I wanted to angle this post a little different because I have some feelings about HostingCon which I am having trouble understanding. I am not talking about the event itself, but the relationships built over a couple of days with, for the most part, complete strangers. I am curious if you all have the same types of feelings? Read on and let me know.
I am challenged to put some of the feelings I am having into words. Quite honestly, I expected some things from HostingCon and received something much different and rewarding. I feel “foggy” about the experience; I didn’t want the experience to end.
What I expected from HostingCon was simply to hear some valuable keynotes, sessions, and see how others were doing business. My expectations were clearly met. However, the most rewarding thing about the conference was the “Hosting Bond” formed with many of you!
I have always tried to be, as Microsoft termed their representatives, a “Hosting Evangelist.” I really believe in this business. I think after all the hours you sink into hosting, the monster becomes almost like your child (including the diapers). You are a Hosting Dad (or MOM). What completely blew me away and was probably the most rewarding thing about this convention was the fact others seemed to have this parent-like intensity.
People who do and love the same things tend to be really good friends. I suspect that is why our bonds as friends were formed so quickly and strong. When I was in the Navy and would go to sea (Got some good submarine stories we post later), I watched guys reunited with their wives and kids after a long deployment. The emotion at this time was quite joyful. However, a few months later you would return to the sea and I watched the emotion level be just the opposite.
Although a little different, the emotion of this conference was similar to the sea analogy I discussed above. When I first got to HostingCon, I was just another guy with a freshly printed business card. Over the course of a few hours, I had some new business friends. As the hours ticket away, I actually felt like I had known some of you for years. At the GNAX Party (WOW), I began to feel like we were all “Brothers in Hosting.” We are family.
As the night rolled on, we arrived back at the Hotel and started saying our goodbyes. I bet you I said goodbye to the Solidhost and Rochen guys ten times. I didn’t want to say bye. That is when the conference went foggy (no it was not alcohol related). I felt the emotion I did back when I was in the Navy and would go to sea. The shocking thing and one of the reasons I believe this has had such an emotion effect is because we did this over a three day period. I jumped a plane, made some contacts, some friends, discovered “Family” I never knew I had, and then left wondering if I would see or even talk to these “strangers” again.
Sorry this post is so long. I am guessing some felt different about the conference. I also suspect some of you my have had the similar emotions. I believe it’s important to understand emotions. We all have altering events in our life. I know that the emotion of this event and the bonds made will impact us all in the near future.
The purpose of this post was three fold. First, I made a good attempt at explain my emotion because you should always understand emotions that have an impact. Second, I am hoping you all will respond with your thoughts (other than Jake is a quack!). Finally, most importantly, I hope we all keep in touch. The relationships we form on the boards are business-like. I believe what was formed this week was a family.
What do you all think?
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