While my compatriots are up at OSCON, I'm at Always On this week on a blogger pass. Quite a busy week with the launch of Socialtext Open. The response has been great. 500 downloads in the first 24 hours, giving me new metrics and stakeholders to pay attention to. Quite frankly, I'm still trying to figure out how much my job is going to change as a result. Thanks to those who helped spread the word, and welcome to our new members of the community at large.
There hasn't been that much new in the content at AO. But then again, Tony knows how to throw a party, the usual suspects are in town and the hallway conversations are what it is all about. The best panel was on creating contagious behavior with Bob Sutton, Diego Rodriguez, Mitchell Baker, Gil Penchina and Perry Klebahn. I'll point to the video archive when they put it up, but the over-arching pattern was my favorite -- share control to foster value. UPDATE: Bob Sutton recaps.
One funny thing is the projected backchannel has gotten out of hand with inappropriate comments, Jesus and porn promotion. The problem is both tool and practice. Anyone can pick and change their identity without registration, and there is no moderation. It would be a shame if this recurring channel faded into the background.
The other funny thing, to be a critic, was the fusion of a Mai Tai party at Trader Vic's with free Audi test drives. Generally these two things don't go well together, but I think all the cars were accounted for.
