da_667@da_667@infosec.exchange
@infoseclogger@infosec.exchange I have mixed feelings on Defcon. The times I went, I did enjoy it, but the con staff, goons, and CFP committee are an in-crowd that doesn't let people in. You gotta know somebody who knows somebody, and even then if they don't like you, that's about all there is to it. I wanted to help, and maybe eventually become a goon, maybe feel like I'm part of something larger than myself.
That never really happened, but I met cool people there, Defcon Group 801, out of Salt Late City were super friendly and supportive. My friends from unallocated space out in Maryland were great to hang out with. The few times I spoke at Bside Las Vegas were honestly more fun than trying to submit for Defcon.
MzBlackwood :heart_cybre:@MzBlackwood@infosec.exchange
@da_667@infosec.exchange being a first timer this year, I was not prepared for just how massive it is. So many villages. Overwhelming without better pre-planning. Also, I definitely should not have gone to Blackhat and Defcon. I was already exhausted before Defcon even started. That being said, it has encouraged me to try and get more involved in my local cons and communities because yeah, I definitely want to become part of something bigger but there’s no toehold for me in an event this big and established. Glad I came but if I ever do come back there will have to be more intention than “it’d be cool to go do that”.