The buzz is already rising for the hackathon. People are thinking about what they want to bring to work on and they’re talking about it, and the creative juices are flowing.
During the last year I talked to lots of people who had attended hackathons and asked them, ‘What’s it like at these hackathons?’ The answers are always about the buzz. Creative and talented people all in the same place working enthusiastically at solving a problem, coming up with cool ideas (some that work and some that don’t have a hope but still get people thinking about the next idea that might work). They talk about the amazing atmosphere and the privilege of working together on something that’s for the greater good.
When I’ve asked about prizes, they’ve told me that being at the hackathons makes everyone a winner. Getting a prize is nice (isn’t it always?) but being part of the buzz is what makes everyone a winner. It’s the opportunity to spend time with people you otherwise wouldn’t meet. It’s being able to see different perspectives on a problem you’re attempting to solve.
If you don’t get to finish the task you’ve brought to the hackathon you’ve built an amazing network of like-minded people who can carry on working on your idea with you afterwards. That’s what winning is all about.
Day by Day 
Leave a comment