Disclaimer: I have worked for Blue Flavor for about two weeks, and Web Directions North marked my first true introduction to the industry. So what follows is a newbie’s take on Web 2.0, via WDN and Whistler — the highs and lows, you might say.
I’ve had time to recuperate from the past week’s exertions, and it just feels like the moment is right for a debriefing. Here are my fast-twitch reactions:
- Web Geeks know how to have a good time. If the conference and Whistler festivities are typical for the industry, I’ll be up late a lot in the next few years.
- The web community knows how to get things done. The week was beautifully organized and well-executed, from the organic-foods catering all the way down to the complementary WDN fold-em-up bags (less useless crap in the world!) and Microsoft party on the slopes.
- Collaboration, Community, and Cooperation are the main themes of Web 2.0. Every presenter I saw emphasized this point in some way or another, whether it was Gina Trapani recounting the ‘Stone Soup’ fable as a metaphor for how developers cooperate or Tara Hunt talking about collaboration between local governments and web-savvy citizens. The ‘future of the web’ will involve greater cooperation between web technologists and users, businesses and/or government organizations—nothing illustrates this more than current conversations surrounding the Open Source movement.
- The internet is a lot like a city with no streets. But it’s also a lot like the Loader Robot that Sigourney Weaver sits in when she fights the monster in Alien. No wait, it’s a lot like a diagram of how human metabolism works. Or some of Borges’ fictional works. Thank you, Matt Webb, for the extremely entertaining metaphors.
- Web Geeks are great at speaking on stage, in public. I was totally impressed by each speaker’s poise and stage presence. And the presentations were smart/well-informed and cute/funny—so I always left feeling like I’d be more than happy to have a beer with the presenter.
- Innovation is Overrated. I was convinced by Indi Young’s basic argument, that napkin sketches and guru-speak aren’t always sufficient to produce strong, enduring work. A little bit of the scientific method (a la Young’s new book, Mental Models) goes a long way toward understanding how to successfully produce and market salable products. I fully intend to read her newest work.
- Best to never, ever ski down Whistler mountain without taking lessons first.
- Carl Smith and NGen works: You owe me a t-shirt, size S. (You made me promise to remind you).
Overall, WDN and Whistler offered a great way for me to get my feet wet and learn a bit about current trends in web tech. It also allowed me to absorb some ‘regional culture’ and talk to smart people about exciting things. Looking forward to SXSW, for sure.
Yes mam, we’ll send it out this week!
It was great meeting you and the rest of the Blue Flavor team.
My ploy worked! Nice meeting you too, Carl, and thanks for the t-shirt. :)
Thanks for coming, and the very nice comments - glad you enjoyed it!
john 4 the WDN crew