CrashTestChix

So you’re going to Lotusphere. You may have had to beg, borrow or pay the devil to get there this year due to the economy.  Maybe you’re a speaker, a vendor, an IBMer, a return Lotusphere attendee.  Whatever your role, you’re going back to the sunny spot in Florida for what has become in many ways a big family reunion.

What are you hoping to see and hear?  Is there any session you are hoping to attend? What’s your favorite party?  Where’s your favorite hangout when you’ve hit that period of the day when you’ve brain is fried and all you want to do is unplug and have a cold beverage with some new friends?

For me, this will be an entirely new Lotusphere experience, despite the fact that this will be my 12^th Lotusphere.  I’m going to be a speaker for the first time (may the speaker gods be at my side) and I’m going to be meeting in person many of the folks I’ve come to count as friends via Twitter and Skype over the past year.  I’m sure there are not going to be enough hours in the day.  I’m also proud to have been invited to participate in the Nerd Girl discussion panel.  So it’s a year of firsts in so many ways.

And then there’s Lotusphere Spotto!  I’m not sure what to say about all that, but if you do find me, please introduce yourself.  I’ll be sure to chat you up about our upcoming Sametime user’s guide that will be published later this year.  And I may have some really cool buttons to give away!

So remember to pack your walking shoes, your various gadget chargers, and be prepared for a great week! See you there!

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope that you’re going to to be attending Lotusphere in a few weeks!

In July 2009, I posted an article titled:  “These Boots are made for…Admin Boot Camp.”  It suggested a track targeting administators at Lotusphere 2010.  Well, as it turns out, people really do read this stuff, including Kristin Keene (Lotusphere Goddess) and Bob Balaban.   They approached several individuals about including their sessions to be featured in a new program at Lotusphere this year – ADMIN BOOT CAMP!!!

Hi my name is Marie, and I've had a Lotusphere anxiety attack.  Well, truth be told I've had several of them.

For the first year in a long time, it may not be a given that I will be able to attend Lotusphere.  Now for those of you who have only attended one or two Lotuspheres this may seem rather silly.  Having an anxiety attack? Come on now.  But given that Lotusphere 2010 would be my twelveth Lotusphere, it truly has become an annual event.  My year would not be complete without the "family reunion" in Orlando.  As the Virginia State government budget is in crisis right now, all travel expenditures are being reviewed. My fingers are crossed that my trip will be approved.

Secondly, for the first time I am working on some abstracts to submit as a speaker.  While I have fantastic possible co-speakers, I'm still so, so nervous about being on the other side of the stage if accepted.  It sounds like there is a lot of great material going to be submitted this year, so we should have the best Lotusphere yet!

Thirdly, Lotusphere registration is later than usual.  And don't we all like to have our registration in hand by now?  Some of you may not remember those years when you had to be poised the ready on the first day because registration filled up.  Again...why should I be nervous?  I just am!!!

In sum, in case you can't tell -- I am looking forward to Lotusphere this year, probably more so than any other year.  As a new blogger, I can't wait to meet all the folks I've met through my blog and through Twitter.  And I'm also anticipating all the great content we have to look forward to with 8.5.1 and beyond!

January 17, 2010 here we come! :-)

There has been a lot of speculation and commentary as to why Domino shops have not been maintained properly, or not upgraded in a timely manner, or been moved to systems like Google.  One notable item for me has been the references to "poorly' run Domino systems. 

I have to ask why?  Is Domino administration that complex? Are Domino administrators moving on to other fields? Are companies and organizations not dedicating staff and training resources to Domino systems?  Perhaps all of the above?  How can we as a community help "fix" or address this? 

I would suggest that an Admin Boot Camp session is held at Lotusphere 2010.  Consider a four hour session held on Sunday for those who are just starting as Domino administrators or for those who want to brush up on their skills.  The session could include all subjects including the very basics - configuration, maintenance, security, best practices, etc.  Yes, a lot of this material is covered in individual sessions during the week, but why not give admins a session of their own to really kick arse and dust off their skill sets.  And perhaps come away with a certificate of some sort?

I can think of several presenters with just the right "boots" to do this! ;-)