I’ve been reading about the BEA convention all over the blogs, but what interests me most is the blogger-interaction angle–you know, meeting other bloggers IRL (in real life).

I’ve cultivated several online-friendships during the last 18 months of blogging.  I email and comment with my online friends more regularly than I speak to some of my ‘real life’ friends.  And yet, we are only virtual friends.  Or are we?

After sharing and chatting with other bloggers and building friendships and support networks, what is it like to finally have the face-to-face meeting?  Can I possibly be the only person who feels anxious about meeting online friends? 

I worry about so many ABSURD things that are really non-issues (but I worry anyway):

• Will my blog friends think I’m funnier (uglier, prettier, smarter, more insane) online than in real life?
• What if we don’t ‘click’?
• What if the friend is nothing like the image and persona I’ve created in my mind’s eye?
• What if it’s awkward and we have nothing to talk about?

After reading all the posts about dinners and drinks and meet-ups, I’m kicking myself for not making the short trip into NYC to meet all the great bloggers.  Next year, I’ll be there with bells on.

I’d love to know if you’ve ever met up with any your blogging friends in real life.  If so, how did it go?  If you haven’t done it, what’s holding you back?