I have mixed emotions about GodBlogCon. GodBlogCon was held inside of the Blog World & New Media Expo. In my opinion, that was a good thing.
As such, you had the opportunity to mingle with bloggers from all mediums and learn from them regarding this new media. It was also an excellent opportunity for Christ to be present at such an event. I think more thought should have been given to somehow inviting the larger audience to "consider Christ".
Although I had the opportunity to meet and make friendships with a few new Christian bloggers, I would have been deeply disappointed if this had been a stand-alone offering. It seemed to me that the organizers didn't have a clear mission/vision for the event. It seemed to be more about Christian thought than Christian blogging.
Mid-stream into the conference, they also announced that this was the last year for GodBlogCon in it's current format. I am not sure what they have up their sleeves, but I suspect it might have to do with reaching perhaps a different audience then individual bloggers. I have no facts to back that up, it is simply a hunch.
I would guess that there were perhaps 60 Christian bloggers present and most of them, it seemed, were out and about in the other conference sessions, learning how to build their individual blogging enterprises. A number of the GodBlogCon sessions were scantly attended.
I suppose this may be because the conference is created and hosted by Biola University and I just sense that they are still scratching their own heads where they see this thing headed. I just feel, in my bones, that individual bloggers aren't going to be in the mix. Frankly, I would understand that, if that is indeed their thinking.
If that is the case, I would hope that they say so, and allow a passionate Christian blogger to grab the reins of this wondering step-son and give it some clear and distinct direction.
I believe that GodBlogCon needs some new thought and energy, and given a good amount of spunk and passion, could become a truly valuable resource to the many thousands of Christian bloggers around the world.
I further believe that for the individual Christian blogger, having it inside of the Blog World & New Media Expo is exactly the right place to be.
So Biola University...whaaaz up? Are you going to grab this bull by the horns, pass the torch to another, or simply morph this puppy into something entirely different?
The Christian blogging world awaits your decision.
