A Chat With USENIX Community Manager Rikki Endsley (Video)

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A Chat With USENIX Community Manager Rikki Endsley (Video)

Posted by Roblimo on Thursday January 17, 2013 @07:25AM from the greybeards-and-college-students-and-lots-of-beer dept.

Rikki Endsley has been Community Manager for USENIX since September, 2011. She also edits their magazine, ;login:, writes for publications ranging from Linux.com to Network World, and is a long-distance runner to boot. But this interview concentrates on USENIX, a worthy organization that does a great job of helping its members (and the entire Unix/Linux community) stay up to date technically and, with its job board, keep USENIX members employed. Toward the end of the conversation, Rikki mentions some of the intangible but valuable benefits people get when they attend USENIX events. (Remember: If you don't have time to watch the video, can't see the video or just don't like video, you can click on the "Show/Hide Transcript" link and read a text version of the video.)

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Another day, another video by g051051 · 2013-01-17 07:39 · Score: -1, Troll

OK, here's an actual, real solution to the "video problem". Since you're creating summaries and transcripts, post *those* on the front page and either have a video link in the story or just leave the videos on the video tab. This isn't perfect, because all the videos you keep making are atrocious, but at least alleviates part of the problem.
The solution, of course, is to STOP MAKING THESE AWFUL VIDEOS.
1. Re:Another day, another video by h4rr4r · 2013-01-17 07:51 · Score: 0
  
  Don't click the link.
  If you must, don't install flash.
  If you must do both, install flashblock.
2. Re:Another day, another video by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 07:59 · Score: -1
  
  please shut up
0x7fffffff by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2013-01-17 07:48 · Score: 1, Funny

Rikki, don't lose that number
It's the only one you own
You might use it if you feel better
When you get home

--
"Flyin' in just a sweet place,
Never been known to fail..."
1. Re:0x7fffffff by jones_supa · 2013-01-17 08:01 · Score: 0
  
  Steely Dan, one of the best bands in the world...
2. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 08:35 · Score: 0
  
  Heard that song today. Listening to the oldies station in the truck like I often do. I shut off the radio because I couldn't bare it any more, that song really sucks.
3. Re:0x7fffffff by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2013-01-17 09:06 · Score: 0
  
  You could have a change of heart...
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLdm1yuoU_Q
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4WE2VbPAag
  
  --
  "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
  Never been known to fail..."
4. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 10:10 · Score: -1
  
  Why'd ya pull yer resume off LinkedIn Jeremiah Cornelius -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3368135&cid=42529887 Is it since someone spotted you're not only a "San Fran 'Man'" (a fella is more like it) and that you can't even spell what you allegedly used to do for a job? It's correctly spelled PENETRATION, not "pentration" as you misspelled it there in front of 1,000's no doubt (one would think an anal penetration man from San Fran'd know how THAT is spelled at least, lol). Jeremiah Cornelius likes to troll others -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2238996&cid=36457426 , but can't handle it when it's done in return showing he is illiterate, and that much is obvious. You fail troll. How many years did you leave your resume up there with that basic literacy fail on it? Yes you have been trolled - You like? I wager you don't since you removed your faulty resume (on the very thing you took pride in that you can't even spell correctly most likely indicating you weren't any good at it either).
5. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 10:13 · Score: -1
  
  Why'd ya pull yer resume off LinkedIn Jeremiah Cornelius -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3368135&cid=42529887 Is it since someone spotted you're not only a "San Fran 'Man'" (a fella is more like it) and that you can't even spell what you allegedly used to do for a job? It's correctly spelled PENETRATION, not "pentration" as you misspelled it there in front of 1,000's no doubt (one would think an anal penetration man from San Fran'd know how THAT is spelled at least, lol). Jeremiah Cornelius likes to troll others -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2238996&cid=36457426 , but can't handle it when it's done in return showing he is illiterate, and that much is obvious. You fail troll. How many years did you leave your resume up there with that basic literacy fail on it? Yes you have been trolled - You like? I wager you don't since you removed your faulty resume (on the very thing you took pride in that you can't even spell correctly most likely indicating you weren't any good at it either).
6. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 12:51 · Score: -1
  
  Hello APK! This is the CIA, we're watching you!
7. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 13:37 · Score: -1
  
  The FBI has been after him, since he began promoting usage of the Windows hosts file to evade tracking and detection. They have a black mark next to his name and are looking for enough evidence for a "material support of terrorism charge" based on messages like these:
  Want to REALLY know what a HOSTS file can do for you, the end user (or corporate environs) & how/why itâ(TM)s BETTER THAN AdBlock &/or DNS servers alone? Take a peek here guys & enjoy -> http://news.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1913212&cid=34576182
  Iâ(TM)ve been using them for BETTER SPEED, BETTER ONLINE LAYERED SECURITY, & to an extent? Even BETTER âoeANONYMITYâ (vs. DNS request logs &/or DNSBL)â¦
  Iâ(TM)ve been doing this since 1997 or thereabouts, & itâ(TM)s just like putting a âoeTurboâ onto an engine in a vehicle (w/out the âoeturbo lagâ).
  APK
  P.S.=> And, yes, they really DO work (something âoeoldâ folks seemed to have forgotten, that lets YOU get âoemore bang for the buckâ in what you pay every month for ISP/BSP online access by also making you NOT download adbanners as well if you like (which have been found w/ malicious code in them MANY TIMES since 2004 (see URL above))â¦ & since ISP/BSPâ(TM)s like AT&T & others are moving to a âoepay by bandwith use/bandwith capâ type scenarios?? Blocking out adbanners can see you have a gain there not only speed, or potential security, but also BANDWIDTH CONSERVATION!
  IF youâ(TM)re a security pro & a network admin, then what the HELL is stopping you from using login scripts to migrate HOSTS files that are updated across all your network nodes/clients/workstations then?? HOSTS are good for stopping domainname/hostname based links (which IS what the majority of malware makers use, period)
  I know â" been populating a HOSTS file this way since 1997, & they use host/domain names, because they are RECYCLABLE, unlike IP addresses that once known as bad, get shut down & turned offâ¦ whereas a host/domain name means since you own it, you can go to yet another hosting provider & startup a botnet server or maliciously scripted site, in minutes, all over again & with the SAME domain/hosts name â" the RBN (Russian Business Network) was notorious for itâ¦ (& today, CoreFlood botnet did the same until the FEDS took over their C&C servers)
  If youâ(TM)re a âoesecurity proâ as YOU allegedly SAY you are, you didnâ(TM)t seem to note anything I stated, & youâ(TM)d also have noted that LAYERED SECURITY IS THE BEST THING WE HAVE GOING vs. these maliciously scripted threats out there today (& that means using HOSTS files in combination with other tools such as antivirus/antimalware, firewalls, HIPS & more).
  Alexander Polock Knucklehead
8. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-18 03:44 · Score: -1
  
  Why'd ya pull yer resume off LinkedIn Jeremiah Cornelius -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3368135&cid=42529887 Is it since someone spotted you're not only a "San Fran 'Man'" (a fella is more like it) and that you can't even spell what you allegedly used to do for a job? It's correctly spelled PENETRATION, not "pentration" as you misspelled it there in front of 1,000's no doubt (one would think an anal penetration man from San Fran'd know how THAT is spelled at least, lol). Jeremiah Cornelius likes to troll others -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2238996&cid=36457426 , but can't handle it when it's done in return showing he is illiterate, and that much is obvious. You fail troll. How many years did you leave your resume up there with that basic literacy fail on it? Yes you have been trolled. You like? I wager you don't since you removed your faulty resume (on the very thing you took pride in that you can't even spell correctly most likely indicating you weren't any good at it either).
9. Re:0x7fffffff by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-18 03:49 · Score: 0
  
  Poor reaction Jeremiah Cornelius posting as ac this time instead of yourself as you have before on that material http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3386633&cid=42622423 that you can't seem to disprove in its points. FBI? There's no law against hosts files. You should be tracked by them for admittedly stalking others online (calling it trolling doesn't make it any better, that's just word manipulation) http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=2238996&cid=36457426 as your own profile states about controlling words, along with your buddy webmistressrachel http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3373637&cid=42570685 along with you. Give us a break, learn to spell what you did for a job correctly. You might still be doing it if you could actually spell it right.
Sort of past its sell date by Bruce+Perens · 2013-01-17 07:55 · Score: 1, Interesting

I went to Usenix conferences in 1981 when they were really the only conferences about this technology. These days there are many conferences covering that sort of system, and many of them have a better focus.

--
Bruce Perens.
1. Re:Sort of past its sell date by Saint+Aardvark · 2013-01-17 08:34 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  I respectfully disagree. I've been to four LISA conferences (sysadmin conference run by USENIX) since 2006, and I see very little that is comparable; there are the various LOPSA conferences (LOPSA-EAST, Cascadia IT Conference), but they're simply not at LISA's scale. Want to hang out with a thousand other sysadmins? Get training from Ted T'so on recovering borked disks? See what Google is up to -- or the small IT shop at the university down the coast with 1/20000th the budget? There's simply nothing else out there that matches it.
  As for the rest of the conferences, all I know is the summaries I've read in ;login: and the material that I've watched/listened to on their website. (And btw, HUGE kudos to USENIX to opening access to their proceedings, talks and papers.) But at the very least, they make damned interesting reading, and have made me very curious about things that are going on outside my narrow focus.
  I don't have the breadth of experience you do; I concentrate on system administration because I love it, and I've been doing it less than ten years. I'm definitely an interested amateur (at best) when it comes to topics like security, or file systems, or OS design. But I'm always surprised how much of USENIX conference material touches on areas of interest or direct relevance to me, and at the very least browsing their papers is a wonderful introduction to some research and work I'd miss otherwise. I'm sure (with the exception of LISA) there are more focused conferences, or better known ones (DefCon is one that springs to mind). But I can't agree that USENIX is "past its sell date".
  (And in passing, thanks very kindly for all the work you've done for the Open Source/Free Software community. Kinda boggles my mind that I'm debating you...)
  
  --
  Carousel is a lie!
Production Values by Bruce+Perens · 2013-01-17 07:58 · Score: -1, Offtopic

Is this a laptop camera on the desk? Whose idea was it to shoot up the poor woman's nose?

--
Bruce Perens.
1. Re:Production Values by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 08:07 · Score: 1, Funny
  
  This just in: the Slashdot staff is incomptent in more ways than just the editing of stories.
2. Re:Production Values by hawguy · 2013-01-17 08:23 · Score: 1
  
  Is this a laptop camera on the desk? Whose idea was it to shoot up the poor woman's nose?
  Why is the video such poor quality and out of focus? Decent HD cameras are not expensive - even GoPro videos shot from the head of a mountain biker look better than this. How about a little front lighting - why is the background lit better than her face?
  And is it *really* neccessary to make us sit through a 30 second commercial (with no relevance at all to technology) before we can see the video?
3. Re:Production Values by swb · 2013-01-17 08:30 · Score: 2
  
  It looks like it was recorded from a skype type video conference. She was probably using the video camera in her laptop.
4. Re:Production Values by maeglin · 2013-01-17 08:34 · Score: 0, Flamebait
  
  Is this a laptop camera on the desk? Whose idea was it to shoot up the poor woman's nose?
  I would assume it was hers as it appears to be a recording of her side of a video call with some crappy transitions sprinkled in. If she wants to look more glamorous in these things in the future (which she may be interested in if the glasses are any indication) then she should do her interviews in person or pony up for a decent USB / IP camera.
5. Re:Production Values by K.+S.+Kyosuke · 2013-01-17 08:54 · Score: 1
  
  Is this a laptop camera on the desk? Whose idea was it to shoot up the poor woman's nose?
  People today have the weirdest ideas, such as that (web)cams with wide-angle lenses are good for shooting people's faces etc., so I'm not surprised in the least.
  
  --
  Ezekiel 23:20
6. Re:Production Values by j00r0m4nc3r · 2013-01-17 10:21 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, everyone knows the Smith and Wesson model 29 is the best for shooting people's faces
7. Re:Production Values by brantondaveperson · 2013-01-17 10:44 · Score: 1
  
  If she wants to look more glamorous in these things in the future..
  The 60's called. It wants your attitudes back.
8. Re:Production Values by maeglin · 2013-01-18 13:46 · Score: 1
  
  The 60's called. It wants your attitudes back.
  Holy crap! It also wants your knee jerk howls of misogyny back, too.
  1. The video is clearly not flattering. 2. Her selection of eye wear certainly gives the appearance that she has at least a passing interest in being fashionable. Therefore: 3. If she wants to look more glamorous in these things in the future she should pony up for a better camera. Drop a trendy male in the situation and I'd say the same thing. Why go out of your way to make specific statement about how you present yourself and then ruin it with poor technology? This seems particularly bad for someone who's supposed to be a spokesperson for technology. Oh, I'm sorry, we can't talk about appearances anymore can we? If I just stop wearing pants any more at least I'll still get the blue participation ribbon for showing up to work.
Question by Sparticus789 · 2013-01-17 08:02 · Score: -1, Offtopic

Does anyone in the IT field know how to speak without using "ummm" after every other word?

--
sudo make me a sandwich
1. Re:Question by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 08:13 · Score: 0, Offtopic
  
  ummm, no.
2. Re:Question by Hatta · 2013-01-17 08:18 · Score: 1, Offtopic
  
  Ummm, yes.
  
  --
  Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
3. Re:Question by K.+S.+Kyosuke · 2013-01-17 08:57 · Score: 1, Offtopic
  
  Does anyone in the IT field know how to speak without using "ummm" after every other word?
  It's called protocol padding.
  
  --
  Ezekiel 23:20
Usenix is not that great... by RocketRabbit · 2013-01-17 08:29 · Score: 1

Sure, it's fun to slag off for a few days, fly to some tourist-infested "destination" and sit around mentally masturbating with other geeks for a while, but at a Usenix event? Pfffffffft, don't make me puke.
These days any such event is merely presentation natter presentation of marketing jazz Fromm one or another of the event sponsors. Sadly almost every conference is turning out to be this way, but hey, gotta make a sheckel right?
Uh by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 08:41 · Score: -1

Is this a video about UNSENIX, or a commercial for Rikki herself? Why tout how great she is and why talk about all the many project with which she works?
Interesting, learned something by water-and-sewer · 2013-01-17 08:43 · Score: 3

Nothing but hate comments posted so far, as far as I can tell. I'm not a big fan of the Slashdot video articles, but this was better than most. And I learned something about Usenix, which is a bit more alive and dynamic than I'd thought. It's a tough time to be trying to build a community around paid membership and printed/epub journals though. The young generation wants free blogging articles and no membership fee. I wish them luck and might try subscribing to their journal, since I see they offer epub and I no longer care to collect and manage paper magazines/journals.

--
If this were Usenet, I'd killfile the lot of you.
1. Re:Interesting, learned something by postbigbang · 2013-01-17 14:09 · Score: 1
  
  It was informative, and described USENIX well. It's diverse, and you have to pay real dues. That alone, will separate the audience into the tiers as well.
  The remarks will probably sift into similar categories.
  
  --
  ---- Teach Peace. It's Cheaper Than War.
Usenix by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 08:49 · Score: -1

Watched video, never heard of Usenix, browsed their site, read membership benefits, so I've decided that I'm very likely to join after I save enough money to join. I already donated my life savings to the NRA. Without our guns, there will be no future for geeks, we ask too many questions.
I am disappointed in no one saying it yet... by RedHackTea · 2013-01-17 09:15 · Score: -1, Troll

Her looks are riveting. Come on guys, this is what we always do when there's a woman in a video! Stop being scared of -1 Troll.

--
The G
1. Re:I am disappointed in no one saying it yet... by aristotle-dude · 2013-01-17 09:37 · Score: 1
  
  Her looks are riveting. Come on guys, this is what we always do when there's a woman in a video! Stop being scared of -1 Troll.
  Seriously? You need to get out more.
  
  --
  Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
2. Re:I am disappointed in no one saying it yet... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 10:35 · Score: -1
  
  I have to agree with the GP, I find her to be quite attractive. And yes, I need to get out more, but that's neither here nor there...
I'm a USENIX Blogger at LISA12 by Bandman · 2013-01-17 09:23 · Score: 4, Informative

I would suggest to anyone who thinks that USENIX conferences are solely for graybeards who walk around wearing suspenders, flipping nickels at people, then you should take a few minutes to read through the training program from LISA12. Not only is there the old standard Linux stuff, there are also great classes on building AWS infrastructures, cloudstack, PowerShell, and tons more. It's really pretty great.

--
Check out my sysadmin blog!
anyone else read that by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-17 09:28 · Score: 0, Insightful

as UNISEX ?
Who is the interviewer? by Psychotria · 2013-01-17 18:27 · Score: 1

Roblimo? He sounds drunk.
Helloooooooo Nurse! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-18 03:37 · Score: 0

I'd hit dat like the enter key on a "shutdown -h now" command.