London Nerdfighter Gathering 2009

Okay, so this is quite a late post, and is no reflection on how awesome the day was (because it was incredibly awesome) that it took me so long to post.

If you don't know what a nerdfighter is... well, essentially the gathering was a lot of people meeting up on the Southbank in London; and all we had in common was a shared set of YouTube subscriptions and that we spend our time (in one way or another) trying to reduce world suck. For more information about Nerdfighters, search 'vlogbrothers' in YouTube and prepare to be amazed!

So, we met up. The gathering was organised by Maureen Johnson (YouTuber, nerdfighter and YA novelist) and charlieissocoollike (vlogger, fan-girl inducing, fiveawesome guy, member of Chameleon Circuit). But lots of other 'famous' YouTubers showed up (I am not putting famous in inverted commas because I was not impressed or excited, but that I get the impression most other human beings wouldn't be). In fact, one of the best moments of the day was chest bumping Tom Milsom (hexachordal) because of our shared johnnydurham19 attire. In fact, it is the first time anyone had even recognised my t-shirt as the awesome that it is.

But I digress. Firstly, we went on a hunt around London. We got into groups, got clues (handwritten by Maureen and part inspired by her novel '13 Little Blue Envelopes). There were five challenges and I ended up in the best group. We didn't win - we lost to 'the Nerimons' who, to be fair, were the famous ones and very, very quick. I like to think we were second... But we had fun and made our way back to the Southbank for a hang.

Then, we went on a walk. To see Harry Potter being filmed. At Scotland Yard. First we went to the wrong Scotland Yard... and then found it was being filmed the next day. So we went BACK to the Southbank and stayed there until it began to rain. Once it got murky enough for us to actually worry we might drown, we went in search of shelter. And, ironically, about eight people ended up soaking themselves in the fountain, inculding Maureen herself. I have footage. And it is funny.

So what was left of us (we had lost quite a large number by the time we ended up inside, some people had to leave which is sad times) we went into the Royal Festival Hall and settled down by the cloakroom. We chatted, signed stuff, watched two grown men fight for a copy of Maureen's new book and generally had fun. Then, some of us (about seven) headed off to see Julia Nunes play in Kilburn. A couple of groups of people were already on their way, and some (inculding Maureen) could no longer make it. But we set of. Singing 'Mrs. Nerimon'. Which was annoying. But nice.

Me and Charlotte, as the locals, helped plan a route. Which went wrong. About seven times. And it took forever. And ever. And I'm sure put some of our number of the Tube forever. But we got there - and didn't even miss a single support act. And they were all amazing. By the time Julia was on, our number were by the front, and she was awesome. As was Greg. And Laura. We were all singing along, to the point where Julia was singing the refrain to her own song because we wouldn't stop. And then we got sweaty hugs and signatures.

And then it was hometime. Sadly. I had a great day. It was nice to see how many people came from so many different places, and how quickly we all got on. There was little division and everyone wanted to know everyone else. And that... camaraderie is such a big part of nerdfighteria that, before now, I had never experienced first hand.

So, I wanna thank Charlotte, Pippa, Don, Cara, Julia, Greg, Laura, Abz, the yellow umbrella, that puppet thing, Tom Milsom, Charlie, TFL (I say with scarcasm), Tobias, Ana and everyone else who was there who I didn't speak to directly and those I forgot the mention.

Because I had a great day. And I hope you all did too.