From: Francis Hwang <sera@...>
Date: 2004-10-09T09:51:47+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby Conf '04 reactions


On Oct 8, 2004, at 4:53 PM, Chad Fowler wrote:
> We'd love to hear other suggestions from the attendees of this
> conference or those of past years.  FWIW, I think Ruby is either
> blessed or Ruby has blessed us.

I already wrote some of these in 3rd day blog entry ( 
http://fhwang.net/blog/37.html ) but I'll put 'em here for the sake of 
discussion:

+ Rob McKinnon had started a rubygarden page where people could post 
info about themselves, but I don't think it was well-publicized enough 
or used enough. Next year I'd also encourage people to post their own 
photos of themselves so you could recognize them by looking at their 
face instead of search for the name tag.
+ Also, if the name tags could have pins at the back instead of being 
hung from a strap, that might be better. I felt a little self-conscious 
looking at everybody's stomachs.
+ This is probably far-fetched, but if we can find somebody to serve as 
an informal translator for our Japanese guests, that would be just 
amazing. Maybe a deal where somebody who can speak Japanese and 
English, and agrees to serve as their wingman for most of the event 
(esp. for any talks), in exchange for getting some or all of their 
admission fee discounted? It would encourage western Rubyists to learn 
Japanese, at least.
+ Depending on how big things get next year, and if there's one track 
or two, it might be a good idea to have a little time set aside for 
last-minute talks. I could think of a few last-minute talks I would've 
demanded last weekend, if I'd had the option ;)

These are small points, though. The WiFi and power supply were major 
improvements over last year, and you can't beat the people. It's the 
most inspiring tech conference I go to, and I suspect it will stay that 
way for some while.

F.