Wikipedia  defines Android as a “mobile operating system initially developed by Android Inc., a firm purchased by Google in 2005. It is a participant in the Open Handset Alliance”.  I learned, first-hand, at the Big Android Barbecue that Android is really about community.

In creating both Android and the Open Handset Alliance, Google opened doors for people around the world and established a community that anyone can be part of. I recently had the opportunity to sit in on a round table of Android bloggers at the First Annual Android BBQ. As an audience member, I was able to see the heads of many great Android websites come together in one place. As they spoke, I became aware of the passion and the desires that Android was creating. This weekend wasn’t about who had a better site or who got the news up faster. It was about bigger things.  But where did these bigger things get their start?

The question of “How did you get started?” was really the basis for the post you are reading now. I wrote down a few quotes from some of the bloggers and would like to share them below.

“We wanted to quit our day jobs; We wanted to tell your story,” said a humble Taylor Wimberly (AndroidAndMe). Each answer built off of the previous speaker and showed genuine enthusiasm.  A wave of passion was crashing over the audience!

“…We’re community driven – a voice for the people in the community.” Simon Walker (AndroidSPIN).  Truly selfless stuff.

Looking at the list of members in the Open Handset Alliance announced on day one, Scott Webster (AndroidGuys) said “This is going to be cool… this is going to be fun!”   He didn’t see any actual work ahead, rather a dream coming to life.

Starting a little later than other blogs, Andrew Kamika (Androinica) saw a lot of promise and wanted to be involved.  ”I like the way Android is developing.”  And we like you, too!  Aaron Kasten (AndroidSwag) was also seeing the growth and momentum that was slowly building and decided to jump right in.  ”…I wanted to be involved in the Android community, and I’m really glad to be a part of it.”    Listening to him speak was satisfying in its own right.  For those who don’t know, Aaron is one of the biggest reasons we even had a barbecue to attend.  I could tell that he was enjoying all the labor that comes with his efforts.

Russell Holly (TheDroidGuy) was only too excited that a large audience was out there to hear his opinion, saying “I wanted to reach my voice a tiny bit higher.”  Xiwei Ying (AbsolutelyAndroid) found that he was constantly chatting his wife’s ear off about Android so she told him, “How about you write it so someone else can hear it!?”  We’re glad he took her advice.  Aaron Buckner (AndroidDose)
seemed to sum up the entire weekend with, “I have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a way to be a part of the community.”

The term “community” was used over and over throughout the discussions. I knew it existed before, but I hadn’t truly grasped it until that day just how sincere everyone was about it.  The platform that was created by Google is unbelievable, but the community created by Android is even more remarkable.

In the days and weeks that followed the barbecue I continue to hear some of these same guys and bask in their love for the Android community.   Everyone sincerely supports and loves each other and act as a big, extended family.   It is mind blowing to think of all that has yet to come about.

So while AndroidSwag is creating a new  product line or retooling their site, Angie Strickland is designing yet more fabulous looking stuff for AndroidAndMe.  And as other Android dreams are being born, the community will be there to welcome and embrace them.

Thanks Andy!