Calls for First Saudi Bloggers Meet Up

To tell the truth, I have been thinking about this for some time, but being the lazy person that I am; I have been procrastinating and delaying it. However, some one has to do it, and thank God this one is a person that we all like and respect.

Fahad Al-Mohareb, one of the first Saudi bloggers, has called for the first Saudi bloggers meet up. The meet up will be held in Riyadh, and several bloggers have confirmed to come. The time and location will be announced later, and according to the Saudi style, it will be for males only. There are speculations about different meet ups in different parts of the kingdom, and about having a similar event for female bloggers.

What This Was All About

When ISU blocked Blogger last week, I was not the only angry one. However, this time, I have decided that it won't be like the previous times. In the past, when they blocked the Blogger and BlogSpot domains, we could not do much because there were not many Saudi bloggers. It is different this time. Now, we have a growing community, and we would not remain silent. This time, I've decided that I won't let them get away with it.

I was going to break the news to international organizations and media outlets. A dear friend of mine asked me to wait because it could be a mistake. I waited for 24 hours, and then, when I could not take it anymore, posted about it to the Global Voices blog. Soon after that post, I received emails from around the world confirming the news and offering help. I want, btw, to thank all those who emailed me.

So, it was a mistake, they realized their mistake, and they unblocked Blogger. I did not expect them to respond this fast, but for me, it was not only about the blockage; it was about making a stand for Saudi bloggers, making ourselves heard. I wanted to let them know that they cannot shut us, and they cannot stop us. This is our freedom, these are our rights, and we will never give them up.