TL;DR: Went to RubyConf in Chicago; had a wonderful time; met "online" friends; met new people; found new work.
The Ruby community is very welcoming and friendly. I'd forgotten a main Ruby meme: "Matz is nice, so we are nice." (Matz is the Ruby founder and benevolent dictator).
I could walk up to any group, seated or standing, and ask "May I join you?" and be welcomed. The custom is to say your name and hold up your credential (to show written name); others do the same.
The response I'd often get is "You're a core committer!" (Core committers maintain and extend Ruby; we are about 75 worldwide, and were 15 of the 600 conference attendees.)
People wanted to know what I do (I revise and extend Ruby documentation), and generally thanked me for my work (everyone wants to write code, not many want to write documentation).
I had some come to me and say "I wanted to meet you," including some of the major players. This happened more often as the conference went on, which may mean that word was spreading among the cognoscenti that I was there. Also, daily red shirt and black tie (as also seen on this site) made me easy to find.
I met some of the people who have spent countless hours reviewing what I write (and gently pointing out my worst blunders). Also made a point to meet Matz (would not be allowed to return home otherwise), and several committers whose work I may be able to help with.
The attendees were from everywhere: North America, Japan, Brazil, Poland, Bosnia, Kenya, and more.
I myself took only one picture (many others will be available later):
Travel was easy, room was comfortable. Only gained 4 pounds (major victory!).
Will go next year!
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