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I had a fantastic day on Saturday at the launch of the Geek Atlas. Between the draw of the Brunel Museum and the people who came along specifically, we had a fine crowd wandering by all afternoon. Everyone we spoke to was friendly, interested and determined to enjoy their day. Author John Graham-Cumming did a marvellous, indefatigable job talking to those who came to the stall wanting to know more: I suppose if you've spent six months writing a book then a few hours in the sun listening to people telling you what a great idea it is is hardly a hardship, but the Great Man handled himself superbly, and the insight and good nature that make it such an excellent book were abundantly evident in person.
It was interesting to hear how people had come to be at our stall. Many came to the Brunel Museum as part of London Open House Weekend, so the Geek Atlas was new to them. (It was certainly of note how many of the purchasers asked for the book to be dedicated to their Geek father - seems like I wasn't the only one to get dragged round museums and cathedrals when I was a kid). Others came across the book via John's Alan Turing petition. Some were hard core User Group developers who knew the Geek Atlas via O'Reilly's catalogue, (a hearty shout out to Dave Green and Werner!) And others had picked up on the publicity for the launch itself, and happened by to see what the fuss was. Overall, it was a fun day, and well worth the effort.
Things I've learned - every book launch I've ever attended has been in the evening, where wine has invariably been drunk. Turns out with a Science crowd, mid-afternoon, where wine's concerned, you literally cannot give it away.
Thanks to Rob Hulse, the Director of the Brunel Museum, who got us involved and set a great relaxed tone. Rob spent the entire weekend down in the shaft explaining in twenty minute shifts how and why Brunel built the tunnel: when he emerged Saturday tea-time, he was still good humour personified. Thanks to the volunteer staff at the Brunel Museum - Dave especially - who are clearly proud of their museum and the men it honours, and who made us feel very much at home. Thanks to all the attendees, no matter how they came to be there. And particular thanks to John, for writing such a great book and making this sort of event worthwhile.
There are lots of reasons I love working for O'Reilly - on Saturday, in the launch of the Geek Atlas, I found another one.
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