In the past, technology conferences and user groups have been rare in South Carolina. However, there seems to be a rise in technology minded people. Not only an increase in smarter people, but an attitude of sharing and being open with ideas, software and technology. Of course, this is happening in different parts of the US and other countries, but its very refreshing to see this happening in a state that isn't known for being smart or progressive. This past October, in Charleston, there was Barcamp CHS which went really well. Discussing Barcamp, local blogger, Xarker, nailed the idea of change, saying,
"You don't undo an old habit. You have to create new habits, and to make them stick you have to reinforce those new patterns until the old ones silt over."
Lets keep this change going! Not only in Charleston, but all of South Carolina.
Geeksc.com recently requested a list of open-source user groups. I would like to encourage everyone to expand this list and also include conferences and software projects. Not only add to the list, but attend a conference or join a group and keep this upcoming 'New South Carolina' moving forward.
In Charleston, along with Barcamp and the
Linux Users Group, there is now a
Drupal users group and a
Ruby Users Group. There is a non-profit
co-working idea that provides co-working space and uses after hour workshops to share creative and technical ideas. Its a great concept, almost like a monthly barcamp.
In Columbia, I know of the open source conference
POSSCON. This is a great conference to learn about OSS. This year looks to be a very good one. I am attending and speaking at this conference. There are also user groups mentioned at
geeksc.com. Are there more?
In Myrtle Beach, there is a
Geek Out, a geek meetup that seems really cool. In addition, there is a conference called
Create South and it brings together creative types, both artistic and technical to network and share ideas. I will also be at this one, talking about Real-Time data in social media.
Spartanburg has the
South East Linux Fest and from what I hear its a wonderful conference. I hope to attend this year. There is the
Upstate Linux Users Group, but are there more? Please add these too!
I think communication and spreading information about these conferences and groups are key to making change in the creative and technical communities of South Carolina. POSSCON (April 15th - 17th) and CreateSouth (April 17th) are coming up!
