Among those in attendance will be Christine, who wrote a little ditty last week about the event for her video site HappySlip. TDR asked her to explain a little about the genesis of the event, and what kinds of things YouTubers in attendance can expect.


The Daily Reel: What is the purpose behind the MeetUp? Is it open to everyone? Is it being sponsored by the company? Any significance to 7.7.7 particularly?

The YouTube meet up is open to everyone and encourages people that have participated in posting and watching videos to finally come together and meet each other in person. As far as I know, this event is not sponsored by YouTube and has been put together by certain YouTube users -- especially ones that live in New York. (some screen names that have been listed on YouTube that have had a hand in planning: xgobobeanx, TheMightyThor, visiblemode, mysteryguitarman, nalts, podcasting101, sarrycrey, zipster08, nutcheese, charlestrippy, princesdiana161, spricket24, bgirl5, theresident). No particular significance to 7.7.7 -- just a cool date to remember.


Is there a business angle to it (i.e. "learn how to get ads in your videos" or "getting your stuff in front of agents")? Or a tech angle ("what are the best ways to preserve quality while optimizing your compression of files")?

I think definitely those conversations will take place, but the main goal as I understand it was just to personally connect with friends that we've made on YouTube.


People make such a wide variety of content for YouTube (and other online video sites); what kinds of common issues are there bringing people together for this?

Since people have connected through video responses, comments, and personal messages, this all has created a sense of community -- and therefore the primary motivator in wanting to meet in person. I don't believe that people necessarily want to talk technical issues -- although those questions may come up. I think its just that people want to see their favorite YouTubers in person.


What is your connection to the event? Is there some effort being made to get particularly popular YouTubers to the event?

I have just promoted it by making a video, but give applause to those that have put so much time and effort in planning the event. I just want to connect with as many people as possible, connect with those whose work has touched me, and connect with those that have supported me by watching and responding to my videos. I do not believe there is some particular effort in recruiting popular YouTubers to come to the event. As far as I've seen it, the word just spreads and friends just want to meet friends.

For more info about the YouTube MeetUp, click here.