tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post5902285108524516332..comments2024-02-26T18:18:55.644+02:00Comments on Esser Agaroth (2¢): Why I Am Not Attending The JBloggers' ConferenceEsser Agarothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-5745375829987315202008-08-22T11:42:00.000+03:002008-08-22T11:42:00.000+03:00YM, Flights for a bloggers' conference are differe...YM, Flights for a bloggers' conference are different than for a specific cause she already believes in.<BR/><BR/>No, not everything has to have sponsors.<BR/><BR/>Good, I'm glad Moshe Burt make a slam dunk against the FM rep. But did anyone pay attention? Probably not (for several reasons).<BR/><BR/>Conspiratorial? Why? You didn't witness enough <I>kushen tuchus</I> to support my hypothesis about how some (not all) bloggers are star struck, publicity wh***s?<BR/><BR/>Batya, I emailed you privately, but I'll say this. I don't believe that location and a more focused agenda or group necessarily exempts a conference from problems. Maybe, but not necessarily.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure the Pesha Council will find some way of getting their fingers into it.Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-22519986300416017842008-08-22T08:03:00.000+03:002008-08-22T08:03:00.000+03:00missed you thereyour neighbor talks of our own jbl...missed you there<BR/>your neighbor talks of our own jblog conference<BR/>How about in the first Jewish Capital, If it was good enough for Joshua and Eli, should be good enough for us!Batyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09402874037427009327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-74373198165244821002008-08-21T11:15:00.000+03:002008-08-21T11:15:00.000+03:00Thanks for the compliment. After reading the comm...Thanks for the compliment. After reading the comments at DovBear (what a bunch of clique artists), I needed that.<BR/><BR/>From bottom up:<BR/>the security was a non-isue.<BR/>team-building also works for you not for the government or even for NBN.<BR/>For. Min. - most interesting insight into Israel's problems and Moshe Burt slamdunked her, even if a bit overboard and too loud.<BR/>Free flights. My wife got two in years past. Has that influenced her? Naw.<BR/>Sponsors. everybody has sponsors. freedom or independence was not imperiled. (you're too conspiracy-theory sensitive).<BR/>Panels were balanced. More or less although in the audience, well, let's just say that if the building was a ship, it would have sunk starboard first.<BR/>Agenda - it was fine but not enough time and I made already suggestions for next conference (IMYH)YMedadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14333122797414935958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-11803076866188678422008-08-21T09:40:00.000+03:002008-08-21T09:40:00.000+03:00Netanyahu being there just made me even happier I ...Netanyahu being there just made me even happier I wasn't.<BR/><BR/>Let's us not forget his giving away of Hevron, and his failure to cancel Oslo.<BR/><BR/>The <A HREF="http://thekeytoredemption.blogspot.com/2008/08/update-on-worldwide-biblical-zionists.html" REL="nofollow">World Likud is also planning to assist Christians come to Israel and get citizenship</A>.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad I wasn't there.<BR/><BR/>Would you care to elaborate on how I was wrong?<BR/><BR/>My main point which I stand behind is regarding bloggers' autonomy. Once we compromise that, forget legitimacy.<BR/><BR/>Were bloggers given the opportunity to ask Bibi any hard questions? Or did the just sit there, kvell, and fight for photo opps.?<BR/><BR/>I'll bet only "certain bloggers" were granted that.<BR/><BR/>BTW, I'm not talking about you. I believe you're not easily star struck and actually know what you're talking about on your blog.Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-80157601666918364172008-08-21T08:13:00.000+03:002008-08-21T08:13:00.000+03:00with hindsight, I guess I can say that you were wr...with hindsight, I guess I can say that you were wrong on most points, too suspicious on others, and on the points you were correct, it didn't really matter or that it wasn't different than any other conference I've been at. A good time was had by all; the few bumps (repetitive naming of sponser - there were only four; Bibi getting bogged (that's bogged) down and the For. Min. lady not succeeding in linking to blogosphere, were not really principled and the food was great. My post is <A HREF="http://myrightword.blogspot.com/2008/08/jewish-bloggers-conference-medads-three.html" REL="nofollow">here</A>.YMedadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14333122797414935958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-63002071052900058532008-08-20T11:29:00.000+03:002008-08-20T11:29:00.000+03:00Just in:It was just revealed to me that the secret...Just in:<BR/><BR/>It was just revealed to me that the secret location of the conference is:<BR/><BR/>Nefesh B'Nefesh Conference Center<BR/>Beit Ofer, 5 Nahum Hefzadi St.<BR/>GIVAT SHAUL<BR/>Jerusalem, Israel<BR/><BR/>Take the right turn toward the electric co. right before going into Har Nof. That really is way out there!<BR/><BR/>The 2, 11, 15, 33, and 35 will get you close, but you'll have to walk the rest of the way. It's on the way to the cemetery. Oooh. So, I guess if you see a 29 going by, you can catch that too.Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-54733604198729435972008-08-20T11:15:00.000+03:002008-08-20T11:15:00.000+03:00One final note before the "big meeting" (alla Pee ...One final note before the "big meeting" (alla Pee Wee Herman):<BR/><BR/>I have received information confirming Webads.co.il innocent, and only helpful intentions, regarding the conference.<BR/><BR/>I don't happen to think my post was in the least bit accusatory, but I'm posting this for clarity. It's all I can do.<BR/><BR/>Where IS the conference anyway?<BR/><BR/>Does anybody know? Was it posted, and I just missed it? <BR/><BR/>Hmmm.... Now, how can I crash it?Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-21857065018264477672008-08-19T14:14:00.000+03:002008-08-19T14:14:00.000+03:00I would have gone but something came up. Then agai...I would have gone but something came up. Then again, my blog isn't terribly political, and I'm not hiding anything that anyone in the blogosphere or Shabak or NBN or... would care about. I would have gone mainly to meet some people, try to drum up traffic, and get some free food.Leah Goodmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16546935038863589318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-49652058334247149152008-08-19T13:46:00.000+03:002008-08-19T13:46:00.000+03:00B"HWell, let's see how it is tomorrow. :-)B"H<BR/><BR/>Well, let's see how it is tomorrow. :-)Miriam Woelkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627379693165339825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-47021035987297107142008-08-19T10:33:00.000+03:002008-08-19T10:33:00.000+03:00Sarcasm appreciated.I don't know about NBN, but he...Sarcasm appreciated.<BR/><BR/>I don't know about NBN, but here's Steve of webads.co.il take on things, in his response to criticism of the conference on the <B>Israelly Cool</B> blog:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.israellycool.com/2008/08/12/the-egos-have-landed/#comment-19571" REL="nofollow">Steve Says:</A><BR/>August 13th, 2008 at 4:30 pm<BR/><BR/><I>As one of the people organizing the convention, I want to thank you for expressing your well-placed sympathies.<BR/><BR/>There are some 1000+ (possibly as many as 2000) active Jewish bloggers. I’ve sent out invitations to many, many hundreds of them (possibly even a full 1000) from all ends of the spectrum be it religious, political, or whatnot - over a period of a few weeks (yes, even Lisa was sent an invitation at some point in the past month).<BR/><BR/>We assumed (correctly) that the bloggers I didn’t/couldn’t reach directly saw the ads, press releases, other blogger comments and registered to join.<BR/><BR/>Our time and financial constraints limited us to a specific amount of bloggers for the flights and participants for the panelists and conventions.<BR/><BR/>There are plenty of people I/we wanted to be panelists and on the flight, but that is simply impossible.<BR/><BR/>I have heard every single complaint as to why the conference is slanted this way or that way. My favorite so far is “why are all the female panelists not religious and leftists?” and “why is it only open to bloggers?”<BR/><BR/>And of course certain bloggers that are complaining didn’t have the courtesy - or honesty - to investigate if their claims of this being a “frummy” or right-wing convention were true or not before they posted anything, and simply posted whatever they wanted to say, insulting bloggers like Jack, My Shrapnel, OlehGirl, Esther Kustanowitz, WhatWarZone, CK,and others.<BR/><BR/>Nor do they have ANY knowledge whatsoever of what went on behind the scenes, such as who else was invited (and supposed) to fly or speak which makes those comments even more “obscene” and “deceitful” and might I add “hate-filled” to that list of adjectives.<BR/><BR/>As to ONE of the agendas of this convention… this convention is hosted by NBN, and what of? They have an agenda, just like most bloggers have. If you don’t like it, then don’t make Aliyah.<BR/><BR/>We may organize an Israeli or Israeli/Arab or Arab blog convention in the future (the one in Jordan this week isn’t ours unfortunately), and we’ll select a different set of bloggers accordingly, and they’ll have their own agenda - and you know what, they’ll bitch and moan there too.<BR/><BR/>And Please God, we’ll run the 2nd Int’l Jewish Bloggers Convention next year and select different panelists and subjects, and then the 3rd year will be even completely different from that.</I>Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-43989602123216351282008-08-19T09:24:00.000+03:002008-08-19T09:24:00.000+03:00B"H"I certainly hope that you are not generalizing...B"H<BR/><BR/>"I certainly hope that you are not generalizing and suggesting that those Jews who happened to have been born in the U. S. will react in the same way".<BR/><BR/><BR/>No, I am not generalizing. I was just a little Israeli sarcastic.:-)<BR/><BR/>Honestly, it doesn't bother me that someone from the government will be there. I have absolutely nothing to do with our government, just as probably many convention participants.<BR/><BR/>The question I am asking is, why NBN invests so much money organizing such a convention. Okay, you could say that everything is to promote their own agenda but, nevertheless, couldn't they do so in a different way ? What is the real purpose of the event ? I mean for the organizers ?Miriam Woelkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627379693165339825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-29986472999813960302008-08-19T00:55:00.000+03:002008-08-19T00:55:00.000+03:00Miriam,Secret cameras, Shabak ... doesn't all this...Miriam,<BR/><BR/><I>Secret cameras, Shabak ... doesn't all this sound a little paranoide?</I><BR/><BR/>I don't recall mentioning secret cameras.<BR/><BR/><I>Don't get me wrong - I am not downplaying the issue but don't you think that the ministeries or whatever already have all the information. And honestly, I don't care.</I><BR/><BR/>Yes, I agree that "they" already know who we are. In fact I said that in my post.<BR/><BR/><I>I do attend the convention because I am just a curious person. And, furthermore, I am not American. Means that I won't be impressed easily and say: "Oh, wow, everything is just sooo great".</I><BR/><BR/>I certainly hope that you are not generalizing and suggesting that those Jews who happened to have been born in the U. S. will react in the same way.<BR/><BR/>As a So. Calif. I personally am not easily star struck, if at all.<BR/><BR/>In addition, not every American in Israel (for example) lives in Efrat, Qatamon, Baq'a, or Ma'alot Dafna (not that there's anything wrong with that). We're not all the same.<BR/><BR/>Miriam and Cosmic, I believe very strongly that going to any "bloggers'" conference where a representative of the gov't is present, and not subjected to questioning sends the wrong message.<BR/><BR/>That being said, Cosmic, I certainly can relate to your reasons FOR attending. It's convenient as well, having everyone there in one place.<BR/><BR/>You're also right. My views were previously not clearly expressed. They were in development, as it were.Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-85007556561576977612008-08-18T18:58:00.000+03:002008-08-18T18:58:00.000+03:00Ya'aqov,You really gave a great explanation of you...Ya'aqov,<BR/><BR/>You really gave a great explanation of your position which previously I really did not understand.<BR/><BR/>FYI: I'm attending the conference mainly to meet in person people that up to now are only screen names . I do not feel that my presence at the conference is a means that I agree with everything that will be done and said there.Cosmic Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13880746347107372827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-71665273810912291642008-08-18T14:36:00.000+03:002008-08-18T14:36:00.000+03:00B"HSecret cameras, Shabak ... doesn't all this sou...B"H<BR/><BR/>Secret cameras, Shabak ... doesn't all this sound a little paranoide ?<BR/><BR/>Don't get me wrong - I am not downplaying the issue but don't you think that the ministeries or whatever already have all the information. And honestly, I don't care. <BR/><BR/>I do attend the convention because I am just a curious person. And, furthermore, I am not American. Means that I won't be impressed easily and say: "Oh, wow, everything is just sooo great".Miriam Woelkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627379693165339825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-44031665790078033602008-08-18T11:55:00.000+03:002008-08-18T11:55:00.000+03:00B"HBayta, thank for your kind and thoughtful words...B"H<BR/><BR/>Bayta, thank for your kind and thoughtful words.<BR/><BR/>I have been trying to down play where I live, so that no one from the conference will organize a lynching, and come hunt me down! But that's OK.<BR/><BR/>No, Batya, I'm afraid you're not the most radical right wing blogger out there, and not even the most radical right wing female blogger out there. (I email you privately.)<BR/><BR/>Sorry. :-(<BR/><BR/>Going to the conference? Maybe.<BR/><BR/>Wait a minute. Are you saying that yours truly is "right wing?"<BR/><BR/>I've always thought of myself as "centrist" as I do my best to keep Torah and misswoth. ;-)<BR/><BR/>Didn't you here? There is no longer any right and left....<BR/><BR/>Stay tuned...Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-11602115477205792222008-08-18T11:44:00.000+03:002008-08-18T11:44:00.000+03:00Personally, I have reason to believe that Nefesh b...Personally, I have reason to believe that Nefesh b'Nefesh did not just come along and say, "Let's make a bloggers' conference." No. I think not. I suspect that it was one, possibly two, bloggers in particular who made this all happen,...a nice stage for pontificating. My investigation continues....Esser Agarothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12853681733864707489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-5026678630445897102008-08-18T05:48:00.000+03:002008-08-18T05:48:00.000+03:00Ya'aqov, you'll be missed. But it's not a require...Ya'aqov, you'll be missed. But it's not a requirement to attend...<BR/><BR/>Now, I don't do facebook to make friends; I prefer f2f. And I like the idea of f2f-ing with some jbloggers. I'm sure that some will be friendly and some will snub me, but nu, that's not new.<BR/><BR/>And I also don't agree with everything on the program, but big deal. I'm not paying for it.<BR/><BR/>Nothing's perfect. Nobody's perfect.<BR/><BR/>And I guess that if you're not there, I'll probably be the most radical right wing jblogger there. Can I take pride in that? And if you had been coming then I'd just be the most radical right wing female jblogger there. But I'm probably the most radical right wing female jblogger there is. <I>Do you agree with me on that?</I>Batyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11246929075812590204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-82354632404841277482008-08-18T03:15:00.000+03:002008-08-18T03:15:00.000+03:00Last but not least I'm not attending because I'm n...Last but not least I'm not attending because I'm not a genuine blogger yet and therfore they would filter me out, a circumstance that I want to avoid by not attending.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-28666411608221077772008-08-18T03:11:00.000+03:002008-08-18T03:11:00.000+03:00I'm not attending because bloggers meant to blog. ...I'm not attending because bloggers meant to blog. Otherwise they would be called attenders or attendees.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32118121.post-37116511042431963842008-08-18T03:08:00.000+03:002008-08-18T03:08:00.000+03:00B"HI'm not attending because there is no cause to ...B"H<BR/><BR/>I'm not attending because there is no cause to attend for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com