Does The Way I Look Make You Uncomfortable? Ok Now You're Ready for APIs!

by Kin Lane on 10/13/2012

I’ve been getting more comments lately about my appearance, as my API evangelism penetrates the enterprise and government. Specifically regarding my beard.

An executive at a leading API service provider reminded me the other day, that I will be the only one with a beard at the Gartner AADI event in November.

My appearance for me is natural. When I look in the mirror and I see my beard and long hair it feels more like me than the properly groomed version. It is also deliberate. I know it makes some people feel a little uncomfortable--but that is something you will need to accept.

As I see it, to play in this new world of web APIs you have to be able to accept being out of your comfort zone. APIs are about giving up a little control, in order to let in new ideas and innvoation.

As you can see in the before (2010) and after (2012) photo, back when I was VP of Technology at WebEvents Global and running SAP and Google events I played the game, but now as API Evangelist--not so much.

If my new look makes you a little uncomfortable, that is a good thing. It’s just a little taste of what it will take for you to leave your comfort zone and successful open up your companies assets and resources via APIs.

My goal isn’t to offend anyone, but make you think a little bit about what you are getting into. I hope you can quickly get past my appearance, hear what I have to say about APIs. I definitely have a lot more to say than I did in 2010 when I looked “normal”, and I think once you listen to my evangelism for a little while--I’ll win you over.

If nothing else, I think you will at least remember me.