Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[David Matusiak <dave AT matusiak.org>]

Tarus Balog, International Open Source Superstar, threw a party  
tonight in his hometown of Pittsboro, NC.  He invited a few of his  
friends, and he invited us, the Triangle InterNetWorkers.  It was a  
treat when he decided to sponsor food and drinks.  It was even more  
spectacular that he got 40+ people to show up to the first  
InterNetWorkers event in over a year!  http://www.opennms.org/  http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

The Carolina Brewery was easy to find; just turn into the Lowe's  
complex south of Hwy 64 on 15-501 S.  They had good food and excellent  
beer, my favorite being the Blue Sky Ale.  A lot of old school INW  
people made it out (Kevin S, Michael C, Greg C, Tanner L) and lots of  
new faces, too.  I did not get to meet everybody and that is the only  
regrettable portion of the evening (hopefully we'll meet next time).

Thanks to the power of real-time, in-person networking I was able to  
finally meet my former online nemesis, Jim Ray of Neuse River Networks  
(Raleigh, NC).  For better or for worse, Jim and I had disagreed  
strongly in the past and felt the need to express it online.  These  
sorts of things can (thankfully) be resolved offline.  We got to chat  
for awhile and Jim even conceded "You are not such a bad guy."  I felt  
extremely flattered to hear this and believe I may have agreed with  
him, as well.

Overall, the gathering was fantastic.  Win-win!  Thank you Tarus for  
arranging and sponsoring the September 2008 InterNetWorkers  
gathering!  Lots of people expressed interest in rejuvenating INW  
monthly meetings and this enthusiasm is because of Tarus' efforts.   
Thanks again!  See you all next time!

Dave M.