Memphis Blogger Bash
by tgirschJune 12th, 2006
Last Friday, I attended Mike Hollihan’s Memphis Blogger Bash. It was my second such event, but this time, unfortunately, I had scheduling conflicts and could only attend for a short while. I have to say that the highlight of the night was my lively debate with AlphaPatriot (and judging by his post about the bash, it was his highlight, too). What continually surprises me is how well I’m able to get along with people (like AP and Joe Carter and SayUncle) with whom I agree about virtually nothing. Though are debates did grow mildly heated at times, it was always friendly disagreement and never nasty (a fact which might surprise Xrlq).
Even more surprising, AlphaPatriot and I were able to come to some points of agreement and common ground. Unlike many in Right Blogistan with whom I debate, it turns out he and I often start from the same premises, and merely come to wildly different conclusions (a fact particularly well illustrated by our discussions of how to fix the public schools, and of late-term abortion).
Of course, it wasn’t all wine and roses. AP has completely drunk the Kool-Aid on Iraq: It was a war of necessity, vindicated by all those WMDs we’ve found — he insists we’ve made substantial finds — and it’s only because of a Vast Worldwide Media Conspiracytm to convince us that things aren’t going well that people don’t fully realize the truth. Oh, and according to AP, virtually every allegation made by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has been proven true by the simple fact that nobody’s been able to conclusively prove them false1 (to AP). Ahh, America, the land of presumed guilty (if Democrat) until proven innocent! But by avoiding these issues, we kept the discussion civil and lively.
Oh, and side note to Mike: I’m loud all the time; it doesn’t mean I’m losing my temper. Anyone who has met me (Joe, Uncle, Kevin) can vouch for this. I appreciate you trying to calm things down, but they never were un-calm. Besides, I’m pretty sure AP was packing. If I’d gotten too uppity, he could have just shot me. 
1A side note on the SBVT stuff. AP insisted that John Kerry never released his service records to prove that he had earned his medals. This claim is simply false. He also claimed that most of their allegations were never effectively contradicted, and this claim is also false. My point stands: SBVT simply threw a bunch of baseless allegations against the wall hoping something would stick, for cynical political reasons. And while none of them did stick, the dirty tactic effectively nullified Kerry’s service record as an asset. Take note, Democrats: Scummy politics work.
Categories: Bloggin |
I appreciate that you are who you are.
It’s just that I’m determined that these bashes are first and foremost social occasions that anyone can feel welcome to. A lot of non-political bloggers are put off by high-intensity debate. Some aren’t used to defending their ideas against others and find the idea unpleasant or even shocking. And some bloggers don’t know the different between passion and personal attack. So I’m mindful of all that. Mostly, I was hoping to turn down the volume a bit. Hopeless, I know. 
“I was hoping to turn down the volume a bit. Hopeless, I know.”
Oh, man, you have no idea
Kevin:
Hey! I resemble that remark!
Mike:
I can see the need to maybe separate the political bloggers from the non-political ones for debate purposes, but I submit that anyone who doesn’t want to have to defend their views against others ought not to be blogging in the first place! The whole point of blogging is to exchange ideas and have meaningful debates. Hopefully this is possible without devolving into a flame war.
“I submit that anyone who doesn’t want to have to defend their views against others ought not to be blogging in the first place!” You’d be surprised how many folks disagree with that. Like I said, some are truly offended at the idea. And since the bashes are, as I said, intended to be social affairs and I’m the cruise director, I do make an effort to make sure the bunnies aren’t scared away.
(I happen to agree with you, BTW.)
“The whole point of blogging is to exchange ideas and have meaningful debates.” Many people think the point of blogging is to have a place to put out your ideas on your own terms without being interrupted or questioned. Really. “My blog, my rules” gone narcissistic or something.
Again, the bashes are meant to be parties, or party-like. There are folks who are very comfortable on the ‘Net but not in real life, so I try to be mindful of them and their needs.