Miscellaneous Monday - The Global Village of the Atlassian Community

[Andy Gladstone]

It's Monday, the day after Sunday, the day before Tuesday (the best day of the week IMHO).

I've been pondering the Global Village effect that the Atlassian Community has had on me.

The term was coined in the 1960's by Canadian theorist Marshall McLuhan. He stated in his work The Gutenberg Galaxy:

The new electronic interdependence recreates the world in the image of a global village.

After a weekend where my thoughts were directed to some of our Community Member Friends and Family, it really struck me that this is so true for the Atlassian Community.

How did it affect me this weekend?

The Tour of Flanders!

NO, NOT THAT FLANDERS! (Although that was my nickname for some time)

THIS FLANDERS!

I love cycling. I love bike racing. So all weekend long I was thinking about the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Tour of Flanders, and that immediately created an association for me to the Belgian friends I have made as part of the Atlassian Community.

Members of the Global Village I would not have met otherwise.

I raise a glass of the finest Belgian Ale to you @Dave Mathijs, @Walter Buggenhout _ACA IT_, @Dirk Ronsmans  and @Peter Van de Voorde!

Make it an amazing Monday for us all with the prompt below.

What sites, smells, tastes, sounds or events trigger thoughts of Community Members for you? Share them with us and let us know by tagging the individual in your comments below.

[Peter Van de Voorde]

That's an awesome association and a very true observation @Andy Gladstone 
Thanks to different online communities I'm part of I now know people around the globe. Which is utterly crazy if you think about it for more than a few seconds :)

The Ronde Van Vlaanderen used to pass by my house (not this years but the previous years), so without knowing it you have seen my house on tv already :)

Let's make sure we drink at least one decent beer at Team!

[Andy Gladstone]

@Peter Van de Voorde very cool. I'll need to see a picture of your home to know whether I recognize the area. Beers at Team '23 are a must. Multiple times! 🍻

[Dave Mathijs]

🍻 Cheers to you @Andy Gladstone welcome any time in the land of the 'Flandrien'.

[Andy Gladstone]

@Dave Mathijs during Amstel Gold you'll be top of mind!

[Teodora _Old Street Solutions_]

I couldn't feel more special when having friends like @Jimmy Seddon and @Fun Man Andy! I can think of a million things that remind me of them; I often find myself in a situation where I think, "Oh, Jimmy/Andy would definitely enjoy this!" 

When I see something connected with a good cause or volunteering (or LEGO!) - It's all Jimmy! When it's fun, loud, noisy, and exciting (and Mario Cart!), you know who is involved. 

And when I struggle with an Atlassian or Community-related topic (or even a project/product management one), they are always there for me, so.. thank you, guys!

[Andy Gladstone]

@Teodora _Old Street Solutions_ amazing example - considering that you span two continents, are separated by oceans and seas, and yet still feel part of the same small enclave. Always great to have those people in life that you know can celebrate success and struggle together equally.

[Summer.Hogan]

To be honest, I don't really have any YET, but I'm sure after I meet all of you next week I will have tons of them! Can't wait for next week! Sorry I didn't answer earlier; I was in Hawaii last week on a much needed vacation with views like this: 

[Andy Gladstone]

Unreal! Great reason to miss this post. I hope the vacation was as relaxing as it looks!

[Jimmy Seddon]

I'm sorry I'm late to this one @Andy Gladstone!  However, first over the weekend I was with my family for Easter and when my Dad is around that is when I pull out a special bottle that we have a small glass from that came from someone very special and I always raise a small toast to them for gifting it to me ;)

In addition, I need to echo what @Teodora _Old Street Solutions_ already stated.  It amazes me how online interactions with a people here in the community and through a few zoom calls can build lasting friendships.

There are so many people that I'm really looking forward to be able to see again in person over the next week and a half!

[Andy Gladstone]

The anticipation is building!

[Danny]

For me, it is a crispy crème donut; Team Tour in Barcelona 2018 and I remember eating a donut with fellow Community Leaders. Such good memories from the community.