TH!NK ABOUT IT – KICK OFF: the day after

[note: I wrote this on Wednesday, but due to a fever couldn't post it until now]

I am not sure how to summarise this event. The short version: It’s been interesting, especially the people that I’ve met. However:

I left the kick-off event of the European Blogging competition with mixed feelings. Let me explain. First of all a large part of day one was about blogging. The discussions were the same as those we had several years ago in the blogosphere. Hearing journalists, a researcher and ‘the experienced blogger’ discuss blogging, I felt I was warped back in time. I’ve moved on in the scene of social media. Blogging was just the beginning. That said, there was quite a number of people (e.g. aspiring journalists) not blogging and not heavily using other social media. The knowledge gap to bridge was rather large.

Day 2 was about the EP (also known as European Parliament). It was nice to be in the center of the European political scene, but I’m not sure what I’m taking home from this day. Some of the speakers were OK, others were rather bland. The good thing about it was the pointers to relevant sites, the bad thing was having to sit and listen to monotone conversations. It didn’t grip me, especially not on an empty stomache due to a delay on our lunch whilst being thirsty as hell (what is it that facilitators have such difficulty with supplying enough of the most basic human needs: water).

To be hounest, I was relieved to find out Pedro was there as well. It was so nice having a kindred spirit around. Somehow we never spoke to eachother at the four Reboots we both attended, but this event was a good way to catch up (we had so much fun together ).

So to conclude with some positive notes. What I especially liked was meeting many people that live in (or are from) the Eastern European countries. Not so many travel to the conferences that I attend, so good to hear some personal voices from that area. I think the idea of this competition could lead to something rather interesting. I’m curious to read the contributions from the other contributers (aka ‘thinkers’).

So now the competion is officially opened. Here I have to publish at least one blogpost a month. I’m not sure what I’ll be writing on (or video-ing), but I do know I will keep it personal. I’m not looking for the insider scoop, I’m looking for ‘the people’s’ stories. So if you would like to share anything related to the EU, the EP and the upcoming elections, please let me know.

P.S.: see the official trailer below.