Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

In the last year.

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

The first Ignite NM happened 1 year ago today.  I started working on it in Feburary 2009, and I called on everyone I knew, and they called everyone they knew just to get enough people to present.  It was a modest crowd, but a fun event.  We just held our 6th event yesterday, great turn out both in audience and speakers.  I’m so happy with how many people have enjoyed Ignite and have been a part of it in the last year.

A year ago I didnt know many people in the area, especially geeks.  So, I set out to be a part of the New Mexico web community.  I didnt know if it existed, and I didnt know if I could join.  It turns out that it did exist, kinda.  It was fledgling, and in many ways still is, but I think it better today then it was a year ago.  There are definite signs of progress. More people are getting involved and that’s encouraging.

This started just as a thank you post talking about the ways I’ve grown in the last year, and become a part of something in New Mexico.  But I want to say for anyone that is on the fence, if you are unsure about reaching out, Do It!  I’ve put a fair amount of time into Ignite and other local projects in the last year, the rewards are amazing. And most times it’s all in the people you meet. For the time that you invest, you’ll see good returns.  Not ready to start your own thing, volunteer to help with an existing event.  Find something you think you could help with and bring that idea to the organizers, 9 times out of 10 they will invite you in with open arms.  Want to start something?  Talk to existing groups, get their perspective and most likely also their help in promoting it.  But find a way to get involved, trust me it is well worth it.

So overall, it has been a great year.  and I’m looking forward to see what the next year will bring.  And thanks to everyone that’s been a part of the last year!

Posted in Community, New Mexico | 12 Comments »

NMTechCal.com – Concept.

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010


The idea is for a central location to look for information about upcoming tech/web/design events in New Mexico (start with Santa Fe and ABQ).

  • Shared google calendar with event organizers. we all have access to enter our own info. (built in iCal feeds etc.)
  • Blog which we highlight new, and upcoming events. This is authored by event organizers, and other contributors.
  • That’s it. It think simplicity is key. But even this small step would be a big help.

If you know a group that would like to post their info, or if you would like to help by contributing to the blog, email me: mick@davidmichaelthompson.com

Posted in Community, New Mexico, Notes, projects | 11 Comments »

Calling all of New Mexico’s Tech Community

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

About a year and half ago I traveled to Boulder, Co for the first time.  What I found there was a vibrant web developemnt / design community.  Here is what I mean by that.

Tech Community

In Boulder: At least a couple of events (great then 50 people) a week.  It isnt all the same people at all the events, although at the major ones you can expect the regulars, but in general a good diversity and networking / learning opportunity.  Some of these events are fun geek nights out (Ignite) some have a bit more structure in content (Boulder New Tech Meetup, generally has some demos / presentation about companies and products), some are just user groups exchanging knowledge.

Along with all these events comes many organizers.  These are people that want to give back to the community, want to see it grow, and want to be a part of it.  In Boulder I have seen many people reach out to be a part of this, and I’m starting to see more of that here in New Mexico (read as: a very good thing).

In The Land of Enchantment

Over the last year I think we have seen a good increase in geeky events in New Mexico.  NMTC, Barcamp, Webuquerque, IgniteNM, AIGA, SynerQue, ABQ Web Geeks, Several User Groups(ruby, python?), as well as others I’m sure.  One thing that I think we lack a bit, is cohesion.  Just last night I heard about 2 events that I would have been interested in attending, however I didnt hear about them in time to attend.  Part of this is trying to keep up with multiple groups and just getting lazy about doing so.  Some of it is not knowing about new groups that are just getting started.

The Solution?

There is a question mark, because this is still very open for discussion.

The first step that I’m going to take (and hopefully getting some others involved too) is to start a calendar of all NM Tech Events.  This will be administered by all the group organizers.  Have a group or are you planning an event? Contact me (mick@davidmichaelthompson.com) and I’ll set you up with access to the calendar.  This is based on a shared google calendar, and a website to display the events, and highlight some.

Step 2. Blog covering upcoming events, highlight recaps of past events, and discuss new or current groups.  I’m willing to do some of the writing, but I really want this to be a group effort (i.e. I’m looking for a bunch of other contributors)  This will all at nmtechal.com If you are interested in contributing in any way, let me know.  I want to run this very open to the community at large, everyone welcome!

Step 3. Talking with Chad Kieffer, he has the idea for a event where we actually all pull out our laptops and work on some code.  Very hands on.  I’m thinking about a “Web Project Night” at the Santa Fe Complex.  It would meet 1-2 times a month, we’d decide on some sort of small project, and try to use new tools to accomplish the goal.  Getting to work with others, build something, and try out some new things along the way.

That’s it from me.  Grow community, Grow!

Posted in Community, New Mexico, Notes, projects, thoughts about the web | 8 Comments »