Comments on: Web 2.0 Ireland – The story so far

By: Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:54:26 +0000

Anton, the point is that this isn’t new and it’s something that has been building up. It’s as if a trip to the Valley has spurned something fantastic and new in Irish networking. What it has done, it demonstrate to those who went, what others already knew and do today.

By: Anton

Anton — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:46:44 +0000

I agree absolutely! But it isn’t intended to replace anything or take over from anything. I feel I’ve explained the position regarding the web2ireland event.
If I (or we, no matter how big a network I consulted) were to organise everything first and then tell everyone, how much input would there be really. The idea is that people in those networks spread the word.
I made a point of meeting guys who run meetups in the SV area and the largest and longest running started with the personal connections of the guys themselves. I am willing to do the legwork to make what people want happen. It had to have some starting point. The idea is start it and let it become what people want it to be. Sort of in the mould of Loic le Meurs principals for starting internet business. A truly web 2.0 event.

By: Conor O'Neill

Conor O'Neill — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 08:34:39 +0000

Hi Anton,

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate your thoughts.

The core issue is that TechLudd is supposed to be about networking but (outside of the PV crew) little seems to have been done.

The only experience I have of running regular events is OpenCoffee and it’s hard work keeping people engaged. The way it works for us is to constantly reach out to the community and other networks (like it@cork, SohoSolo, CorkBIC etc) rather than expecting them to find us.

Whilst I take Marcuses comment that lots of people were talking and you were the only one to “do”, I think more talk to a wider group could have got TechLudd off to a much better start.

By: Anton

Anton — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:01:55 +0000

Don’t worry lads. To be honest I don’t take offence at just about anything.
My intention is totally to attend/support all of the events mentioned above, I can.
I found while on PV from talking to people that there was enthusiasm for something that was slightly different than what was available. So thinking there was nothing else going on in January I suggested we do something to keep up the momentum. Most people thought this was a good idea.
I was contacted by Fergus and wrote back explaining what the idea was. If I’d been asked, or it had been suggested at that stage that I not run the event or hold it til after the web2ireland event I would have, happily.
I really do think that the point has been missed hugely here. I don’t want anyone to abandon or not support anything. Quite the opposite.
It’s an Event. The idea is to start a regular event designed by the community. This unfortunately had to have some starting point. This was taken from thoughts of the people I spoke to up to that point. I am fully aware it wasn’t perfect but how could it be? Within 2 days though it has a webdesigner etc. and a ream of suggestions for a new name. And a totally new agenda has been suggested too. How brilliant is that?
I hope that those who are getting involved now, such as Eoghan and Sabrina, can forge it into something better for everybody.

I for one recognise absoutely and really appreciate the unbelievable work done by the web2ireland guys and I will definately be working hard to supbportthe web2ireland event in any way I can whenever it’s announced, as well as all the other events, and I would call on everyone else to do the same.

By: Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 17:02:00 +0000

“I hope my abrasivness is not seen as an attack on Anton as his enthusiasm is refreshing.”

Don’t be like most by holding back. Don’t be afraid to say what you think.

By: Conor O'Neill

Conor O'Neill — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:44:29 +0000

I hope my abrasivness is not seen as an attack on Anton as his enthusiasm is refreshing.

There is huge value to be gained from the experiences of everyone who went on PV. Some sort of event would be fantastic to see but it will have far more impact and value if it leverages the existing networks rather than trying to build a new one.

I also don’t just mean Web2Ireland. How about all the OpenCoffees have a special PV session with talks, Q&A, photos, video clips etc? Damien in Cork, Anton/Jan etc in Limerick, Joe/Eoghan etc in Dublin. Helene in Waterford. Any Galwegians?

By: James Corbett

James Corbett — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:28:40 +0000

Aye, 100%. My knee-jerk reaction was to defend Antoin, whom I’ve met at Limerick OpenCoffee a few times, because I was delighted to see the Paddy’s Valley trippers infected with entrepreneurial enthusiasm and eager to keep the ball rolling. And I know that Antoin is a great guy. However, with cold analysis I have to admit that yourself, Paul and Fergus are on the money.