Step one: Establish relationships with out-of-town bloggers.
Step two: Notify said bloggers when you’re coming to town.
Step three: Coerce said bloggers into buying you food and liquor while on your trip.
Step four: Race to the computer and make sure they haven’t beaten you to the punch posting about the food, liquor and great conversation.
This evening I had the chance to dine with Jeff Brown (the Bawldguy) and his son, Steve and Kris Berg from the San Diego Home Blog, and the suspenders-less Brian Brady.
Jeff is so down-to-earth and grounded it’s incredible. Steve looks taller in his photo (he was on the far end of the table so we didn’t get to chat much. Besides, he knows Kris is the star.) And Brian was Brian, predictably late but great to talk to.
The highlight, with apologies to the rest, had to be Kris telling me she’s as envious of my writing as I am of hers. Throw in the fact she says I’m so huggable (read: soft and fat) and it almost makes up for the ambiguity of her saying I don’t look like my photo without any elaboration as to whether that’s good or bad.
If I were a good blogger who followed the rules I’d have photographs. But I’m not and I don’t. I’ve been promised some will be coming across, however.
Next up, possibly: Benn and Lani, either back here in San Diego in two weeks or in Glendale for the Fiesta Bowl in three.
Just do me a favor and forget step three if Glendale’s the venue.
CC Licensed image courtesy of atigone via Flickr.com.
Robert D. Ashby
December 13, 2007 at 8:14 am
Brian didn’t have his suspenders on? Shame on him.
That being said, I envy you being able to meet with this tremendous group of bloggers. One day I will get to meet them and the many others in the blogosphere. I am working on switching aircraft to accomplish just that.
Until then, if anyone flies an American 737, especially Carribean or Central America, I just may be in the right seat.
Jeff Brown
December 13, 2007 at 9:34 am
We must have been a scary group too, cuz though our waitress gave us some ‘courtesy’ abuse, she didn’t seem to have her heart in it. 🙂
It was fun, and Josh and I only wish there had been more time. Also, next time I won’t order the woman’s sized beer. 🙂
By the way, I happen to know that place pretty well. We got some paper hats, didn’t we? Was there any writing on them?
Jonathan Dalton
December 13, 2007 at 9:42 am
You say this only because you wish the phrase on yours turns into reality, sir.
I think she knew what she was in for when you and I fired back early on. Just killed all the momentum.
Or maybe she was intimidated by Kris.
I’m also wishing there had been more time … but there’ll be another time, I’m sure.
Jeff Brown
December 13, 2007 at 9:45 am
🙂
Drew Meyers
December 13, 2007 at 12:31 pm
“Just do me a favor and forget step three if Glendale’s the venue.”
But step 3 is the biggest benefit to blogging on your list!!
Benn Rosales
December 13, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I’m with Drew on that one!
Lani Anglin
December 13, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Too late, Dalton- you already offered to liquor us up when we come!!! 😉
In all seriousness, blogging has led to a great many contacts that we never would have had otherwise. In Austin, we’ve fed bloggers from California to Kansas and seem to be getting a reputation for being visit-able… SO COME TO AUSTIN, Y’ALL!!! Mexican food on the lake can’t be beat!
Jay Thompson
December 13, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I bet that was a great meet up!
Benn and Lani are coming to Phoenix? And no one told me?
I am crushed. 🙁
Shailesh Ghimire
December 13, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Benn and Lani are coming to Phoenix – great. When. Guys, don’t leave me out – please.
Jonathan Dalton
December 13, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Let’s make the mortgage guy pay.
They haven’t decided on the trip, last I saw. I’m hoping they make the trip for the Fiesta Bowl, though.
Brian Brady
December 16, 2007 at 1:59 am
“Let’s make the mortgage guy pay”
They must teach this in REALTOR licensing courses; everybody says that.
At the risk of sounding commercial, there is a great opportunity for everyone to meet, in May, in Phoenix
Kris Berg
December 16, 2007 at 9:35 pm
>“Let’s make the mortgage guy pay”
If we are talking about Brian Brady, I wouldn’t count on it.
For the record, Mr. Dalton, you are huggable but I say that with nothing but affection, and I am quite sure I said you didn’t look like your picture because “your hair is darker in the picture.” So, hah!
Stay longer next time, okay? We had a blast. (Yes, Steve is short – when he is not wearing his heels.)
Jonathan Dalton
December 17, 2007 at 12:09 am
First you rat me out in person and now on a blog? Thanks a lot there, Kris.
And for the record I’m not making any comments about huggability … this mostly is on advice of my attorney following unwanted touching of my manly chest.
Next trip may not work as the folks and the kid are there but we’re also going to be sitting 15 or so minutes away from you on Hotel Circle.