Not that I’ll be missed or even accounted for, but I have some good reasons for not going.
For those of you unfamiliar, IzeaFest is a blogger’s conference put on Izea, which is led by Ted Murphy. From everything I’ve seen and read of Ted, he’s a cool guy, if not a bit on the bizarre side, but I like that.
Ted is also very enterprising: he has founded six companies–including Izea–and is one of the forefathers of paid blogging. Plus, he and I have tweeted each other about marathon running (I know bloody nipples, Ted).
I bought my IZEAFest ticket way back in February when I was projecting some sort of smashing success with my blog. Something to the effect that I’d finally get to meet all the superstars who had heard of me but hadn’t yet met me. How naive.
Let’s say I’m nowhere close to that point, but I’m okay with that. Anonymity is not why I’m bowing out.
The real reason I won’t be attending IZEAFest is because it’s not marketed as an event to be taken seriously. When I think Izeafest, I see a raging, four-day Carnival Cruise across multiple watering holes and ending at SeaWorld.
In other words — a big blogging drinking party. I can already taste the hangovers.
Biggest Disclaimer Ever
I have to say this immediately: the speakers are not why I’m not going. Missing their presentations and dynamism is obviously where I lose out.
Izeafest invites some of the best and most respected web marketers and bloggers around. Brian Clark is someone I’d love to meet. Same with Rae Hoffman and Chris Brogan. And I was lucky enough to meet Arleen Anderson when I was in Honolulu in June.
But…
[End of Disclaimer]
…at the same time, I’d much rather engage with these talented folks in a more progressive and intellectual setting.
An event, perhaps, that puts blogging into a much greater and more thoughtful context. Something that recognizes publishing and editorial standards and the industry as a whole, not just making money online through what works well for individuals.
Blogging is certainly pioneering in its own right, but it’s unlikely to electrify the sagging publishing industry without bold and pragmatic leadership. Izeafest offers spirited work sessions with some very bright people, but it’s all conducted between dirty martinis and an entire day with Shamu.
Bloggers should be mobilized for life after the personal internet gold rush. It’s not going to last forever. Sure — we can all continue to blog away, maybe make a few bucks as we go, but there’s much greater opportunities than this.
We need a conference that calls upon bloggers, writers, editors, publishers, web marketers and everyone in between. A meeting to challenge—not just celebrate—ourselves.
For example: How do we collectively innovate and reconcile a failing industry so it’s scalable, likeable and profitable?
If I were in a party mood, I’d go to Izeafest without hesitation. It feels like I shouldn’t be missing it. But I checked-in my party mood at the door, and I intend on leaving it there while I sort things out.
Ted Murphy
Charles,
I am sorry to hear you won’t be attending. IZEAFest is designed to mix great speaker programming with a fun and social atmosphere. While the sessions are certainly important I feel it is equally important for all attendees to feel comfortable engaging each other face to face. This is typically done after hours, outside of the formality that separates speakers from the audience.
If you are looking for answers to questions like “How do we collectively innovate and reconcile a failing industry so it’s scalable, likeable and profitable?” I can’t think of a better mix of people to answer that question…. with a smile : )
Nothing wrong with having fun while tackling difficult issues. Life is too short. If you change your mind and decide to attend I will be happy to engage in some of those discussion myself.
BenSpark
Have you been to an IZEAFest before? Because I think you are making some really crap assumptions about the event. Yes there are parties, what blogging conference doesn’t have any. You’re saying that you’d rather sit in a room having intense debates over nitpicky things with other nitpicky people. IZEAFest is fun but it does have a serious side. There are two intense days of speakers and sessions that will inspire the people present to improve their blogs, think creatively and have a good time blogging. You don’t think that Chris brogan won’t challenge the crowd to become better bloggers than they are. You mention Brian Clark, he’s certainly going to challenge the crowd with his session.
You want to talk about innovating and reconciling a failing industry so it is scalable, likeable and profitable? Hell you could go ahead and ask that question of any of the speakers during their sessions or in the relaxed atmosphere of a nighttime party. You say that your blog was started in February and it hasn’t done as well as you’d have liked. Go to IZEAFest, meet someone like Chris Brogan, Brian Clark or Ted Murphy talk with them about the issues you are bringing up in this post and go home and blog about the conversations. Ask them to comment on what you said. Or better interview them with a video camera.
IZEAFest is being marketed as a fun time but it is also going to be a very serious weekend of learning and participation. I think your overall reasoning for not going is crap. Suck it up and put on your party pants and get here. Then we can talk more in person about those ideas that you are asking here.
Ashley K. Edwards
Very sorry this is the way you perceive IZEAFest, because it’s not the case at all. We (IZEA) pride ourselves on putting on a more casual, relaxed event so as to create an environment where bloggers and other content creators actually have an opportunity to engage with the speakers who will be attending. Most conferences and industry events are stale and uninspiring, so we strive to be different.
And I can assure you, you will be missed.
Hopefully we’ll see you next year!
Charles
Ted, Ben and Ashley — thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate the quick and concerned responses.
There’s no doubt huge value in attending Izeafest — I won’t deny that. But for someone like me who would have to pay quite a bit in time and money to come from Hawaii, I hesitate due to the perceived “raging party” nature of the event. Those days are over for me!
However, I will say that hearing back from you on my blog today means there is some method to this madness, and I’ll definitely reconsider. Plus, my blog turns 1 year old on October 1!
@Ted — your response is thoughtful and makes sense. When you put it that way, it makes me want to go.
@Ben — a little rough around the edges but it’s cool. Although I think assuming “debates among nitpicky people” is a stretch. That sounds miserable.
@Ashley — I get it. And thanks for being sweet.
So guys, maybe I’ll see you there after all. Aloha!
David Morgan
Can’t say that I know that much about IZEAfest, but I think it’s interesting that we all assume our blogs are going to be a “smashing success” after a short time. It seems we can’t help but dream about the hordes of people that are going to love what we have to share. When it doesn’t happen, it’s a bit discouraging to say the least. I guess we just have to hope that if we stick with it, the hard work will eventually pay off.
I do feel that most of these conferences are geared towards the already successful bloggers, developers, etc. If I was making 100K a year from my blogs or design business I would be the first in line to let Shamu drench me and my iPhone with that big tail of his. But those of us that remain undiscovered for the time being are more focused on paying the bills. I have friends that scrape together the coin for WordPress conferences and such. They claim to make great contacts, but I’m curious as to if they see any real results from the networking. Most of it seems like empty promises for the sake of saving face from my perspective. My assumption is that if you’re not already successful in the business, you’re just a “nobody” trying to steal a piece of their hard earned pie. I can’t blame them, and can’t say I wouldn’t do the same if I was in their position and didn’t know the person. So when my hard work pays off, then I’ll board a plane for such events, conferences and parties… unless I’m convinced otherwise.
BenSpark
Charles,
Yeah the nitpicky part was a stretch. I apologize, I got my dander all up and puffed out. I just don’t think you are seeing the true value of a relaxed atmosphere where bloggers can feel free to spend time chatting about all sorts of topics. Your analysis of why you think IZEAFest is not of value was rather clinical and uptight so that is where the nitpicky part came from. I’m usually a nice guy. For some reason your post stirred me up. I’ve been to every IZEAFest so far and have even spoken at them in the past. I assure you this is not fluff event. Serious business takes place with serious bloggers.
What made you buy the ticket in the first place?
Charles
Well Ben I’m glad my post did something to someone, even though it was negative. Yeah I can agree coming off a bit clinical or overly-serious, but it could be because I don’t interact enough with other bloggers (something I love doing, by the way).
I appreciate your concern and honesty man. That’s the stuff that matters to me. Talk to you soon again.
BenSpark
@David – About IZEAFest you couldn’t be more wrong. IZEAFest is the most affordable conference out there with a pricetag of $229 (which you can get a 50% off code if you look closely) Not only that you get access and entrance to two major theme parks (the bus ride from Orlando to Tampa will give you time and opportunity to talk with other bloggers) As someone who has been to each of the IZEAFest conferences so far (1st one was called postiecon back in 2007) I can tell you that this is not geared towards the $100,000 a year blogger by any means. No this is geared toward the everyday blogger who is just enjoying blogging and who would like to learn more and be inspired. I’m Not A Famous Blogger, I don’t have a huge following but I have attended these events and have made some really great contacts. That is something that any blogger can do at these events especially IZEAFest.