Will Knott

You know, there may be hope for the future after all.

Yesterday was TeenCamp Ireland day. Despite being the same age as the organisers combined (yes Enda and Alan, I am only that old). I showed up out of curiosity, something that drives most of the attendees. Also I ended up serving as a guide to some lost Cork people (I won’t link).

The day started with a quick introduction and words of thanks to the sponsors of the day ( Mulley Communications and Spunout.ie) by his quoffness and then the presentations began.

First was Tommy explaining how his family isn’t the usual one and what gets him blogging.

Then Klara explained anime and manga (and is seeing what she can do about tracking down Kagaku ninja tai Gatchaman for me).

Next up was David and what he learned as a developer for years. And as all developers know, standing still isn’t an option unless you’re jumping off.

And lastly (for a while) was TheChrisD (with special guest appearance by BabyBear) about gaming and gamers. Mostly about the &*$s  on XBox live.

Then came a gap in the middle which I’ll elaborate on later.

Then talks started again, this time a long free form chat with Stephen Spillane and Darragh Doyle about why we blog, use social networks and all.

Ben Keneally, on how to pull on the internet. This is a presentation which will go down in YouTube infamany. “Soft lighting, move slowly” will be remembered.

Finally came the prolific podcaster Cian about how and why he does what he does.

But the main thing about a meet up like this isn’t the talks and presentations. Its fate deciding that you’ll end up sitting beside someone interesting. Or finding out off someone how to do some things you want to do.  Or giving someone a contact to follow up with. Or meeting Ireland’s youngest blogger (sorry Tommy, you’ve been replaced with a younger model).

Its about meeting new people, and face to face meeting with those you’ve know for a while but rarely meet (or have never met).

Its about people. When TeenCampIreland 2 happens, its going to be bigger. Because this is a base on which more will be built. On which freindships and networks have formed.

It will grow bigger.

take care,

Will Knott