Dear Rand Fishkin, No, I’m not Melissa. When I saw you at the elevator of the Westin Hotel (you were going down and I was on my way up), and I took the courage to say “Hey Rand!”, a nod or a smile would’ve sufficed. But then you said, “Hey.. Melissa, right?“, and for one minute there I wished my name really was Melissa. :P

But my name is Riz. And there’s no way for you to remember that because I didn’t even mention my name to you when I asked if you’d mind me taking your photo at the Seomoz booth at SMX East. But really, thanks for trying. :)

AUTOFOCUS FAIL. :(

That photo would have made my day, if only my camera’s autofocus did not fail me — why God, why now?? So I have a blurred photo of you smiling at me, and I was too shy to ask for another one. Then I ended up on stalker mode again, taking candid photos of you.

..and the lovely Seomoz booth :)

At least I didn’t mess up Gillian’s photo.

Lovely bunch of people, this Seomoz. And I’m digging the shirt too. Thanks Gillian, the size you gave me is perfect. :) You guys are made of awesome. :)

More SMX East 2008 photos after the jump.