As someone who has been following the congress for twenty years (and if I couldn't be there, I watched streams and recordings), I have to say once again that it used to be better. The selection of topics was broader and more interesting. About fifteen years ago, politics entered the picture, and over the years it has become more and more prevalent. Strange people began to appear, and about ten years ago, this event ceased to be a cozy meeting place for hackers and geeks. I am very sad about that.