Here I go again & FOWA 1

I hope I manage to keep this blog up longer than my last (for which I think I managed about two posts).

I have been attending the Future of Web Apps Conference over the last couple of days - and despite this dragging me away from projects (and mountains of admin) I really ought to have my eye on - it has been well worth it. (And of course it had already been paid for so what can I do!)

If I think about what I have learned professionally, right now, that will be of use for my current role - the answer is not a lot.

Perhaps the only thing that would be connected to my resposibilities of managing web accessibility is a cool tool called Spinvox that allows you to convert voice into text. I have experience of text to voice software (web-based) such as Readspeaker and Browsealoud, and Jaws, which operates on the client's PC, but I the idea of switching this transaction around makes great sense for accessibility (the deaf could obviously see their messages) and I can think of a million reasons why you might want to speak something you need to record and have it spat out in text format (my uni days aren't so long ago I can't remember the endless search to find the best way of storing, foxing-up and somehow assimilating vast swathes of information).

I think what I have gained most personally is inspiration. I loved the stories and sheer brilliance of many of the speakers. I was disappointed there was only one female speaker (if I counted correctly). Maybe I can storm the stage next year or something.

What I found worst about the whole thing was my ineptitude at networking and my lack of any business cards. Funny how sometimes in these situations I feel I can barge right into any conversation - but there I was aware I was wading into a place where there are worlds within worlds within worlds - and I may not understand the language. The speeches were just at the right level for me to follow - But out at the feeding troughs I feared it would be different. Pity I hadn't had time beforehand to do my research on the speakers and attendees and hunt out those I found interesting.

I was disappointed by the way 'changing the world' was often proclaimed as a poor relation to 'self-interest' - but pleased how often changing the world came up nonetheless. Big contrast to the OATS (Open Source Assistive Technology) talk I attended a while ago. I am the first person to recognise the need for a solid, profitable business model - but can these guys really prove the most successful apps are built by people looking at the bottom line, rather than a bright new future for humanity? I dunno - this feeling must be balanced with the conclusion a few expounded - that you need to solve a real world problem to succeed. And ultimately with all the challenges humanity faces I hope - despite the hyperbole - some of these brilliant minds are already pondering how the explosion of the web can help heal, regenerate and better organise our fractured global village.

This is a bad time for my wireless mouse to run out of batteries. I'm gona write some more of my thoughts on FOWA if I get to it.

I met this guy there - and I spoke about this weird, aimless desire I have to write - and he asked me if I wanted to be read. And actually I do - but I am just as happy to keep this here - for me to remember my journey.