nerd’s eye view

In Other News

February 25, 2009 – 5:58 pm | by nerd's eye view

I had no idea, really. I’m up for a “Best Micro-Blogger” award from Lonely Planet. I might have mentioned that I really don’t care for these popularity contests unless there’s a CHANCE I CAN WIN THEM! A-hem. What I meant to say is that you should totally vote for me so I can be all nonchalant about how these things don’t matter, but I really appreciate your support if I win. Or, so I can be  all nonchalant about how these things really don’t matter but will secretly cry bitter tears when I lose.

Why are you still reading this when you should be voting for me? Go here. Vote early, vote often, tell your friends. If you can gerrymander a district on my behalf, I wouldn’t prosecute you for voter fraud once I wield my power over the domain of microblogging. I will rule firmly yet kindly.

It’s only a short time away until I hop that plane to Texas and try to restrain myself from buying a big ass cowboy hat and a new pair of boots. That’s right, buckaroos, SxSW is go. I’m pretty excited to get to be part of what SxSW calls a “Core Conversation” about travelblogging.  Sheila Scarborough and I are leading the session, though a person might feel slightly like a sham in the company of the big shots who are going to be there. If that person were me. Which they are. Conveniently.

Speaking of speaking, it’s official, the panel about travelblogging at BlogHer is now public. From the site:

Identity/Passions: TravelBloggers as Boundary-Breaking Evangelists:  TravelBloggers bring the world to us, whether it’s their own home town or halfway around the world. We are inspired by the idea that TravelBloggers can truly “flatten” the earth, bringing us closer to cultures and people that seem completely different. We are also inspired by the idea that TravelBloggers can revitalize and revive parts of the world that need it most…from visiting Phuket post-Tsunami to singing New Orleans’ praises, to uncovering what’s great about Detroit. We’ll talk to TravelBloggers on a Mission, including Portland place-blogger A. L. Venable, globetrotter and field trip enthusiast Pam Mandel, travel writer Nancy Brown, and cultural TravelBlogger Rosalind Cummings-Yeates about how they close the gap between their front door and the rest of the world.

Also official, the speaker list for the Travel Blog Exchange conference. How I ended up on the same list as these big shots, well, I can’t really explain it. Seriously, me and Wendy Perrin? Chris Elliot? I’m thinking my talk will be about how to weasel your way on to a list of big shots when you are a teeny tiny blogger with, like, 327 regular readers. Hi you guys! See you in Chicago? I hear they have awesome pizza there and I’m planning to stick around for a few days because people I like live there now and are willing to let me and my giant ego stay in their guest room. They rule. Also, they’d better vote for me in the Lonely Planet awards or I am not bringing them any Seattle treats, nor will I schlepp their dreidl cookie jar back to my Amazing Race sidekick. It’s a long story. Never mind.

Finally, whew – are you still here? – you should know that things might be a bit slow around here for a bit while I figure out my new gig. Sincere apologies in advance – my pressing desire to have an income has landed me in a day job. I’m sure I’ll recover my equilibrium at some point. But hey, if you can’t get enough Nerd’s Eye View, mark your calendar and come see me in person.

Thank you for your support. Because you totally voted for me, right?