Notes from NECC
Monday, June 30, 2008 at 09:44AM I saw Doug Johnson walking through the halls this morning... Way more cool than seeing, say, Johnny Depp. Well, maybe not Johnny Depp. He's the best. But certainly more cool than seeing Brad Pitt! - Bib 2.0 blog
I was a little disappointed that the comment above did not inspire immediate, vehement and passionate jealousy in the LWW when she learned of it. I think there was instead, some cruel question about whether I was allowed to pet the commenter's seeing eye dog. But personally, I will treasure the comment until my senility registers 99%
Day Two of NECC for me, and after a busy Sunday with two workshops, a new members' meeting, opening keynote attendance, dinner and President's Reception, I am spending a couple hours in the motel catching up on e-mail and planning the rest of my conference. Whew.
For anyone interested, the Days Inn, while not exactly luxurious, is a nice enough place. Friendly staff, clean rooms, and good location. Maybe user-reviews do skew negative or else the management took them to heart and cleaned up its act. Thanks to Mary Johnson who found the citation for the study on negative vs positive experiences. (It's in one of the comments in the last post.)
It is fun to see old friends in person. The best part of any conference as far as I am concerned. Never enough time, however, to just sit down and have a really good conversation it too often seems.
The Kindle has been a source of much interest. Glad I bought it and brought it. I am liking it - mostly.
During yesterday's keynote, Suriwiki (Wisdom of the Crowds) made me feel better about the sometimes contentious tech meetings we have at MPOW. To get full benefit of group decision-making, he argues, there needs to be some genuine head-butting. We do have that and we do make good decisions. (And I need to appreciate my contrarians on staff a bit more.) I also need to read his book.
I got a ribbon for my name badge that says "Trouble Maker." I'd like to think the ISTE staff ordered it specially for me. But everyone here seems to want one.
Heading back to the conference site where I hope not too many people swoon when they see me.
Reader Comments (10)
Doug...
I think it was the suit that made you stand out. Everyone else in jeans, shorts, sandals... you in that dark suit and tie! Running for office??
Yes... I agree that you should read (or at least listen to) The Wisdom of Crowds. I has informed my work in so many ways!
I hope to at least say hi in the next couple of days!
Andy
Hey Doug,
It wasn't me swooning over seeing you - but I have to admit I felt a little bit of good old fashioned Minnesota pride when I saw you introduced as an outgoing board member. I only hope we can someday have MN representation again! I have been watching for you at NECC - 'sure I'll run into you before too long. Leslie and I were Howling at the Moon last night - and we thought you should have been there!
@ Andy,
I hope to be able to visit with you as well.
Yeah, today I am running around in a sports shirt and slacks - no suitcoat or tie. I wasn't running for office, but I was doing workshops and participating as an ISTE official in an event yesterday. Personally, I think a person should at least LOOK like he knows what he is talking about ;-) Old school, I know.
But if it is the suit that makes me look like Brad Pitt, I may need to buy a few more.
All the best,
Doug
@ Thanks, Laurie. Hope to get a chance to howl at the moon at least once while in San Antonio with everyone.
Doug
Hi Doug,
I've been pleased to see you here among the huge crowds (reminds of of crossing the street in Sinchon, near the university in Seoul) --- it's nice to see someone you recognize.
When I left today I thought I heard Korean being spoken & turned around & there were 2 attendees from the Digital Media High School in Ansan, S. Korea! It is a small world.
Hey, Doug--
Well, I was skeptical the comment would impress your wife...I know how I'D react if my DH pointed out such a comment to me (I thought the seeing eye-dog bit was good...). Still, it WAS a thrill to meet you in person. And your post raised my Technorati authority to a whopping 4, so I'm a happy (Adobe) camper! : )
When I found out you were attending NECC, I cancelled my reservation for fear that I would spend the entire time unconscious. Seeing you walking down the hallway is just like seeing Gregory Peck in person. Which is really something, considering that he's dead.
Not really. I had to bow out due to a job change. I hope if you see new and exciting things about technology for instruction, you'll share them on your blog in your usual clever way.
@Doug
I read the "Wisdom of Crowds" back in the spring of the year. It's a great read you'll love it. I've been trying to find ways of utilizing it at the high school level with some decision making strategies. It is rather interesting work. All the best. Glad your presentations are going well. I couldn't make ISTE this year due to some funding issues but look forward to it next year.
All the best.
Charlie
@ Linda,
You should have hollered and said hello! I enjoy the "international" flavor of ISTE. Had several participants from Japan in my workshops too.
Hope you had a great NECC.
Doug
@ Jeri,
Thanks so much. Ah, if it only it were so easy to impress one's wife after she knows one so well...
Hope you had a great conference! So nice to see you in person as well.
Doug
@ Mary. It's hard not to get a big head.
I hear that the Interactive Television Directors have their annual conference in Nome, Alaska each January. Wait, why would you people ever need to go anywhere on an airplane?
If you need a good church (and who doesn't working in IT), my son-in-law is the pastor in Fargo. I'd put in a good word.
All the best,
Doug
@ Charlie,
I guess Suriwiki's book will be my next Kindle download!
Thanks for the recommendation. See you at NECC in DC next year.
Doug
While I wasn't able to observe Doug at NECC, I do know that meeting him in the past has been way more cool than meeting Sting and the members of Pink Floyd combined!
Hi John,
I suspect I am holding up at least as well as Keith Richards! But thanks...
When ya coming water skiing again?
Doug