Blackmans on the Web (log)

I had a unique opportunity to attend WordCamp Dallas 2008 this weekend. The two day event took place in Frisco in our City Council Chambers (a first for that facility). Highlights included having Matt Mullenweg there to talk about WordPress 2.5 – which was launched about 5 minutes into his presentation. Matt is the founding developer of WordPress and it was great to have him in Frisco. John Pozadzides, Frisco resident and blogger extraordinaire, had a great presentation on 45 Ways to Power your Blog.

Cali Lewis and her husband Neal Campbell were also there to talk about how they made the move from “day jobs” to making a living as video podcasters. Cali and Neil are about to embark on a year long endeavor to videocast around the country as they visit all 50 states in their soon to be purchased RV (and no, they aren’t driving it to Hawaii. That will be a last stop “vacation” via jet.) Sounds like fun.

Charles Stricklin (primary organizer of WordCamp Dallas) was nice enough to introduce me to Cali. I talked her into signing my Newton Messagepad. Of course, Cali was probably still in High School when the Newton came out, so (rightly so) I’m not sure she totally knew what it was. But it was still nice to have her sign it. UPDATE: I stand corrected! Cali’s comment confirms that she did know what it was! I should have known better. Matt Mullenweg signed it too.

So, all in all, great event. WordPress is new to me, but I’m really impressed with the community that has formed around it’s development. The participants in this weeks WordCamp were very enthusiastic and active participants in all of the presentations.

UPDATE: Couple updates related to yesterday. Cali has put up Episode 337 of GeekBrief talking to John P about Woopra. Mark Hopkins has most of the WordCamp Dallas presentations available to view at Mashable.com

[autoviewer=13,500,500,*Click to see the WordCamp Photo Gallery*]