User:Alnokta/Why would I attend Wikimania in Alexandria?

When you hear that the next Wikimania will be held in Alexandria, Egypt, many questions may come to your mind, such as:

What is Wikimania?

Wikimania is the get-together of Wikimedia people that happens every year, since they considered it to be a good idea to gather in suitable place for Wikipedians, Wikibookians and the other families to enhance the communication, learn some new things and lots of other interesting stuff. You are probably asking "What is Wikimedia?" Well, Wikimedia is two things: a foundation (that thing created to take care of legal matters and make sure you can read Wikipedia); and it can refer to anyone giving a hand in any of Wikimedia projects. Wikipedia is the most famous project of Wikimedia, hence you see that the majorty of Wikimedians being Wikipedians. Are you with me? I hope so, let's go ahead and see what is in your mind.

Okay, I now know what Wikimania is, but really, why would I come?

You don't have to come, but the fact that you didn't know what Wikimania is, makes it more important to attend one of these Wikimanias. You know, there are certain things in life you cannot know the meaning of or why you need it unless you try it yourself. Wikimania is one of these things (similar to classic music, you either love it or pretend don't love it). Another important reason why you need to attend Wikimania is that Wikimania has its own Wikipedia article!, And you know very well that only good articles are accepted on Wikipedia. The casual things worth mentioning is that you will have a good deal of mind blowing presentations (come on, you all like them) and have well-thought talks from some great folks (reads fox--nevermind). Beside all of that you are sure to see guys (guys is gender-neutral<citation not needed>) from all around our good ol' Earth. Are these reasons enough for you? (it should be... no?). One other thing, have you ever wished to contribute to Wikipedia but your glasses were broken and couldn't get the idea? This is the perfect place for you! Because you will be surrounded (not 5.1 system) by wiki people - you do the math. And finally, you will have the opportunity to see a different country at each Wikimania, you can take a walk or take a picture and work on an article related to that country. Have you read all the above? (Writing isn't a good task to be honest). Come to the next query in your head.

Even if I should attend Wikimania, that doesn't mean I CAN attend it... what do you think?

I can say, if you cannot come then you cannot come and hope to attend one someday. But... (that but!)

If you cannot attend it because of:

1. Don't have money (yes, I don't have all that money to spend on Wikimania, keeping it going is more important than Wikimania) --> See Scholarships and stop whining.
2. I am busy as hell --> caffeine dose recommended for polar bears and lots of milk (yes MILK) and hope you do better scheduling next year.
3. Pregnant (or your wife)--> Could be a good thing, some countries give nationality to babies born on their soil (good thing to the baby to be bi-national or double nation).
4. Those kids! --> Bring them over!
5. Afraid that the host country will get me in jail! -> You are cool but not that cool :P, Just come and people hosting the conference will get your well to the relevant authorities.
6. I only know one language :( --> Normally, that would be the normal state but it is always good to learn new languages and people attending Wikimania usually are bilinguals but to be in the sure side, learn some English, it helps (technically, you wouldn't understand a word from that if you don't know English).
7. I'm bored --> Then come! What a strange reason!
8. I'm so so young --> You can put a plan to get your gaurdians involved then tell them about Wikimania and make them take you along... or, if you cannot do that, just wait a few years (hopefully they will still have Wikimanias when you grow up).
9. I'm dead --> I have to ask you politely not to come (so that the others don't freak out when you show up--as a ghost of course--).
10. I will be at that other conference --> This is Wikipedias conference, which weighs more? The common sense says Wikimania, so postpone that other thing.

Fine, I will attend Wikimania, what do I need to do?

Well, country-to-Wikimania converter requires some planning (you aren't visiting grandmother). We suggest the following useless steps:

• See you got the money (comes first, unfortunately :().
• See you got the time.
• See you got the health and make sure your needs are in good shape.
• See what happens when you leave your country (your cave etc.).
• See when Wikimania is going to happen.
• Get a plane ticket (round-trip or one way if you plan on leaving the country).
• Check with guys preparing the conference so that you aren't lost.
• Go to the airport (or seaport if you like the sea/ocean and don't mind spending a few weeks on board).
• Reach the host country and attend Wikimania and have fun.
• Take back your airplane or ship to your country of origin.
• Now it's time to regret.
• Make sure you attend the next one so you can tell all those people there that they will regret it.