A Beginner At The Irish Blog Awards
They know what a blog is. They’ve read blogs as references. They might have even given thought to starting a blog at some stage, if they had time to do it. They know that podcasts exist. They know the power of the web.
They don’t blog. They’ve not really heard of, seen or used Twitter. Online video is another world away, but there is a realisation that it works.
They’re not on Facebook. They’re not on MySpace.
It’s their first time going to the Irish Blog Awards or any award ceremony that recognises those working with blogs or the wider world of the internet in Ireland.
I’ve spoken to people at the Irish Blog Awards over the last two years who were in the same situation. Some of them have gone mad altogether.
What advice would you give such a person?
Okay
Read some blogs. It’s handy to know at least what one is.
Then remember, you’re only going to be with a group of people who just happen to all write stuff or take photos and put them on the internet. That’s all. They’re just people. Just like you.
So have fun. Talk to people. That’s what Darren and I did (starting with you and Ross as you know, Ken) and we had loads of fun. Great night.
Ken, introduce them to me. I’d be happy for them to buy me a pint
I think I’m on the first round this stint. Have yourself and Andy (@goodonpaper) on the pint list. Anyone else want in?
Dangerous offer chief
Dangerous!
Oh G1 is there anything you can’t do!?!
Don’t be shy. Go and talk to people. The name tags are there for a reason.
Speaking of name tags, Don’t dress up in anything that might be ruined by sticky labels (I’ve heard stories).
Don’t be afraid to admit that you haven’t read their blog (but don’t be surprised if they have a hard time explaining what they blog about). Rick, who won best pop culture blog, didn’t know he was a pop culture blogger until he was nominated.
Do chat.
Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something. Ask.
This is a new area for a lot of people. Some of use are experts that don’t know it yet. Don’t be surprised if none of the explanations match.
Don’t be intimidated if it appears that everyone knows everyone else. Some do, after all, they have spent the last year reading about each others lives. Some of these “old friends” may be having their first face to face meeting.
Don’t pretend you are “Twenty”.
Do have fun
Go dance (someone has to).
Do take pictures if you are that way inclined. Don’t take pictures very late in the evening. Or at least, don’t upload. Hair will let down, even by those of us without any.
Bloggers are people. Some are extroverts who want the world to know about them. Some are business people who are revealing life behind the curtain. Some are shy and reveal parts of their lives to help themselves and others. Some are story tellers, who have to write. Some are investigators who have to help and reveal truths. All are different, but share one thing;
They blog.
They write.
They talk.
Go chat.
never swap your top with a female when drunk. Ever. You will miss the shirt.
Spoken like a true professional, Ben.
Don’t drench other people with your champagne. They probably won’t like that.
[...] Irish Blog Awards. And I want to go to this years (its in the CIA Hotel, great venue in Cork), but Ken was asking for tips for new attendees, yes this post started out as a comment. Most of the tips equally apply to the forthcoming TeenCamp [...]
Best advice ever: If you’re feeling a bit shy or nervous come chat with me. I’d talk to the wall and I generally buy the first round.
Feck off Darren, stop trying to rob the newbies. Let me corrupt their fragile little minds introduce them to people. They’ll like that, they will.
Ah feck, strikethrough doesn’t work. HTML fail.
Let him be. Hes one of the few I haven’t met yet.
Can’t help wondering if Pinky is in the same way that “the brain” seems to be.
As for corruption…
You know, you two need badges for the IBA’s.
One that says “Darren’s Bitch”
One that says “Darragh’s Bitch”
Maybe in not-so-heavy terms. But it could work. At the end of the night there could be a good game of 140-a-side football in the ballroom?
Bahahahahah – you really think someone will take the side of that little twerp? Ha, I say, ha ha!
hey Byrne. Two words. second word: Hair.
Ask the hotel if they are still leaving ornamental vehicles parked in that little pitch beside the bar. And bring a soft football.
Or a large beachball.
[...] a fierce amount of prepping being done for the Blog Awards at the end of February. Ken asks what advice we’d give to the newbies. Hmm? Get out [...]