting you too, Glenda!
Robert, without Karen there, I guess there’s no need for the nerfball gun! 😉
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..
Hi Beth!
Can’t wait to get the ball rolling, but I have a webinar and two meetings tomorrow still.
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! 🙂
That’s so cool, Joe!
I’m delighted by the thought that you see places you recognize. 🙂
Hi everybody! I’m looking forward to meetinig you all at SOBcon.
Hello all! I hope you are all having a great night!
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)
I am, Brooke!
How are you tonight?
Bye Robert!
So much to do. So little time …
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.
Thanks Beth! I need to reboot shortly – Outlook won’t open to check my email .
Hey Liz! Hey Joe! Klondikes?
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
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.
Ok, since Liz won’t mail Klondikes for fear of melting…
CATCH! Klondikes for All! 🙂
Yeah, Joe!
I want a Heath Bar Klondike. They’re a sponsor of SOBCon!!
oh thank you!!! I needed a Klondike!
Hey Kurt! Hey Will!
Sorry you had to wait while I woke up!!
Yeah, Marie!
We’re tight, but we love new people who come to visit and stay. 🙂
Liz, you have to tell me how you got Klondike (Heath or otherwise) to sponser SOBCon. Did you show them 3 years of OCN? 😉
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
what would YOU do for a klondike bar. .
Hi Will!
I’d dance with the Klondike bear in public. 🙂
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! 🙂
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. 🙂
long as you don’t do what this guy did. . .
You can bet I won’t do what that guy did. Or what anybody else did either. 🙂
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/
gotta love 80’s commercials!
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/
Oh, I so wish I could be a part of SOBCon09. BUT I WILL be there for 10!
That is great new Joe about the webinar. Too bad you can’t make SOBCon 🙁
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.
Joe,
I love both of those blog posts. They were great to read again!
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 …
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. 😉
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
Bean,
You find the world you look for. The world sees what you show it. 🙂
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)
Yeah, Mary Kay,
UStream, if we get it rolling, will be live. We’re planning on it!!
Hi Liz and everyone! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be coming to SOBCon this year.
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
Hey Char!
Can’t begin to say how glad I am that you’re making it this year!!
Joe,
Your poem is both beautiful and generous.
Outstanding.
Good night.
Sleepy swell.
I’ll send you and Stephen the slides in the morning. Love the variety of sponsors for this years’ conference! Way to go.
That is an amazing poem, Joe. It is loving.
err I meant lovely but loving fits as well 🙂
Thanks, Char.
You’ve been such a help all year!!
My husband wants some really good Chicago pizza while he is there this weekend. Any recommendations?
Lots and lots of Chicago pizza. How do you define Chicago pizza?
I don’t know – I guess he’ll just have to ask once we get there Friday.
Yeah! I like thin, greasy, and gooey. But most folks think Chicago pizza is deep dish. We do that well too.
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!
I’d vote for Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeria Due. They aren’t too far form SOBcon.
Has the Sat nite activity been announced yet?
Liz, is it too late to sign up for the Friday night social event?
Hi Kurt,
The sponsor for Saturday bailed. We’re scrambling. I have ideas, but no promises.
You can still sign up for Friday or Sunday, Mary Kay. 🙂
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 🙂