I'm not sure I'm going to see what happens, rather I want to watch what doesn't happen. Most bloggers seem to be in two categories when they first arrive to these things: working to improve their voice or looking to improve their commerce. Some fit in the middle of the concentric circles of the silly venn diagram. Those seeking a panacea for their blogging troubles are quickly dashed. Some leave inspired. I was inspired by Dad 2.0 in a number of ways last year. But maybe not for all the reasons the conference would've wanted or promoted. Social gatherings at these campfire circles have taught me more than any panel at any conference. The audiences are so mixed that it's hard to get the information that is adjusted for your intent/acumen. The subject matters are usually terse versions of serio-comedic questions. In the end, I'm looking to see if we're leaving behind bad habits or digging deeper into them. I'm looking for what's hopefully missing. -Charlie

I thought the point of this article was in reference to calling a kid an asshole. The religious tolerance issue quite aside, what's your actual point?

The finer points are covered here. ::mic drop::

Alright. I'll admit it since none of you have the backbone to do it... My 3 year-old son is my favorite. Sure, I only have one child right now, but he's my favorite right now. He's earned it through shitting and puking all over me, we play Texas Hold 'Em every Friday. We wrestle. I feel like I could tell him anything. He just bought me a car the other day. We're like BFFs.

That's a tough one. I feel my father's rage in me all the time. Mastering anger and fear are my goals too. I don't always win the war over them. -charlie, http://www.howtobeadad.com

I love that you're not above guilting your kids and telling them they are a literal pain in your neck.

I love that you're not above guilting your kids and telling them they are a literal pain in your neck.

You forgot the part about when I ripped your brain stem out after they'd confiscated our phones at the premiere to tweet and Facebook. The spine is very analogous to rabbit ears. Charlie Http://HowToBeADad.com/about (or spinalrenovators.org)

"Specialization is for insects and football players." Fact. Can you be my dad next?

Ditto to all of it. Seriously, this group of people could have hours and hours of discussion, none of it meaningful or all of it poignant. It would just depend on booze and topic. Really honored to have met you all and count you as colleagues, even if I do writer dumberer than you.

I'm fourth to last. You shut your mouth.

YESSS.

You didn't hug me enough. Signed, The Needy Child

My body is a rusty cage after that beating of a workout.

If you're into that sorta thing.

We are the 50.95%!!!

To be fair, your analogies and metaphors are so EPIC Andy that it's quite possible you said something like that... Except for maybe the word "truth" (it might've been hugs?) LOL!!! AMAZING post!! I need a ride with Limo Goethe too. Charlie Http://HowToBeADad.com

First off, the sheer number of "Change Up" ads enshrining this piece is mind-numbing and ironic. I almost wish you guys had planned this for optimum irony. Maybe you did. Great review. I think I'll end up seeing it, much like I did when I was FORCED to see "The Backup Plan" with J.Lo. I'll take parent humor anytime, right now. I'm a softy for it. Charlie http://HowToBeADad.com

Let me say this: there is little shame in paying a professional do something for you. If you said you hemmed and hawed about hanging a picture frame or putting small game out of its misery, I'd say you were a pansy and you should nut up. But in this case, there's a sh*tstorm of people at your house and you, being the lordly plantation owner you are, decided to use some "hired help". That's your prerogative. Second, I have the same insecurities about hammering and drilling and nails, occasionally. If it's a job slightly outside my skill set, I have the balls enough to say that I'm not 100% certain, which I think our kinfolk (especially my Irish knuckle-dragging contingent) would be in favor of since we couldn't be certain we'd do a good enough job. Lastly, go out and build something, it'll make you feel right as rain. Or just take something apart; that feels almost as good sometimes. Putting it back together, be damned. Charlie http://HowToBeADad.com

I couldn't even get through the highlight real. Motorboating? Really? I believe our only choice is to top off this brilliant showing of brain matter and intelligence is this lovely clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww