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Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

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Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#21

Post by pandemicsyn »

ezl wrote: post #9

No, our industry has a blogging problem. Tech (is that our industry?) is not unique in it's practice of hosting happy hours, especially after conferences. People like drinking. We could ask more conferences to host 5k jogs as an alternative meeting event, and it would be novel and fun, but it likely wouldn't ever be as inclusive as a happy hour (Also, it's hard to get 5 people in a circle talking while on a jog). Not…

I absolutely agree. I don't often drink, and even when I'm not actively drinking just hanging out and socializing is a huge component of what makes many conferences worth while.

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#22

Post by Leander_B »

Uff.. I haven't read A list apart in some years now as my interests shifted. But, is this what a once quality website/blog has become? Don't even want to open the article with such a bogus title.

Also, I have read and heard what has happened these last few weeks and can't seem to change my mind that the US folks are much more 'sensitive' to this kind of things then in EU.

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#23

Post by pbhjpbhj »

fennecfoxen wrote: post #5
twoodfin wrote: post #3

Is this phenomenon unique to the information technology industry? I don't know what they do for fun at pharmaceutical conferences, but I suspect alcohol is often involved.

Society has a bit of a drinking problem. (Some other societies, like Russia, have a bigger one. Some have less.) Next question? :P

The next question is that if it's a problem how do we solve it?

>That said, I am still struggling to find good alternatives to the pub meetup, particularly in the UK. Other than taking over the corner of a larger coffee shop for a daytime meet, what kind of things are possible and inexpensive for small groups? //

So ditch alcohol and go with caffeine instead ... hmm.

Maybe with the right groupings gaming could be part of the solution?

You need something that people can share, that requires communication and so initiates conversation. (That gives people something to do with their hands? That fosters a sense of shared experience?) Some types of gaming can do that and in certain sectors gaming may be as universal as drinking.

So, everyone back to my place for a game of tiddlywinks then?? [I did mean computer gaming but ...?]

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#25

Post by amasad »

aarondf wrote: post #16
ezl wrote: post #9

No, our industry has a blogging problem. Tech (is that our industry?) is not unique in it's practice of hosting happy hours, especially after conferences. People like drinking. We could ask more conferences to host 5k jogs as an alternative meeting event, and it would be novel and fun, but it likely wouldn't ever be as inclusive as a happy hour (Also, it's hard to get 5 people in a circle talking while on a jog). Not…

I upvoted after the first sentence of your comment. The rest is good, but that first sentence is gold.

if you think people over-express their opinions on blogs then why do you hangout in places like HN, click on links, read blog posts, and then go in and comment on them?

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#27

Post by nraynaud »

LeafStorm wrote: post #10

Here's a point that gets forgotten in a lot of discussions of this issue: > We’re also underlining that our events are for over-18s, maybe even over-21s, by holding them in licensed premises. Most of us know students or even those who are working professionally in our field long before they are “adult.” Should they be excluded?

Or stop this stupid age limit? Stop being crazy on rules around alcohol and use this craziness against violence and weapons?

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#28

Post by xradionut »

LeafStorm wrote: post #10

Here's a point that gets forgotten in a lot of discussions of this issue: > We’re also underlining that our events are for over-18s, maybe even over-21s, by holding them in licensed premises. Most of us know students or even those who are working professionally in our field long before they are “adult.” Should they be excluded?

Depends. Many conference I attended are professional, expensive and don't offer any alternative resources or attractions for younger participants. There are exceptions like some of the Python conferences and Maker Fairs but I doubt there would be many minors into a SQL DBA or serious embedded electronics event. Plus there is a liability issue to be considered when you mix immature adults with minors and blend in alcohol.

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#29

Post by chimeracoder »

philbarr wrote: post #19
LeafStorm wrote: post #10

Here's a point that gets forgotten in a lot of discussions of this issue: > We’re also underlining that our events are for over-18s, maybe even over-21s, by holding them in licensed premises. Most of us know students or even those who are working professionally in our field long before they are “adult.” Should they be excluded?

Under-18s can still enter licensed premises. At least here in the UK they can. And they often do, if my local that is more "5-year-old's playground" than "pub" is representative.

> Under-18s can still enter licensed premises.

That's usually not the case in the US. It depends on the jurisdiction, but bars can oftentimes be fined for underage drinking if a minor is on the premises, even if he/she isn't actually drinking.

Even in situations in which the venues have discretion (eg, nightclubs, comedy clubs), venues often don't allow underage patrons to enter, because they know they're going to make no money off of them, and they're just taking up space that could instead be going to a paying customer.

Re: Does Our Industry Have a Drinking Problem?

#30

Post by nraynaud »

philbarr wrote: post #19
LeafStorm wrote: post #10

Here's a point that gets forgotten in a lot of discussions of this issue: > We’re also underlining that our events are for over-18s, maybe even over-21s, by holding them in licensed premises. Most of us know students or even those who are working professionally in our field long before they are “adult.” Should they be excluded?

Under-18s can still enter licensed premises. At least here in the UK they can. And they often do, if my local that is more "5-year-old's playground" than "pub" is representative.

the former UK prime minister forgot his daughter at the pub.
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