Rallying All ColdFusion Developers – A Call to Arms!

?? Developer Outreach: The Forge of Community Strength?

The essence of ColdFusion's might lies not in its code alone but in the hearts and minds of its developers. To grow our community is to enhance the very fabric of our digital Middle-Earth:

1. Adobe's Certified Professional Program: A beacon for aspiring developers, this program is a gateway to mastering ColdFusion, equipped with many video tutorials and a certification that marks you as a champion of the realm.
2. Empowering Through Knowledge: Beyond Adobe's efforts, it falls upon each of us to spread the word of ColdFusion's capabilities, ensuring the platform's legacy endures like the undying lands.

“Stop being scared of bringing up CFML in the larger IT communities.”- Jon Clausen , President, Silo Web (From CF Alive episode, "011 Portable CFML with Cloud deployments, Microservices and REST with Jon Clausen")

??? Fighting Language Shame: The Battle for ColdFusion's Honor

In the shadows lurk the naysayers, quick to declare ColdFusion a relic of the past. Yet, armed with facts and pride, we can dispel these myths and illuminate ColdFusion's true power:

1. Countering the Myths: ColdFusion thrives through continuous evolution, security, and an ecosystem unmatched in its depth and breadth. Let these truths be your shield against the darkness of ignorance.
2. Positive Reinforcement: When faced with skeptics, respond with the joy and pride of a ColdFusion developer. Share your knowledge and experiences, turning doubt into admiration and perhaps even conversion.

?? Spreading the Word: The Quest for ColdFusion Awareness?

The path to elevating ColdFusion's stature lies in open dialogue and education. By engaging with the broader developer community, we can reveal the modern marvels of ColdFusion:

1. Embrace Every Opportunity: Each encounter with a disbeliever is a chance to educate and inspire. Speak of ColdFusion's advancements and the vibrant community that supports it.
2. Be the Beacon: Share your journey with ColdFusion, from the challenges overcome to the victories achieved. Your story could light the way for others to follow.

“For ColdFusion developers, what new ColdFusion technology or library are you going to have a chance to dip into, are you going to learn? I think that will help make ColdFusion better, make ColdFusion more alive and it will make the developers doing ColdFusion more proud of what they do. When you talk to another developer that's not a ColdFusion developer, you could more proudly talk to them about the modern practices that you're doing and not have to be ashamed of the legacy ColdFusion app that you managed that was written like it's 1999.” - Brad Wood , Software Architect and Platform Evangelist Ortus Solutions (From CF Alive episode, "028 Design Patterns for amazing app architecture (16 patterns), with Brad Wood")

??Onwards!

As we close this chapter of our collective quest, let us look to the horizon and the adventures that await us. Next week, we delve into the art of promoting ColdFusion, both in the tangible world and across the vast expanse of the internet. We will explore tactics and tales of those who have championed ColdFusion, ensuring its legacy shines brightly for all to see. Prepare to join this noble crusade, for together, we can cast a light so bright that even the darkest corners of skepticism will be illuminated. ?????

P.S. If the legacy of your CF application looms as large and mysterious as the Forest of Fangorn, do not waver, bold 'Théoden of CF'! Signal through the ancient language of the Ents, dispatch a message by the swift Rohirrim, or light a signal fire seen from Edoras to Helm's Deep. As vigilant as the Watchers at the gates of Gondor, we pledge to awaken, revitalize, and champion your venerable project. Together, we shall cut a path through the entangled undergrowth, illuminating your endeavor with the clarity of Elendil’s Star. Let us rally to your cause, driving back the encroaching darkness, and leading your CF legacy to stand tall and proud, a beacon of hope and innovation in the digital age. ????