Evening Edition - 4/21/08

1st Annual Blogger Family Reunion; Assessments
Preparing for an event that brings together men from different geographic areas, different cultures, different age groups and all with different interests – save one (blogging) – can present a logistics nightmare for many planners. Before anything is said, first and foremost, a HUGE thank-you to Warren Jones for making the details of this event seem effortless and low cost – even cost-free for some…but that’s another story. The truth is, I’m sure Jones spent a pretty penny booking a beautiful suite overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and another grip to provide the behemoth, gas guzzling Suburban that carted many of us around. Although Darius Williams and I spent some time coordinating the event, Jones was the mastermind securing our meeting headquarters and shared transportation – thank you Jonesy! You’re a class act.

The Assessments; In Order of Appearance

Norris
Summary:
If there was ever a disservice done by a pic on someone’s blog it is certainly That Dude Right There; aka Norris. Norris’ blog picture is reserved – almost aloof and defensive; the reality is Norris is hysterically funny with a southern warmth and charm that immediately draws you in. I felt at ease with Norris from the moment we met and had a nonstop chuckle from his many witty sayings.
Same as blog:
Norris’ ability to see things for what they are and not give the negative the power to overwhelm him are qualities that transcend his blog and are ever-present in his live persona.
Different than blog:
Norris’ sense of humor and charm make him magnetic in person. His blog needs to be changed to reflect his personality and infectious spirit.
Assigned Nickname Post-Meeting:
Southern Comfort

Warren
Summary:
Warren is the college room mate I never had. Smart, funny, direct and together, Mr. Jones aka Warren Jones is the go-to guy when you want someone to give it to you straight, yet have the sense to know how to deliver it. Whether we were shopping, partying or just shooting the breeze, Warren felt like an old friend. His ability to be strong AND vulnerable made him an instant friend and a potential trusted confidant.
Same as blog:
Warren is fearless. Whether he’s tackling criticisms, delivering wisdom beyond his years or making someone feel included, Warren takes it head-on.
Different than blog:
Warren cares. It may not come through that he’s a true people person and for all the sharp-wit and ability to decimate his opponent, Warren, more-often-than-not, chooses the high road and makes everyone feel important.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
B’Mo’s Finest

E
Summary:
Eric aka E is a clear case of a man who lives through his blog. Silent to the point of invisibility, many of us struggled to drag E into our conversations, but we found that his answers were few and far between. Don’t be fooled…when he did answer his commentary was hysterically funny and you got the sense that there was so much more to the man than meets the eye.
Same as blog:
The cartoon holding the spot on E’s blog may very well be the person writing the thing…imaginary.
Different than blog:
Everything. E is an imaginary persona who sent his introverted brother to the blogger family reunion. LOL
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
The Lamb

Andre
Summary:
I didn’t have much contact with Andre’s blog pre-reunion, but he appeared to be one of those guys that knows where the party is. He was one of the first to arrive at the venue and the first to kick-off his shoes and settle right in.
Same as blog:
N/A
Different than blog:
Andre’s blog gives the impression that he is an event guru and one who is an A-list type socialite. In reality, Andre appears adept at maximizing his opportunities to get the most out of the event at hand.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
Lottery (Dollar and a dream)

Jared
Summary:
For close to two years now I have felt like the older sibling – let’s keep it real here, more like a parental figure for Jared. I’ve felt protective of him and have watched with great interest how he moved from blissful innocence to a more explorative young man. At close to 19-years old, Jared is the baby of our blogger family and my heart was full to finally meet him in person. He’s a confident young man and I felt that chest-swelling pride to hear him growing into his own – as a man AND as a gay man of color. Jared is smart, witty, fun and responsible all rolled into one. Definitely one of my most anticipated meetings of the weekend.
Same as blog:
Jared is extremely forthcoming and his live personality and his blog do nothing to muddle the feeling that Jared is telling you exactly what he is feeling. There’s a sense – whether online or in-person - that Jared has drawn you in and harkens the teen in all of us.
Different than blog:
Jared is much taller in person. His blog picture gives a sense of a waif-like child, but Jared towers over many at 5’11”. He’s slightly shy and it makes him all the more endearing.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
BJ (Baby Jared)

Joey
Summary:
Joey aka Joey Bahamas is a Bahamian prince. This isn’t an attempt at a dig. Joey carries himself with a regal peace that is neither condescending or patronizing – it’s simply an air of distinction. He’s able to interact with all with an ease that comes from polished social skills. Still in his early twenties, Joey has a grounded understanding of life, what’s important and especially how to let your confident REAL self shine.
Same as blog:
Beautiful inside and out; eloquent; poised.
Different than blog:
Great height; legs that extend to his neck; Not at all pretentious or conceited.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
KAI (King and I)

Ty
Summary:
Ty, of the Aspire blog fame, is not one to have catty blog postings and often has blog postings with entries calling for creative participation. In person there’s a strange sense that his quiet cool can easily be replaced by a much more aggressive sexually charged man OR a no-nonsense professionalism. In either case his personality is that of a well-rounded chameleon; able to be anything he’d like to be.
Same as blog:
As smart and engaging as his blog suggests.
Different than blog:
PHAT ass…sorry, got side-tracked…he’s a very funny in person. A feeling of warmth and understanding that isn’t conveyed in his blog is evident in person.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
SS (Shape Shifter)

Fuzzy
Summary:
Fuzzy aka Daniel and the author of I Wonder can at times come across as genuine, yet aloof. In person Fuzzy appears coy and flirtatious. He appears to have no issues expressing himself and letting folks know how he feels. A great heart.
Same as blog:
Appears to genuinely care.
Different than blog:
A lot more relaxed than the somewhat regimented feel you get from his personality on his blog.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
Emeril’s Nem

Shawn
Summary:
The heart at peace with the mind; that’s the thought that kept crossing my mind every time I looked over at Shawn. His somewhat colorful and creative persona from Dreams In A Fitted becomes quiet, still and tan in real life. Does it conceal the creative side of the dreamer? No.
Same as blog:
Great sense of humor and a sense of child-like innocence.
Different than blog:
Not a party animal; not really a heavy drinker.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
Quiet Storm

Promiscuous X
Summary:
Xavier aka Promiscuous X exudes sex appeal and luscious street corner boy. His boyish grin gives way to a bust yo’ face snarl…all in a matter of moments. In the end, you get a sense that X is a fun-loving below the radar kind-of guy. He’s quiet, but will speak his mind when asked. All said, he’s what was referred to in Paris Is Burning as “Up and comin’ legendary.”
Same as blog:
The look on his blog is the man you will meet in person.
Different than blog:
Nothing…he’s a leopard with spots unchanged.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
XTM (X to many…LOL)

Darius
Summary:
Another case of change that blog pic applies to this character as well. Darius Williams comes across as a low-maintenance high-revving character on his blog, but his real life persona is quite the opposite. D is light-hearted with an undercurrent of “let’s spark it.” Case-in-point, during breakfast D managed to visually notice the difference between cheddar and American cheese on his eggs, wanted his meat cooked more thoroughly and noticed a spot on his knife that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye, but had the waiter handle all of these issues – pronto! In my 38 years on earth I’ve been called colorful, raw, direct, funny, witty, but never raunchy….D holds the title for the only person to mash all my personality traits into one giant negative. Bless his heart! LOL.
Same as blog:
He’s as tall as he tells you he is. I’m wearing a neck brace following an attempt at a lengthy face-to-face conversation.
Different than blog:
D may tell you that he’s a rough and tumble man, but we saw the teddy bear come through…even if the teddy wore a teddy at times.
Assigned Nickname Post Meeting:
Mabel

On Blast
What perception of yourself did you hold near and dear only to find that everyone who met you at the blogger family reunion didn’t see quite the same way?

Keep passin’ the open windows…