Human Touch

I’m not sure what the final numbers are, but a whole mess of people got together this weekend just to hang out in a basement in Milwaukee.

photo by phil campbell

They came from California, Arizona, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and even England. They flew to one of the coldest places in the USA just to hang out. All it took was a suggestion, an offer of space (Tracy’s house!) and the determination of a date. The rest just fell into place.

Most of them had never even heard of one another eighteen months ago. Almost all met through Seesmic. I didn’t go, and I’m kicking myself for not making it work. Nothing beats face to face. I was able to contribute to this video put together by Nicole, and as awesome as it is, it’s not quite the same as being there.

Over the last 14 years I’ve met and gotten to know hundreds (yes hundreds) of people online, and I’ve met dozens in person. But I have a lot of friends, good friends who know me better than anyone I know in person, friends I’ve had for years, who I have yet to meet in real life. I hope that changes in the near future. Human touch makes a difference.

http://www.brianpolensky.com Brian Polensky

Nice Annie! I feel the same way and yes, kicking myself as well!
http://usermac.posterous.com Brian

Yes, yes, I agree! The seesmic beta period was like the woodstock of the internet.
http://www.fridaynightdanceparty.com Jeffhinz
http://RickWolff.com Rick Wolff

This whole thing is astonishing to me. I don’t know a single person who would fly across the country to spend a weekend at my place, to see me, not just to save money on crash space. These people don’t know how lucky they are. How this is possible on Seesmic just baffles me.
http://theambershow.net amber of TheAmberShow

that’s me in the photo, all the way to the right, squished up next to my husband.

There were moments in the weekend when we would all just kind of stop and look at each other and say, “I love you guys!” and hug each other. It was very Woodstock-ish! The weekend was amazing.

It’s called Angry Camp, btw, because in Montreal I felt sort of left out; I’d never been to podcamp before, and all of these people were so into the internet and stuff but I really wasn’t. I like to throw parties, though, so while everyone was in sessions, I rearranged my hotel suite (room 1405, which will live in infamy) and made some snacks. I kind of thought everyone would think it was lame that this new girl was throwing a party when all anyone wanted to do was hang out with their laptops, but everyone came, and we ended up having an AMAZING time. I can’t tell you everything that happened there (what happens at Angry Camp…) but after that we were about as bonded as it gets. During the party Tracy said we should just get together for a Camp, so we could have fun, but no conference. I think we thought of a name like “Drinking Camp” or something, and then we said we would need sponsorships. “It needs to have more drama, then” Tracy said. “We should call it Angry Camp! Then people will sponsor it! We can have it in my basement!”

Something happened, though; we decided we couldn’t wait until January, which is why we hosted one in New York.

You always inspire the longest comments from me!
http://blog.filmosity.com Chris Cavs

We are the hippies of a new generation!

I agree, everytime I meet up with my friends, i have an amazing time. Everyone was friendly, hugs were given out like candy, and fun was had by all.

The AngryCamp World Tour has begun!
http://krissi.me Krissi

I’m right in the center, the very back of the photo, with my laptop in front of me. Human touch made the difference and I’m glad all of us were able to step outside our own “personal spaces” to let others in. I have a family for life.

Human Touch

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