Friday, June 26, 2009

when we create things and release them into the world


it was not even two months ago that the idea of blog camp was born. and already, we've held the first one, planned the second and organized an emergency we-simply-must-get-together-again blog camp 1.5 in the UK in between the first two and we have 50 followers (!!) on the blog camp blog. on top of it, sara is planning a spin-off blog camp (note: this link is just to sara's blog, not a specific post on blog camp 2.1) in the US, to be held over labor day weekend, at the same time as blog camp 2.0 in denmark. there really is a snowball effect happening.

i think it's pretty amazing to see these small bits and pieces of the thoughts and ideas which we throw out into the blogosphere being caught and made into beautiful things all around us. and the fact that there are real people behind it all, making things happen, makes me realize that we are quite far from husband's theory that the internet will take on a life of its own (he's still waiting for the internet to do that first post on his blog).

and what's interesting to me is how organic it is (hmm, maybe this proves that husband is right)...with things growing and changing in a dynamic process all the time. i had an idea about how blog camp 1.0 would be and while it was, in some ways, how i imagined it, it was also very different. because you have to factor in the people involved. and now, we're having blog camp 1.5 with five of the same people from BC1.0 plus two more and i'm really excited to see how that changes the dynamic and perhaps even the concept. because it's difficult to predict anything when there are people involved. i'm certain only that it will be fantastic, but i can't foresee in what ways.

i saw a list yesterday of potential things to do at BC 2.1 (as we've dubbed it) in reno. and it struck me that a list of activities--none of which involved pajamas or blogging--was a new incarnation of the concept. although we did see the mermaid, for those of us at BC 1.0, it was really about meeting the people behind the blogs and doing some of the things--e.g. taking pictures and drinking lots of coffee and wine--that we love to do in the blogosphere together in person.

and after my initial confusion and a bit of wondering whether i hadn't been clear on the concept (i reread and i, in fact, had been pretty clear), i took a deep breath and realized that it was all ok. because we can't really know what will happen with the things we create and we have to be prepared to release them and let them become whatever they become to others who embrace those ideas. and i realized that was actually a pretty powerful thing.


and speaking of blog camp 2.0 - there are still a couple of spots, so please do let me know if you'd like to come! it'll be a blast and well worth the trip, i promise.

20 comments:

Liz Fulcher, The Fragrant Muse said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kristina - no penny for them said...

i so know what you mean about things developing their own dynamic after we kick them off. i feel the same about blogging itself. it's been only april when i started posting and i'm so amazed at how many fabulous people i met so far, how much encouraging feed-back has been coming in -- which in turn has already had quite a substantial influence on the way i see myself, and on my creative projects. my 'analog' friends (just love that analog lego story!!) have noticed and commented on that effect. i'm pretty amazed.

in short - i'd really, really love to join you for blogcamp 2.0 in denmark! stupidly though, i have a work-related thing going on that saturday in berlin. will see what can be done and let you know...

Fidgeting Gidget said...

I just love the blog camp banter and that the original is spawning spinoffs! I will definitely stay tuned!

Have a lovely weekend!

PS: I finally answered your questions on my blog today!

Char said...

isn't it funny what a random comment can spur??? :) great stuff.

Cyndy said...

A bonfire starts with a single spark. With a wave of your fairy blog mother wand, you created magic that is reaching all corners of the world. Of course it will grow, evolve, and may someday hardly even resemble what BC1.0 was. But without that first initial thought, there would have been none no less more, so I know I speak for many that say THANKS!

I can't see where it couldn't change. The landscapes, the people, the food, all the bounty that a hostess has to offer will always be different--even if it were at your house each time. Seasons alone could create a different aura. Personally, I would want my first experience to be in your beautiful blue writing house along the sea that conjures images of mermaids, and even if it takes years to get there, I will be there in spirit every time (and always green with envy!).

Sandra said...

What an idea....the internet writing a post. Hope that works for husband!

I have bestowed an award upon you. Pick it up when you have some time. : )

Janet said...

ditto part of what Cyndy said. i would love for my "first time" ;) to be at BC's point of origin so to speak. I have thought about it & even looked up airfares one night . . . what an adventure it would be!

btw, cool pictures!

Indiri Wood said...

Whoops, sorry for any confusion. The list was meant more as things that could be done but I think we should probably pick only one so as not end up as a guided tour. I thought the rib festival (and all of the craft booths) would be great for a photo walk opportunity. I very much love Blog Camp as you made it and don't want to change it (that's the whole appeal!).

Polly said...

I'm amazed at how things are rolling after the blog camp 1.0, and so quickly! It only shows that blogging is all about interaction, which was one of the greatest discoveries during my blogging journey. there are 7 people coming to BC 1.5?? I lost count - who is it?? Great!!!

And guess what - the Nikon has arrived, I couldn't resist!! I'll be posting only pictures from Monday :-)

spudballoo said...

Wonderful photos, beautiful. Yes it will be fascinating to see how the format evolves as time goes on, but I'm sure the basics will stay the same: talking, laughing, drinking, gossiping and friendship.

One thing I noticed about 1.0 is that you were all keen photographers. IS that generally so for bloggers, I can't think that it is? So perhaps the photography element will wax and wane depending on the interest of the bloggy group?

POLLY - yay another Nikon gal. Which did you get? Congratulations. You won't be sorry...

Suecae Sounds said...

Hi Julohcka!

I just wanted to thank you for your comment on my post on mental illness. I am very happy that it ment something for you, and I would like to wish you a beautiful weekend.

Mari Mansourian said...

Isn't it funny.... that's how things(great things) usually start... an idea...put in action by one person.... and it takes off like you never expected it to. Like a snowball... the more you roll it in the snow the bigger it gets... then you have yourself a snow man :)
I soooo would love to join in the fun some day and meet some of you lovely blog friends.... someday...

kristina said...

you are wonderful with words. such an eloquent post - thank you! :-)
hope you'll have a good and peaceful weekend!

spudballoo said...

BTW, you can so tell you have a 'grown up' girl by this shot. Your girl makes things with those beads, my boys eat those beads...

Lorac said...

I would be there in a nanosecond if I could!
There are some eyes for you to see on my post. Go to Hiking (Part one)

Bee said...

I really like how you bookmarked this post with the colored beads . . . first, a seemingly random jumble, and then an artistic object of sorts (something with structure, anyway).

So looking forward to finding out what happens!

Lorac said...

I was mistaken it is in part two Am I Being Watched. Sorry!

Unknown said...

I guess that's why we blog. We love to connect, to share ideas, and to just plain talk about things.

McGillicutty said...

I guess it just goes to show there are still some fun, fearless, females out there!!! I love that it disproves the theory of RWP that we are all sad little geeks sitting at our computers all day!!! One of my hobbies is proving people wrong, Reno here I come. Now where'd I leave my passport!!;o)
VW: coilie...a cross between a dog and something you decorate cake plates with.

Just Jules said...

I love this post. wonderful thoughts. I actually found myself staring off and pondering after - fabulous...

anyway - I so wish I could go to either of the 2.0 camps but they both fall on hubby's one and only week off of the year - perfect he will be home to watch kids, but, alas he insists he wants to see me - sweet ugggg ;)

I swear there should be a blog camp in Vegas - cuz what happens at blog camp in Vegas ..... can't all be blogged about *double wink*. ok, sorry, I got to sleep in this morning for the first time in a decade :)

a little silly with the extra sleep