iMSISS

Yesterday was the first TeenCamp Ireland, organised by Enda Crowley and Alan Costello. Both of the guys really did a bang-up job.
I arrived at about half 12 I think and the guys (and Klara) were just setting up. I sat down to work on finishing off my presentation (which I’d been up until 3am doing) and I was eventually really happy with it.

At one stage I counted about 30 people, there were at least that many and more at some points which was great. The talk schedule board looked pretty sparse as it kicked off (and I didn’t add mine because I was seeing how it panned out) but the day turned out fairly packed. Tommy Collison started off with a funny and heartfelt talk about Twitter, technology and his family and Klara gave one about mange and anime (she has such passion for it).

Next I went up with my talk, which I finally titled “What I learned so you can too!” which was about everything from where/how to learn about the web and programming, how to keep up with trends, how to reach out to employers and the pitfalls (600 euro in one un-paid invoice!) of being a young, naive developer. I wasn’t sure about the reception as I was worried there was too much rhetoric in the talk (I know well I’ve years of experience to go) but the feedback has been good so I’m pretty happy.

Next up was ChrisD with an unconventional but entertaining talk about gaming. I never knew there were so many gamer types! Ingeniously, the guys “forced” everyone to stand on stage and talk about themselves for a bit, I’m sure for many it was daunting and for everyone it was enlightening. The questions fired at the speakers varied wildly and we all learned a lot about our Twitter friends. Lunch (pizza) could not have come fast enough - I was starving and I have no end of thanks for the guys for it. It also gave us a chance to chat and mingle, the most important part of any *camp.

Stephen Spillane and Darragh Doyle hosted an intimate and revealing discussion about how we blog and what blogs we read. It showed that many of us are torn between the feeling that we must be professional, we must keep our cards close to our chest and the feeling that without being personal the rapport with our readers will never be there.

Ben gave a ridiculously entertaining talk about “How tech hooks you up” which had us all in stitches. I am thankful every day that there are people far funnier than me - and willing to entertain. A video of his talk is available. I won a UCC scarf in the raffle, which I was really chuffed with! Finally, Cian gave a talk about podcasting and online media. I had to leave for a bus but from what I saw he was confident and commanding about his topic.

All in all, this was one of the most revealing and worthwhile meet-ups I’ve had. Thanks again go to Enda and Alan for making it possible and to everyone who came along.

Posted on January 18th, 2009 by David
Filed under: Uncategorized