A dozen years of RPGPGM.COM

Every year my mind is boggled each time I reach the anniversary of this blog. It is incredible to me that I have been writing for a dozen years about everything I find interesting with IBM i, and that you take your time to read it. Your encouragement is very much appreciated.

What has happened in the past twelve months?

In April this website was awarded, by Feedspot, their recognition for being one of the top IBM blogs in 2025. Feedpost works with all kinds of blog, not just technology related ones. I must admit I was humbled by this unexpected award.

On a personal note I had the opportunity to travel to five different countries (Canada, Denmark, India, Sweden, UK) to attend and present at conferences. It was series of marvelous experiences and a great opportunity to make friends in all those locations. I also spoke at many events in the USA too, in-person and online.

I have been alarmed by the number of North American local user groups that have ceased to exist in the time I have been writing this blog. My reckoning there are now just 12 left in the USA. I implore everyone to help keep these dozen going, even if it just be attending their online events. You get to learn something new, and the people who run these groups get to feel they are appreciated too. I have built a calendar of all current USA local user groups events, please check it and participate when you can, the calendar is at ibmicommunity.blogspot.com

For the fifth year I was recognized by IBM as an IBM Champion for Power (I keep hoping they will have IBM Champions for IBM i soon). I am flattered to receive that honor again.

 

And was awarded the IBM Champions Contributor, Advocate, and Influencer for 2024 in November, and for 2025 in April too. You can see them here.

At COMMON’s PowerUp, in May, I was surprised to be presented with two "Bronze Speaker" pins for my presentation in the previous year’s PowerUp. As I already have a Gold, as well as these Bronze, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I might win a Silver next year, which will give me the whole set.

If you see me at a user group event feel free to introduce yourself and say "Hi". I might even have a RPGPGM.COM-unity ribbon for you.

I do need to call out RZKH and Frankeni and say a big "Thank you" to them both. Without their support I would not be able to write this blog.

I also need to thank all of the advertisers, whose generosity makes this website possible.

Again I want to thank y'all. It is your feedback that makes me realize that my work is worthwhile.

Oh my, next year RPGPGM.COM will be a teenager!