Paying It Forward

Once upon a time, a friend of mine told me to crank up the tunes in his living room. I wandered over to his desk, pressed the space bar on the keyboard and was presented with this utterly unfamiliar foot thing floating around the screen. After asking "Um, what the hell is this?," my buddy proceeded to tell me all about what Open Source software is, why people write it, why people use it, and why I could still play music files in this then foreign environment. Life was good. I also got the sense that this whole Open Source thing was for coders only. I didn't think much about it for a long time, other than being very excited that programmers were thinking about their work along ethical lines and viewing the tools they create as a form of speech. Such is the way the world is changed.

Seven years later, I was chatting with some folks at SIGCSE when a text message came through from this same friend. "Just heard you on the lottalinuxlinks podcast. Nice interview." Clearly, a lot can change in seven years. Thanks for the kind words Nathan, and thanks for that early lesson. I'm proud I could pay it forward.

I'm curious to know what folks think of the podcast, so let me know. I have a few more to promote Summer of Code coming up in the next few weeks, so all feedback appreciated.

And while we're at it, feedback on this video interview with Linux Magazin Online from FOSDEM also welcome. The video of my talk should be posted soon. Eh, why not give my official conference press interview a read, too.

Life is good.

Women Who Tech Telesummit Podcasts

The great team from Women Who Tech have released the audio for all the sessions as podcasts, including from my panel session on Women in Open Source. I highly recommend Women and Social Capital. Enjoy!

Expect an update on my adventures to Canadia this weekend.

LinuxWorld Podcast: me on Summer of Code

The ever gracious Don Marti recently did a podcast interview with me about Summer of Code. Have a listen, tell me what you think.

I also realize that in my rush to get some rest last night I didn't say a darn thing about having lunch with the awesome crew from the Free Software Foundation whilst in Boston, but I think that's OK. We had some great conversation that should be coming to fruition soon, and once those things happen I'll have more interesting things to say about the whole experience.

Mind you, it was quite interesting for me. And I loved the whole GNU family of stuffed toys on their counter. First meal I've ever actually enjoyed eating brown rice. A good time was had by all, or so I hope. 'Nuff said.

pcloadletter Episode 4: me on Google Summer of Code

Ben and Fitz interviewed me last week for pcloadletter. Check out the podcast (.mp3) and let me know what you think. I love audio recording. Video not as much.

I just finished composing my saga on LH in Boston, saved it as a draft, and came back to clean it up when I discovered it's gone. No mangled saved draft even. Just gone. Sometimes I hate certain blogging tools that shall remain nameless.

I'm going to take a nap. I'll try to rewrite the novel later tonight. If not, it can wait until I get to New Orleans.