Frozen Montreal

No, not because of the weather. It was a flashmob-type "stay still for five minutes" event, inspired by a similar event in NYC.

Much of this event was organized through Facebook. Several Yulbloggers participated, including the ever-thoughtful Fagstein.

The NYC version does look more impressive, obviously. I still wish I could have participated. Maybe we should do one in Austin during SXSW.

Here's a video of the NYC version:

Frozen Grand Central Station Over a hundred people stopping dead in their tracks at the same time in a large public space. And then the reaction.

Making a Scene

Those who think bloggers have no social life should either think again or attend a meeting of the YulBloggers.
Here's a list of some of the people present: Metroblogging Montreal: Biggest Yulblog EVAR!
And some people's reactions to the event:
In English (or bilingual English/French):

• Hippopocampe
• Adie
• Vanou
• Vila
• Christelle

In French:

• Patrick
• Artemisia
• Josée
• Jean-Luc
• Émile
• M
• Lyne
• Michel
• P'tite frisée
• Sandra
• Zerotom
• Fanny
• Geneviève
• Sébastien
• Pierre-Léon

Mine:
Lots of people, all of them fascinating. Lots of fun, much of it free and open discussion about just anything. Fair amount of diversity, though recognizable features of many bloggers. Fair bit of bilingualism, much of it French-speakers speaking English. Great sense of community, despite a few definite subgroups. Good number of new people, none of whom seemed intimidated. All sorts of subtle things happening between some individuals (new relationships?). Formal proof that bloggers aren't anti-social.

All in all, a great party. Picture it this way: a group of about 80 people take over a bar on a Wednesday night. They spend the whole night (8p to some time past midnight) talking about all sorts of great subjects while drinking good amounts of beer and mixed drinks, leaving pretty good tips to the very welcoming staff. Many of those present talk publicly about their experience the following morning.
Scary?