Thoughts On Gnomedex 9.0
Have you ever tried wrapping your mind around the internet?
No?
Well try wrapping your mind around the fact that the internet (as we know it) is a mere 15 years old. Just a scrappy little teenager. We haven’t even begun to do anything. This is just the beginning. And for me, the Internet is so awesome RIGHT THIS SECOND. If it keeps getting awesome-er, I think my brain will explode.
Last weekend I went to Gnomedex 9.0 Conference as a volunteer. The conference theme was Human Circuitry. I won’t even pretend that I understood everything that was discussed during the event – there was this whole thing on life extension that was way way way over my head. I’m just not that smart. And I won’t attempt to regurgitate what people have already said – you can read a good synopsis of the conference here or see the agenda here. And if you really want to know more, just go here.
As for the other part of the conference (networking), I was woefully inadequate in that department. I didn’t try to meet people. I’m shy and introverted. I sat in the back. I didn’t go to all of the parties. I am not good at that kind of stuff.
But despite being completely ineffectual at the whole conference/networking/getting to know people objective – I did learn several things that I’ve been thinking about it ever since:
- I am not serious. Most of the people that were there are serious about what they are doing. They are passionate. I’ve just realized that I am acting small potatoes. And as a result, my results are small potatoes. I need to go bigger.
- It’s not too late. Just because I missed the tech bubble or wasn’t in on blogging during it’s infancy, it doesn’t mean shit. There are plenty of opportunities. It’s not about timing, it’s about perseverance.
- At the end of the day, the internet is just another cross section of humanity. It’s a community. People trying to relate to other people. This is what kills me every time I think about it. Through the hardware and circuitry, it always reverts back to people interacting with other people. It’s so important. I dare say, the most important thing about the Internet.
I need to do better if I want to get there. I need to work harder.
If you read my blog, you know that I have been having a no good, horrible, terrible August. On the bus into work I was checking my email and I found the sweetest note from a South African reader who lives in London (Hi Emma!). It completely made my day, changed the trajectory of my attitude. Just knowing that people in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Japan, Turkey, Sweden, Indonesia, Korea and Germany (among other places) read my blog everyday is a constant source of comfort to me. Having those people send me notes of encouragement while I am feeling blue or taking the time to comment (sometimes everyday) “just because” is completely overwhelming (in a good way). This is “Human Circuitry” at it’s best.
There are something like 80 million blogs out there. Times that by the number of people who read those blogs and write nice little comments telling complete strangers that “things are going to be better” is downright inspirational.
So thank you dear readers.
This entry was posted on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 3:14 pm and is filed under Daily. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
So thank you dear readers.
And THANK YOU dear Giyen. Your blog has been a constant source of joy for me – as we share so many of the same single parenting struggles, and even more universal struggles as people trying to express themselves creatively.
About baconistheenemy.com
“I laughed, I cried it was better than Cats!”
- Sharyn Morrow
Sharyn´s last blog ..The Day of the Big Rainbow
I just wrote something in a similar vein on my own blog, taking time out from my daily mundane activities online to just sit back and think about how amazing this thing is we call the internet.
Neil´s last blog ..World of Tomorrow
You’re not small potatoes…and if you worry about that, throw a little bacon on those potatoes!
Life will get better. (Or so they keep telling me.)
May life give you flowers and magic hugs!
Nicki´s last blog ..When life give you flowers…
The human factor IS the best part of the internet. All the information out there is nice and convenient, but it’s the community that makes me sign on every day. Also, you rock. I’m glad things are looking up for you. Hugs from the deep south. Have a great weekend!
Jen L.´s last blog ..Birthday Cake is a permanent feature on their menu
Here’s to a better month ahead! And thanks for sharing those very thoughtful, introspective musings with us. =)
As a fairly new reader over here, I simply want to add: You’re a great writer. You’re honest, you have voice, and you’re not afraid to be vulnerable. In other words, you certainly shine in my humble opinion.
Single Mom Seeking´s last blog ..Getting with the program
I have not read your blog for long but find myself compeleted to return over and over again. You keep your blog real. You don’t try to be someone your not and I can relate to that.
You are so hard on your self. But, I guess we all are to some extent. Just know others hurt for you even if we don’t know you. Because we have been where you are now and know the struggel of trying to get out of the cycle of not knowing exactly knowing what is wrong but knowing that something is off in your self. Hang in there it gets better.
Wishing you a happy, healthy weekend!
Jackie
from Texas
I think the internet is a lot more amazing than people give it credit for.
Sarah´s last blog ..On Enjoying the Rest of Our Vacation
Giyen, your blog is fabulous to read every day. I’m glad you can keep that in mind even when you’re having a crappy day/week/month. (Mine happens to be a crappy 2009, but hey, it makes for excellent blog fodder.) And because you are such an amazing person with such a strange attraction to something like bacon, YOU are the first person I thought of yesterday when my Grandma told me she has a friend with a recipe for peanut butter cookies that use BACON BITS. Interesting, no?
Amy Murray´s last blog ..Bryan as Best Actor, with a Best Supporting Actress award for Grandma
Aw, shucks. If I’d have known it meant so much to you to receive feedback I would have told you ages ago how much I enjoy reading your blog! I check in a few times a week and I’m always excited to see when there’s a new update!
Here’s to a better September…
I ditto alot of ppl above, Thank you! Cuz without reading about your real life adventures I wouldn’t know about Gnomedex and all kinds of other techie things you seem to go to or talk about, about what it’s like to parent a teenager (I need to be forward thinking here even if my kid will only turn 5 this year!) etc etc. You give out alot more than you give yourself credit for. It’s what we’re all grateful for! Words mean more than cheap thrills and things. And we appreciate you for that.
So keep the words coming! And cut yourself some slack too.
ChantaleP´s last blog ..one last summer weekend with friends
Hey, I can’t find your contact information but your layout looked rearranged on firefox and internet explorer. Anyways, i just suscribd to your rss.