To be perfectly clear, this is my 3rd convention. I attended in 2006 and 2009. I've actually enjoyed the presentations I've seen. And those presentations are an important reason for attending. But the social aspects are equally important. In fact, they are huge. At least half the time here is spent in parties. In fact, I had one kossack talk about recharging here. I heartily agree. Or at least I would if perhaps I would find folks somewhat more receptive to my attempts at social interaction.
You may not know me or give a shit about what I have to say. Perfectly understandable. I would respectfully request that you find another thread more to your liking. There are plenty even with many kossacks busy with NN functions.
I've spent a fair amount of time here attempting to establish connections with folks. Now I'm also aware of the fine line on the other side of which one becomes an unwanted hanger-on. I've tried not to cross said line in my interactions. And yet folks seem to remain entirely unimpressed. Not that I expect fireworks. A little friendly interest would be appreciated. Even just to be polite.
To be even more perfectly clear, I'm not exactly an outgoing individual. Pushing ahead to make connections (or mere conversation) is a huge effort for me. madame boran urged me multiple times to do so before I left New York. (Yes, I'm that rarest of birds, a shy New Yorker.)
But it seems that prior relationships rule. I'm not a participant of C&J, not a regular in Netroots for the Troops activities (although I did pack boxes today and in 2009), or a pootie person. (We have a turtle for reasons of allergies existing in our household.) And it's hard to break that threshold.
Now you may dismiss me as a whiner or crank. (I've been here a fair amount of time and have published hundreds of diaries. I've received few HRs and post diaries at least weekly.) But I'm only stating my experiences, and my observations.
Now to be even more perfectly clear, I am not generally an attention whore, although I have managed to get a few kossacks to look at my mediocre paintings on Saturday mornings for some 6 or so years. But only a few.
Maybe this will end up in the ether. Maybe that's where it belongs. Maybe not. Right now I'm a bit tired and worn out. A mixture of the jet lag and my mental state I suppose. Anyway, I'll be back in NY within 24 hours and I'm looking forward to it.
Update: (1)Thanks for the outpouring of support. I really appreciate all the kind comments. I'm shocked that this hit the rec list. I fully expected it to scroll away with limited viewings. I was highly frustrated at the time of its writing.
(2) It has been brought to my attention that parties may not occupy "half" the time. I haven't carefully compared parties v. presentation time. So, I may be wrong. It was a thing written in a time of frustration. Thanks.