Blogging is a bizarre activity, in many ways. You write things about yourself, some more personal than others. You read things about others, some more personal than you would have liked. You get to know the blogger, in a way. You picture what they look like – in no concrete terms, of course, but in a general amorphous sense. You have an idea of their voice and demeanor. Through commenting and through observation, you become friends – blog friends. Very rarely do you get to meet bloggers in real life, off the net, behind a pint, speaking instead of typing. And then what do you do?
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Lab Life by Anna Kushnir
A discussion and dissection of a most unique workplace environment - the laboratory.
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Blogs and Hugs
- Date:
- Tuesday, 02 Sep tember 2008 - 17:24 UTC
When I meet my friends after an absence, I give them a hug. When I meet bloggers, I get confused. I sort of know them, but do I ‘hug’ know them? Luckily for those bloggers whom I met during last week’s Science Blogging 2008: London festivities, I decided that blogger friendships do not, comfortably, translate into hugs – unless you are Henry Gee and Richard Grant, of course, in which case a blogger friendship translates into a great many things…
…including arm wrestling.I met people whose blogs I love and follow, either lurkingly or actively. I met people who I hope will soon start their own blogs (plug : on Nature Network) or will reconsider their usefulness. In greater terms, I met people with whom I shared a common, dorky geeky webby language.
Curiously enough, though people didn’t always look like what I had pictured, they all sounded and behaved just as I had imagined. The voices I heard through their blogs were their true voices, none put on or forced, but real and genuine. And that, in addition to everything discussed and discoursed during the conference, was really cool.
I would like to say thanks to Corie, Matt, Li Kim, and Timo for allowing me to be part of the team in planning this event (a process which I thoroughly enjoyed), and to all those who came to the conference at talked to each other and to me, undeterred by the fact that I looked like stress was about to explode my head (it was. It’s true).
Last updated: Tuesday, 02 Sep 2008 - 17:24 UTC
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Comments
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lurkingly
What a delightful neologism!
hmmm…actually, can that work for just an adverb?
Not only can I hold Gee with my left hand but can send text messages at the same time.
At least you did not provide photographic evidence of the Gee-Grant massive introductory clinch, Anna – which I am sure I witnessed. But maybe I am imagining it! They certainly were arm-wrestling a few mere minutes later. Then blogging about it, while certain prim folk were getting on and eating their dinner.
Ian – I like to think that all words can do all things, under the proper circumstances. This is likely because I hardly know grammar and had to actually look up what an adverb is before replying to your comment. But that’s just me. So sad that you couldn’t make it to the conference!
Richard – Ha! It totally looks like you are texting. That’s really funny. I can’t remember who won the match in the end, but all were thoroughly impressed. Hope you have reason to fly out from Sydney again, for a rematch and more drinks.
Ah! Yes! I wasn’t imaginging it! Here it is
Thanks, Jenny.
This post is so great-it is exactly how I feel about this whole “blogging buisness”.
I think a hug is so appropriate-it is fullest appreciation you can give someone who is down in the trenches with you.
Anna—first round was invalid because Gee cheated (he used both hands when he realized he couldn’t win). The second round, left-handed, was a draw.
I too hope I can come over again.
Richard wasn’t texting – he was trying to tread on my crocs.
Anna: I like to think that all words can do all things, under the proper circumstances. This is likely because I hardly know grammar
I love the English language for that very reason. New Scientist ran a fun feature article on this a couple of months ago (can’t be arsed to link, sorry). One beauty of the language is that despite grammatical restrictions one can have fun; discard some restrictions and it’s almost endless! Steven Pinker’s latest book covers a lot of this too (I heard the Nature Podcast interview)
So sad that you couldn’t make it to the conference!I am absolutely and genuinely gutted. It not only looks fun, but informative too. And to have met some of the people I consider friends but never have met in Firstlife (love that term) would have been icing on the cake.
I met a couple of blog-mates last year when I was back in the UK and trying to explain to my dad (75yrs old and not web2.0) that we were friends but hadn’t actually met was tough. “Like penpals then” was the best I could get.
However, it turns out even if my brother’s wedding was closer I’d have been even more in the poo & would still have missed the conference. My visa approval still hasn’t come back from the Dept. of Homeland security and I can’t leave the country without it…or rather, I can leave, but I can’t get back in…
we missed you,
tiddlesIan.Aw man, I was really hoping for a hug when we finally meet!
So when will NN enable smileys for online huggage then, for all the poor souls who miss physical contact in here?
I will dole hugs on a case by case basis. How about that, John? :)
Mike – smileys… will add on the to-do list. Although, isn’t commenting on someone’s blog kind of like a virtual hug?
Interesting what you say about your 75 year old dad, Ian. I’ve made more than a few blogging friends who in reality have turned out to be grannies. Getting to know people is so different when the only cue is what they write.
I have a sneaking
weaslestoatsuspicion it’s just the Curmudgeonly Lt. Brooks RN (Ret). My friend Pat is about the same age and sends dirty jokes via email very regularly…