TUBOB: But based on what I experienced last year, Capone's is too small, you need a place with a conference/banquet type room to reserve just for this gathering and perhaps have something fun like a little awards ceremony and give out dorky little plaques/certificates for funny HBO-related awards (Best Wingnut, Best Flaming Liberal, Most Likely to get Coolered, etc.)

Digger: I know that DFO isn't excited this year for BlogFest since we've had some stomp-offs and blogfights this year but I think that BlogFest will provide him with a new and rejuvinated view of his Merry Hucksters as the majority of us get along

DFO: Bob's right. I enjoy Capone's atmosphere. But Blogfest '08 was too cramped for 75 or so people. So we need to move it elsewhere. I'll chat with Bond Girl about a possible location in Post Falls. But I have another one in mind in Coeur d'Alene. I don't want those who want to partake of Bent's brew at Stickman's to have to drive too far. I like the Feb. 28 date, too. I need to check to see if it's in conflict with any major sporting events. Also, I want to assign a coupla you to take charge of HBO-related awards -- mebbe JeanieSpokane & CindyH. Mebbe someone to oversee the event. Digger makes a good point. The last 6 to 8 weeks have been tough on me, mebbe the toughest stretch since I started the blog. Not only has the switch to the new blogware been taxing, but the simmering feuds in the comments section have sucked some of the fun from what I do here. Mebbe Digger's right. Mebbe Blogfest '09 will rejuvenate me. It's not every day a blog turns 5.