We have a bunch of interesting, smart people at TableXI with a wide range of interests. We took some time in Costa Rica to learn from each other’s expertise through some informal discussions.

Like the pet projects, discussion topics were solicited ahead of time.  We had three sessions, each with two discussions running simultaneously so that people had to choose which talks to participate in.

Discussions were not limited to TXIers; significant-others joined in on the fun so that we’d have more perspective from the non-nerd contingent.  Alcohol was provided to make the conversation more interesting.

Topics included:

Cooking for Neanderthals
With so many cooks running around TableXI, the question was asked “how does a man who has never cooked before start?”

Digital or Paper – The Future of Books
Samantha, with her background in publishing, led a discussion about the future of publishing and whether pulp will still have a place in 10 years.

Something you do differently from the masses, and you’re pretty sure everyone else is doing it wrong
I started the conversation talking about why I run in funny-looking shoes. We moved onto topics like why Josh is renting instead of buying, why Ellen hasn’t fled to the suburbs with her children, and why these 7,064 people have no idea what they’re talking about: