I don't know if it's right to say we can feel each other's pain. I am not really that shy but definitely not the kind would go up and spark a new conversation e

I don't know if it's right to say we can feel each other's pain. I am not really that shy but definitely not the kind would go up and spark a new conversation every 2 minute with people. I guess what I disagree with is the notion that "you have to talk to people when you are at a conference or at a meetup." That's one thing called social pressure. It seems like a norm to get out there and make another friend and make him your twitter follower. That's a reason why people who are not comfortable with public speaking (or comfortable with making friends at larger social place) are even more paranoid. I really dislike that. I want to tell people: mind your own business and you will bump into interesting people and topics that you can contribute to. You will. I almost always don't talk to people at a talk because I always feeline my work is less "important" or less poblish / amazing than what other people are doing. That's something I can't get away from. And it is rather awkward for people randomly approach to people too. But I think asking questions at a conference/meetup is a great place to start. That's a nice thing to do.