[python-advocacy] SD West

[Stephan Deibel]

On Sun, 14 Jan 2007, Alvin Wang wrote:
> I find it concerning that a major programming conference has added Ruby as a
> track but there is no track on Python.
> 
> http://www.sdexpo.com/
> 
> If we want Python to be more popular, we need to have it in the mainstream.

You have a good point although I'd argue Python is already in the
mainstream as far as how/where it's used.  It is just not
represented well in the mass business-oriented software
development media.

I think the reason for this is that Python has missed the boat at
each opportunity to hype itself as a compelling solution around
the sound-byte-oriented "problems" these types of media/venues
want to cover.  Things like "the web" (when it was new), "RAD",
"web2.0", "dynamic languages", etc.

(Even though Python is very good at many things, and many people 
have quietly used it as a "secret weapon")

Also, I sometimes wonder if it's also that Python is too easy to
use to support creation of the usual huge third party book,
magazine, best practices, etc machine.

That said, it wouldn't surprise me if this track is the result of
the efforts of one or a few dedicated individuals.  So if you are
concerned and motivated by this, by all means contact them and
see if you can get a track started for next year!

- Stephan