Shelter

Tech, philosophy and random musings

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I went to TMRA 2008, and all I got was the best days of my life …

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.

You Are All Crazy Subjectivaly Speaking (Uploaded)

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: topicmaps topic)

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Keynote speaking at TMRA 2008

Oops, I totally forgot to mention to the world that I’m the intro keynote speaker at the TMRA 2008 conference (one of two yearly Topic Maps conferences each year) in Leipzig next week (15-17 October). My talk is titled “We’re all crazy – subjectively speaking” and will contain at least one bad joke, two pretty good ones, some philosophical ranting and hopefully lots of community building. I really, really hope to see you there; find me, say hello, let’s have tea and discuss whether my two jokes really were good or not.

The big question is, how did I forget to tell you about this? I’ll let you know that in a few days time or so.

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Want to go to Kuala Lumpur and present about Wiki’s?

Some time ago I agreed to do a presentation for a conference in Kuala Lumpur about intranets and our use of Wiki technology in creating it. The conference had to be moved, and as such I find myself unable to go, so I’m throwing the offer out to my readers;

Do you want to present a use case on wikis and blogs in a real-life corporate environment at a CMS conference 6 and 7 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? (Or, about intranets and CMS in general if that’s easier)

I know the time is a bit short, but the people organising the conference are very understand and wonderful people, able to help you out and give you slack if you need it. All expenses are paid; all you have to do is show up, give a smile and say a few interesting words. This is an excelent way of getting away from it all, and have a couple days off in a really nice place.

Spread the word too if you like, and let me know at alex at shelter dot nu, and we’ll work something out. I was excited to go as it looks like it was going to be a great little conference.