"I didn’t know I was this geeky until I discovered the online world through my office’s 2400 baud modem back in ’93." Walter’s debut
Walter‘s da man.
About four years ago, I spotted an interesting site on the Dutch web. I didn’t and don’t spend much time on Dutch sites, since most of my online life takes place in the English-speaking realm. But I bookmarked Walter’s site. It wasn’t a weblog. It was a ‘personal site’. He posted stories about his life, growing up in Amsterdam. They were intense, moving pieces that I was sure could find a wider audience.
Walter started weblogging shortly after that. Inevitably, we met at one of the first weblog meetings here in Amsterdam. Both being a little shy (or rather, he can be shy, I’m just a misanthropist) we gravitated towards each other.
Later we both became part of a group of likeminded people. Some people — apparently allergic to the social aspects of ‘communities’ — called us ‘geitenfokkers’ (goat breeders). We called it ‘the minimeet’ ourselves as we’d separated ourselves from a large group of webloggers. We met up in private (larger weblog meetings always being ‘announced’) to see films or visit art exhibitions, eat, drink and be quite merry, thank you very much.
I think we were all convinced of Walter’s immense talent. But friends usually are. To see that talent recognised by others, by agents, by publishers… it’s a dream come true. His, mostly, but ours as well – I’m sure.
Today we went to the launch of Walter’s first novel, ‘De hondenkoning‘. If you’re Dutch and my friend, you will be getting this book for your next birthday.
Walter looked proud. I think we were all pretty proud of him.
I saw a man at the book launch who looked familiar. He was just making his way out when I spotted him. I couldn’t think where I’d seen him before, or who he was. Turns out he’s my friend Guido’s father, the artist Dick Matena. I had only ever seen his picture in the papers. Later that night I spent an hour talking to a rather inebriated Guido on the phone… and ended up with his spare ticket to see Interpol play live next week. Funny ol’ world.
