While in Manchester, I met with Graham Salmon and Manoj Ranaweera, a couple of blog readers and correspondents. What does that tell you about my reach in the North West of England 
It was terrific to put names to blog personas and once again I was not disappointed. Real world WYSIWYG. What I’m learning is:
- The people behind the blogs are terrific sources of information
- Passion = reality. You can’t pretend on the blogs. Neither can you in real life. Any mismatch and you’re done for
- I need to get out more
Graham gave me insight into how big name consultancies are ripping off their customers by making their legmen maintain apartments in expensive locations, the cost of which gets passed on. He also gave me fresh insight into the nanny state, the parlous state of UK taxation and some excellent views on how the profession might carry the arguments it makes about tax avoidance to HMRC in a non-combative manner.
Manoj helped me get a better understanding of how open source works in the business world. I was surprised to learn that licensing can be a minefield. He also talked about why he’s a fan of Sun technology. It turns out that Sun is a real start up friend. James Governor could learn a lot from listening to guys like Manoj. I also learned that with the help of TechCrunch UK, Manoj has 23 registered with another 27 lurking for the upcoming NW StartUp gig on November 23rd. A good health virus.
We met in the Britons Protection – a fine example of Napoleonic hostelry that survived the ravages of war and still retains its upper floor music hall, along with some great British ales. I’d pretty much forgotten about the joy of a British pint. Such an abrupt contrast to the modernity that has allowed Manchester to prosper in recent years. Old and new, co-existing. Now there’s a thought.
None of this would have happened without the existence of the blog community.
PS – Serendipity is real: yesterday, Graham’s first client has Sage issues:
Anyway, as fate would have it, I encountered an irate client first thing this morning. His gripe? Well, you wouldn’t believe it – the current standard of Sage programs and support.
Note to self: I’m a crap magnet.
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