I'm an introvert. In some situations I'm so introvert that I'm close to the border of light autism. I hate smalltalk, or better put, I feel uncomfortable having to smalltalk. I also hate to "stalk" people I would have liked to talk to, to interrupt other people when they are talking together, and so on. I like to observe and think. So why to I go to WordCamps?

For me, attending a WordCamp, is mostly about the feeling of being part of something huge, widespread and international, the greatest and most important web application ever created.

My first WordCamp was WordCamp San Francisco in 2011. No less. In my career I have been to some conferences and a few conventions. I have also been to big festivals and mega concerts, with thousands of people. But that WordCamp was the most inspiring event I had ever attended. A thousand people from all over the globe, coming together for sharing something about a common interest and passion! What a wonderful world we live in!

I talked to Microsoft about running WordPress on Windows servers, I met I guy out smoking a cigarette illegally, talking about the terror and massacre that happened in Norway just a few weeks before, I actually talked to Nacin, the guru, after he spoke, and had some conversations with other attendees on MUNI/BART back to hotel, and over a beer after hours. None of them will remember me.

Most of all, it was the atmosphere, the sessions, the community feeling, sitting in the audience while listening and watching. Experiencing the sharing of knowledge and inspiration.

But what happened afterwards, back home, is that I "quit" my job (I wasn't really employed, working self employed) making Windows Order systems and such, and very proprietary web applications for very special purposes. I decided to try make a living out of knowing WordPress and develop around it. And I did. It hadn't happened if not for my unplanned, or very shortly planned, trip to SF/US. I didn't even have a ticket. I just showed up early.

I have no desire to make friends, getting introduced, show off my skills or wisdom, getting a name out there. But I like to share knowledge about any subject. I like it when people dedicate their time to hear my out a bit, because, just may be, I can inspire them, just like I get inspired by others who share their knowledge and inspirations.

So I won't skip a session just to "hang out" or try to get in contact with people. I even wouldn't interrupt the applause after a session. I don't care about "you", who I don't know. I care about the "us".

I'm usually just annoyed by extroverts, those always being the vocal minority. Please don't find me and making me get introduced to someone. But if you want my views, wanting me to share experiences on any matter or subject, feel free to talk to me and don't go away at the first excuse, just to "circle" around and meet as many as possible. I'm usually a bit boring and shy the first 5 minutes, but never longer, and I'll buy the first beer.

Happy Wordcamp. Happy WordCamp Europe in September!