I like being in a position to engage with such people, though, and am fortunate to have some of those opportunities.
Being part of a good scene is worth a lot, I agree. That's an interesting way to look at it -- allocating your efforts to get you a ticket to those things, even if you're not necessarily the main player.
this territory is moderated
I don't think I have the requisite hubris or arrogance to ever believe I was the foremost expert in anything of significance, even if it were arguably the case (which it isn't).
reply