100th show is in the can
Posted in News on: Monday, October 22, 2007 by Paul Boag
Saturday night we recorded the 100th episode of Boagworld and an excellent evening it was too.
100 episodes of Boagworld. Its hard to believe. What started as a little side project has turned into a major part of my job. It demonstrates just how important time to ‘play’ is in this industry no matter how small your company. I really want to thank Marcus and Chris for their willingness to let me experiment with new stuff and I am glad to say that it has paid dividends in the case of the podcast, which is now one of our primary ways of attracting business.
However, although the business benefits of the show are encouraging they are nothing compared to the excitement I have felt watching a community grow up around Boagworld. I think what overwhelms me the most is not the size of the community (which in the grand scheme of things is tiny) but the quality of people who are involved. I have never participated in a community where there was so little flaming or bitching. Everybody I have ever met associated with the show have been helpful and encouraging.
Take for example the group that turned up to the recording of our 100th episode. For a start I was impressed they even came. With the combination of the rugby and the tube closures it was incredibly anybody was there. However, what was even more amazing was the lengths they went to…
- There was Yaniv who had travelled all the way from Belgium to be at the recording. Not only that but he had come bearing Belgium chocolates for everybody to share.
- There was Jamie Knight who suffers from a serious case of aspergers who braved London and the crowds to be with us.
- There was Jamie’s friend Alan who came along with him and entertained him all weekend.
- There was Anna, a sixth form student from Harfordshire who not only travelled down by herself but turned up with a 100th episode cake.
- There was Ryan and Paul who had both travelled down from Leeds for the evening and adopted, Anna making sure she was made to feel welcome.
I could go on but I am sure you get the idea. The sense of community was overwhelming and just so encouraging. Add to this the endless stream of emails I have been receiving as well as the great guys over in the forum and I certainly feel re-energised to continue with the show.
I see a lot written about the The Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory but that has certainly not been my experience of working with online communities. You guys have been a constant source of encouragement and I want to thank you for it.
24 Comments
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Did you mean *Alun* who was there with Jamie? As in Alun Rowe?
Sorry I couldn’t make it, Paul – I wanted to be there and had worked out travel plans but curveballs have a habit of coming when you least need them … as you found later that same evening!
Thank’s for hosting such a great event, i had a great time, and met loads of great people!
The only thing that was a *bit* of a downer, was the last orders bell being rung at 8:50, although there was a swift change of venues to ensure the night carried on well, and was only a small inconvenience compared to the rest of the night.
I can’t wait for the podcast to come out!
Not me Ian. I got held up on the way back from a trackday so couldn’t get there. I’m not sure my Wife & son would have appreciated me being out either!
I did get a mention though as Paul via Jamie told me to “p**s off then!” via a text :) I’ll forgive him though…
Thank again to you and Marcus for hosting the even. I have to say it’s the best web event I’ve been to so far and has left me feeling really motivated and inspired in my work and interests.
Thanks also to the people who attended, I spoke to some really great people who I hope stay in touch.
Can’t wait for the podcast and also to release the “videocast” as I recorded the whole thing. :-D
Sorry I missed it. We love you too man!
;)
I am pleased that everyone that went had a great time and Paul I hope you are still podcasting or even vidcasting in for the next 100 or so weeks.
New Meaning of podcasting
Podcasting – the more you talk the more people want!!
I feel so down and depressed that I missed but I can not wait until next week. Maybe we could have a trailer Marcus. I can picture it now. Could it be like a 90 seconds clip like the intro to Boagworld but with more speech.
Glad it was a great night and hope we can have more and more. Possible regional meetups. Like Paul set up the Google groups for web people in the South West. Just an idea.
Paul, why do we have to type I hate spam when I love the food!!!!!
Wish I could’ve come. The pic of the cake made my mouth water.
Paul – I think there is a mistake in blog entry but of course I could be wrong.
Harfordshire – Surly you mean Hertfordshire as I came from Stevenage in Hertfordshire before I moved some 6 and a bit years ago.
Anna is this true are you from Harfordshire or Hertfordshire?
Anna is this true are you from Harfordshire or Hertfordshire?
Either way hurricanes hardly ever happen… sorry, obscure reference.
How kind of you to let them come, Paul.
Can’t wait for the podcast!
Oh, and after chatting with Paul’s lovely wife, i’d like to start a motion to have her as a regular guest on the podcast, even if it’s simply to heckle Paul more :D
I had a great time. It was good to see that not a single one of you was one of those internet nutters you hear about.
Looking forward to the next meetup.
Adam
Anna is this true are you from Harfordshire or Hertfordshire?
Either way hurricanes hardly ever happen… sorry, obscure reference.
Yes I remember the 1987 storm very well. I just started primary school at the time and the fence between my old house and the neighbours was blown down. It is one of my first early memories.
Paul – I hate spam but I don’t. It’s lovely to eat you should go down to your local shop and buy some!!!!!! OK who’s been drinking ;-D
hiya paul,
I loved the event, it was one of the most interesting things i have ever done! much thanks to alan for enabling me to go with the offer of somewhere to stay and help navigating the tube!
Also, thanks to Alun Rowe for getting me involved and the confidence to enter the community :)
thanks for putting on such a great event, so inspiring, so fun…
^licks^
Jamie & Lion
after chatting with Paul’s lovely wife, i’d like to start a motion to have her as a regular guest on the podcast
I agree, but said she never listens to them! Well, I guess it’s true that behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.
I live in Hertfordshire – Close enough ;)
Hartfordshire and Hertfordshire are actually pronounced the same anyway as “heartford” (/ˈhɑːt.fɜˑd/ in IPA). The only in New York (or is it Connecticut?) is spelt as Hartford IIRC.
Anyway, if you wonder who I was in the above, I was the Alan who accompanied Jamie.
Hi Paul & Marcus,
really enjoyed the evening, despite constant reminders that I was probably the oldest person there …. ;-)
I bet you’ll cut that question on Project Management!
Q: Who won the FA Cup in 1927?
A: Cardiff City – only non English team to win it.
Can’t wait for the next meet-up!
Cheers,
Mark :)
Hi Paul & Marcus,
really enjoyed the evening, despite constant reminders that I was probably the oldest person there …. ;-)
I bet you’ll cut that question on Project Management!
Q: Who won the FA Cup in 1927?
A: Cardiff City – only non English team to win it.
Can’t wait for the next meet-up!
Cheers,
Mark :)
Thanks for the podcast, keep up the good work. I can’t wait to hear the 100th episode. I’m now regretting not making the effort to go.
I have aspergers as well but only mildly. I am glad that Jamie could make it and got a mension on the ‘cast. :-)
I know that having AS is different for everyone.
I don’t know how Jamie copes with it but well done to him!
Sounds like it was great, sorry we didn’t make it down – though we were in London this week for London Games Festival, we couldnt get down from Carlisle for the Saturday evening as there were no cheap train tickets!
Congratulations on the 100th episode; hope we can attend the next Boagworld meet up.
Congrats guys – next time you’ll have to fly me across the pond to join you! Headscape can front that, right? :)
Kicking myself that I missed this, and I’ll throw my toys out the pram if I find it was held near where I work – nr Tower Bridge, London.
Fun show although hard to hear the questions at times.