Bruce Eckel blogged about CodeMash and the reward of community-based conferences.   I'm glad that he and many others have reported a positive experience at CodeMash.  It really does make all of the work in organizing such an event seem more worthwhile.  I have to admit that about a month before the event, it's easy to sit back and think, "Sheesh! Maybe we should have some professionals do this instead!".  But, when it comes down to it, I think that developers know what other developers want to see in a conference and if we strive for that, the conference will continue to be successful.  As Bruce pointed out, for CodeMash, it's not about making a profit.  In fact, having the added stress of HAVING to make a profit would be unthinkable.  Heck, we're stressed just trying to make sure that we don't lose our shirts and we're thrilled that the community has embraced the conference!  And, it's a conference that *I* want to attend, and the people that I know want to attend. So yeah, it's worth it.

Coincidentally, just today I ran across a post on the Java Posse google group from a Posse listener who missed CodeMash and was hoping that there was another event coming up with the same talks and same speakers.  I'm sorry (and pleased, at the same time!) to say, "Nope!  It's a one of a kind event."  He promises that we'll see him at CodeMash in '09.  Cool.