As Ignite Cardiff approaches, I think it’s probably fair to say that I’m a little bit nervous, but very excited.

We’ve had some great support, especially from Cardiff Web Scene members and I’ve had some lovely emails and wishes of good luck.  I’m also eternally grateful to our speakers, who have given up their free time to write and present talks, and without them we wouldn’t be able to have an Ignite Cardiff and I’m also really, really grateful with the fantastic Neil Cocker of Nocci who has been an absolute star.

I think the only thing that I’ve been slightly disappointed by is the lack of media interest, especially from the local media.  We really want to do something great for South Wales by showing that Cardiff can play in the ‘big boy’ leagues in terms of UK firsts and really cool events, and despite having sent press releases out to everyone we could possibly think of, as well as relentlessly Twittering, we’ve been contacted by one journalist…

Anyway, as we’re getting closer to the first ever UK Ignite (in 24 hours it will all be over) you can follow the ‘proceedings’ through my Twitter and there will be photos up on Cardiff Web Scene.  Also, bit of a newsflash, we’re hoping to bring Ignite to London in 2009 (you heard it here first folks!) so if you’re interested in that just drop me a line!

*** Claire

I’m in the throes of organising Ignite Cardiff with the brilliant Neil Cocker from Nocci.  Ignite Cardiff is the outcome of several Cardiff Web Scene meet ups, which I’ve been involved in organising over the last year.

One thing that continues to surprise me is that, despite what must be hundreds of web professionals based in Cardiff, we rarely get a turn out of more than 40 to the regular CWS events.  We actively push the events through every method we can think of (I’ve personally taken to badgering people) but there does seem to be a strong sense that those involved in the web are quite happy to virtually network, through the likes for Second Life, Facebook, twitter and various forums, but for some reason, the prospect of actually getting people in a room together, face to face doesn’t seem to have a great appeal.

Having come from a marketing and design background, I’m used to communities that have a really strong support network, such as the Cardiff Design Festival where people are really glad to meet others in the industry, to chat, mingle, job hunt (and of course brag about the work that they’ve just done). Having said that I’m positive that there are a lot more designers and creatives in Cardiff than there are developers – which left me wondering just how big is the Cardiff interactive pool? Are we talking a couple of hundred, in which case our 98 CWS member list is quite respectable, or are we talking thousands, in which case it’s a little poor.  And how can we reach out to them and inspire them to leave their screens and come and have a free pint at the next meet up?

If anyone knows the answer, give me a shout… or even better feel free to put together an Ignite presentation for next Wednesday!

*** Claire

Igntie Cardiff is being held at Sodabar, Cardiff at 6:30pm on Wednesday 3 December and entry is free!

OK it’s been on my mind for a few weeks now and I’m glad to say that I’ve finally got around to setting up my own blog!  Now aside from talking about work and web related things (like I do on Cardiff Web Scene and on the Box UK BBC Labs blog) I can also rant on about my other passions in life such as shoes, cats, decorating and shopping!

My main project at the moment is setting up the first UK Ignite event, which is keeping me quite busy and out of trouble.  It’s free entry so if you’re interested in being part of a really cool networking event and a UK first, come along to Sodabar on 3 December at 18:30.  See you there!

*** Claire