Post DrupalSouth

Well, for many, DrupalSouth ended Sunday.



For some, the euphoria lasted another day, attending the Em Space training, and then there is the accounting, returning items and follow-ups still to be done by Bevan and I. [FWIW I also intend to write up what was involved in the process so those walking this path next year will have an idea of what to do when. At this stage I am really keen to be involved.]



Still I can't believe it's over. I have had a most fabulous experience working and meeting people in the Drupal community.



Actually that reminds me, of how I met Bevan. Onyx and I were walking up Taranaki St, Wellington, to Briscoes to purchase the bean bag filling for the Druplibags the day before, when Onyx recognised Bevan walking on the same piece of footpath in the opposite direction. My mind was on other things I guess, but anyhow Onyx gets Bevan's attention by using his name, and we start the process of introducing ourselves. More of a shock for Bevan as he had no idea of what I looked like - poor bloke!



There is something to be said for seeing, hearing and meeting people in person. There is an enthusiasm that oozes out of what people say and do, in general and in speaker's sessions. Having met Angie, Emma and Liz and the rest of the speakers, I can better understand their other slides and videos on the www, but I would want to see them in person.



Being at an event like DrupalSouth brings you closer to answers for the questions you knew you had and even those that you didn't! It networks you with real people and not just user names. Quite often throughout the weekend I heard the later from others too.



I believe we have a huge potential in New Zealand to take that sense of community home to each of the regions we represent. To set up informal Drupal User Groups (DUGs), meeting once a month, or perhaps they could be called DIGs instead (Drupal Information Groups) or DruGs (Drupal User Groups ie High on DruGs!)? Whatever they are named, the concept is the same - to continue to foster the sense of community in the spirit of open source in New Zealand.



Be assured you haven't heard the last from me on that topic!



Anyway after months and months of 16 hour days working on this and after it is finally wrapped up, I will need to find somewhere else to re-direct my passion. I have suggested to my family that this will mean a simplification of the material things in and around our home, which is long overdue; but also I will be focused on ramping up the possibilities for working with more web design clients.