If I was going to pick a highlight of my job¹, it would have to be organising
meet-ups. It is not that the process of organising them is particularly
easy, but the results are always worth the headaches. The London Real-time
Summer Party was no exception. In fact, it was probably the best official
meet-up so far, if I do say so myself.

I have to say that my enthusiasm on Saturday morning was strangely
lacking, the bed was warm and soft and the day was cold and grey. It took
my brother to come in and play some of the ruffest jungle I have heard
through two of his sound system speakers to get me up. I challenge any one
to sleep through a bass-line that makes the house feel like it is being
repeatedly hit by earth tremors. Foolishly, I had left all the prizes for
the pub quiz in the office the previous night. Even more foolishly, I had
left the pub quiz itself and my security tag. It took 10 minutes of lower
lip wobbling at BBC Security to let me into my office but the Duty Officer
turned out to be a pub quiz fanatic, which was fortunate.

Turning onto Regents Street to walk up to All Souls, Langham Place all
the familiar worries kick in. Would any one turn up? Would it just be
Italics and the local pigeons? Were the directions clear enough? Was London
littered by h2g2 Reseachers cursing me because they didn't know where they
were meant to be? Would I remember everyone's name? Would we have enough
BBC Experience tickets? Would the pub remember we were coming?

I came round the corner, and my heart soared. Lots and lots of people on
the steps of the church! The tall ones were quite clearly the Dutch
contingent, but with Shazz to organise them there was little chance they
would not make it. Lots of new people too. Though you would never know to
look at the attendees that a high proportion of them had never met before.
New friends who were trusting enough for me to lead them on a route march
through the busiest parts of London's West End. I don't think we lost any
one! If I did lose you, I apologise profusely. If I didn't get to talk to
you at the pub, I also apologise. My one regret at these occasions is I
never seem to get to have a chat to everyone. Congratulations to the
Thingites for storming to victory in the quiz and everyone else who took
part. Congratulations to you if you got more then emergency rations of
food!

What I value most about these occasions is the chance to see old friends
who I might not get to talk to on h2g2. It is also a chance to make new
friends. I think it is also good to let the Community see that the Editors
are real people who are passionate about their jobs. For me, it is the
chance to interact with Researchers on an individual basis and build new
friendships which will, I hope, continue to flourish on site. I am also a
lurker, so it is nice to step back and watch everyone together in one place.
It is stepping back that allows us to see just what a great Community we
have here at h2g2. Thanks to everyone who made it a brilliant
party!

Abi

12.07.01. Front Page

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