The Shy Connector by Linux Geek Sacha Chua

I met Sacha through blogging. Technically we knew each other from high school but we mainly connected when I started learning about Linux 5 years ago. She’s one of the most encouraging people I’ve met and she even helped me throughout the time that I was panicking when I got a kernel panic message. She is also an Emacs and Drupal geek and her blog’s really a great resource on those topics, as well as how to have a well-balanced life.

Anyhow, her slideshow talks about how to be the shy connector. After all, not everyone is an extrovert. And when you happen to be an introvert things could be difficult when it comes to advocating Linux or even teaching someone about it. It won’t come as easy as you would like it to.

The point is that you can bring something in the conversation. Especially because you are interested and/or passionate about something such as Linux. Come to think of it, I’ve met people through blogging and Linux but I am essentially an introvert myself. There are times when I go to events and I realize I am so not a people person. But when I find someone or a small group of people to talk with, it gets easier for me. And it also gets easier for me get people together, because I know who have similar interests. You can’t just let yourself be alone all the time. I suppose that there are days that you can’t help but want the quiet times. Interactions with other people let us grow as we help others too.

With this, I hope that you will and have learned something about being a shy connector. And I hope that it has given you a new perspective when it comes to teaching and advocating Linux and open source software.