Here’s a shout out to my big, sometimes dysfunctional, extended family, currently gathering together in Helsinki for this year’s DebConf, Debian’s annual developer gathering. Sorry I can’t be there with you, but I’m in San Francisco next week. Too bad, too, as there are so many interesting things brewing in the Debian world, and I’m sure there is going to be lots of good talk about compatibility and Debian derivatives and other issues critical to our future success. Since I can’t be there in person, I’ve sent Jeff Licquia, who is fully prepared to speak on my behalf. Furthermore, I’d love to join in by telephone in any meetings concerning topics I’ve written about here (release cycle, compatibility and standards, derivatives, etc.). If you can find a room with a telephone, send me the number, and I’ll call in, my dime, even if it’s 3am wherever I’m at.