Forum Moderators: phranque
The ability to network "face to face" with members of WebmasterWorld is truly the most exciting thing I have experienced in a very, very long time.
It is true that I live in the Caribbean on an island with somewhat less than 10,000 people and what may seem terribly exciting to me may not send off fireworks for many of you ... but the truth is that I was very, very impressed and pleased that I elected to attend.
I finally got to hug, kiss, properly thank and generally fawn over and admire those who have meant and given so much to me in the past 2 and a half years. Brett, NFFC, rcjordan, mivox, 4eyes, Laisha, kfander, Paynt, toolman, oilman, shak, DaveN, Marcia, and many, many others. I even got to shake hands with Googleguy! (Didn't get a darned Google pen or shirt though!) :(
I felt it was absolutely necessary that I make it to the Boston conference. Although I was disappointed that I did not meet many of those I truly admire such as DaveIFG (my mentor, man of steel and general all 'round great guy) and stcrim (who first dragged me to WebmasterWorld and changed my life forever!) ... I was thrilled to meet those of you whom have added so much to the quality of my life and (if truth be told) ... saved my sorry ass from the grip of despair and homelessness!
At the risk of "gushing" more than a little bit ... the speeches by those who took part in the formal speaches on Saturday, did a stellar job! I had many questions I wanted to pose both during and after the event, but I suddenly became overcome with shyness and couldn't bring myself to pose the questions publicly. (Maybe next time I won't be so shy!) ;)
I have to admit that I desperately wanted to meet Matt Cutts from Google. I was not disappointed! The man thinks on his feet admirably! Under fire and with some very difficult questions ... he danced better than Googlebot "itself" (no gender preferences here folks! :), Matt still managed to supply a clear cut and intelligent answer to all questions. He openly said he could not answer some without revealing too much which would not be in Google's best interest and I, for one, appreciated his candor.
I was also terribly impressed with each of the speakers from Overture and Fast. Paul Gardi is undeniably a brilliant man and a very quick thinker. (He took copious notes and that also impressed me) Three or four times I had an opportunity to pose a couple of tough questions to Paul... but alas, I was too intimidated to do so. Next time!
Tim Mayer had only worked for the company he is currently employed by for something like three days! Tim found himself in the unfortunate situation of not really being able to address many of the questions posed to him with a great deal of authority. I was amused and very impressed by his openness. He was left hanging out there with only his own knowledge and professional ability to answer questions as best and as honestly as he could. He was candid and I thought his responses reflected his current predicament ... but they were also direct and to the point when able.
Above all, what captured my heart was the sincerity of the vast majority of WebmasterWorld members/attendees. This truly is a unique entity and one which I am terribly proud to be a member. Although I may only (very rarely) have something of value to contribute, I consider it an honour to take part in any way.
Brett is a real softy who truly and deeply cares about the welfare of the membership of WebmasterWorld. Mivox is an absolute hoot! She is as smart as a whip and great fun to be with. (She can also drink most anyone under the table ... so look out guys!) :)
4 Eyes is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. rcjordan is caught up in business most of the time, but he is a solid kind of guy with a very kind heart. Shak is an enigma to me ... yet a man I seriously admire for his business acumen.
Laisha and Paynt are just absolute "gems" of the WebmasterWorld community. There is little to say about folks such as they. You have to meet them to appreciate their contributions, humanity and underlying kindness. They are both just wonderful folk.
I am very tired and realize that I am not just gushing, but rambling ... so I will bring this post to an end. For those of you whom have wondered if there might be any value in attending a pub conference, I highly recommend it! You will definitely come away with a deeper understanding of WebmasterWorld itself, but you will also meet some truly kind and wonderful people! :)
Brett is a real softy who truly and deeply cares about the welfare of the membership of WebmasterWorld. Mivox is an absolute hoot! She is as smart as a whip and great fun to be with. (She can also drink most anyone under the table ... so look out guys!) :)
could not agree more Liane and if I even get out there I will Look you for Sure
DaveN
PS
Liane + Mivox
I would like to point out I wasn't cheating just for the record it was creative engineering.
