The 31st Pattern Languages of Programs, People, and Practice (PLoP) conference is a wrap! PLoP brings together practitioners and researchers who share an interest in exploring the power of patterns. Our four-day event is an opportunity for pattern enthusiasts to gather, discuss, and learn from each other.
Originally, PLoP conferences focused on software-related patterns and pattern languages. Over the years the topics being written about has expanded. This year we renamed our conference to reflect that our patterns focus on all aspects of the built world--anything designed and made by people, including organizations, culture, and individual practice.
We accepted 30 patterns papers. If your paper was accepted, instead of giving a talk about it, it was discussed and reviewed in a small, supportive writing group. We grouped papers into workshops according to a common theme. This year's themes were: improving life; effective writing; learning and education; software development and engineering; and AI architectures, use, and implications. Each writers' workshop group was moderated by an experienced author. Authors were expected to attend all paper discussions for their writing group. Other interested participants could also join in. I attended several sessions, including those of authors whose papers I shepherded.
First time authors might be nervous about this format. But believe me, listening to people candidly discuss your writing is a gift. They point out places they particularly like. As they explore your work you get to see in realtime how they react to your written words. They offer constructive suggestions. They discuss various aspects of your paper and don't always agree with each other. Being part of a writing group, exposes you to others' ideas and writing styles. You pick up new-to-you techniques that your fellow authors use in their papers to effectively communicate. Participating in a writing group is an enriching and satisfying experience.
After having had my essays and patterns workshopped in such a kind, caring fashion, I find that I am eager to revise my work and am inspired to make it the best it can be. I never get this kind of feedback from simply presenting a paper at more traditional conferences.
After the conference, authors can choose to update their paper and have it published in our archived conference proceedings. Authors retain the copyright to their work. Some authors collect, write and curate a group of related patterns over several years. Some create websites and build communities of practice around their patterns.
The theme of our conference this year was "Live your patterns." So what happens next is up to you.
Finally, I want to thank once again all those who worked with me to make the conference run smoothly. Thanks to Valentino Vranić, the program chair for papers, whose work will continue on as we gather revised papers into the conference proceedings. And special thanks to my fellow co-conference chair Indu Alagasawarmy for her enthusiasm, tireless energy, cheerful attitude, and organizational and logistical acumen.
