I had just two questions come to mind on my travals home from coffee fest Seattle and wanted to get some feedback.

First question, are all barista's/baristi created equal? I've heard it said that barista's are by nature a vary friendly group, and that they enjoy a good party. In going to my first ever throwdown/slam event over the weekend, this idea seemed to be proved by the buzz of 'spro brewing and latte art pouring partiers. But I know for a fact that there are those in the community that are a little more laid back, and don't enjoy the atmosphere of the average party. So second question, is the laid back barista considered to be less apart of the community because they don't jump head first into all the "parties"?
And to add one more, what about those that don't compete or anything - are they not even on the radar as the community goes?

I may have more questions that come up as the convo goes, but thats a good start.

So, thoughts anyone?

Cherie

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Guess not. And I guess that somewhat answers the questions in a way.

Thanks anyway. :)
They are by nature good natured and by nature competitive. :)
I don't personally care for parties, really.

I have competed twice in my region.

I feel fairly recognized. Parties have nothing to do with it for the serious professional. They may be attended, but that's not what it's about.

What's the nature of this query, anyway?
Jason Haeger said:
I don't personally care for parties, really.

I have competed twice in my region.

I feel fairly recognized. Parties have nothing to do with it for the serious professional. They may be attended, but that's not what it's about.

What's the nature of this query, anyway?

My apoligies for such a delayed response. Being a student and working full time puts a major time limit on surfing the web.

The nature of it ... well, I'm just coming at it from the perspective of being one of the more laid back barista's. I love being a barista, I want to get more involved in the community of those that share that same love, but I am not a partier and never have been. And I want to complete at some point, but it just hasn't happened yet is all. I will say that since my post I have been looking for chances to jump in other than parties and competing, and am still looking. I'm a BGA member, so that helps keep up with the news and what-not.

Anyway, does that answer the question?
You don't have to party in order to network. Instead of looking for the parties, look for barista jams or competition events in your area. Sure, it helps to attend the after-party stuff and mingle, but in my experience most of the "partying" just consists of standing around drinking beer and gabbing about coffee stuff anyhow. It's certainly not the be-all end-all of getting to know the community.
All you can do is to be who you are. Just interact in a way that feels alright to you.

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