So, the sessions are starting to overlap with content. I guess there really isn’t much to talk about Java. It seems there’s only AJAX, SOA and all these other “Web 2.0” technologies and that’s it. The talks are only 1hr so you never get any decent detail. You’d be better off just searching the web for the info.
Thus, the value is not the sessions. It’s the people you meet between the sessions and after hours at the meet and greets that are scattered around the area at the local pubs and hotels. It has been fun meeting people from around the world who have similar occupations. It provides me with an understanding of how I ‘rank’ with my work skills against the rest of the market.
Tonight is the after-dark bash that JavaOne hosts. It sounds like it’ll be a good time. Still have a few sessions to go before then. The categories sound promising but we’ll see how they go. I’ve learnt that it’s not insulting the speaker to get up and leave if the content simply doesn’t appeal. Unfortunately, because of the ‘pre-registration’ and the sheer numbers of attendees, it’s no longer plausible to jump from one presentation to another as was do-able in previous years. So if you bum out of one session, you’re stuck walking the pavilion or trying to beat my 1942 high score (242630).
Oh, something funny happened last night. We were sitting in the bar when the Oilers finished off the San Jose Sharks – considered a local team by the San Franciscans. As the game ended I kind of let out a big cheer, then immediately thinking that I would be promptly assaulted verbally by the heartbroken fans. Instead, I was heartily congratulated – very unAmerican indeed. Yet another reason why I love this town – I don’t think they’re really Americans here at all….except for the street bums…definitely Americans.