What I learned this weekend

I learned a lot this weekend at Blogger Social '08 right here in New York City.

I learned that Heather Gorringe visited New York from England on business a few years ago, and one of the highlights of her trip was a visit to the garbage dump at the Staten Island landfill.  Heather is in the compost business.

I learned that there are many ways to express oneself with a Lorna Doone cookie, thanks to Chris Kieff. 

I learned that Steve Woodruff has lost track of Curious George, possibly somewhere between New Jersey and Ohio.  (Steve, did you look in the Raritan River?  Maybe George is sleeping with the fishes and Big Pussy.)

I learned that Lewis Green really does lead with his heart and that it's a good heart.

I learned, very much to my surprise, that Montreal bagels are pretty damn good.  (Mark Goren: I didn't say better than New York bagels, but Mario Vellandi, Nathan Snell, Cam Beck, Ryan Karpeles and I did a taste test at my house Saturday morning and the consensus was very positive.)  (Nathan, Cam & Ryan at the Reich Regency, with host Loki.  Mario was inside looking for his toothbrush.)

I learned that Cathleen Rittereiser is a rising star in stand-up comedy.  Let me know when your next gig is and I'll come. I won't heckle.

I was shocked to learn how much Sean Howard looks like my son-in-law. (I don't think my son-in-law takes his shirt off at every public gathering, though.)

I learned that Joseph Jaffe wasn't there.

I learned that Ryan Barrett looks very nice in a very short and shiny, puffy blue dress.  Poor Ryan so wanted to dance.

I learned Tara Anderson has a great laugh.  Is she legit?  (or is it lijit?)

I learned that Arun Rajagopal likes steak and eggs at 4 in the morning.

I learned that Tim McHale drinks ketchup straight.

I learned that CeCe Salomon-Lee lives in my second-favorite city.

I learned that Gavin Heaton and Mack Collier are really nice in person.

I learned that I didn't spend enough time catching up with Matt Dickman.

I learned that Gene DeWitt is re-reading short stories like War & Peace.

I learned that Toby Bloomberg, if asked, will share her boa.

I learned that Linda Sherman is not the same Linda Sherman who was my wife's roommate in Greenwich Village after college.

I learned that Geoff Livingston is as nice in person as he sounds on the phone.

I learned that Neil Vineberg will soon become bi-coastal.  Good luck, Neil.

I learned that Katie Chatfield will be in New York for another two weeks.  You have my card. Call me and let's have coffee or lunch, since we didn't get to talk much this weekend.

I learned that even at a party at 2 a.m., my pal CK hands out action points to very tired bloggers.

I learned, again, why I like C.B. Whittemore and Valeria Maltoni.

I learned, again, what a class act is Luc Debaisieux.  Hey Luc, how do you think my hair would look with some pointy spikes like yours?  (photo: CK, Luc, C.B. and David, courtesy Jason Falls.) 

I learned that I missed Ann Handley Saturday.  Where'd you go?  I didn't get to say goodbye.

I learned that, as the party was ending Saturday night, I hadn't spoken at all to that pretty lady over there.  So I introduced myself to Kaitlyn Wilkins.

I learned I need one more set of goodbye kisses from Lori Magno -- on both cheeks.

I learned that red M&Ms say on the back --  BS 08 NYC.  How did the M&M people know we were coming?

I learned that CK, Drew McLellan and Lori Magno plan a hell of a party, with every little detail beautifully planned and spectacularly executed.

I learned it's fun to collect booty.  Thanks to all who put stuff into the goodie bags.

I learned how lucky I am to be in the company of so many smart and nice
people -- people I genuinely enjoyed hanging out with and want to see more of.

I learned that blogging is not a waste of time.

To those whose names I didn't mention here, it doesn't mean I didn't learn something from or about you. It simply means I was too tired, too drunk or too overwhelmed to remember.  We'll have to talk again at BS '09.

Comments

[Arun Rajagopal]

Hello David: It was so exciting to meet you. And what made the steak and eggs so special was the fact that I'd had them with you and a lot of amazing people I finally got to meet.
You're such an amazing, warm and genial person (with a hairdo that I look up to, after Luc's). I can't wait to meet you again. Wow... Arun

[Valeria Maltoni]

It was good seeing you again, David. And yes, blogging is an investment of time ;-) It had been too long. Maybe in my next job I will have a chance to spend more time in NYC regularly. 'Til next.

[Geoff Livingston]

Those are great things to say about a lot of people, David. I was really impressed with the quality of the crowd. Good folks, and I'd love to do another of these soon.

[Tara Anderson]

It was fantastic meeting you David. I learned that you have a great head of hair, are wonderfully generous and can't recognize me without my glasses. Thanks for the conversation and I look forward to continuing it.

[Ann Handley]

Missed you all Sat., too! (Esp. after I heard about karaoke... that was PAINFUL..!) Had to scurry back to Boston to prepare for a week in CA (leaving today). Friday night flew by... definitely look forward to BS09.

[Chris Kieff]

David,

What an excellent way to remember the weekend! Thanks for so graciously accepting my cookie!

Chris

[Lewis Green]

David,

You are a great friend and I love you (in a manly way).

[Steve Woodruff]

David, it was great seeing you again, and interacting with so many great people. No, not a waste of time at all!

[Ryan Karpeles]

I can't thank you enough David. Had an amazing time getting to know you and everyone else. Definitely looking forward to the next one ;-)

[Nathan Snell]

A awesome synopsis :)

Thanks again, David, for extending your hospitality. It was a blast getting to know you and everyone else.

I learned David has an insane knowledge of NYC ;)

[RyanB]

So wonderful to finally meet you in person, David. Now I will definitely never mistake you for any other Reich :) I think I might copy this "what I learned this weekend" idea of yours on my blog. Maybe turn it into a blogger social meme?
Talk to you soon,
Ryan
P.S. I think the shiny blue dress might go into storage until next year's social...

[Mack Collier]

David the only thing that wasn't perfect about Blogger Social was that it had to end. There was just too many great people and not enough time to spend with everyone. BTW loved your playing tour guide on the cruise on Sat!

[David Reich]

Wow -- all the comments. I'll respond here bit by bit, and also in some cases by email.

I still can't get over what a great time this was and how so many wonderful people came together and clicked instantly. Like Mack said, the only bad thing about Social is that it had to end.

Ryan B's idea of making "what I learned" into a meme sounds like fun, so let's watch for it/ (Now why didn't I think of that?)

David

[Gavin Heaton]

I had such a blast, David. It was great to finally meet you!

[Bob Glaza]

I wasn't even there (other than spirit) and still smiling - You run with a great bunch of maniacs, David!

[David Reich]

Bob, you were missed.

[Drew McLellan]

David,

I couldn't agree with you more...so much laughter, so many memories and so many fantastic people. Thanks David for all you did to make the weekend so special for so many people.

Next time I am in the city -- we are going to go to a diner and I'm going to actually have time to eat! :)

Drew

[Toby]

I learned that David Reich is one of the kindest and sweetest guys I've ever met. But I already knew that one ;-)

[Linda Sherman]

David, I'm sorry that we didn't get to talk further. What a whirlwind Blogger Social was! But as everyone has pointed out, you a very huggable sweetheart of a guy. I look forward to staying in touch. More Hugs.

[David Reich]

Drew: You didn't have time to eat? Why, what else did you have to do? :-)

Toby and Linda: I'm blushing. Hugs back at you.

[Csalomonlee]

David, it was great meeting you as well! My husband had a great time and I wished there was more time to chat with everyone.

Open door to anyone coming out to San Francisco in the next few weeks. Drop me an email. Who knows - informal social on the West coast for those coming to Ad:Tech? Let me know and I can find a place for everyone :)

[David Reich]

CeCe, I won't be out that way for AdTech, but my wife and I try to get to San Francisco for a long weekend every 2 - 3 years. Last time was 1-1/2 years ago, so we're due -- probably next Feb.

[Heather Gorringe]

Nice to meet you David, whilst I enjoyed Staten Island landfill I believe the trip around The Statue of Liberty was just as much fun! Great blogger social - thanks to CK and Drew and team

[Mario Vellandi]

David,
Those bagels were awesome, Loki was so sweet, I loved your breakfast table and the look outside, and of course your gracious hospitality. I only wish I had been awake (or around?) for taking Loki for a walk and being in the picture.

[Neil Vineberg]

David, it was great to meet you and spend time reviewing our points of intersection on life's PR road. Lets stay in touch! - cheers
Neil