Level of fame

What is it that make someone famous in the computer world? Decades ago, that particular area used to concern advanced scientific topics bordering dangerously close to the obscure, which made sure that it very rarely became mainstream.

Tim Berners-Lee is known for “inventing the web” (implemented the first communication with a HTTP client) and Vinton Gray Cerf for “inventing the internet” (contributed to ARPANet and co-designed the TCP/IP protocol). These milestones are pivotal to the technology that so many people on the planet use every day, but I’m sure that both gentlemen can take a ride through the New York subway without anyone recognizing them.

I once met professor Ken Musgrave in an elevator in New Orleans and had the privilege of exchanging a few words with him. Despite his merits, I understand that very few people know who he is today, and back then almost as few.

Andy Clarke holding a keynote in London.

These days the computer world is a lot different. Most people on the planet use computers in some way. This makes room for a much larger variety of skill sets and personalities. Being an influential person can be a combination of raw talent, positive energy, social skills and mere coincidence.

Judging by the reports coming from the recently held SXSW 2007, it seems to have been good content and great socializing. There was even a VIP room for “A-list bloggers”, which seems like a rather novel thing for a regular convention.

Welcome to the brand new world. Go grab your Warholian fifteen minutes.