Update: I’ve added an embedded version of the slides at the bottom of the post; my cool animations and lots of fonts are wrong, but hey, you can read it at least. 🙂
Not to put too much sugar in your otherwise fine brew of tea, but being at TMRA 2008 this year was one of the most fantastic experiences I’ve had so far. Not only did I catch up with some old friends, I met some new ones I know I’ll stay in touch with. So much smart and easy-going folks gathered in one place … I’m surprised it didn’t disintegrate in a puff of logic as that there really must be some cosmic law against it. Although, I see the TED conferences still churning out good stuff, so it must be allowed. And yes, I do equate TMRA with TED; it was that great.
This year I was invited to hold the opening keynote speach, which I called “You’re all crazy – subjectivelly speaking“, a romp on the Topic Maps community, a plea to remember epistemology in all things data modeling, and the message that being “subject-centric” is not a technical feat; it’s about social processes and agreement (or, at least, rough understanding of eachother).
I used a few cheap interactive ploys to hold the audiences attention, with making them audibly disagree or agree with certain assertions I made up on the screen. It was very effectice as raising the collective awareness to the issues I was trying to point out, and especially helpful when I needed to point out that there are some things we all disagree with. And not only that, but things we should disagree with.I think people in general thought it was a good speach, and the feedback was great, so thanks to all for that.
I’d like to thank Lars Marius Garshol and Lutz Maicher for inviting and encouraging me, Patrick Durusau, Jack Park (you need a website or blog, mate!) and Robert Barta for just being who you are, and every one else for making me once again believe so strongly that the Topic Maps community is the best thing since recursive properties and frames theory!
I’m sure I’ll write more on what went down at TMRA 2008, but right now I need to make porridge for my kids. Later.