I need some advice

[Todd Sampson]

Hi,
I am new to Ruby and looking for some advice. There is a upcoming
conference on Ruby in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Before I shell out
$500 for a ticket I was
Wondering if anyone has heard these guys speak. The list of speakers
include: Bruce Tate, Stuart Halloway, Justin Gehtland, and Neal Ford.
Do you think it would be worth it to attend? You can check out the
details at www.erubycon.com. The conference runs February 9-11 so a
quick response would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Todd Sampson

 

[Lyle Johnson]

I am new to Ruby and looking for some advice. There is a upcoming
conference on Ruby in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Before I shell out
$500 for a ticket I was
Wondering if anyone has heard these guys speak...

My primary concern about this conference would be how they're going to
fill three days with only the seven people (currently) listed as
conference speakers. I'd also want to know more about the agenda and
the specific topics to be covered. If, as you say, you are new to Ruby
and they're covering more advanced topics, it might go over your head
and not be all that useful.

Of the people listed on the web site as speakers, I've only ever heard
Jim Weirich speak in person. Jim's a great presenter, and you will
definitely learn something useful from him. But I have heard of some
of the other speakers. Bruce Tate, for example, is a well-known
consultant and the author of "Beyond Java" and "From Java to Ruby"
(among other books).

 

[Jim Simpson]

I believe the dates have changed to: July 16, 17 and 18. Also, I
think the fees have been dramatically reduced.

While the main webpage has not been updated, click on the REGISTRATION link at
http://erubycon.eventbrite.com/ and you'll see the new dates and prices.

Jim Simpson

 

[pat eyler]

My primary concern about this conference would be how they're going to
fill three days with only the seven people (currently) listed as
conference speakers. I'd also want to know more about the agenda and
the specific topics to be covered. If, as you say, you are new to Ruby
and they're covering more advanced topics, it might go over your head
and not be all that useful.

Of the people listed on the web site as speakers, I've only ever heard
Jim Weirich speak in person. Jim's a great presenter, and you will
definitely learn something useful from him. But I have heard of some
of the other speakers. Bruce Tate, for example, is a well-known
consultant and the author of "Beyond Java" and "From Java to Ruby"
(among other books).

Neal Ford put on a pretty good 'DSLs in Ruby' talk at OSCon.


As a beginner, you might want to wait for either a nearby regional
RubyConf (there's one in SW Michigan this summer), or for a RailsEdge
type of training event instead of going to three day enterprise ruby
conference that's (as pointed out above) likely to be pretty advanced.

 

[Patrick Hurley]

As a beginner, you might want to wait for either a nearby regional

RubyConf (there's one in SW Michigan this summer), or for a RailsEdge
type of training event instead of going to three day enterprise ruby
conference that's (as pointed out above) likely to be pretty advanced.

We would love to see you at RubyMI, but you might also want to
checkout the Columbus Ruby Brigade (http://columbusrb.com/). I hear
they have a pretty good turnout.

pth

 

[Winston Tsang]

Definitely start off by going to your local user group. If you are
interested in pursing things further, then check out the conference.
It's a good price for that many days. Not only that, but it's in your
backyard.

Stuart Halloway and Justin Gehtland are both "two thumbs up" speakers.
They both learned (or where heavily influenced by) the same person
for their speaking style (don't recall the exact name Stuart gave
out). I've heard Stuart talk the most--over a couple days at NFJS
with a small group of about 12 people. The talks were insightful with
plenty of energy and engagement. (i.e. you shouldn't fall asleep
).

-Winston Tsang

 

[Winston Tsang]

Here's some more information:
http://groups.google.com/group/columbusrb/browse_thread/thread/d840b7b4b510a40e

There's a discount ($50) for user groups (which brings it down to $199).
The dates are final (July 16-18).