Lotusphere2007 - ThursdayReport, Part1

It's Thursday, and that can only mean one thing at Lotusphere. It means, it's over.
Here's my thoughts, feelings and general review of Lotusphere2007:

• The energy level is a lot higher then in years past. Even years where there have been new product information like 6 and 7. I think Mike Rhodin's opening talk was a lot more affective this year. More comfortable in his role with Lotus, more comfortable talking with us and a true excitement about the products that he represents. The entire keynote is available on IBM's site. Check it out here.
  
• Lotus is listening to us. They are listening to the Admins, the Devs, the end users. They are hearing what we want. Prime example, Mary Beth Raven's blog. Haven't seen it yet, check it out!
  
• I have met more people this year that know me for this blog. Sweet! People are reading this which means I will keep updating it with more and more admin stuff. If you see something you like, please let me know. If I get something wrong, please let me know. This blog is not only a repository for things I come across in life as a Domino Admin, by looking at the Mapstats results, people are looking for a lot of those same gotchas. Join in, let me know.
  
• I got to be a part of the Taking Notes podcast episode 50. Way cool!
• Again, a person comment. Everyone I have met at Lotusphere this year have been fantastic. The Lotus user community for the most part is a very open and honest community. Open about how they feel about the product, and genuinely open about themselves with others. It's a great group of people.
• While I am excited about the new changes coming to the product line with ND8, I'm concerned that I may not be able to implement them in my environment.
• The sessions were real good this year. My only beef for some of them is that the presenters need to be a little less tight in their delivery. I don't think I could do any better, but if you approach it with a sense of humor on some level, people will pay more attention and stick with what your saying.
• I have to agree with The Turtle on his comment that they take away the coffee breaks too quickly in the afternoon. If nothing else, leave the water out.
• Talk about a community that embraces openness and sharing, check out all the Flickr items tagged with Lotusphere2007.
• Whoever had the idea last night to hand out rain ponchos at Disney, great idea! Thank you!

Well, that's about all I got for right now. I have a few things I want to do before the Closing General Session. Like look up all I can about the DST changes. After what I heard at GURUpalooza, I'm getting a little freaked out about it. I will of course share what I have about it here. After the CGS, it's off to dinner, shopping at Downtown Disney and then packing. My ride to the airport is at 6:40 in the morning. Can't wait to get home and see the family. Lotusphere is cool and all, but they are still cooler to me.
If I don't see you, safe trip home.