Blogapaloozathon ’07: a review

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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It’s been a little more than two years since we launched ourselves into the blogosphere, and we’ve rarely taken the time to pause and reflect. But a few beers, a change in the weather and tossing a few accolades our way always puts us in the mood for a little navel-gazing.

Last night marked the second annual Blogapaloozathon, a drunken debacle happy gathering of smart, computer-savvy Ashvegas denizens who like to throw the doors of their soul open (in some form or fashion) online for all who care to take a peek.

We caught up with several friends we’ve made over the past couple of years, and also enjoyed seeing some of the many new faces that have joined the BlogAsheville blog roll. Meeting new people, making fuller connections and building a community – that’s what it’s all about. There’s a power to our group, a potential that we have yet to tap. Thanks to everyone who came out – great to see you all.

Early on, thoughts of what this all meant and where this all was going haunted us. A little deeper in, we no longer feel so stressed. It is what it is, and it will morph and grow. It’s wonderful to watch.

Of course, that can’t just happen. The glue, the go-to guy, the constant gardener of the local blogging community remains Gordon over at Scrutiny Hooligans. He continually pumps the force of his personality into making these gatherings happen, and we’re all the better for it. Thank you, Gordon, for your power and grace. You da man.

More thanks to Kyle and Jennifer, who opened their West Ashvegas bungalow to all party-goers. Thanks to all who donated the beer and food and giftees. Thanks to the jamming band, Sirius B, who put up with not-so-attentive bloggers and rocked anyway.

Finally, thanks to everyone who stops by to see what we’re doing, for giving us a click. Ashvegas was honored to be recognized for having good photography (though how we outvoted Zen, we’ll never know) and for offering up good blog bits of local happenings.

The big winner of the night was Felicity, over at Hangover Journals. She swept up several awards, including Best Overall Bloggie. Felicity is a perceptive, open writer who really hangs herself out there, more than we ever could.

Here’s to the Ashvegas blogosphere, our own little universe of geeks and freaks, writers and lovers and losers and politicos and pundits, rock stars and con artists. Let’s keep it up.