Mass Bloggers Meeting, April 19th

It's been a long time since we've all had a joint bloggers event, and it's time to change that. On Saturday, April 19th, Lynne and I are hosting a Blog Left Massachusetts event in Lowell. It's mainly going to be for fun, but we also have some ideas we'd like to discuss with all of you to both expand and empower the Massachusetts Blogosphere. Not only that, but we'd love to hear from all of you on your ideas.

I don't think I'm alone in feeling that the spirit of civic engagement in this state, and the idea that we in the netroots are able to make a big difference, has at least been somewhat diminished. Part of that is because our community is starting to slip. We need to discuss ways of becoming greater than the sum of our parts - and Lynne and I have a few big ideas in that regard; we're hoping we're not alone. So please plan on coming.

A few quick things: we're still in the planning mode when it comes to food and such, but we're thinking of having it catered. Lynne knows some great places in Lowell that would have delicious food for us for around $10 each. If we charged $10, would that prevent anyone from coming?

Also, I know not a whole ton of people live in the Lowell area, but we wanted to make sure our first event wasn't in Boston, because Blog Left Massachusetts is an organization that represents the entire state, not just Greater Boston. We plan on doing events across the state. That said, I'll be glad to bring anyone from the North Shore and I know Mike Ball, from Marry in Massachusetts, will be attending as well - and he lives in Boston. So if getting to Lowell is a problem, don't let that stop you from coming - just tell us and we'll make sure you get a ride!