In this world of bits and bytes, dare to be the barrier-smasher who unearths a network richer than wires and screens. As most of the #HackerSummerCamp crowd heads home from Vegas, these halls are quieter but my heart is stronger. (Thank you so much for the hugs, fist bumps and stickers.)
At DefCon, the world’s largest hacker gathering, I’ve made it a tradition to extend a warm embrace to the n00bs. These badges, like keys to a hidden realm, unlock a labyrinth where camaraderie thrives. This year marked no exception, but amidst the laughter and techno-thrills, a simple inquiry struck a profound chord within me. The realization struck that I’ve been a DefCon NOC Goon for over half a decade—a span that might pale beside the 31 years of the hacker convention, but still amounts to more than 20% of my life on this planet.
Right at the bustling heart of the Network Operations Center (NOC), I discovered something beyond the usual idea of a network. A connection that holds immense meaning—a community that isn’t built on shared bloodlines but rather on shared dreams and digital aspirations. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound networks are the ones that touch the heart.
To the organizers, fellow Goons, open-minded attendees and more… thank you. Truly.
