I’m in Orlando now for RubyConf. When I am on a trip, I have apparently developed a habit of waking up after only a couple hours sleep and not being able to go back to bed. So, since I’m awake, I figured I’d write a blog post.

The creator of Ruby, Matz, gave a keynote this morning to open the conference. He talked about how love is the driving force behind Ruby. It’s his love of programming languages that drove him to design Ruby and the love of the Ruby community that has kept it going. Other Japanese speakers gave talks, too, and they were very passionate. It’s obvious that they care a great deal for what Ruby has become. It’s hard not to be touched by it.

Having been in the Ruby community for 3 years or so now, I’ve discovered some things about the kind of people who use Ruby. It seems like several of the people who are big names in the community are somewhat insecure. They need to be in the spotlight. Sometimes, they’re also assholes. There are very cool Ruby developers, too, but to be well-known, it seems like you have to be something of an ass.

I don’t know if that’s true of all open source communities, but I certainly feel that way sometimes about Ruby’s. Most of the people I meet at conferences are generally cool, so it’s not like everyone is a douche bag or something. I mean, it’s always fun being around lots of like-minded people. I do enjoy myself and learn a lot, but sometimes things just feel a bit off to me. Granted, most brilliant people tend to be a bit socially inept and eccentric, and there is definitely some of that going on in the Ruby community. Maybe that’s all it is.

The Japanese Ruby developers have impressed me a lot so far. Matz’s talk about love really was a breath of fresh air. They seem to be genuinely caring and affectionate towards the people who use Ruby. I appreciate that, a lot. Here in the states, there is definitely some douchebaggery now and again. It’s nice to see things from a new perspective.

My roommate at the hotel snores and tosses in his sleep.

Speaking of the hotel here, it kinda sucks. It’s in the middle of nowhere, and they charge ridiculous prices for small things. For example, I had Chinese for dinner last night and brought half of it back so I could eat it later. Except, this hotel has no microwaves. You can have one sent to your room… for $20 a night. I mean, what the hell is that. Also, the only fridge in the room is a minibar that’s already stuffed with crap that costs $3 if you breathe on it wrong. For $159 a night, I expect better than that.

The hotel’s internet has been one of its few redeeming qualities. It’s held up well, even with 500+ people using wireless access at once. But, there are very few power sources in the ballrooms where talks are being held, so everyone has to try to charge their laptops as much as they can in the lobby between sessions. Portland is definitely a way better place for a conference than Orlando.

Other than that, the talks have been generally very good so far.

Okay, I guess I better try to get some sleep. Ugh.