tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-298279452012-01-25T21:26:40.595-05:00Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-79529070966145724602009-11-24T20:07:00.000-05:002009-11-24T20:07:56.044-05:00

Eight congressional candidates spoke at the Blogs United conference at Christopher Newport University last Saturday.The eight come from four different districts -- the First, Second, Third, and Fifth. Here they are, on video, in district numerical order.From the First District came Democratic candidates Scott Robinson and Krystal Ball, who are seeking their party's nomination to challenge

Rick Sincerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430047101172614629noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-78535554987136931922009-11-22T13:14:00.003-05:002009-11-23T22:05:45.644-05:00

Thanks to all who participated in the 2009 Conference!First, thank you to all our guest speakers: Ryan Nobles, Anita Kumar, Julian Walker, Kimball Payne, Kevin Grierson, Rep. Rob Wittman, Scott Robinson, Krystal Ball, Scott Rigell, Ben Loyola, Ken Golden, Scott Taylor, Mike McPadden, Coby Dillard, Scott Hirons, Tom Cosgrove, and Kenton Ngo. Your efforts made our discussion lively and enjoyable!

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-53972320477757380602009-11-20T07:05:00.002-05:002009-11-20T07:07:17.356-05:00

Del-elect Robin Abbott (D-93rd) and Democratic candidate for Congress Krystal Ball have also confirmed that they will be attending the conference on Saturday.The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-21658204690843773372009-11-18T14:22:00.000-05:002009-11-18T14:23:46.557-05:00

The agenda, as expected, is falling into place and we have several more great candidates visiting us this Saturday. We will be hearing from Rep. Rob Wittman and Scott Robinson (Krystal Ball is invited) from the 1st District; Scott Rigell, Scott Taylor, Ben Loyola, and Ken Golden from the 2nd District (Rep. Glenn Nye and Chuck Smith are invited); and Coby Dillard from the 3rd District (Rep.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-31343934857451312892009-11-16T11:09:00.001-05:002009-11-16T11:13:52.913-05:00

Congratulations to Blogs United board member Del. David Englin on his election to be vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus.Englin was elected by his peers at a recent meeting of the House Democratic Caucus outside of Richmond.Ironically, Englin was selected to fill the position of retiring Del. Kris Amundson, also a member of Blogs United Board of Directors.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-37396135210352000582009-11-15T13:51:00.002-05:002009-11-15T13:59:55.283-05:00

Agenda is a draft and subject to change....8 a.m. Doors open / Breakfast9 a.m. Election-ethics review / Bloggers behaving badly (or well) / lessons-learned from 2009 - moderated by Dr. Quentin Kidd10 a.m. Media roundtable - moderated by me11 a.m. Rep. Rob Wittman - federal issues relating to the internet/social media and how the GOP is using social media12 p.m. Kevin Grierson - Legal and Lunch1

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-489886162491539172009-10-26T20:50:00.003-04:002009-10-27T09:34:11.586-04:00

Our next conference will be held at Christopher Newport University in the Washington Room of the student union Saturday Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (doors open at 8 a.m.). Continental Breakfast and Lunch come with registration.Cost is $15.Invited guests include Sen. Jim Webb, Rep. Rob Wittman, Rep. Glenn Nye, reporters - Ryan Nobles, Anita Kumar, Julian Walker, and Kimball Payne, as well as

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-79494547013322500142009-10-08T02:45:00.002-04:002009-10-08T02:48:32.296-04:00

Matt Welch's conclusion on Reason.com regarding the Breitbart Dilemma:More relevantly to the journalism discussion, partisan media criticism is not "rapidly replacing journalism," it's supplementing journalism, forcing journalism to be sharper, and frequently committing acts of journalism in its own right, despite not being motivated by the same allegedly pristine Mission guiding postwar American

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-15513942884727047382009-09-07T15:12:00.001-04:002009-09-07T15:14:54.719-04:00

Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA09) is drafting legislation as it relates to online privacy and advertising.Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, is drafting a bill that would impose broad new rules on Web sites and advertisers. His goal: to ensure that consumers know what information is being collected about them

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-54278194034803390342009-09-07T14:22:00.001-04:002009-09-07T14:23:57.921-04:00

Scientists seem to think the possibility exists.The exceptionally large, diverse and informally linked blogosphere may not be particularly suited to self-regulation. But in reality bloggers profess that they value the principles and adhere to the practices explored in this study. Less ethical bloggers can also expect payback: the blogosphere is more interactive than traditional media, allowing

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-20999318463891788512009-08-04T14:48:00.003-04:002009-08-04T15:13:30.572-04:00

Bob McDonnell, Republican candidate for governor, sent Creigh Deeds, Democratic candidate for governor, a counter proposal today regarding debates.McDonnell has agreed to four debates and asked to compromise on three more with Deeds - one of which is the Blogs United Debate."Virginia's bloggers play a key role in civic discourse in the Commonwealth," said Tucker Martin, spokesman for McDonnell.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-64058649856185406572009-07-21T12:28:00.004-04:002009-07-21T13:04:57.132-04:00

As some of you are aware, Blogs United has partnered with the Virginian-Pilot, Daily Press, WHRO, and Virginia Talks to provide citizens of the commonwealth a chance to engage with the gubernatorial candidates, Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, in a forum at Christopher Newport University in late September.Approximately two weeks ago, the McDonnell campaign accepted our offer to participate. Today

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-77323225104210271062009-06-11T22:06:00.002-04:002009-06-12T06:32:47.218-04:00

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-81790556321380098632009-06-11T21:51:00.001-04:002009-06-11T21:51:44.967-04:00

Click To Play

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-4763690324808469322009-04-25T09:34:00.004-04:002009-04-25T17:32:39.791-04:00

OK...so we didn't have an event in 2008...sorry about that. However, we have been busy getting the organization "official".We have a board (which will be announced soon), we chartered the organization with the state, we're almost done with the federal filing for 501c3, and, now, we have a domain name.New site, announcement of the board members, and details of the next conference will be posted

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-77464308082273479132008-04-15T11:31:00.003-04:002008-04-15T12:07:34.447-04:00

Planning for Blogs United 2008 is underway and the primary goal is to keep it simple, fun, and informative. What we're looking at doing is having a low-key dinner in a restaurant, or other appropriate venue, either in or near Richmond where we can have a meeting to go over some things on everyone's mind for about an hour before the meal, eat dinner, have casual conversation, and maybe invite a

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1247784948752886842007-07-16T19:02:00.000-04:002007-07-17T08:21:56.430-04:00

Sen. Creigh Deeds' speechDel. Kris Amundson's presentation in powerpoint and the video, compliments of Kenton Ngo:Office of the Secretary of Defense-Public Affairs New Media Presentation by Mr. Jack Holt

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-85561854521206567852007-07-16T07:56:00.000-04:002007-07-19T18:06:21.911-04:00

Kenton NgoVivian PaigeDaily WhackjobVirginia VirtuconNoVA Townhall and lovely wife (and children's author no less!), LindaCatHouse Chat 1 and 2Matt of Bearing DriftNeil from Virginians for Fred Thompson 1 and 2Spark it Up!Between York and JamesPhotos from VA Political PhotosYankee PhilipBVBL - more about Moran than the conference thoughLeslie Carbone

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com308tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-63248491438205292742007-07-15T20:19:00.000-04:002007-07-15T20:21:46.920-04:00

Throughout this next week we will post videos, presentations and notes on the conference. Be sure to check back!

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-17973980056754750152007-07-13T22:20:00.000-04:002007-07-13T22:48:09.214-04:00

Well, the conference has started in earnest and it has been great seeing some OLD friends as well as making new, much younger ones. It's nice to get out from behind the keyboard and actually meet some of the people who care about this media-form and its future.See you tomorrow at CNU's David Student Center at 8 a.m for breakfast!

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-50099037679343437262007-07-13T12:58:00.000-04:002007-07-15T20:47:49.555-04:00

13NewsDaily PressVirginian-Pilot

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-23061932547198378802007-07-12T21:09:00.000-04:002007-07-12T21:11:58.196-04:00

FYI: registration will remain open through the conference.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-31956532492419423832007-07-12T20:50:00.000-04:002007-07-12T20:55:15.959-04:00

If you are bringing a laptop to the conference, CNU has provided guidelines on how to connect to their guest network.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-88119323786288084732007-07-09T18:21:00.000-04:002007-07-12T18:19:09.141-04:00

The Marriott at Newport News City CenterChristopher Newport UniversityTake J. Clyde Morris (US 17) west from I-64 about 3 miles. Take it all the way to the Mariner's Museum/CNU Campus. Veer right towards Ferguson Center. You will approach a round-about...continue right.If you park behind the Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts and next to the library, the David Student Center is west --

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-43258618194491161692007-07-06T15:12:00.000-04:002007-07-06T15:22:27.466-04:00

In advance of next week's media panel discussing the impact of the internet on journalism, I highly encourage everyone to watch Part III of Frontline's "News War" from PBS and to read more about it here.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-30041142244764836502007-06-29T12:58:00.001-04:002007-06-29T13:52:00.707-04:00

The Blogs United conference is very pleased that we will be joined by Delegate Brian Moran, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Delegates Bob Brink and Kris Amundson, and Danae Jones, communications director of the Democratic Party of Virginia. We are also hopeful that Sen. Creigh Deeds and Susan Mariner, field director in Hampton Roads for the Democratic National Committee and DPVA, will

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-41213188998228439272007-06-28T17:59:00.001-04:002007-06-28T18:01:40.924-04:00

For those of you who have not registered for the blog conference, and would like to stay at the Marriott, I have asked for an extension. Several folks registered after the deadline and the cost was $169 per night. I spoke with our liaison at the hotel and she has given us to July 2 at the $99 rate. If you registered at the higher rate, make sure to call registration and get the lower rate.If

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-88926077187502815322007-06-25T15:20:00.000-04:002007-06-25T15:46:14.249-04:00

Our registration fee now set at the final rate of $50 but only thanks to our generous sponsors. As of today, the conference is sponsored by:McGuireWoods ConsultingThe Vectre CorporationBlogNetNewsThe Virginian-PilotRep. Eric CantorRep. Jo Ann DavisRep. Tom DavisAttorney General Bob McDonnellDel. Brian MoranDel. David EnglinDel. Tim HugoDel. Chris PeaceDel. Terrie SuitMr. Norm LeahyTHANK YOU!

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-9455517466877507802007-06-24T14:31:00.001-04:002007-06-24T14:33:45.830-04:00

If you are still interested in attending the conference at the low rate of $35, today is the last day. We have extended the deadline before raising the rate to $50 an extra 10 days.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-57907579809611817852007-06-22T16:20:00.000-04:002007-06-22T16:22:08.640-04:00

If you want to stay at the Marriott for the group rate of $99, today is the last day to register.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-45288431116625039482007-06-20T18:36:00.000-04:002007-06-20T18:41:47.787-04:00

I know many of you have been debating whether or not to make it down for the conference. Well, let me assuage your angst. You will certainly get something out of the conference when you see this 4-ton bohemoth statue of Capt. Christopher Newport standing watch in front of the university:The statue is lowered onto the base. A peg at the bottom of the statue will be anchored by cement poured

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-32185455301855176222007-06-17T14:06:00.000-04:002007-06-17T14:16:16.363-04:00

For July 14, here's what you can expect...8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (available until 10:00 a.m.)9:00 to 9:30 a.m. Attorney General Bob McDonnell9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Roundtable on anonymous blogging moderated by Jay Hughes10:15 to 10:30 a.m. Break10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Media Panel11:30 to 11:45 a.m. Lunch served11:45 to 12:30 p.m. Del. Brian Moran12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Political Panel1:30 to 1:45 p.m.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-88339886387340879682007-06-15T16:41:00.000-04:002007-06-15T16:54:45.186-04:00

Blogs United Treasurer, Jay Hughes, and I just finished several meetings and tours with the Marriott and Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Needless to say, I'm very impressed with how pampered we're going to be at this year's conference.On Friday evening, registration starts at 4 p.m. and lasts through happy hour, ending at 8 p.m. After registration, live bands will be playing

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-37062663817525768162007-06-12T04:40:00.000-04:002007-06-12T05:03:43.305-04:00

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jack Holt, who works in the New Media Directorate for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, is going to join us to discuss the latest outreach efforts by the Defense Department to bloggers, how blogging is changing the mediascape, and the way government is engaging the public. Jack has public affairs experience in Afghanistan, Hungary/

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-6080987061420712852007-06-07T21:55:00.000-04:002007-06-07T21:56:48.498-04:00

We liked him so much last year, we've invited him again. LG Bill Bolling will be speaking to the Blogs United conference at our dinner at CNU on Saturday, July 14.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-72499696934894499602007-06-06T14:00:00.000-04:002007-06-06T14:05:53.077-04:00

Blogs United is pleased to announce that McGuireWoods Consulting has agreed to be a principle sponsor of the conference with their pledge of $1000.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-83462447095435312252007-06-06T12:23:00.000-04:002007-06-12T04:53:26.835-04:00

A leading attorney in Norfolk for the firm Wilcox & Savage, P.C., Kevin Grierson, has agreed to join David Mastio of BlogNetNews on a panel discussion on Fair Use Policy/Intellectual Property Rights.Grierson joins Attorney General Bob McDonnell, Del. Brian Moran and Donald Luzzatto of the Virginian-Pilot as confirmed speakers.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-62698988415676302092007-06-06T12:18:00.001-04:002007-06-06T12:19:39.730-04:00

You must register your rooms at the Marriott by June 15, otherwise you will lose the group rate of $99. I think they normally charge $139-149 per night. You can register your room by clicking the Marriott graphic on the sidebar.

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-41168131051983089292007-06-03T09:03:00.001-04:002007-06-03T09:27:39.267-04:00

Friday, July 133:00-7:00 p.m. -- Welcome and Registration. 7:00-9:00 p.m. -- Reception (sponsorship still available @ $400) Saturday, July 148:30-9:00 a.m. -- Registration continues9:00-9:30 a.m. -- Welcome and Breakfast (sponsored by Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell) 9:30-10:30 a.m. -- Session 1: Anonymous blogging, Roundtable Discussion 10:30-11:30 a.m. -- Session 2: Relations with the

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-20876289991858459642007-05-31T23:58:00.000-04:002007-06-01T00:00:52.063-04:00

If you are attending the conference, click the big maroon registration button on the right and pay your fee of only $35.From now until 11:59 p.m., June 14, the registration fee is $35From June 15 until 11:59 p.m., June 30, the registration fee is $50From July 1 through the conference, the registration fee is $75Save money and sign-up today!Be sure to e-mail Jim to confirm your payment has been

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-74646058734258518432007-05-14T12:10:00.000-04:002007-05-14T18:27:06.312-04:00

The new dates for the conference are July 13-15. This was done to accomodate several schedules. You should still be able to register for your rooms here.Some possible Saturday topics include:"Fair use" standardsAnonymous blogging and commentingMain Stream MediaPolitical round-tableNew technology and demos -- including podcasting/blog talk radioWhat are your thoughts and interests?

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-62958002467611713342007-03-31T11:22:00.000-04:002007-03-31T11:44:56.400-04:00

Dr. Kidd emailed me the other day with some questions that we need to answer:1) Does the Friday evening reception involve a cash bar or just lightsnacks, or what? I think I asked you that earlier but couldn't remember the answer.My suggested answer: Both2) Saturday morning continental breakfast with coffee and juice. This is a cold breakfast, right?My suggested answer: Just coffee, juice, donuts/

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-10220637247333296132007-03-30T09:27:00.000-04:002007-04-07T11:40:04.234-04:00

Quick update on the latest with the Blogs United conference.I have reserved 10 rooms at the Marriott in Newport News' City Center. Because of our conference, we have had about $40 knocked off the price and it's a paltry $99 a night.I have to sign the contract with the Marriott, but I hope at least 10 people plan on staying at the hotel. Otherwise, your's truly is on the hook.We have decided to

J.R.Hoeftnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-76593804437965459382007-03-16T16:40:00.000-04:002007-03-16T16:48:20.790-04:00

I posted these in the comments suggestion of the previous post but after I published them and realized how truly excellent they are, I decided they deserved a post of their own:Suggestions for Blogger Awards:1) Blogger that's lived in their mom's basement the longest.2) Most helpful blogger.3) Blogger with the best teeth.4) Blogger with the cutest pajamas (can be tied in or separate from:5)

badrosenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-25032539174364547512007-01-04T09:45:00.000-05:002007-01-04T09:56:45.848-05:00

Well, Alton - Lord help him! - has invited me to be an author here at Blogs United, so I suppose I ought to get the ball rolling somehow.There's been some idle (well, to me - I've been too wrapped up in Christmas and Munchkin's school to pay much attention) talk about having the blog conference in the Hampton Roads area this year. For those of you who may not know, Hampton roads is a general area

Katnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1162945295196174792006-11-07T19:07:00.000-05:002006-11-07T19:21:35.210-05:00

Hope everyone will join the Commonwealth Society of Bloggers.We're a great bunch!

badrosenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1160513394738932342006-10-10T16:40:00.000-04:002006-10-10T20:37:51.243-04:00

I feel so sorry for this little abandoned blog and I still have photos I haven't posted from the M-ville Blog Conference SO I will occasionally post a blog photo. Feel free to capture it, caption it, etc. It's all in good fun. Try as I might, I just couldn't come up with anything clever for this photo:Maybe you'll have better luck -UPDATE: Kat is out of the Witness Protection Program - I'll

badrosenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1157990465105902192006-09-11T11:53:00.000-04:002006-09-11T12:01:05.200-04:00

This one gets my vote. Never forget - never forget.

badrosenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1157293560836250072006-09-03T10:18:00.000-04:002006-09-03T10:26:01.210-04:00

I'm cleaning out my computer this morning. This file escaped while being dragged to the trash can so I'll park it here, just in case we need it next year. . .

badrosenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1157034553292869782006-08-31T10:16:00.000-04:002006-08-31T10:29:16.256-04:00

Great news! Kat, from CatHouse Chat has agreed to help organize next year's conference! Any more volunteers?I "captured" Kat while she captured the conference.If you have trouble reading her shirt, it says, "I'm blogging this!" And blog she did! Again, great coverage, Kat!

badrosenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156817223287785472006-08-28T21:55:00.000-04:002006-08-28T22:08:24.523-04:00

I met Rick during my stealth visit to Sorensen (Waldo paid me back, in like manner this weekend). After the Sorensen conference in June Rick put together a great compilation of photographs and commentary on the conference.Rick did not come to Martinsville. Or maybe he changed gender and moved to Gretna. Kat at Cathouse Chat has ably filled Rick's shoes for Virginia's most recent blogger's

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156695106599671202006-08-27T11:54:00.000-04:002006-08-27T12:14:24.636-04:00

The scattered reports that have come in so far on the conference have been overwhelmingly positive. While the people who put this together--primarily Alton, Anne, and Mary--deserve all the kudos coming their way, they were fortunate to have what might be the first ever direct corporate sponsor of a blog conference.Smith River Community Bank sponsored the Blogs United in Martinsville for Free

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156660859879745252006-08-27T02:09:00.000-04:002006-08-27T02:40:59.963-04:00

Alton locked up the Firemen's Cabin at 12:30 (am) - capping off a super virgin voyage of the first annual Blogs United in Martinsville for free Speech conference. I understand that there were a few pockets of drama, but since they didn't involve me, I remained blissfully oblivious.I'm looking forward to reading the blogs and hearing opinions from the participants. I'm grateful for their

badrosenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156333660902815032006-08-23T07:47:00.000-04:002006-08-23T07:48:24.073-04:00

I am on vacation this week. Just kicked back enjoying margaritas in the hammock....Yeah, right. Back to reality....I, along with my beautiful and talented "right arm", have almost tied up all the loose ends in preparation for the conference. As Maj. Warden said in "Bridge on the River Kwai", "When you have completed your preparations, there is always one more thing to be done." Sometime tomorrow

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155169929378962122006-08-21T21:03:00.000-04:002006-08-21T22:35:00.670-04:00

Friday August 25, 2006Various venues· 12:00pm ___Noon to 5:00pm; Conference Representatives· 1:00pm ____will be at each hotel to meet attendees and· 2:00pm ____assist with sign-in.· 3:00pm· 4:00pm· 5:30pm ____Cocktails, meet and greet; Chatmoss Country Club· 6:00pm ____Welcome by Barnie Day, Will Vehrs.____ ____ __Dinner with Keynote speaker, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling· 7:30pm ____Reception

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156089301551498512006-08-21T11:30:00.000-04:002006-08-21T18:55:59.990-04:00

Virginia is a big state with distinctive and charming regions. Register for the conference and use your trip to check out the spectacular scenery and diversity that the Commonwealth offers.If you hail from Northern Virginia, you'll take Route 29 Sourth past Charlottesville, Wintergreen, and Lynchburg. At Chatham, the literary incubator of Virginia, you'll cut southwest on Route 57 to

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156080685967420882006-08-20T09:10:00.000-04:002006-08-20T09:31:26.053-04:00

Tonight's the deadline for registering for the Blogs United in Martinsville for Free Speech conference. Good BBQ takes time and that's why we need your numbers.A lot of questions loom over the conference, the last chance for bloggers to meet up before the Labor Day campaign kick-off and all the frenzy that brings:Will "Macaca" dominate the proceedings? Will NLS flog anything else?Will the

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1156015467567616682006-08-19T15:14:00.000-04:002006-08-19T15:25:58.916-04:00

Jim Hoeft of Bearing Drift notes Norm Leahy's post at One Man's Trash about the conference and offers to carpool to Martinsville with anyone of any political persuasion from Hampton Roads.That's class.Waldo Jaquith was intimately involved in arranging the two Sorensen blog summits. He took a lot of grief this past June for his role. He's coming to Martinsville.That's class.Jim is the podcast

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155996521581020222006-08-19T09:58:00.000-04:002006-08-21T18:58:24.556-04:00

When I was a kid, about Kenton's age, 50 bucks was a pile of money, just about enough to buy two Murray bicycles at Montgomery Ward. It's still substantial, but not quite like it was then. This morning before dawn I spent 50 bucks filling the tank in my car. This afternoon I spent half that amount paying for 3 lunches at Honduras Coffee in Stuart (very good lunch companions and the best chicken

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155995464188886702006-08-19T09:40:00.000-04:002006-08-19T09:51:04.226-04:00

Sunday night, the deadline to register, is fast approaching. If you believe in blogging, if you believe in the power of ideas, and if you believe in challenging public figures to confront the issues in open dialog, you need to be in Martinsville next weekend.Far from the madding crowd, on the last summer weekend before Labor Day, Martinsville will open your mind to new perspectives.

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155766618841162612006-08-16T18:09:00.000-04:002006-08-16T18:16:58.886-04:00

Chatmoss Country Club flatly denied our request for rubber chicken at the dinner Friday night. In hopes of not totally shocking our digestive systems, the menu will be:Domestic and Imported Cheese Tray with Fresh Fruit Garnish and CrackersSpinach Salad with Sliced strawberries, Toasted Pine Nuts and Crumbled Feta Cheese with a Balsamic Vinaigrette dressingCornish Game Hen Stuffed with Wild Rice

badrosenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155301165619169482006-08-11T08:55:00.000-04:002006-08-11T11:30:11.190-04:00

Not Larry Sabato has an interesting post up about paid political blogging. he finishes the post with this;After we learned TC was getting paid last year to blog for certain candidates, and now with RK on the Webb payroll, this seems to be a widening discussion in the blogosphere. How do you all think bloggers can ethically handle these situations? This is something I am hoping we can discuss in

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155232335291729282006-08-10T13:48:00.000-04:002006-08-10T13:52:15.316-04:00

The two Sorensen blog conferences were great events, but one thing was missing.Ben Tribbett, aka Not Larry Sabato.The guy's a walking statistical abstract of Virginia politics.He's the go-to guy for political gossip in Virginia.He's going to be in Martinsville.Don't miss him. Southside may never be the same.

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155225463593367212006-08-10T10:11:00.000-04:002006-08-10T11:57:43.596-04:00

Now that you've been blogging for a while, you've decided that mere text is passé. You feel the need to spread your creative wings and make your blog soar. You want to be a real star in the Virginia Blogosphere, and you have decided that audio/video multimedia is the vehicle that will take you and your blog to that next level.If that describes you, or if you just want to add an occasional

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1155083149010786952006-08-08T20:17:00.000-04:002006-08-08T20:25:49.023-04:00

One mighty voice has been missing from both the blogosphere and Virginia papers.Barnie Day.The Meadows of Dan Sage will be at the Martinsville blog conference. He won't pull any punches. He never does.Chat him up. You'll get more material in five minutes than you usually get in a week.Register now!

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1154997571789416542006-08-07T20:15:00.000-04:002006-08-13T19:58:08.603-04:00

No, not a bathing suit competition, but more like a political talent show.The Martinsville blog conference will feature several highly regarded potential candidates who just might be taking some early soundings.Delegate Chris Saxman's name is on the lips of the Great Mentioner as a 2009 candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He's got the intellectual heft and a willingness to duke it out with all

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1154988397180433122006-08-07T17:50:00.000-04:002006-08-07T18:06:37.230-04:00

Lots of folks got to see the triumphant return to the spotlight of former two-term Attorney General Mary Sue Terry at Larry Sabato's Virginia Women and Politics Conference on July 21st.If you missed her--or if you want to see this distinguished and pioneering stateswoman again--register for the conference.At Sabato's event, four hundred and fifty attendees wanted to speak with Mary Sue (yes,

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1154910063546183642006-08-06T20:13:00.000-04:002006-08-06T20:26:55.480-04:00

The always entertaining Blue Dog is the latest to register for the conference.Rumor has it that he'll be bringing a surprise that might just rock the procceedings.Register now so you won't miss it.

City Slickernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1153251120996329342006-07-18T15:30:00.000-04:002006-07-18T15:32:01.006-04:00

Confirmation has just been recieved from Leslie Byrne. I'll add her to the sidebar list and to the Agenda post soon.

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1151331415804354402006-07-12T23:32:00.000-04:002006-07-22T12:11:41.273-04:00

UPDATE:A couple more speakers have confirmed. They have been placed into the agenda in their proper slots. As things firm up the agenda will be updated and reposted at the top of the blog. As before, the next pargraph still applies. We want to hear from you, either via e-mail or comments.A tentative Agenda has been posted. Parts of this agenda can and will change to be reflective of what you, the

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1152294817383011492006-07-07T13:53:00.000-04:002006-07-07T13:54:09.630-04:00

The mission of Blogs United in Martinsville for free Speech is to provide a forum to assess the state of the Virginia blog community, discuss its future, and explore ideas that utilize free speech to foster innovation, connectivity, and influence. To this end, Blogs United in Martinsville for free Speech is dedicated to enhancing personal relationships and respect among bloggers, journalists,

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150673154396961222006-06-18T10:24:00.000-04:002006-06-28T09:37:24.793-04:00

A number of speakers have been lined up, and arrangements made for the various venues.Watch this space for an agenda, to be released within the next few days.

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150723525542621462006-06-18T09:23:00.000-04:002006-06-28T09:37:47.466-04:00

Today I brought over all the posts from my personal site regarding the conference. This assures that there is one place for information.Also I have just returned from an enjoyable evening in Charlottesville. The primary purpose of the trip was to meet with Tucker Watkins regarding a couple of speakers that may be added to the roster. An extremely enjoyable side effect was the opportunity to meet

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150723218965312572006-06-09T11:19:00.000-04:002006-06-28T09:38:23.930-04:00

Several speakers have confirmed their attendance at Bloggers United in Martinsville for free Speech blog convention August 25th and 26th. Quite a few more have conditionally accepted, to confirm when their schedule is more concrete.A short list of confirmed speakers;Attorney General Robert McDonnellBarnie DayWill VehrsJeff SchapiroForrest LandonEric Helms MondayJim

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150723137140406902006-06-06T13:16:00.000-04:002006-06-28T09:36:11.766-04:00

The blogger's conference soon to be held in Martinsville is quickly coming together.The date has been set. The conference will open at Noon on Friday, August 25, 2006 and close Saturday evening, August 26, 2006.An impressive list of speakers has been drawn up, several of whom have already committed to attend. A tentative agenda has been put together, and is being tweaked before final

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150723004500320862006-06-02T11:15:00.000-04:002006-06-28T09:38:49.006-04:00

I want to clear up what may be a misconception in some Virginia Blogger's minds.My reasons for establishing C'ville Too are many. Competition or sour grapes with Sorensen is not one of them. I have my problems with the way the Sorensen Conference was organized, I also have publicly questioned their choice for Keynote Speaker. But if it had not been scheduled for Father's Day weekend, I would most

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150722857660645212006-05-31T23:40:00.000-04:002006-06-29T12:53:53.536-04:00

Norm has noticed. He also cautions us about holding the event in August. I'm not married to August, but it just seems right to me. It's outside the NASCAR schedule, and hotel rooms here for race week have to be inherited, they can't be bought. The political scene is in a virtual hiatus then, and bloggers will be searching under every rock and posting every cute video link they can find.He says

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827945.post-1150666416793725272006-05-31T17:31:00.000-04:002006-06-29T12:48:03.933-04:00

Planning has begun for Blogs United, the Virginia Blogger's Conference by bloggers for bloggers.The conference will be at Patrick Henry Community College, via arrangments currently being handled by Barnie Day. Barnie has also graciuosly offered to help recruit speakers, and has presented me with an impressive list of choices.I have been in touch via e-mail with J. Tucker Martin, Director of

Alton Foleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17633538791151838543noreply@blogger.com