Russ Allbery writes ("Re: "Breaking Cliques at Events""):
> I really enjoy Debconf when I make it there, and loved Montreal, but I
> still had to spend a lot of the conference hiding, and I was totally
> exhausted when I got back. Wouldn't have missed it, but for me there's a
> high energy cost for interacting with people I don't know well and trying
> to juggle social signals.
I am like this too. (I have found that I have got better at it with
practice, but it's still very hard work.)
But I think a big point of going to a conference is precisely to
promote "fellow feeling" etc. - all that soft squishy stuff which is
such hard work. That includes both catching up with old friends but
also welcoming new contributors. So I try to put in the effort.
And when it gets too much, I also go and hide.
Or I might go and hang out with people I know better. But I think an
interesting point is that if a group want to go and do that, it would
be nicer to do it in a less public space. That way the public space
may feel a bit emptier, but much less cliquey.
And yes, I am generally exhausted afterwards. I think it's worth it
though.
Ian.
