Drupalcon is great fun (I'm sure), and (as importantly) a fabulous opportunity for the Drupal community to share, to learn, and to advance together.

I love Drupalcons. But I have never been to one.

How can that be?

Unlike many in the Drupal community, I do not get paid to "do Drupal".

I "do Drupal" because I enjoy the interactions with the community, seeing the work I do get appreciated and used, and to "scratch my own itch" for the websites I build.

With this context, you may understand why I don't go to Drupalcon. I cannot justify the time as well as cost, for (what is to me) but a hobby.

So why am I so complementary about Drupalcons?

How can I justify this when I have never been to a Drupalcon?

Whilst I've never been "in person", I follow along to sessions online during the conference and afterwards. I always tend to watch Dries' keynote, and other keynotes and sessions depending on the topic.

These videos massively increase the impact of Drupalcon because they allow the "long tail of contributors" like myself to follow.

A massive thank you to the Drupal Association and conference organisers for making that happen.

So even if you, like me, did not go to Drupalcon - I would encourage you to catch up with as much as you can. All videos are on the Drupal Association Youtube Channel.

Further to this, since I believe that it is the "long tail of contributors" that make open source software what it is, I encourage all organisers of camps and events to try to replicate the impact by making videos of sessions freely available online.

We share together, learn together, and advance together.

Category: WebsitesTags: DrupalDrupal PlanetDrupalcon