WEBVTT captioned by sachac, checked by sachac NOTE Introduction 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.439 Hello everyone, I'm Jacob Boxerman. 00:00:02.440 --> 00:00:04.319 I'm a sophomore at Columbia University 00:00:04.320 --> 00:00:06.139 studying computer science. 00:00:06.140 --> 00:00:08.519 I'm so excited to be here today 00:00:08.520 --> 00:00:11.259 right at the end of EmacsConf 2023. 00:00:11.260 --> 00:00:13.719 So glad to be able to share with everyone today. 00:00:13.720 --> 00:00:16.746 EmacsConf is really the epitome for me 00:00:16.747 --> 00:00:20.099 of sharing and of learning about Emacs. NOTE Today's talk 00:00:20.100 --> 00:00:21.539 And in my closing keynote 00:00:21.540 --> 00:00:24.419 titled "Sharing Emacs is Caring Emacs," 00:00:24.420 --> 00:00:25.819 I want to drive that home, 00:00:25.820 --> 00:00:27.259 and I want to make every day 00:00:27.260 --> 00:00:31.419 a day for learning and for sharing in our community. 00:00:31.420 --> 00:00:33.259 I'd like to share my own journey 00:00:33.260 --> 00:00:34.979 of sharing the joy of Emacs 00:00:34.980 --> 00:00:38.459 and convince you that sharing the ways we share 00:00:38.460 --> 00:00:41.179 and how we participate in our Emacs community, 00:00:41.180 --> 00:00:42.419 those are the most important things 00:00:42.420 --> 00:00:44.339 to both grow our community 00:00:44.340 --> 00:00:48.899 and to increase our own personal joy in Emacs. NOTE My history with Emacs 00:00:48.900 --> 00:00:52.459 My journey of sharing begins with my journey of learning. 00:00:52.460 --> 00:00:55.299 So I'll start by spending a bit of time on that. 00:00:55.300 --> 00:00:57.779 I use Emacs every day for personal organization 00:00:57.780 --> 00:01:00.179 and to-dos -- you know, schoolwork, projects, 00:01:00.180 --> 00:01:03.299 exams, readings. I use Org Mode for that, 00:01:03.300 --> 00:01:05.979 write essays, make presentations like this one. 00:01:05.980 --> 00:01:08.419 I also write in various programming languages 00:01:08.420 --> 00:01:10.219 including Java, C, Python, 00:01:10.220 --> 00:01:13.139 locally and also remotely for projects, classes, 00:01:13.140 --> 00:01:14.699 other responsibilities. 00:01:14.700 --> 00:01:17.579 I really started with Emacs during the pandemic. 00:01:17.580 --> 00:01:20.059 I had tried Emacs before, but at the time 00:01:20.060 --> 00:01:22.379 all I knew it for was `M-x tetris`. 00:01:22.380 --> 00:01:25.459 But then its power and its configurability even then 00:01:25.460 --> 00:01:27.059 especially spoke to me. 00:01:27.060 --> 00:01:28.899 So from those little humble beginnings, 00:01:28.900 --> 00:01:31.459 trying different preconfigured distros, 00:01:31.460 --> 00:01:33.059 I slowly made my way to building 00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:36.339 my own 2000+ line configuration, 00:01:36.340 --> 00:01:39.219 which actually surprisingly has about 70 stars, 00:01:39.220 --> 00:01:40.539 a few watchers, a few forks on GitHub. 00:01:40.540 --> 00:01:42.379 Pretty straightforward. NOTE Self-exploration vs learning from others 00:01:42.380 --> 00:01:46.419 But what exactly was that learning process like? 00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:49.459 Now, Emacs was such a beast to me at first. 00:01:49.460 --> 00:01:51.059 I was familiar with Python, 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:52.579 with C, Java, languages like that. 00:01:52.580 --> 00:01:55.339 I was no stranger to the shell configuration, 00:01:55.340 --> 00:01:56.579 anything like that. 00:01:56.580 --> 00:02:01.179 But the absolute infinity of possibility with Emacs 00:02:01.180 --> 00:02:02.739 was a bit overwhelming. 00:02:02.740 --> 00:02:04.739 I find a sentiment in the community 00:02:04.740 --> 00:02:06.939 that exploring on one's own 00:02:06.940 --> 00:02:11.019 was greater than exploring and learning from others. 00:02:11.020 --> 00:02:14.459 And now I see why people say that and it's true in a sense, 00:02:14.460 --> 00:02:17.219 but it might not be fully understood. 00:02:17.220 --> 00:02:21.179 At a certain point, we need to all create our own paths. 00:02:21.180 --> 00:02:24.159 And I think that's just one of the ways Emacs is built. 00:02:24.160 --> 00:02:27.739 The minute possibilities of configurability are so vast, 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:29.899 it's like a fingerprint or a snowflake -- 00:02:29.900 --> 00:02:32.179 there are so many options to create 00:02:32.180 --> 00:02:35.419 a totally unique Emacs experience. 00:02:35.420 --> 00:02:37.779 Of course that can't be found from somebody else -- 00:02:37.780 --> 00:02:38.699 It has to come from you. 00:02:38.700 --> 00:02:42.339 Still, building a strong foundation 00:02:42.340 --> 00:02:45.539 is much, much better when we have others. 00:02:45.540 --> 00:02:48.579 Expanding on that foundation is, too, actually. 00:02:48.580 --> 00:02:50.299 My own process started 00:02:50.300 --> 00:02:53.219 with a lot of Googling, blog posts, YouTube, and Reddit. NOTE Learning process 00:02:53.220 --> 00:02:55.419 I actually found Emacs on YouTube. 00:02:55.420 --> 00:02:58.139 Seeing how other people used it 00:02:58.140 --> 00:03:01.419 was what really convinced me to try it for myself. 00:03:01.420 --> 00:03:03.739 At a certain point when my confidence grew, 00:03:03.740 --> 00:03:07.059 my trial and error became less error and more success. 00:03:07.060 --> 00:03:09.979 I was also able to take what I saw other people do, 00:03:09.980 --> 00:03:13.859 learn from it, and expand, making it my own. 00:03:13.860 --> 00:03:17.019 And through that time, I learned Emacs. NOTE Emacs learning (not just learning Emacs) 00:03:17.020 --> 00:03:21.019 But I also participated in Emacs learning. 00:03:21.020 --> 00:03:22.579 What's the difference? 00:03:22.580 --> 00:03:24.219 We often discuss the former, 00:03:24.220 --> 00:03:27.579 grappling with key binds, commands. 00:03:27.580 --> 00:03:31.619 But Emacs learning goes beyond these technicalities. 00:03:31.620 --> 00:03:35.859 It's a mindset. It thrives on collaboration. 00:03:35.860 --> 00:03:37.579 It's not a solo endeavor; 00:03:37.580 --> 00:03:41.139 it flourishes best when we do it together. 00:03:41.140 --> 00:03:44.099 This involves collaborating together, 00:03:44.100 --> 00:03:46.179 creating a collaborative mindset, 00:03:46.180 --> 00:03:47.979 sharing effective strategies, 00:03:47.980 --> 00:03:49.075 lifting each other 00:03:49.076 --> 00:03:51.639 through our collective pool of knowledge. 00:03:51.640 --> 00:03:55.299 Together, we contribute to the growth of each member 00:03:55.300 --> 00:03:56.979 within our vibrant community. 00:03:56.980 --> 00:04:00.259 Emacs learning is much, much harder to do alone. 00:04:00.260 --> 00:04:03.299 And I wanted to help with that. NOTE My YouTube journey 00:04:03.300 --> 00:04:05.739 So this brings me to the second part of my talk, 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:08.659 my Emacs journey, how I got started 00:04:08.660 --> 00:04:11.459 and where I am today with my YouTube channel, 00:04:11.460 --> 00:04:14.819 my Straightforward Emacs series with nearly 200,000 views. NOTE Why not just read the manual? 00:04:14.820 --> 00:04:18.219 The Emacs Manual is often pushed 00:04:18.220 --> 00:04:20.379 as the best way to learn Emacs. 00:04:20.380 --> 00:04:21.859 It's an all-encompassing tome. 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:23.979 And as amazing as I think it is, 00:04:23.980 --> 00:04:25.179 I don't think it's reasonable 00:04:25.180 --> 00:04:27.579 to push the Emacs manual so hard, 00:04:27.580 --> 00:04:29.059 which is something I felt at first. 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:31.599 It can be really daunting. It's dense. 00:04:31.600 --> 00:04:32.779 There's a lot there. 00:04:32.780 --> 00:04:34.539 It's just a bit too much for a beginner, 00:04:34.540 --> 00:04:37.419 or even someone with a little bit of experience. 00:04:37.420 --> 00:04:40.259 These qualities, I feel, 00:04:40.260 --> 00:04:43.179 apply to many of the Emacs resources we can find out there. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:45.179 The best word for them is heavy. 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:48.099 They look, they feel, they come across as heavy 00:04:48.100 --> 00:04:50.739 regardless of what they may actually be. 00:04:50.740 --> 00:04:53.379 It's not even that people are too lazy, 00:04:53.380 --> 00:04:56.519 or not capable enough (because that's never true). 00:04:56.520 --> 00:05:00.539 It's just a mental block that takes some getting over, 00:05:00.540 --> 00:05:03.159 and that's okay -- so we need other things, too. 00:05:03.160 --> 00:05:04.859 For me, that was video. 00:05:04.860 --> 00:05:07.539 I wanted someone to tell and show me 00:05:07.540 --> 00:05:08.939 what I wanted to know, 00:05:08.940 --> 00:05:11.739 as well as things I didn't even know were possible. 00:05:11.740 --> 00:05:15.419 I realized this once I'd progressed a little further 00:05:15.420 --> 00:05:18.019 in my Emacs journey. I wanted to do my part. 00:05:18.020 --> 00:05:20.979 I care about Emacs. I started to really care about Emacs. NOTE Why video for Emacs 00:05:20.980 --> 00:05:24.319 So I wanted to share about Emacs. 00:05:24.320 --> 00:05:27.339 So at that point, I refocused my work with Emacs 00:05:27.340 --> 00:05:30.739 beyond just myself. I wanted to help others 00:05:30.740 --> 00:05:32.719 feel the excitement that I did. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:35.299 So where did I turn, and why? 00:05:35.300 --> 00:05:37.779 It's so trite, but they say that 00:05:37.780 --> 00:05:40.159 a picture is worth a thousand words. 00:05:40.160 --> 00:05:41.859 So how much is a video worth? 00:05:41.860 --> 00:05:44.219 Everyone learns differently, and that's okay. 00:05:44.220 --> 00:05:46.139 But it's absolutely certain to me 00:05:46.140 --> 00:05:48.319 that you need to see something to believe it. 00:05:48.320 --> 00:05:50.499 So for that, I turned to video. 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:54.419 And it turns out that seeing is believing. NOTE Straightforward Emacs 00:05:54.420 --> 00:05:56.899 I made a short video showing off Emacs Org Mode. 00:05:56.900 --> 00:05:58.959 I didn't even have a voiceover. 00:05:58.960 --> 00:06:01.699 That video, less than five minutes long, 00:06:01.700 --> 00:06:04.339 but still incorporating some of my core principles, 00:06:04.340 --> 00:06:06.899 now has over 55,000 views and counting. 00:06:06.900 --> 00:06:09.459 So, something must have been right. 00:06:09.460 --> 00:06:11.219 And the positive reception to that video 00:06:11.220 --> 00:06:12.979 made me want to continue. 00:06:12.980 --> 00:06:14.939 I decided to continue with the videos 00:06:14.940 --> 00:06:18.779 in a series I titled "Straightforward Emacs." 00:06:18.780 --> 00:06:20.939 And I'm asked: who is the target audience 00:06:20.940 --> 00:06:23.899 for Straightforward Emacs? It's me. 00:06:23.900 --> 00:06:27.599 They're the videos I wish I had existed 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:28.659 when I was figuring out 00:06:28.660 --> 00:06:32.699 Emacs' numerous and wonderful features. NOTE Challenges and benefits of video 00:06:32.700 --> 00:06:36.619 Video does, I admit, come with its own set of challenges. 00:06:36.620 --> 00:06:40.399 Complaints that video is less accessible, it's valid. 00:06:40.400 --> 00:06:42.459 They're more time consuming, it's valid too. 00:06:42.460 --> 00:06:45.059 It's harder to skim a video than a blog post, 00:06:45.060 --> 00:06:47.499 and referring back can be a little annoying. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:48.419 To try and solve this, 00:06:48.420 --> 00:06:50.739 I make video notes available as best I can though. 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:54.399 It's not perfect. Despite these valid claims, 00:06:54.400 --> 00:06:57.379 I believe video offers a sense of personality 00:06:57.380 --> 00:06:59.219 that written content just can't. 00:06:59.220 --> 00:07:00.779 And that makes it well worth it. 00:07:00.780 --> 00:07:03.259 My first two videos in the series 00:07:03.260 --> 00:07:06.259 received a combined 35,000 views. 00:07:06.260 --> 00:07:08.019 I still get kind comments today 00:07:08.020 --> 00:07:10.459 from viewers thanking me, asking questions. 00:07:10.460 --> 00:07:12.779 So I must have done something right, 00:07:12.780 --> 00:07:14.499 to outweigh those cons of video, 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:16.299 to outweigh those common complaints. NOTE Crafting tutorials that work 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:21.659 What was it? I covered topics that had been done before. 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:24.019 But I wanted to present them in my way. 00:07:24.020 --> 00:07:26.659 In the way that I knew people would appreciate, 00:07:26.660 --> 00:07:28.299 because it's what I would have appreciated 00:07:28.300 --> 00:07:30.919 when I started my Emacs journey. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:34.479 In writing, I navigated towards clarity. 00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:38.179 Crystal clear, step-by-step instructions. 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:40.699 Fully scripted, recorded in multiple parts and 00:07:40.700 --> 00:07:43.179 spliced together. That allowed me 00:07:43.180 --> 00:07:48.599 to achieve my second goal: no wasted time, or word, 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:51.819 or thought. I meticulously cut my videos 00:07:51.820 --> 00:07:54.079 to create smooth dialogue. 00:07:54.080 --> 00:07:57.499 I cut out large blocks of typing if not explained. 00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:59.259 Though this does vary video to video. 00:07:59.260 --> 00:08:03.259 Less scripted, more personal video receives less editing. 00:08:03.260 --> 00:08:05.659 Like this talk itself, it's not edited at all. 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:08.259 And though prerecorded, I wanted to present 00:08:08.260 --> 00:08:11.719 my unfiltered, raw self. NOTE High-quality and accessible content 00:08:11.720 --> 00:08:15.939 Another goal of mine is high quality and accessible content. 00:08:15.940 --> 00:08:18.579 I speak carefully and I tune my volume, 00:08:18.580 --> 00:08:20.679 making it easier to listen to, 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:23.399 and improving YouTube's auto-captioning. 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:24.899 Something I didn't consider at first, 00:08:24.900 --> 00:08:28.399 but was mentioned to me in a comment, was color scheme. 00:08:28.400 --> 00:08:29.859 Now I try to select a scheme 00:08:29.860 --> 00:08:33.279 with good contrast and a readable font. 00:08:33.280 --> 00:08:35.739 Content-wise, I design my tutorials 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:38.219 to ensure they cater to various skill levels, 00:08:38.220 --> 00:08:40.099 as well as learning preferences. 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:42.999 My videos assume basic Emacs knowledge 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:44.519 but not too much more. 00:08:44.520 --> 00:08:47.199 Importantly, they're configuration agnostic. 00:08:47.200 --> 00:08:50.319 However you feel about Emacs' 'distributions', 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:53.119 Doom, Spacemacs, etc, they're out there, 00:08:53.120 --> 00:08:57.919 and beginners often don't distinguish. 00:08:57.920 --> 00:09:02.039 I admit it can be a bit frustrating to see a Reddit post 00:09:02.040 --> 00:09:04.599 asking a question about unexpected behavior, 00:09:04.600 --> 00:09:06.179 without mention of the fact that they have 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:09.659 literally thousands of lines of non-standard configuration 00:09:09.660 --> 00:09:12.219 in the form of an Emacs distribution. 00:09:12.220 --> 00:09:14.899 So I do my best to mention different possible keybindings 00:09:14.900 --> 00:09:17.919 a viewer might be using. NOTE Most crucial aspect of my videos 00:09:17.920 --> 00:09:19.939 There was one thing, though, that turned out to be 00:09:19.940 --> 00:09:23.299 the most crucial part of my videos and series. 00:09:23.300 --> 00:09:25.459 And it's one of the reasons itself for this talk. 00:09:25.460 --> 00:09:27.879 You may have already picked up on it. 00:09:27.880 --> 00:09:31.119 It's the personal aspect. Sharing myself. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:33.659 Incorporating relatable examples, 00:09:33.660 --> 00:09:36.579 scenarios that resonate with my audience. 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:39.139 Seeing personal use cases, examples, 00:09:39.140 --> 00:09:41.459 and demonstrations of real life Emacs use 00:09:41.460 --> 00:09:44.059 is really what began to build a community. 00:09:44.060 --> 00:09:47.219 Because that's the stuff that can jump out of the video 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:50.219 and into the comments. NOTE A broadening community 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:53.199 The idea for this talk started 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:55.239 as a story of my YouTube journey. 00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:57.539 I wanted to share how I began sharing Emacs 00:09:57.540 --> 00:10:00.959 and why I like it. And I think I've done that. 00:10:00.960 --> 00:10:03.719 Thanks to the EmacsConf organizers, though, 00:10:03.720 --> 00:10:06.199 I started to see a larger vision. 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:08.259 Each video I made took a lot of effort, 00:10:08.260 --> 00:10:11.139 from research and planning to script writing, 00:10:11.140 --> 00:10:14.399 filming and editing. But those comments made it worth it -- 00:10:14.400 --> 00:10:16.839 people saying that straightforward Emacs 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:17.619 was just what they were looking for, 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:20.719 and that they appreciated my sharing. 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:22.419 That's what made me want to continue. 00:10:22.420 --> 00:10:25.699 And what made me want to continue even more 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:28.499 was the community I was building. 00:10:28.500 --> 00:10:30.099 I'd start to see repeat viewers 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:32.639 who'd come back for my latest upload. 00:10:32.640 --> 00:10:34.859 It's hard for me to find time to produce videos. 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:38.419 But whether it was two weeks or four months later 00:10:38.420 --> 00:10:40.259 when I finally got around to uploading, 00:10:40.260 --> 00:10:43.279 those same commenters would be there for me. 00:10:43.280 --> 00:10:47.459 And I found real joy in actively engaging with my audience. 00:10:47.460 --> 00:10:49.499 It was amazing to see how my videos -- 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:51.259 me sharing useful Emacs tips, 00:10:51.260 --> 00:10:55.119 sharing the way I do things -- sparked broader discussions. 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:56.979 On any chat form out there, there's no doubt 00:10:56.980 --> 00:10:59.719 you'll find some sort of cross discourse. 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:02.199 I'd see viewers replying to other commenters, 00:11:02.200 --> 00:11:04.419 and my videos were no exception. Seeing how 00:11:04.420 --> 00:11:06.099 my videos sparked conversation, 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:10.779 debate and further interest was incredible. NOTE Sharing Emacs 00:11:10.780 --> 00:11:13.999 We've had two amazing days of sharing Emacs, 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:17.379 putting ourselves out there, and sharing in a community. 00:11:17.380 --> 00:11:19.059 I want to emphasize how amazing 00:11:19.060 --> 00:11:22.339 a strong community with the right values is, 00:11:22.340 --> 00:11:24.659 and to inspire each and every one of us 00:11:24.660 --> 00:11:27.699 to do our part to strengthen that community. 00:11:27.700 --> 00:11:30.259 The point of my talk isn't to tell you 00:11:30.260 --> 00:11:33.119 to pick up your microphone and produce a YouTube video, 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.559 though that wouldn't hurt. 00:11:34.560 --> 00:11:37.779 We're not all interested in that, and that's okay. 00:11:37.780 --> 00:11:41.059 First, I want everybody to pat themselves on the back 00:11:41.060 --> 00:11:44.139 for the mere fact that we are here together. 00:11:44.140 --> 00:11:48.019 Then let's turn to the potential within our community. NOTE Platforms 00:11:48.020 --> 00:11:50.139 First, though, I'll briefly note 00:11:50.140 --> 00:11:52.339 that everyone has their opinions about platforms, 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.459 and I'm not here to make judgments, 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:56.059 but freedom, equity, and accessibility are important, 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:57.921 but reach is, too. NOTE Achieving unity 00:11:57.922 --> 00:12:00.539 Regardless of the platform, 00:12:00.540 --> 00:12:02.699 one thing remains certain: 00:12:02.700 --> 00:12:05.399 our strength lies in unity. 00:12:05.400 --> 00:12:08.739 Like any online community, this calls for unique ways 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:13.779 to come together and share. How can we achieve this unity? 00:12:13.780 --> 00:12:15.099 The key is finding avenues 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:18.799 where our collective knowledge and our support can flourish, 00:12:18.800 --> 00:12:21.779 while each person can find a place for themselves, 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:25.679 creating a more connected and empowered Emacs community. 00:12:25.680 --> 00:12:29.099 From uplifting others with positive contributions 00:12:29.100 --> 00:12:31.219 to engaging on platforms like Reddit, 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:35.199 both idealistic and concrete approaches are really valuable. 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:36.859 We can continue lively debate 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:38.899 on community forums and discussion boards, 00:12:38.900 --> 00:12:41.619 encouraging a positive and inclusive atmosphere 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:44.659 for asking questions and seeking help. 00:12:44.660 --> 00:12:48.259 We can leverage social media platforms to share quick tips, 00:12:48.260 --> 00:12:51.479 tricks, or interesting discoveries related to Emacs. 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:52.579 Those who enjoy writing 00:12:52.580 --> 00:12:54.859 can contribute to blogs and newsletters, 00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:57.499 sharing personal expertise and experiences 00:12:57.500 --> 00:12:59.239 with a larger audience. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:13:02.959 Let's also not underestimate the value of online video, 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:05.659 as I've said, and learning platforms too. 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:07.539 Creating and sharing tutorials 00:13:07.540 --> 00:13:10.259 on platforms like YouTube or educational websites 00:13:10.260 --> 00:13:14.019 addresses specific aspects of Emacs and benefits learners, 00:13:14.020 --> 00:13:17.419 while contributing a personal touch. 00:13:17.420 --> 00:13:20.579 Participating in or organizing Emacs-related courses 00:13:20.580 --> 00:13:22.539 also fosters a structured learning 00:13:22.540 --> 00:13:24.259 environment where there's so much room 00:13:24.260 --> 00:13:26.079 for mentorship and support, 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:29.999 which is valuable for everyone involved. NOTE Every contribution is valuable 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:32.579 We can also call on our open source [* free software] values 00:13:32.580 --> 00:13:34.939 and focus on collaborative projects, 00:13:34.940 --> 00:13:38.239 from coding projects where we can contribute and learn 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:41.019 to building shared documentation and guides 00:13:41.020 --> 00:13:44.339 that compile collective knowledge on specific topics -- 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:46.459 the Emacs Wiki is a great place 00:13:46.460 --> 00:13:49.599 to start and continue that work as well. 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:51.659 Especially for those who might be less willing 00:13:51.660 --> 00:13:53.099 to put themselves out there, 00:13:53.100 --> 00:13:56.199 it's essential to recognize that every contribution, 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:59.519 regardless of its scale, adds value to our community. 00:13:59.520 --> 00:14:02.119 Documentation contributions, however small, 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:04.459 can go a long way. So do translations, 00:14:04.460 --> 00:14:07.379 for those who are able to increase accessibility, 00:14:07.380 --> 00:14:09.539 as well as testing and bug reporting. 00:14:09.540 --> 00:14:11.379 Reporting issues to package maintainers 00:14:11.380 --> 00:14:14.019 in their desired format -- speaking as one myself, 00:14:14.020 --> 00:14:16.819 I appreciate when users give helpful feedback. 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:20.479 There are options for everybody, big and small. 00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:22.539 Remember, the strength of our community 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:25.339 lies in its ability to share, collaborate, 00:14:25.340 --> 00:14:29.379 and learn together. Whether through collaborative projects, 00:14:29.380 --> 00:14:32.899 sharing insights on forums, or leveraging social media, 00:14:32.900 --> 00:14:34.659 by embracing these ideas, we can build 00:14:34.660 --> 00:14:40.299 a more connected and empowered Emacs community. NOTE Conclusion 00:14:40.300 --> 00:14:43.759 Now Emacs is so very personal. 00:14:43.760 --> 00:14:44.939 Those of us who have our own 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:47.679 carefully manicured configurations understand -- 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:50.859 Emacs molds to our liking and our person. 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:53.219 Our configurations and use-cases 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:56.379 are a reflection of our individuality. 00:14:56.380 --> 00:14:59.319 Nonetheless, the richness of our community 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:04.619 lies in collaboration, sharing, and learning together. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:06.099 There's a lot of talk in the community 00:15:06.100 --> 00:15:09.559 about how to ensure Emacs' longevity. 00:15:09.560 --> 00:15:11.139 I agree it's important. 00:15:11.140 --> 00:15:13.819 We care because of passion, excitement, 00:15:13.820 --> 00:15:16.099 and utility. We want to share 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:19.259 and we want to have others love what we love. 00:15:19.260 --> 00:15:21.099 We also want a stronger community 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:23.899 that fosters new innovation. 00:15:23.900 --> 00:15:26.539 I used to buy into complaints I'd read online 00:15:26.540 --> 00:15:29.499 that Emacs' defaults are too unapproachable. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:33.419 The default color scheme and the font is unappealing. 00:15:33.420 --> 00:15:35.699 Fix that and people will flock. 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:37.739 Sounds fair, I'd think. 00:15:37.740 --> 00:15:40.639 Turns out, it's not what we need. 00:15:40.640 --> 00:15:42.679 Emacs is bigger than that. 00:15:42.680 --> 00:15:45.779 What we need is like what we've done here this weekend. 00:15:45.780 --> 00:15:49.659 Like EmacsConf. It's the absolute epitome 00:15:49.660 --> 00:15:53.899 of sharing about and caring about Emacs. 00:15:53.900 --> 00:15:56.859 We are here both working to grow our community, 00:15:56.860 --> 00:16:00.139 and to strengthen what we already have. 00:16:00.140 --> 00:16:02.579 We're here because we find joy in Emacs, 00:16:02.580 --> 00:16:05.859 and that joy is amplified by sharing it 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:07.679 with and among others. 00:16:07.680 --> 00:16:10.219 So let's continue this journey together, 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:13.459 navigating Emacs with a spirit of collaboration, 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:17.259 because in unity, we find not just strength 00:16:17.260 --> 00:16:22.059 but the enduring legacy of a tool that we hold very dear. 00:16:22.060 --> 00:16:23.339 Thank you to everybody here 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:26.499 for being part of this shared adventure. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:34.120 Let's go forth and share, together.