Comments on: d.Construct aftermath

By: sil

sil — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 09:44:14 +0000

trovster: I agree, but it’s a bit difficult to *tell* whether it’s open, because the website doesn’t say anything and there’s no scheduled upcoming event…

By: trovster

trovster — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 19:45:28 +0000

but I agree any sort of non open groups (or powerplay) would seem to be the wrong direction to go

I never mentioned this group was closed. Far from it. Anyone can come along, who is interested in Web Standards, people who are just getting into the web… anyone is welcome.

By: mrben

mrben — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:48:12 +0000

In an ideal situation, a projector should be set up as an external and extended monitor, with it’s own resolution. However, most ‘presentation’ software (under Linux) does not adequately deal with this type of situation (with one or two exceptions).

Oh, and many presenters are also not used to this way of working, despite the fact that it gives many advantages over the “1 picture, 2 monitors” situation.

By: Gareth Rushgrove

Gareth Rushgrove — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 22:32:56 +0000

I’d echo the sentiments expressed. I set up a (small but occasionally active) mailing list (newcastlenewmedia.org) last year after speaking with Andy Budd about brighton (he pointed me in the direction of the brightonnewmedia.org mailing list which I think was at the heart of lots of goings on at the time).

@media proved another turning point. Such a good time was had by all that it seemed a shame for it all to end. The recent Northern Geekender seemed a good example.

I think smaller groups kicking off things can only be a good thing, but I agree any sort of non open groups (or powerplay) would seem to be the wrong direction to go. The LUG network would seem a nice friendly example from my experience.

By: Si

Si — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 14:02:26 +0000

Bruce: Sorry for the email bouncing problem. That was a mistake on my part forgetting to actually setup the email address. You should have received an email invite to the Multipack now.

As for the d.construct aftermath - it sounds like we missed out on a good event there. The last geek event I attended was @media back in the summer and that was what urged me to setup the Multipack. I noticed several developers from around the Midlands blogging the event and it was a shame that I wasn’t aware of this prior to the event. By initiating a local community (that hopefully should expand outside of the Midlands) upcoming events will become much more sociabable with attendees actually knowing each other prior to the event. Another great reason for creating the community is to share skills. I realised at yesterday’s Multipack meeting that there is a vast amount of talent involved, creating more potential for future projects.

By: sil

sil — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 13:57:01 +0000

trovster: I feel quite the opposite. There’s altogether too much of people attempting to create a group so that it’s *their* group that gets successful. I was hoping that multipack wasn’t like that, but it’s a bit difficult to tell; there doesn’t seem to be a mailing list, and I haven’t read any reports of the event; there are no further events listed on the website or on upcoming. That being the case, it’s hard to know whether to join up or not; I love the idea of a local West Midlands group, since I feel nothing but envy for the Brighton crew and their tightly-knit community, but multipack seems to be a bit…unopen, at the moment? If you tell me that that’s because you’re still getting it together and haven’t had time to sort stuff yet, then I’m fine with that.

By: trovster

trovster — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 13:35:22 +0000

Here’s the point; I hadn’t heard of multipack

No, because we’re pretty new. Only just had a second meeting yesterday and this are getting off the ground. And I mentioned we’re trying to get it going, aka it’s just started.

I’m not sure that the solution, though, is to invent another group and say “community, rally around this!”

Communities need organisation and people to organise places to meet. I’m not sure how a social community is going to work at all if people didn’t “rally around” certain groups. That is the whe WHOLE point of a group.

Bruce: Sorry about that! We’ll add you right in. Shame you missed the meeting yesterday it was pretty good. Seven people were there, might sound small, but there is a lot of talent knocking around and it’s only the second meeting. Next meeting is Saturday 17th December, check out Upcoming for more information. And pass the information to anyone who might be interested.

By: bruce

bruce — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 12:49:43 +0000

Hey Trovster, being a west midlands developer, I tried to sign up for multipack, but the server kept bouncing my emails. Please add me to the list!

By: Richard Rutter

Richard Rutter — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 12:06:52 +0000

I didn’t so much wish I was dead the next day, so much as think I was dead. Walking was tricky, talking was nigh-on impossible. I think a lot of nervous energy had been translated into drinking. Still - it was a good evening, and from comments I seen thus far, a good day too. Cheers!

By: Gareth Rushgrove

Gareth Rushgrove — Sun, 13 Nov 2005 11:05:22 +0000

I’d echo the community thing and the need for more ‘real world’ get togethers. It seems to be reaching some sort of critical mass, it’s my prediction for 2006 (http://morethanseven.net/posts/the-real-world) in fact.

Other recent, but more low key get togethers have included the Northern Geekender in York (http://pixelicious.co.uk/article/176/northern-geekend-a-call-to-action) and a couple of Accessify meetups, one in Newcastle and an upcoming one in Manchester next weekend.

The more the merrier I say.