Site news: It’s time to firm up plans for Blogger Bash!
The fifth Tuesday of each month is traditionally set aside for Blogger Bash, because as the last Tuesday’s there’s usually not going in the way of public meetings and hearings and such. These are social events, with some drinking and goings-on, but not big blow-outs.
There was a fifth Tuesday in December, but there wasn’t a bash because the consensus was that few if any people could attend.
So we are due.
After some consideration, there are now plans underway for a joint BlogPeoria/Peoria.com BLOGGER BASH on Tuesday, March 31. I decided to include the PDC crowd because of that site’s ability to bring in new attendees.
Remember, anyone who writes a blog, comments on a blog, reads a blog or is the topic of a blog is welcome to attend. Since these things are held in public places, nothing is stopping anyone from dropping buy. Newsmakers are always encouraged to attend.
The next step is to pick a location. Criteria includes:
1. Refreshing beverages.
2. Food.
3. Amenable to folks walking around, chatting in groups.
4. No blaring televisions/jukeboxes.
5. Preferably, not a soulless corporate joint, thus encouraging local businesses.
Here are some locations under consideration:
Kouri’s on Sterling.
TnT’s in Peoria Heights.
Donnely’s on Glen near Sterling.
Gormans in Campustown.
Whitey’s on Sheridan north of West McClure.
Panache in Sheridan Village.
One World at Main and University.
Crusens on Farmington Road.
We have PLENTY of time to debate, so add your suggestions.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:57 am
don’t have strong opinions on where we end up, but the funnest ones are where we don’t all end up parked at tables but where people walk around and mingle and circulate, and the places with loud music really make it headache- and sore-throat-inducing.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:25 am
“After some consideration, there are now plans underway for a joint BlogPeoria/Peoria.com BLOGGER BASH on Tuesday, March 31. I decided to include the PDC crowd because of that site’s ability to bring in new attendees.”
I call Bullshit.
First, they have NEVER been solely a BlogPeoria thing, since many local bloggers choose NOT to use a website that works only about 75% of the time. I am one of them. So, to call it a “joint BlogPeoria/Peoria.com” blogger bash is simply Bullshit, unless you specifically intended to finally exclude those of us whom you don’t consider “serious” bloggers.
Second, if your quest is to bring in new attendees, why is the invitation not extended to the entire Peoria area, why limit to just one forum? That’s my second Bullshit. We all know why you have combined it with Peoria.com. Either you think the rest of us are really stupid or you are really that clueless. Pick one.
This is getting ridiculously juvenile and petty. But, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Therefore, the only reason I would consider attending this so-called Blogger Bash is because you have deliberately tried to exclude those of us who don’t fawn over you and kiss your ring every time you make a declaration from “on high.” And now I am just pissed enough to be a real pain in the ass.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I thought MM already said it was a t Chuck E Cheese’s?
February 17th, 2009 at 11:39 am
And why does my little avatar look like it’s been goosed?
February 17th, 2009 at 11:54 am
ummmm, I think I’ll pass on this one! Y’all have a great time!
February 17th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Chuck E. Cheeze? Sure, go ahead if you want. The pizza is MUCH better at Whitey’s
And the Atavar’s are selected at random. Right now, users don;’t have the ability to upload their own avatars. But you CAN go to http://en.gravatar.com/ and register your email address, and you can upload your own image from your computer’s hard drive. If you need any help, let me know.
And Ms. PH: I was planning on doing a joint thing with Peoria.com long before the sad blow-up that happened this week. Believe whatever you want though.
And I continue to be amazed by how so many lives seems to revolve around trying to tear down peoria.com and my site.
I wish PeoriaSpeaks all the best.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I was in no way talking about the “sad little blow-up” this week since I have very little knowledge of such things.
And, seriously? Do you really think my life revolves around trying to tear down PDC and YOUR little blog? I can count the number of times in the two years I have been blogging that I have actually commented on your site on two hands. But, I am sure that you know me better than anyone else, right? After all, I have all kinds of time of my hands to be concerned with the success of YOUR site . . . you know, with being a single mother, attorney, volunteer, and, oh . . . HAVING A LIFE outside of this little world.
But since I just write “cute little mommy stories,” of course I have time to tear down your site.
This has absolutely nothing to do with my feelings toward PDC or your blog. What it is about is you thinking you own the Peoria blog world because you got here first. Well, the only beings that play by those rules are dogs. Marking your territory by deliberately creating drama is your only fallback position when there are not enough press releases to fill your day.
And, if you were trying to imply that I was attacking BlogPeoria and trying to tear that down? Well, Mr. Dennis . . . there is no need. You do a pretty good job of doing that on your own.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Who mentioned Peoria Speaks? I must have missed something.
And which ’sad little blow-up’ are you referring too. There aren’t any links and I am a little lost.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I mentioned PeoriaSpeaks. I wish the site and ALL its participants all the best. What’s wrong with that?
February 17th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Just trying to figure out your point of reference…It was just very random since I thought the post was about a blogger bash. I didn’t’ realize that the two were connected. Sorry!
February 17th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Oh, I’ll admit that I had a bit of a dispute with a PeoriaSpeaks blogger. We had a good email conversation (with was off the record for both our benefits) and all is resolved (as far as I know).
I think this whole Peoria.com/PeoriaSpeaks antagonism is rather silly. I think the solution is for ALL participants to kiss and make up. Failing that, I think all participants should just simply decline any urge to add fuel to the fire.
Full disclosure: As anyone can tell, I have a business relationship with Peoria.com in that the site advertises here.
Maybe I’m naive, but I didn’t think the joint BlogPeoria/Peoria.com would generate such controversy. As this post states EVERYONE is welcome.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
WOW! I’ve never been to PP’s blog before, but with this kind’ve action, I may stop in more often.
Personally, I’d like to see people from all over show up and make it a landmark event.
Maybe I can even convince pundit to add ME to his blog roll!
This is not a laptop required event is it?? :::wink:::
Hip
February 17th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Laptops NOT required. I’ll add your link ASAP!
February 17th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
“Full disclosure: As anyone can tell, I have a business relationship with Peoria.com in that the site advertises here.”
That says it all. The perception is that those relationships are undermining the integrity and objectivity of your project.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Jill: Thanks for the opportunity to address this. I advertise on PeoriaPundit. This is no different than any media selling ad space. As anyone who has or does buy space here has been told, It doesn’t buy anything but the opportunity to sell goods and services.
My background is in newspaper journalism. I’ve seen many instances of how ads DID affect coverage. So I understand your concern. I don’t post or send out press releases when this happens, but I have lost ads because of posts I have made.
I need commenters to keep MY honest, much like bloggers in general keep the media honest. That’s why I allow commenters to comment even with they think I am full of crap.
I just ask them to follow a few simple rules and to keep the discussion civil.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Seriously….what does any of this have to do with where the blogger bash is going to be?
Billy – I’m going to keep you honest here….quit hijacking your own blog post!
February 17th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Heh heh! You are right. But I didn’t bring it up.
Anyway. I’m always partial to Whitey’s as a location. It does allow for walking around. Kouri’s would be good too, but I’m not sure about the food. Gormans works for me too.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I think the only fair way to handle this (business relationships aside) is for all peoria.com and peoriaspeaks.com members to attend.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Don’t suppose you people would venture across the river to the evil other side? Knickerbockers would be a good venue.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
…sigh…In keeping with this portion of ‘Keeping Honest with Billy Dennis’.
You totally brought it up:
“And I continue to be amazed by how so many lives seems to revolve around trying to tear down peoria.com and my site.
I wish PeoriaSpeaks all the best.”
Since I win today’s round….Can we go to Donnely’s? They really do have the best waitress ever. EBB and MM can back me up on that one!
February 17th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Katie: … Which was in response to a comment from Ms. P.H.
But let’s move on: I like Donnely’s, but if we pick I’d like to NOT reserve the room in back, as it’s not: “Amenable to folks walking around, chatting in groups.”
February 17th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Billy, to get away from all the drama — Gorman’s works for me or One World as I can walk (!) home if need be! Just point me in a northwesterly direction as I leave.
February 17th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Excellent! I’m liking the idea of Gormans. One, it’s NEW to blogger bashes. We’ve had two at Donnely’s as I recall.
February 17th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Hmm…. shanghai-ing the blogger bash by making it a joint Peoria.Com event seems like a REALLY bad idea. I love blogger bashes. But I hate sites that disallow civil discussion while allowing people to casually toss out anti-homosexual rhetoric, allow the use of the term “mulatto” and promote anti-Muslim sentiment… so now I’m torn between attending to see my fellow bloggers and feeling like, by doing so, I’m supporting Peoria.com, which I find abhorrent.
February 17th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Jen FTW….Tuesday and the rest of February, too.
February 17th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
So, Jen and Jill, do you favor Gorman’s, Donelly’s or Whiteys?
February 17th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Well, I’m not coming if Vespa isn’t coming.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Thanks!!!!!
That’s very cool.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I’ve never been to Gorman’s or Donnelly’s. Donnelly’s seems like it could be pricey?? I could be wrong.
Khouri’s has really good food, but a small menu.
Gormans, being a Campustown place, is close to my house, so bumming a ride wouldn’t inconvenience anyone.
Personally, I’m not picky. I just like meeting new people.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
[...] we can’t even bring up a simple get-together without a blow up, everyone gathering allies, and stock piling ammunition in the form of every [...]
February 17th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
point ————————————————–>
Billy
Missed again.
Clearly there is a fairly large segment of the blogger part of “Blogger Bash” that is trying to tell you something.
February 17th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
‘Blogger Bash’ = bloggers hanging out. The combined thing is a bad idea, make it two separate events.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
As a frequent reader but infrequent commenter, can I just say that y’all need to grow the hell up. I have never seen such a whiny, pissy group of people. You remind me of my grandfather, who holds grudges for long-ago trespasses that even he can’t remember. Billy is suggesting a get together for anyone who cares to join him. Sure, he invited some folks that some of you don’t like. Then DON’T GO. Or hold your own party. But stop with the back-biting.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Sud. O Nym: You are invited! Be there! Have fun! We’ll decide on a location soon.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I thought PDC members were always invited to Blogger Bashes.
http://www.peoria.com/message_board/view_message.php?message_board_parent_id=81703&message_board_message_id=82143#message82143
February 17th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I think it’s really cute when Billy plays coy.
But, since there seems to be some confusions, I’ll lay it out.
There are a lot of local bloggers who don’t want to be associated with Peoria Dot Com.
Many of these ‘local bloggers’ have enjoyed attending “Blogger Bashes” and seeing friends who would rather not be associated with any ‘local forum’.
When Mr. Dennis included information about an upcoming “Blogger Bash” within a thread concerning a forum meet up, many local bloggers called “BULLSHIT”.
This is because there are bloggers in Peoria who don’t really give a fuck.
So, Billy, congratulations. It’s the Sharks vs. the Jets. Let’s rumble.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
This is silly, Jill.
Everyone has always been invited to every blogger bash.
It’s like a scene from a sitcom where there’s a wedding happening and someone won’t attend if Aunt Lucy is there.
Listen, come or don’t. Stage a counter-Bash if you must.
I’m inviting who I am inviting.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Jill, just who empowered Billy Dennis to decide who is or is not invited to blogger bash? In the loosest of definitions, blogger bash is supposed to be local peoria bloggers, am I correct? Taken in that context, I would say bloggers should be invited, which included Peoria Rocks and Peoria Illinoisan from PDC and Rixie, jenjw4, etc from peoriaspeaks. I know all these people (thru their blogs) and respect them as a result.
So why not keep it what it is…a blogger bash? If you blog, let’s meet up. If you don’t, why don’t you meet up at a different time? The notion that Billy Dennis gets to invite whoever he prefers is absurd, ESPECIALLY given that PDC pays part of his bills.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Ummm … I invited everyone? Read the post.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Can I help it if I am a popular guy? People just want to be near me.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
“I decided to include the PDC crowd because of that site’s ability to bring in new attendees.”
You read the post. YOU decided to invite the PDC crowd, not the peoriaspeaks crowd, not the third shift Walmart employees, not the American Legion members. YOU decided to invite (include) the PDC crowd. What gives YOU that right? This is not YOUR blogger bash, this is THE blogger bash. A little consideration…
February 18th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Have you ever attended a party was planned by … nobody?
I’ll explain what a Blogger Bash is.
The first one was, I dunno know four of five years ago. Some friends of mine from work were meeting at a neighborhood bar on Pioneer Parkway. I posted on my blog, ‘Hey guys! Some friends of mine are meeting after work. If any fellow bloggers or commenters want to come by, do so!”
Angie Walker showed up, with her hubby Rob. We spent about an hours talking blogs and politics, while my work buddies played darts.
After Rob and Angie left, I noticed all my co-workers had left, they assuming I had left.
About a month later, the first real Blogger Bash was held at that same bar. I have pictures to prove it.
I’ve been doing this for years.
What gives me the right to organize these things? Just the combination of the right to free speech and the right to assemble. All a Blogger Bash is ANY blogger making a post on his/her blog saying, ‘Hey! Let’s all meet at so-and-so date and have a Blogger Bash. Where do you wanna party at?’ And that is it. No conspiracy. No payoff from my advertisers. I posted this on Peoria Pundit and peoria.com because I frequently post comments there, and am friendly with several other members and I want to meet them in person and get them into blogging, preferably on BlogPeoria, but if not, then on Peoria Speaks or some other free service. Blogging is the first step towards citizen journalism, and I am all for that.
Any single ONE of the people complaining that I am some kind of wanna-be blog dictator can do the exact same thing. Seriously. One of you make a post “Hey, wanna hold a Blogger Bash? Name the time and place?” Invite whomever you want.
Here’s a secret: There have been Blogger Bashes that I had nothing to do with and did not even attend. The audacity!
February 18th, 2009 at 7:15 am
This reminds me of the “East Coast-West Coast” rap wars in the mid-90’s. I hope Bill does not end up like Tupac or Biggie Smalls, aka the “Notorious B.I.G.” his car riddled by the bullets of a rival blogger after a Bradley game.
February 18th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I wouldn’t be caught dead at a Bradley game …
February 18th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Just kidding about the Vespa remark, although it would be nice to meet some people behind the names like anonymous and anonymous and anonymous and also anonymous.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Just as an aside, I hate the “reply to a reply” feature. I realize the intention is to make it easier to follow a particular thread of discussion, but I think it actually makes it more difficult to follow for various reasons, not the least of which being the fact that you can’t tell which comments are the latest. Go back to linear comments or else I’m not coming to Blogger Bash!
Okay, that last line is totally not true.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Why does Dennis dictate the Blogger Bash? As long as I’ve been a blogger, Billy has organized the Bash. His idea. He started it. Named it. Its been his doing for 5 years. So, Mr. Dennis, pick the place and call it a day.
And by the sounds of a previous post, the blogger with no association with BlogPeoria\PeoriaSpeaks\Peoria.com, CJ Summers, apparently will be there with no ill will he “wasn’t invited”.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Ooooh… Billy, what fun you’re having. I didn’t know I was missing out on so much. I really need to try to get in here more often. So, let me get this straight. Is this a blogger bash where all people are invited, or is this a blogger bash where all people are invited unless you post at Peoria.com? Because I got to say, it seems to me that everyone’s good to go with the whole combined concept until they are faced with the possibility of the dreaded PdC clan showing up. Now (hanging head very low…. RIGHT!!!) being as I’m one of the dreaded PdC posters referred too, I’m confused?!?! What’s the big deal? Seems there’s an awful lot of blanket hatred going on here and that totally blows me away.
And Jill,
”But I hate sites that disallow civil discussion while allowing people to casually toss out anti-homosexual rhetoric, allow the use of the term “mulatto” and promote anti-Muslim sentiment…”
I have no clue as to what you’re referring too. In my immediate family I have both biracial and homosexual relatives. I’d be the first to be offended over such discussions. What are you talking about girl?
Lastly, Billy… there are people who will hate and judge no matter what you try to do. Personally, I’d rather attend a gathering with bloggers of all sites regardless of their differing opinions than one that promotes censorship and frankly anytime you have a mentality of wanting to prohibit any discussion regardless of whether or not we like the topic, its censorship plain and simple. I respect your ability to accept those opinions and darn it, even if I hadn’t planned to be there, I will now. You know me Billy, I just LOVE going where I’m not welcome.
Thanks!
Christi
February 18th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Christi: Everyone is welcome. It’s a joint “BlogPeoria/PeoraDotCom” event in that I posted announcements on both sites. I could have posted it elsewhere and it would have been a “BlogPeoria/FarkParty” event.
It’s going to be held IN A BAR. Anyone can show up.
There is going to be one difference: Everyone will be given a name tag.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
A name tag? Great, now you’re gonna go and label me.. hahahaha That’s ok, they’ve been doing it for years. I’ll wear you’re label proudly and be there with bells on.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Actually, I think I was responsible for organizing a couple of them. Does that make me a dictator too?
February 18th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
HELLO MY NAME IS
Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
One tiny little mistake and you’re branded forever.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I am so using that the next time I have to wear one of those “Hello, My Name Is” nametags!!!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
It’s a friggin’ party!!
People who don’t like each other can fight in the street and then do a shot together afterward..
SHEEESHHHHHHHHH.
Even the PS people that supposedly despise me, I’d still drink with every damn one of them….
So I bog, and I post on PDC.
I post on SpeakUpWNY, too, and the Buffalo Bills Msg board, the buffalo Sabres, Truckers Road, OK Cupid, and whole TON of places, so I guess I’m REALLY open for abuse.
I’ll be there!!!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
No, MM. It just means you have bad taste in bars.
LOL
February 18th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
C.J. You are right. I am going back to the old way of commenting. This sucks.