Slide Deck from Philly Code Camp

This past week-end I attended the Philly Code Camp. Code Camps are a nice concept: they are a free (well, sponsors pick up the tab) opportunity to meet with fellow .NET developers, DBAs, etc, attend classes given by volunteers. Come to think of it as free training and networking made possible by geek enthusiasts.

I had a chance to present on the topic of Developing Web Applications with ASP.NET and Web Standards. If I’m not mistaken this was the fist time this topic was presented to a Microsoft-oriented audience (correct me if I’m wrong) in a classroom setting. I’m very excited about it! Later this year Scott Watermasysk will be presenting on Developing Accessible and Standards Compliant Sites with ASP.NET 2.0 at ASP.NET Connections.

For my “slide deck” I chose Eric Meyer’s S5 as it fit the subject perfectly. Many thanks to those who contributed to its development. It felt good to give an avant garde talk with an avant garde slide show system. By the way, I think TopDesk is much better for presentations than Alt-Tab.

What’s really great about .NET crowds in general is this subliminal unity. I’ve never seen religious fights over which SDK or session beans container to use (hint, hint). Not that everyone has the same configuration of grey matter; they just get along much better. There’s more synergy (pardon the marketing slur).

Although Code Camps are brought to you by and for people who work with Microsoft technologies, I can’t think of a reason why other confessions can’t host similar code camps.

Anyway, if you haven’t had a chance to attend, my presentation is online. I’ve updated it to include direct links to the Microsoft.com home page redesign exercise.

Having spent 5 years working in the Java community, I think I've earnt the right to concur. I'm not trying to start a flame here but it was my experience that modest Java developers were a rarity. I was forever dealing with arrogant types who were always very opinionated and reluctant to try things other ways.

Fast-forward several through years of .NET experience and I can say that - without doubt - I love the MS world. Despite the crap that devs dole out - often unfairly - to MS, they do a wonderful job of making life easier for us. And the community has been much more friendly and open-minded. *sniff* I love you guys *sob*

Incidentally, love S5 - that's so cool. I can't comment on your code camps because I'm in Australia. I'm sure I would've loved it, though.

I hit the Philly Code Camp, but couldn't stay past the afternoon. Anyway, I agree that MS is really on to something this time - Stan and crew did an A+ job of getting heavyweight presenters as well as mixing current + new technology content. Past free Microsoft events tended to cater to the masses, eg the casual (but volume-license-purchasing) developer.