First day of the ALT.NET conference. I read the mantra for Open Spaces but didn't quite take it seriously: Whoever shows up is the right group. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have. Whenever it starts is the right time. When it's over, it's over.

Sounds pretty zen, especially for Texas. In any case, it looks like it will make for an interesting conference. And I'll be trying out these rules the next time I get in trouble from the missus.

We started off with introductions and a little round table thingy where it became clear that I have a different definition of "alternative" than others do. I thought "alternative" implied the use of unconventional ideas or a choice between two or more options. Seems there are a few people who took it to mean "something better than what Microsoft feeds us". Hope that doesn't become a prevalent theme because I'm more interested in getting tools for my arsenal than discussing what's wrong with any particular technology.

We did manage to nail down some topics for discussion for the remaining two days. Here is my agenda for tomorrow:

9:30 - 11:00 -   Where is Justice Gray and why isn't he here?

11:00 - 12:30 -  Who is Justice Gray really?

1:30 - 3:00 -  Agile development as it pertains to Justice Gray's hair

3:00 - 4:30 -  How can we make Justice Gray a better developer in six months?

But despite at least one glaring omission, I've already met a lot of great people and I'm looking forward to continuing the trend tomorrow. And if I happen to learn something in the process, well, it'll still have been a successful trip.

Kyle the Anticipatory