DR. MARK BENECKE: WGT diary 2022 (53/60) - WGT app? Prayer of thanksgiving? Teeth? (1)

DR. MARK BENECKE: WGT diary 2022 (53/60) – WGT app? Prayer of thanksgiving? Teeth? (1)

Automatic translation. Improvements are constantly being worked on.

No one has yet understood the folding paper program of the WGT. At least I don’t know any. For some time now, there has been an app that is convenient, reliable, and has the correct times and locations. It was programmed by Tobi. Mark: “How did you come up with that idea?” Tobi: “The idea came when I printed out a 20-page plan with Excel lists on paper twelve years ago and was overwhelmed with it at some point and thought that it must be easier nowadays. Then it took off and the app is very well received. I think people are quite happy that they don’t have to be on the road with these huge folding maps anymore.” Mark: “As far as I can see, the app is free. Is that your love for the scene that moves you there, or did you just do that so you could have an app and then others could use it?” Tobi: “First of all, I wanted to have it for myself, but otherwise I think people are happy that it’s free. There’s also the option to donate.” Mark: “Have you ever gotten donations, too?” Tobi: “I actually get donations in as well. This year they donate relatively much, which is nice. You can also see from that that people care and that’s nice. I’ve also gotten a lot of lovely emails asking if the app will be back this year.” Mark: “Classically, the WGT management announces everything one minute before the concert starts. How do you get the information so it’s in the app in time?” Tobi: “In fact, the WGT even sends me the info when anything changes. That wasn’t always the case and that’s great, of course. We now work together and they are also happy that I exist.” Mark: “When did you find out Faderhead wasn’t coming?” Tobi: “I found out about that at relatively short notice, Cornelius from WGT had called me and asked me to please adjust it.” Mark: “How do you do that, you’re out here celebrating now. Do you have a display strapped around your arm like in science fiction movies?” Tobi: “I actually considered carrying my laptop with me, but I won’t post the updates until I get back to the hotel.” Mark: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for doing this. Without you, it would be impossible to organize.” (Text & photos: Mark Benecke)