I think you are possibly better/optimizing more than most others at selecting conferences & events you actually want to do. Even with work, I think many get value out of having those spontaneous conversations because it often shifts what they’re going to do—the number one spontaneous conversation is “what are you working on” or “what have you done so far”, which forces you to re-explain what you’re doing & the reasons for doing it to a skeptical & ignorant audience. My understanding is you and David already do this very often with each other.
the number one spontaneous conversation is “what are you working on” or “what have you done so far”, which forces you to re-explain what you’re doing & the reasons for doing it to a skeptical & ignorant audience
I’m very curious if others also find this to be the biggest value-contributor amongst spontaneous conversations. (Also, more generally, I’m curious what kinds of spontaneous conversations people are getting so much value out of.)
One of the directions im currently most excited about (modern control theory through algebraic analysis) I learned about while idly chitchatting with a colleague at lunch about old school cybernetics. We were both confused why it was such a big deal in the 50s and 60s then basically died.
A stranger at the table had overheard our conversation and immediately started ranting to us about the history of cybernetics and modern methods of control theory. Turns out that control theory has developed far beyond whay people did in the 60s but names, techniques, methods have changed and this guy was one of the world experts. I wouldn’t have known to ask him because the guy’s specialization on the face of it had nothing to do with control theory.
I think you are possibly better/optimizing more than most others at selecting conferences & events you actually want to do. Even with work, I think many get value out of having those spontaneous conversations because it often shifts what they’re going to do—the number one spontaneous conversation is “what are you working on” or “what have you done so far”, which forces you to re-explain what you’re doing & the reasons for doing it to a skeptical & ignorant audience. My understanding is you and David already do this very often with each other.
I’m very curious if others also find this to be the biggest value-contributor amongst spontaneous conversations. (Also, more generally, I’m curious what kinds of spontaneous conversations people are getting so much value out of.)
One of the directions im currently most excited about (modern control theory through algebraic analysis) I learned about while idly chitchatting with a colleague at lunch about old school cybernetics. We were both confused why it was such a big deal in the 50s and 60s then basically died.
A stranger at the table had overheard our conversation and immediately started ranting to us about the history of cybernetics and modern methods of control theory. Turns out that control theory has developed far beyond whay people did in the 60s but names, techniques, methods have changed and this guy was one of the world experts. I wouldn’t have known to ask him because the guy’s specialization on the face of it had nothing to do with control theory.