CK's Blog

Smaller World: All the Better for Acting Like It

I'm going to close my Blogger Social coverage with the words that I used to open Saturday night's festivities. Thanks to the many Socialites who came to this tremendous event. And thanks to readers who have been tremendously patient with me while I turned my blog into an all-out Blogger Social vehicle for the last two weeks.

Here is my speech from the event...and my message that marches forward from it:

Over 80 marketing bloggers spanning many countries and many, many states here in this room tonight. For an event that was 100% conceived, created, promoted and funded by the 80+ marketing bloggers here in this room tonight.

Over 80 people who went to the time, the trouble, the travel and the expense for one very simple, yet altogether powerful reason--the chance to spend some social time together.

To be sure, the outside world just won't understand.

But what the outside world needs to start understanding is this:

The lesson that social media has taught me? Now that we're all connected and empowered to easily share our views and viewpoints, the world isn't getting flatter...it's getting smaller. And the lesson that this community has taught me? The outside world needs to start acting like it.

Because we act like it every single day.

We inform, inspire, educate, empower, mentor, challenge, debate, and, yes, support one another. What's more? We've actually come to rely upon one another.

Be it for the latest marketing news, a hot tip on a new social media tool, the best way to handle a challenging project, or challenging client, or just for a little lift in an otherwise routine day. And yet those people we've come to rely upon for so many of these things are only just "meeting" for the first time this weekend.

I find that nothing short of remarkable.

So I ask you to join me in recognizing the world of talented, tremendous individuals in this room tonight. Folks, I'll be listing the countries and states that we're all from and I ask you when your country or state is called to please stand up--and please remain standing until the end.

• Alabama
• Australia
• Belgium
• California
• Canada
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mexico
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oman
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• The United Kingdom
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.

Look who is standing to your left, your right, in front of you and behind. Indeed, indeed the world is getting smaller and we're all the better for acting like it. Now please give yourselves a big 'ol round of applause, and please DO MAKE IT LOUD...after all, it's Social!

Our "Time Capsule" is ready for viewing...

Just an FYI to those who attended Blogger Social this past weekend--and to anyone who wants to see the  goodness (and the madness!) we Socialites were up to--our photo group on Flickr is brimming with over 1,200 photos...or "moments in time."

We've loaded all the shots taken from our hired photographer (thanks Robert!) and many attendees are still adding their pictures. So it's best to keep checking back over the next week.

While my favorite shot is here...I do so love the one on the above left of Miss Magno getting ready for Saturday night's festivities.

And of course I love this one of all of us from Friday night. So if you have any pictures to add, please do so here.

And yes, I view our photolog as a "Time Capsule." Because that's exactly what it is ;-).

Letting go of "perfect" in exchange for unkempt magnificence

Silly, silly me.

I was so hoping to get the perfect Blogger Social picture in my "pretty girl" dress and gloves (with tons of hairspray to make sure my curls would stay, well, curly). Especially since it's not a three-hundred dollar look but a silly three-dollar Lady Liberty hat that people most enjoy. Go figure.

So here I am on the left trying my best to smile and pose perfectly for the camera. I'm trying so hard to look like I have it all together. And I distinctly remember saying to the photographer "Please hurry, I don't know how much longer I can keep this plastic smile on my face!"

And then as the photos are slowly being uploaded to our Flickr Photolog (be patient folks, there are hundreds of them to upload!), I find out the most peculiar thing.

My favorite photo doesn't have me looking anywhere near perfect. Nope. In fact I look in total disarray.

My favorite photo is one where my hair is a freakin' mess, I have camera redeye and I'm just bursting with emotion somewhere between laughter and tears.

And all of a sudden, perfectly posed pictures don't matter.

What matters is not how I looked but how I felt when I literally (!) flew to embrace Arun Rajagopal.

The back story on Arun is that he had to rally to get a visa from Oman to the United States  -- he had to go to the embassy with an official "Blogger Social" letter with a popping champagne cork for the letterhead! -- to make it halfway 'round the world to Social. And he did all this after having lost his mum just a few weeks ago. And yet he brought a chain to adorn my momma tree that he's been carrying for darn near a year.

What matters is that I am beyond grateful to have this moment in time forever captured. What matters is that it truly reflects not the "look" but the "feeling" of the moment...and the magic of the entire event.

And what really matters is that I had the opportunity to impress upon people not with the perfect outfit or glittery eye makeup but with getting to actually impress upon them with a hug...and even with a kiss.

Here's me kissing Connie Reece, who just happened to be--according to the excellent opinion that is me--the most beautiful woman in the room.

To hell with perfect poses.

Especially when I'm lifted by such perfectly beautiful people. Other lessons learned right here.

PS: Here is me hugging my good, good buddy David Reich while aboard the USS Blogger Social. David used to think blogging was a waste of time...but instead became a generous and important voice in this community.

What's more? His kindness.

He even turned his personal house into a veritable hotel to host not one, not two, but FOUR marketers so they could be at Social with us--none of which he'd actually 'met' before. And had a BLAST as a result.

PPS: Oh, wait, it occurs to me I should at least show my friend Arun's handsome face. Here is a shot of us smiling all pretty for the cameras. It's a wonderful posed picture...but nowhere near the candid above showing my overwhelming emotions.

Social Lessons Learned (smiley face here)

Thank you for the many posts, kind words, special emails, sweet calls and overall feedback on Blogger Social (and thanks to readers who have put up with this becoming a Blogger Social blog in the interim...we will get back to marketing soon!).

Folks, I am going to have a tough time responding to the many amazing posts, pictures and words regarding the event but please know it's not for lack of want...you'd just be amazed at all there is to do in post-production. You see, I've taken the last week off of work to make Social as perfect as possible and I so very much need to get back to my (very patient!) clients and (very scary!) inbox. (As while I've been "sleeping" much has been happening in the world ;-)

So I thought I'd take a post to point out why I think Blogger Social was such a success. To be sure, this is solely my take. While it was an extraordinary experience that many of us shared, the experience was also very individual...which is exactly how it should be. So, on that note, here are my social lessons learned.

• Simplicity is powerful. Social's premise was simple--the chance to spend some social time together...which is what made it such a powerful value proposition. (that said we didn't really keep it simple, we're marketers after all so elaborate is just part of our DNA ;-).
• Energy is essential. The community and the planning committee did a lot of build-up to the event but the energy was off the charts at the actual events because we had the right people and the right mix of venues spanning fun to magnificent.
  
• Egos are roadblocks (so it's best to just leave them at home). It was so wonderful to hear so many people enjoying themselves but the best compliment I received was that "It's so refreshing to be an event where there are no egos and everyone is so down to earth and happy."
• Memories are not only priceless--they increase in value over time. This truly is the ROI on Social for me. I've so many memories that I will savor for a lifetime. And then some.
• Time is precious. It matters what you do with your time, whom you spend it with and how much you enjoy what you do.
• Encouraging silliness is pivotal. When we encourage and permit silliness all pretense and nerves just wash away and we find that it's in those moments that we are most human. And most glorious.
• Trust is an asset that should never be held lightly, or taken for granted. You trusted us to deliver and we took that as seriously as any of our paid client projects. How could we not?
• The journey is rewarding. So much of the joy for me was not only "at Social, but the road to Social." I cannot give enough thanks to my partner Drew and our newfound partner Magno and the many, many people who absolutely made Social a reality.
  
• Not taking no for the right reasons is the right thing to do. There are many in this community whom had very good reasons why they couldn't make it. But there are too many that contribute too much and let's just say that I just wouldn't take "no". Whether I had to charm, implore, insist or just get clever, I am so happy that I just wouldn't take no and focused you on opportunities over obstacles. Let's make that a mantra in our daily lives too, OK?
• Purity needs to be celebrated--and fiercely protected. Folks, this event was pure. I cannot adequately convey in words how paramount it was to hold the purity of it absolutely sacred. After all, this event was for marketing bloggers, by marketing bloggers and was 100% created, promoted and funded by marketing bloggers. And that's a big part of the reason it was so very magical.
• You absolutely, positively cannot manufacture, force or bottle WOM. I've said it before (oh so many, many times) and I'll say it again: one cannot force people to buzz about their product, service or experience...one can only provide an exemplary product, service or experience that is worthy of buzz. Because when we create value--and we truly value our audience--our job is 99% done. I promise. And I'll do all I can to keep proving that promise.
• Words are important, but actions even more so. Thank you for not only making the world smaller; but for acting like it. As I said during my speech on Saturday night, "The lesson that social media taught me? The world is getting smaller. The lesson that this community has taught me? The world better start acting like it. Because this community acts like it every single day, and we are all the better for it."

With representation of over 80 tremendous and talented individuals spanning 8 countries and 20 states I thank you for acting like it. You absolutely humble and honor me with your time, generosity and kindness. My time and energy is so very, very well spent with you--I cannot thank you enough for spending time with and supporting me. (It means more to me than all the money in the mint.)

PS: We will have a post-event survey that will circulate soon, please know we're being good little marketers in getting YOUR valuable feedback. We just need to beg a little more patience. Stay tuned.

PPS: Nope, it is not at all lost on me that all the time and money I spent on getting dolled-up for Saturday's big event all but pales in comparison to me wearing that silly $3 Lady Liberty hat for my Socialites. As it should be ;-). Please do watch this photo group as literally hundreds more photos will be added over the next seven days by attendees and our professional photographer.

It's here! It's here! Blogger Social is (finally!) here. Yippie times infinity. And then some.

It's here. Really and truly here. It is officially the week of Blogger Social. Yippie (!) times infinity.

Amazing to think that an idea launched to the community on June 1st, 2007 is actually here. And that over 80 marketers--who just happen to also blog--spanning 8 countries and 20 states will be converging on New York City for one simple, but altogether powerful reason: to get to spend some much-needed social time together. Yup, that's what Blogger Social is about--and that little difference makes all the difference in the world.

Note to outside world: Blogger Social is NOT a conference, trade show or seminar. Nor is it a summit or workshop. It's a Social...and we're really taking that seriously. (But that's about the only 'serious' part of Social.)

Note to ALL attendees: In fact, we're taking the "social" part of Social so seriously that we've added yet ANOTHER event. I mean, what's a Social without a Social After Party? Please forgive us our momentary lapse in judgment, but all is right now ;-). Worry not, we'll have the details for you when you get here and the After Party runs directly after the Saturday party ends from 2am until 4am on Saturday night (um, Sunday morning?) at a place that is ultra convenient to our Saturday night event.

Action point to all attendees: Do rest up this week. Really. Sleep is not particularly Social or in plentiful supply this weekend. But just look at all the great-lookin', smart, fun and also sleep-deprived people you'll be socializing with.

I'm going to include links to a lot of "stuff" on Social here but, rest-assured, all these goodies can be found at the official Blogger Social site:

• For full Event Guide (8 pages): go here
• For an OVERVIEW of events (1 page only!): download here
• For FAQs go here
• To see Attendees here
• For Photo Fun: go here
• For a full packet of attendee profiles and another series profiling attendees: go here
• For an OVERVIEW (2 pages only!)of attendees by name, location and blog URLs: download here
• Press go here
• Press release (PDF format) can be accessed here
• To learn about the Meetups that you can attend in-between the 3 official events go here
• To join the Blogger Social Twitter Group: sign-up to follow right here
• To view an event map of where all we'll be just go right here
• For a full map of where everyone is coming from go here

I'm going to end on this video (RSS and email subscribers, click through to the blog to view). Otherwise, see you at Social...this weekend!

To sleep...perchance to dream of all things Social

Dear Reader or Dear Recipient of this URL in a response to the email you so graciously sent me:

Hi! As I'm letting all my clients, colleagues, friends and dear family know--I'm going to be rather consumed over the next 10 days. I've done my best to warn all of this "CK quiet period" for 2 months now (a period that is not at all quiet for me), but I just want to give you a nice little metaphor. Because I value you. And because as marketers we know how much a metaphor can drive the point home and help it take shape. It's that "aha!" factor enabling our audiences to really grasp, fully understand and run with an idea.

So, on that note, for the next 10 days--with the exception of the 80+ rockin' folks who are coming to NYC from 8 countries and 20 U.S. states--I am like sleeping beauty.

Asleep am I.

Being at slumber, I won't be getting back to emails, voicemails or even snailmails like I regularly do. Nowhere near. Why? Because I am unable to do so in my sleep.

Instead I'm dreaming of netherworlds brimming with wonderful, smart, fun and rockin' people from near and very, very far...who need for me to do several things for them so that I can make good on my commitment.

Because even while I sleep a promise remains a promise.

While ironic indeed that I'll be working most of my "vacation," you want to know what's even more so? That between Friday night's party until 4am, Saturday night's event until 2am...and the just added (!) Social "After Party" until 4am...and all the tasks before Social even gets started...I actually will not be getting much sleep at all. (full schedule here)

And that's just as it should be ;-).

But I promise that I'll wake up and get back to work, regular programming, and life around April 9th,as NYC plays host to many Socialites until then. I will post here one more time but, otherwise, I thank you for your patience.

Because this Socialite so very much needs her beauty sleep. (yawn)

Note: Have no idea what I'm talking about? Best for you to go right here then!

Socialites: We've sent you plenty to read and it should cover everything...a TON of info on schedules, bios, FAQs and more is all at the Blogger Social site. We'll be sending one last mailing but if I'm hard to reach please just know that I am running around with all our other volunteers getting things just perfect for you. Oh the magic we have planned!

PS: Yes, sleeping beauty is my favorite of the "girly" fairytale figures. I always thought she rocked so much more than Cinderella and that silly pumpkin--what would Social be if I turned into a pumpkin at the early hour of midnight? Sheesh.

Get to know them...BEFORE you get to know them better (yes, there will be a quiz)

I think it's safe to assume that, being we're 10 9 days away from the BIG Event, this blog is going to turn into a bit of (or a lot of) a Blogger Social blog for a while.

Folks, there's just too much to share and only so much time between my client work and the many and myriad items I need to communicate given that over 80 marketing bloggers--from 8 countries and 20 U.S. States--are converging in one place for one very special reason: getting to know one another better.

So bear with me for a little bit while we gear-up for (and come down from) Blogger Social. Then this will turn back into a marketing blog.

(Well, until the next BIG idea ;-)

And speaking of sharing, this one's a WHOPPER: Check out the amazing packet of Profiles, an effort spearheaded by Arun Rajagopal along with Shankar T., Tim Brunelle, Gavin Heaton, Marianne Richmond and Toby Bloomberg who clocked some serious hours creating, compiling, designing, organizing and finalizing a wealth of information. All for your reading enjoyment. Fact is, you don't even need to be attending to enjoy this piece since it profiles many of the marketers behind the blogs you read...or may not know of yet. Again, just go right here.

What's that you say? With all this information you'd think we were going to give you a quiz or something? Well of course we are, silly.  Hop on over and start playing "Name that Socialite" right here!

PS: BIG thanks also to Luc Debaisieux for creating that graphic up there that truly reflects the gravity of this piece.

Proud of you crazy kids, all 80+ of you

Proud to boast about the brainy, generous marketing bloggers who will be attending Blogger Social in less than 30 days. And a great lookin' bunch, to boot. To be sure, this event nets zero financial returns, but Drew and I--and the dedicated bunch of folks who have also put in many hours planning the event and creating promotional materials--already know how rewarding the experience will be.

Because it already has given us so much joy to breathe life into this amazing event that celebrates this stellar community. Yippie.

Who's attending the BIG event? We have "Socialites" (marketing bloggers) traveling from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Italy, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, East Coast, MidWest, West Coast, Down South and Up North...and many more places all over this big--but getting smaller!--world.

All told, we hail from 8 countries and 20 U.S. States (just click on the above graphic to view it at full size, or right click and save to feature it on your own blog).

Also, in the video below you can catch a glimpse of everyone...links to all the blogs of our Socialites available here. Get excited and we'll see you in the "City of Blinding Lights" in LESS than 30 days! (Big thanks to Mark Goren for creating the collage and video)

Official Guide-o-Fun Unveiled: Yes, it's "official" and yep, it's tons o' fun!

Regular marketing posts will resume shortly...but for now, I'm pleased to unveil the Official Blogger Social '08 Event Guide.

Zoinks! WoWsA! Yippie!

Jam packed with events on land, at sea and in Times Square, our events span gatherings that are elegant, elaborate and downright fun--along with ways to make your own meetups, contribute to the official Photolog...and even some specialty drinks for our special occasion.

Yup, everything you need to know about everything that 80+ marketing bloggers--hailing from 8 countries and 20 U.S. States--will be doing during our oh-so-social weekend can be downloaded (PDF) right here.

Again, download your Event Guide right here.

What's that you say? You have many questions? No problem! We have an entire packet dedicated to answering them...and that PDF is located right here.

So if you want to get excited for Social: go here to read the Official Event Guide.

And if you're in need of answers to your questions: go here to review a host of FAQs.

See you at Social in 34 DAYS!

PS: We'll shortly have a packet for you that focuses on the event's attendees, so you can get to know a little about them...before you actually get to know them. Hold tight, that information is coming. For now, we've given you plenty to read! (And you can check out the attendee list here.)

PPS: Want to see lots of funny pictures? Just go here.

Shouts: The Event Guide and FAQs would be nowhere near possible without the generous, heaping help of: Ryan Karpeles, Luc Debaisieux, Lori Magno, Gavin Heaton, Doug Meacham, Cam Beck and, of course, my event dance partner Drew McLellan. And gratitude to Mike Sansone for helping to keep the blogger-social.com site so spiffy. I cannot thank these fine people enough (and thanks to Red for that snazzy picture of Drew and me "Dancing like the Stars!")

Creating a new category based on what it's NOT. (Or, "It's NOT a seminar, it's a "Social," dude!)

I love brand categories. Because people think in categories. For instance, I think to myself, "Self, I'm in the mood for a cup of coffee." No, no wait...I'm in the mood for a specialty coffee. Nah, what I'm really hankering for is hazelnut coffee--ergo, I'm gonna pop into Dunkin' Donuts for a cup."

And when I think cola? There's no substitute for the real thing (and preferably in a glass bottle like momma used to drink).

But what I'm really in love with is coining new categories. Yet while amazingly fun and fruitful, the process is truly challenging. So choose, and name!, your new categories wisely.

And even then be prepared to have to explain, re-explain, really, really explain and then explain until you're blue in the face, both what your category IS....as much as what your new category Is NOT.

Let's take a recent (and fabulous!) example with Blogger Social. We coined it "Blogger Social" because it IS for marketing bloggers and it's wholly, completely, totally and fully a social event. Let's face it, the name ain't even clever but it got the point across. (note: categories shouldn't necessarily be clever but explanatory. For example, the brand names "Red Bull" and "Grey Goose" are clever, but their brand categories of "high-energy drink" and "high-end vodka" are explanatory.)

So what is Blogger Social not? It's NOT for people who don't blog and it's neither tradeshow...nor conference...not a seminar...and nowhere near an industry summit.

I'm not saying that smart stuff won't be discussed (nor am I saying that really smart folks won't be attending), I'm just saying that it's not the kind of event where you stand up and address the audience on how marketing has changed. Nope, it's the kind of event-filled weekend where you run around the city--with those that you already discuss how marketing has changed every other day of the year-- to see many sites, many colleagues and newfound friends, until all hours of the night (true to the category, our events socialize until 4am).

And it definitely isn't the kind of event where you have exhibitor booths or keynote speeches. Why? Because it's a social, dude! Now, we as event planners think, hey, it's really, really super obvious and oh-so-crystal clear what this is, and, more to the point, what it's not.

But that's the thing about creating new categories, it's a bit of an uphill climb for the marketer and a mountain of a learning curve for those we're marketing to. Why? Because new categories--be they in tech, fashion, media or manufacturing--are, well, new.

And while the value of flying into a designated city--driven only by the value proposition of having time (and much fun!) together for a very special weekend is obvious to many, we need to be sensitive that it's not obvious to all.

But what have I found that's really funny since we announced it June 1, 2007? When I tell my friends about it that do not blog--yes, I have many friends that only use computers for spreadsheets, musical scores and production schedules--they instantly get it. Why?

Because they only do the very simple act of putting the two words "Blogger + Social" together and say..."Oh, so you're holding a weekend full of events."

But many folks that are marketers (who are not active in the online marketing community) have very much struggled with it. Why? Because they're working to nestle the event under an existing 'category'. (And they can't figure out why myself and so many others would do all this planning on a pro-bono basis.)

They keep asking me things like, "So how many conference tracks will you have?" or "Do I know anyone who will be speaking at it?" Or my all-time favorite of "CK, are you going to hold a happy hour or special dinner along with it?" (they too find that many conferences leave little time for networking and fun).

Alas, it has been so much fun getting this new event category off the ground, but it's certainly underscored for me just how challenging creating new categories can be--precisely because of what new categories are not.

PS: In all honesty, those guys up there didn't understand the event category either...actually, they didn't really care, they were just excited to have their picture on these things they've heard of called "blogs". (Which to them, are a new category of "websites" ;-).

I can be (really) silly. But I am being (really) serious: do it by 02.15.08, or you'll (REALLY!) miss out.

Have you not registered for Blogger Social '08? Because a lot of diverse, amazing and equally unique people have. In fact... another one just did!

Have you not heard of Blogger Social '08? Geez, where to begin? It's a weekend full of fun with an entire site right here.

Are you waiting until the last minute? OK. But the sands of time are quickly passing through the hourglass. You have until next Friday, February 15th to register. And you have choices (hey, we're flexible), you can come in for the full weekend with 3 events...some on land, some at sea...or just the very cool event on Saturday night.

So, silly as I may be (and, um, silly as I look), I'm serious: this is my LAST post on getting registered! And when I say that this is a one-of-a-kind, never-been-done-before event I'm being serious. But in that picture I'm being silly. My partner-in-social crime Drew is being silly, too (silly is contagious). And during this oh-so-social weekend, you don't have to be serious, either.

Will we make you wear a silly hat if you come to social? Nope. But you can if you want...because, basically, at Social, anything is possible.

Where is everyone coming in from? Um, everywhere. Literally. We're hosting marketers from: Australia, Canada, Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Middle East, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Austin, Louisville, Cleveland, Richmond, Wilmington, St. Louis, Washington D.C., Hartford, Alexandria, San Francisco, The O.C., and many, more. A full map is right here.

Will you remember this event for the rest of your lives? I posit a BIG YES.

Who's coming? Here is the most current list (watch for updates):
Susan Bird Tim Brunelle Katie Chatfield Terry Dagrosa Matt Dickman Luc Debaisieux Gianandrea Facchini Mark Goren Gavin Heaton Sean Howard CK Valeria Maltoni Drew McLellan Doug Meacham Marilyn Pratt Steve Roesler Greg Verdino CB Whittemore Steve Woodruff Paul McEnany Ann Handley David Reich Tangerine Toad Kristin Gorski Mack Collier David Armano Ryan Barrett Lori Magno Tim McHale Gene DeWitt Mario Vellandi Arun Rajagopal Joseph Jaffe Rohit Bhargava Anna Farmery Marianne Richmond Thomas Clifford Lewis Green Geoff Livingston Kris Hoet Connie Reece CeCe Lee Jonathan Trenn Toby Bloomberg Seni Thomas Darryl Ohrt Joe Kutchera Paul Dunay Marshall Sponder Chris Kieff Tara Anderson Jason Falls Paul Soldera Roberta Rosenberg Saul Colt Todd Andrlik Nathan Snell Ryan Karpeles Mike Sansone Jennifer Laycock

And here's the video (which will be updated with more faces soon, too). RSS/email subscribers, just click through to the blog.

For a "WHALE!" of a time you best be registered by 02.15.08...or this ship sails without ya.

One last reminder that if you want to be at the one-of-a-kind, only truly all-"social" event for marketing bloggers happening on April 4th-5th in New York City...you need to be registered by 02.15.08 (and you need to be paid by that time, too).

While some very smart bloggers have asked, "Why does registration end so early? Don't you know that LeWeb 3 in Paris allowed people to register until the last minute?" I say: Thank you for comparing this oh-so-humble event to bigger events but that is like comparing Moby Dick to a very determined guppy (we would be the guppy). This 0% profit event runs 100% on community funds (0% corporate sponsorships) and requires that we secure hard-to-book venues that require headcounts (or else we lose the venues and our deposits).

You can do the full weekend for $350 or the "Saturday night special" for $200. All information is here. That said, this event--which is actually 3 events over a weekend--is planning festivities both on land at at sea. Yeah, it's all sorts of cool.

And speaking of cool, so far we have marketers from Australia, Europe, the U.K., the MidEast, Mexico, Canada and every U.S. timezone, so why not you? To be sure, as with Jaws, so too with Blogger Social...we're gonna need a bigger boat.

Wanna "see" whom all will be there? Well if you haven't seen it before, here's the official video, with more faces to be added soon. Yep, it's all sorts of cool too, as that's how we marketing bloggers roll.

Apparently, there will be debauchery and human bonding. (Um, how fast can I sign-up for this shindig?)

You smart and fetching marketing bloggers write the darndest things about, well, everything. That's part of what makes this conversation so rich. But when it comes to Blogger Socials, you just can't make this stuff up.

Take these snippets from today:

"I almost can't believe I haven't blogged about Blogger Social '08 yet.  In 90 days (to the day), marketing bloggers from around the globe will descend upon Manhattan for a weekend of rabble rousing, drinking and debauchery (at least, that's how the event was pitched to me) -- will you be there?" (Greg Verdino)

"Blogger Social - where bloggers are getting social WITHOUT the pretense of bogus conferencing, ideation or nonsense. Simple human bonding. New York City. Awesome." (Lori Magno)

"Talking about good news, the countdown has begun for the much awaited event of the year - Blogger Social 2008 from 4 April to 6 April at New York." (Arun Rajagopal)

"A WILD gathering of some of the brightest and most personable individuals you'll ever meet in one swash-buckling weekend!" (Mario Vellandi)

"Australia, Oman, Italy, England, Belgium, Canada, USA... many countries will be represented, making the event a rich and unique human experience." (Mindblob/Luc)

"But now, thanks to a monumental effort from the Blogger Social Organising Committee, the dream is close to being a reality." (Gavin Heaton)

Hey, if you folks are as good as your reviews, next year we're going to Big Screen. What? You think I'm not serious?

For all information please go here (and go there by 02.15.08) and here's our cool video again (cuz it's filled with such cool people). RSS/email subs, you know the drill...click through to the blog to view the piece ;-). See ya at Social.

See you blogging beauties in 90 days--but you get a preview TODAY!

Guess what? It's 2008! Oh, you knew that already. Well then, guess what happens in 2008? Blogger Social, silly.

And guess what else?

It's only 90 DAYS AWAY!

I could go on (and on) about the myriad reasons you should be attending, but, instead, I'll let this video--featuring everyone who's attending--tell the tale instead.

Just push play on the video below and "Let us take you there." Please note: the deadline for all registrations is absolutely, positively February 15th, 2008. And if you want to see a collage of all who are attending just click on the graphic up above to view it much larger.

RSS/email subscribers, please click through to the blog to view the video (it's worth it!).

Big thanks to Mark Goren for his help with making this video and the above collage. All information on Blogger Social '08, including registration is available here.

Please promote this on your site and, for those who have registered, we'll be sending out hotel recommendations via email in the middle of January so you can book your rooms! We encourage everyone to stay as late as they can on Sunday since, besides the 3 events, you'll have time to form your own meetups on Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday!

Want to know who all those blogging beauties are?Attendees so far include: Susan Bird Tim Brunelle Katie Chatfield Terry Dagrosa Matt Dickman Luc Debaisieux Gianandrea Facchini Mark Goren Gavin Heaton Sean Howard CK Valeria Maltoni Drew McLellan Doug Meacham Marilyn Pratt Steve Roesler Greg Verdino CB Whittemore Steve Woodruff Paul McEnany Ann Handley David Reich Tangerine Toad Kristin Gorski Mack Collier David Armano Ryan Barrett Lori Magno Tim McHale Gene DeWitt Mario Vellandi Arun Rajagopal Joseph Jaffe Rohit Bhargava Anna Farmery Marianne Richmond Thomas Clifford Lewis Green Geoff Livingston Kris Hoet Connie Reece CeCe Lee Jonathan Trenn Toby Bloomberg Seni Thomas Darryl Ohrt Debbie Weil Joe Kutchera Paul Dunay

These guys are STOKED (!) over social. Unfortunately they've no clue what a blog is.

It occurred to me, as things are naturally wont to do, being that so many amazing folks are coming to Blogger Social from points east, middle east, west, western europe, north, like Canada's way north, down south and down under....that more people from NYC should be coming to to the event, too. Right?

So, as I'm also naturally wont to do, I decided to take my cause to the streets (before we had blogs we had streets, btw). I wound up in Times Square because they wouldn't let me march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Something about if I had a float that looked like a cork--and a million dollars in sponsorship money--I could march in the parade next year.

Below is a list of those who are confirmed. Get on this list, too...if for no other reason than because the cool kids are.

• For full weekend, register here.
• Commitment shy are you? Yeah, I get that. So then sign-up for Saturday's spectacular event only right here.
• Full Blogger Social website with FAQs, bells and whistles is right here.
• If for some reason you want to send me money, email me right here.

Oh, and Matt Dickman wants to bring his dogs (his video of them is here). Personally, I'm OK with this because, if they're Matt's pups than they likely know more about blogging than 99% of the population. But the pups have to pay up and wear red bows to the event.

I am VERY proud, amazed and thankful for all the marketing bloggers who are coming to social--and to those that want to attend but can't, we totally understand and everyone rocks.

PS: Would you fancy folks, over the course of the next week, PLEASE promote this on your blogs...I cannot keep walking the streets. I'm a bit chilly and I sneeze a lot now. Ah-choo!

PPS: Do you think the shot above can double as my holiday card? Hope so.

Here's who has signed-up to be a Socialite thus far: Susan Bird Tim Brunelle Katie Chatfield Terry Dagrosa Matt Dickman Luc Debaisieux Gianandrea Facchini Mark Goren Gavin Heaton Sean Howard CK Valeria Maltoni Drew McLellan Doug Meacham Marilyn Pratt Steve Roesler Greg Verdino CB Whittemore Steve Woodruff Paul McEnany Ann Handley David Reich Tangerine Toad Kristin Gorski Mack Collier David Armano Ryan Barrett Lori Magno Tim McHale Gene DeWitt Mario Vellandi Arun Rajagopal Joseph Jaffe Rohit Bhargava Anna Farmery Marianne Richmond Thomas Clifford Lewis Green Geoff Livingston Kris Hoet Connie Reece CeCe Lee Jonathan Trenn Toby Bloomberg Seni Thomas Darryl Ohrt Debbie Weil

social media goes REALLY Social (pass the bubbly, wontcha?)

Australia

Belgium

Canada

Italy

the Middle East

the United Kingdom

East Coast

MidWest

West Coast

Down South

Up North

and some areas I've forgotten (forgive me, it's late)

What do these have in common? They'll ALL be represented at Blogger Social '08. Because it's a global affair...kind of like how all countries are represented at the United Nations (but we bloggers come to decisions far more quickly and we debate Web 2.0, not WMDs).

Folks, the world is changing....marketing has been turned on its head...the customer is now in control...Um, Yawn! Frig that noise. Cuz at THIS event...for one VERY special, highly social (!) weekend, we ain't gonna be talking any of that stuff.

Nope, we're just getting together--just to be together and meet these fine folks--in one very cool, very rockin' city amid several great events (I can personally vouch for this town and I can personally vouch for having met 50+ rockin' marketers who blog).

Here's a question: In 10 years do you really think you'll remember all those speeches at all those conferences? Don't think so.

But you'll remember social. (well, unless you have a bit too much of the bubbly)

So the only question is: why won't YOU be there? (cuz you'll be missed and you've plenty of time to calendar it).

Yep, you can still sign-up...all info is at this very fetching site right here.

Here's who has signed-up to be a Socialite thus far: Susan Bird Tim Brunelle Katie Chatfield Terry Dagrosa Matt Dickman Luc Debaisieux Gianandrea Facchini Mark Goren Gavin Heaton Sean Howard CK Valeria Maltoni Drew McLellan Doug Meacham Marilyn Pratt Steve Roesler Greg Verdino CB Whittemore Steve Woodruff Paul McEnany Ann Handley David Reich Tangerine Toad Kristin Gorski Mack Collier David Armano Ryan Barrett Lori Magno Tim McHale Gene DeWitt Mario Vellandi Arun Rajagopal Joseph Jaffe Rohit Bhargava Anna Farmery Marianne Richmond Thomas Clifford Lewis Green Geoff Livingston Kris Hoet Connie Reece CeCe Lee Jonathan Trenn Toby Bloomberg Seni Thomas Darryl Ohrt Debbie Weil

(NOTE: updates to that list expected. As in, many mo' a coming!)

Still need to know what this is about?

• Origin of this fabulous idea is right here.
• Idea became a full-throttle Web site and registration system right here.
• And here's a map that Matt made showing where everyone is hailing from. Ain't technology fun? (psst: socials are more fun).

PS: There is one MAJOR downside...it's not until '08.

PPS: Yes, even if Web 2.0 dies the social is still on. Because socials are always in style.

PPPS: Yes, it would be really awesome, wow(!), great and soooo super if you fine folks would blog about the event as I found out a lot of people don't know about it. Which begs the burning question: how can it be that people don't read my blog?

Remember, GO HERE to learn more and to REGISTER. Yes, do it now and yes, I'm very bossy (but markedly less so with some bubbly ;-).

And here's Gavin Heaton saying it much better than me...he is such a smashing bloke, eh?

See you at Social (psst: please register by Nov. 15th)

Origin of the fabulous idea is right here.

Idea became a full-throttle (and quite fetching!) Web site here.

Just a reminder that we need registrations for Blogger Social '08 by Thursday, November 15th.

I am directing you fine folks over there since we created a site to keep it streamlined. So information aplenty, survey results, registration system and FAQs are available for your viewing pleasure at: www.Blogger-Social.com.

Also, several people have inquired that they can only come in for the BIG event on Saturday night (vs. the entire weekend) and there is information on that right here, too. Oh...and we have marketers coming in from as far as Australia, Europe and Canada so it shall be an international affair. See you at social ;-).

Thanks for spreading the word you (social!) bloggers

A BIG note of thanks to all you (social!) bloggers who've been promoting Blogger Social '08. I guess all of these Webby, word-of-mouth technologies work after all, eh?

Funny that the event is not until next year and yet I've already met new people who have reached out after finding out about the social. So I guess I'm getting social before the social...wait, is that allowed? I'll check the rules.

OK, just checked the rules and, um, since there aren't any rules, it's allowed (and encouraged!). After all, the whole point of Blogger Social is to meet new people with like interests or finally meet the people we've been sharing all this interesting stuff with--that's why we say "It's not about social media, it's about being social!"

From the sign-ups and notes we've been receiving we'll have marketing bloggers from all over the U.S., Europe and Australia attending. I'm hoping for all continents to be represented since marketing bloggers are world-wide. And yes, that includes Antarctica. If penguins from Antarctica blog about marketing then they are more than welcome (if not, they've sworn to revolt).

Thanks be going to Luc, David, Phil, Gavin, Drew, Cam, Matt, Greg, C.B., Mike, Steve, Kris Lori, Becky, Mark, Gianandrea and Lewis for already promoting the event. If I left anyone out that's promoted the event, please do drop me a note (and, like the penguins, accept my apologies for being a bad blogger).

PS: Thanks to Luc for the snappy graphic up there, that background shot of all those tall buildings was taken in Times Square when he visited NYC back in May.

PPS: If you need to know what I'm talking about when I say "Blogger Social '08," please just go here and definitely register by November 15th. Please do continue to spread the word (and to the penguins, please stop sending me mean emails).

Blogger Social '08: Open for bizness, baby!

As promised, all information--and official unveiling!--of Blogger Social '08 has launched. Yep, a spankin' new blog, survey results, registration system and FAQs are available for your viewing pleasure right here.

Will you do 3 things for me?

(1) Will you hop on over to Blogger-Social.com and go for a spin?
(2) Will you tell other bloggers...who blog marketing...about the event?
(3) Will you register by/before November 15th?

I know, I give a lot of action points :-). But it's only so we can have our special, social weekend. Oh, funny thing about the event's locale--"funny" being that Drew and I both voted for "Vegas" in "February"...but NYC in April it is (all survey results are over at the Blogger Social blog).

If you have no idea what Blogger Social is you can find out all here or, for my first post on this just go here.

PS: Yes, I have closed comments to this post. Why would I do such a thing? So that everyone gets in the habit of commenting about the social at our official Blogger Social blog silly :-). We put a lot of love into it and it's kind of lonely right now.

Shouts: Incredible thanks to Drew, Cam, Mike and Luc. There would be no site, no artwork and no registration without them...and there will be no Blogger Social without YOU.

Technical difficulties (I'm so ashamed)

We're having technical difficulties launching Blogger Social. No, we didn't forget it's the 15th and we owe you news.

Actually, it ain't "technically" us. It's our software provider.

The irony is that the site looks great, the tone, energy...punchy copy...cute little "cork" favicon...oh-so-fun FAQs, intuitive registration and, well, all sorts of special stuff await (and are all set).

But await you must.

Because we need to clear one idiosyncrasy.

Then do a couple quick usability checks.

What, you think we'd launch without testing?

And then we'll air.

I'm not just saying this--because I played but one-fifth a role in pushing this idea forward and now I owe my first AND second born to Drew, Cam, Luc and Mike--but it was a good bit of work to get going. We're so proud and tickled by it.

And I can't wait to unveil it and then everyone can be like "ooh", "aaaah", "CK you forgot this," "Fun!", "Um, CK you forgot this, too" and so on. 

Yep, it will be special.

But bear with us a little more, k?

In the meantime, you can beat up on me in the comments until we air and then I'll be under all this nail-biting, crazy pressure and sweatin' over it alongside my work deadlines. And my friends will be like "What's wrong, buttercup?" and I'll have to disclose that "I am cloaked in shame as I let the blogosphere down."

And they'll once again ask, "What's a blogopshere?"

But all the sweat will be worth it because ever so shortly we'll knock your socks off.

Drew, Cam, Luc, Mike: I've been thinking about this first and second born stuff, can I get you each a fluffy puppy and we'll call it even?