WordCamp Victoria

As you can see, I do not use WordPress - yet! It is pretty freakin' cool though so it might be worth switching when I have a minute or two. However, I have clients that use WordPress for their sites so I have had to become an expert in this fabulous content management system in order to help them develop their sites to their full potential. 
My self-imposed continuing education meant attending WordCamp Victoria today - an intense, two-stream, all day WP class. Hosted by Paul Holmes, President of IdeaZone.ca, who decided that Victoria needed a WordCamp after attending one in Surrey, BC. As the story goes, I guess he thought twenty people may show up so when nearly a hundred of us signed up, he was a bit surprised!  
All the attendees left with the same impression - when are we doing this again! With internationally recognized and insanely knowledgeable speakers such as Tris Hussey, Funeral Futurist (not kidding here!) Robin Heppell, and Dr. Raul Pacheco-Vega, it was destined to be a hit. 
A few things I learned:
1). Never stop learning or asking questions. This is kind my life philosophy anyways but it was evident in the room that due to the incredible evolution of social media and CMS  technology, even the experts don't know all the answers. Keep learning! Always ask questions and always stay open to new things and new opportunities! 
2.) Give back! One of the things that may have changed in the last couple of years is people commenting on each others blogs versus commenting on Facebook, Tweets, etc. Commenting and back linking is one of best way to give back or pay it forward, depending on whether your glass is half full or not. 
3). Social media is about people! Everyone has something to teach and a room full of knowledge is better then one person beating their head against a dim computer screen. All day questions came up that presenters could not answer yet often someone in the room would have a solution. Brilliant way to problem solve!
4). Read books! Books often give you an insider's knowledge to technology that is not found, or at least better explained, then on the net. Read books! Books are your friends. Try Tris Hussey's Create your Own Blog: 6 Easy Steps to Start Blogging Like a Pro on for size or Create your Own Photo Blog by Catherine Jamieson if you are a creative sort. 
Paul is planning more WordCamp Victoria sessions for 2010. Keep an eye out for dates and make sure you attend the next one to learn, to grow, and to share your knowledge!