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In November I went to hang out with ~97 complete strangers, 1 comms pro who’d told me about it, 1 client I’d not yet met in person, and 1 person who pulled together an incredible unconference, #CongRegation, in the village of Cong in the West of Ireland. I came home feeling remarkably restored, and it’s taken me a while to gather my thoughts on it.

The logistics:

How I heard about #CongRegation

Early November, I met Padraig McKeon at Turbocharge and we talked, amongst other things, about CongRegation. If I recall correctly, he described it as an unconference where you spend the weekend talking to others and sharing stories, then go to the pub to continue the conversation? I was hooked immediately on the idea.

It transpired that the degrees of Irish separation appear to hit differently too; Padraig knows Dermot who I’ve been working with remotely this year. As we chatted, it turned out that they’re also both regular attendees at Congregation! I spoke to Dermot a few days later, who was also kind enough to give me a bit of a run-down of a bit more detail of what to expect.

Later I submitted my blog post on the subject of chaos, a subject dear to my heart. Eoin confirmed I had a spot so I made my travel arrangements and was good to go!

How I got there

On Friday 28th November, I flew from Stansted to Knock (aka confusingly advertised as the West of Ireland airport on the screens at the airport), picked up my hire car from the airport, and drove to the outskirts of Cong. I was staying in a lovely B&B, Ballnamona House that was an 8 minute drive, or 1 hour’s walk, into the centre. After my Ryanair flight was inevitably delayed, Joan kindly made sure I got to Ashford Castle on time for the first part of the event.

I then made use of taxis to get to and from the village as I didn’t much fancy the stomp, particularly as I’d once again injured my toe, although not as badly as the last time I flew with a broken foot.

What I saw at #CongRegation

A night at Ashford Castle

I love getting to explore new places, and Ashford Castle might be the fanciest hotel I’ve ever had the privilege of visiting. It’s been renovated to a really high standard (and is apparently where Rory McIlroy got married).

I walked in past the massive Christmas tree to a drinks reception in the Billiard Room, with a full size table taking a large proportion of the space.

We made our way up to the beautifully appointed cinema, helped ourselves to popcorn, and settled in to hear from 4 speakers about chaos, after a glorious introduction from Eoin.

The first speaker was William O’Connor, a neuroscientist who explained, amongst other things, the concept of neuroplasticity which finally clicked, as it’s something I’ve been learning about over the last few years.

I first heard of the concept of neuroplasticity when I went to hear Ruby Wax talking about mental health as part of her shows related to her books Sane New World and Frazzled.

I also got reminded of musician John Callaghan’s brilliant track Let the Paths Grow Over; a song I’ve heard many times over the years, but it only properly clicked for me when we went to see his excellent gig at the Comedy Museum a few months ago.

The second speaker, Roisin O’Connor talked about chaos, determinism and the illusion of disorder from a mathematical perspective.

The third speaker Billie “Bee” Byran, aka Caymandrogyne brought witchcraft to the stage, talking about chaos magic, and how we can harness our powers to bring method to the madness of life.

The last speaker of the night was a musician Shane Wearen, sharing stories on musical chaos.

Amongst other things, Shane covered some really cool ways to make sounds, like this electronic chess board that triggered tones, that also made me think of John Callaghan, too.

Before we left the castle, Dermot kindly obliged me with a selfie for our first in-person meeting by that massive Christmas tree.

Onwards to the pub

We headed into the village off to Danaghers, the pub which I was to become quite well acquainted with over the weekend.

I started off with a pint of Guinness.

As promised, the conversations, like the beer, flowed well into the night. I also tried Smithwicks Irish Ale too. I got my taxi home well after midnight, and slept like a log.

The actual unconference bit

On Saturday morning we convened in Cong for the CongRegation to properly begin. Around 100 people descended upon a hotel to gather their thoughts – and their lanyards – ahead of a fabulous welcome from Eoin.

Everyone was given a number sticker, and a lanyard that was a bit like a bingo card, so you can work out where you’re going to be throughout the day. With 4 timeslots and 8 venues, we were divided into groups, set up in a way we’d have a different gang each time. A marvel for someone who came alone, as you’re thrown in with different faces, and a clear place to be.

As was pointed out by a few, the cords either weren’t quite long enough this year or the print not quite large and clear enough to be easily read by all (definitely not a victim of the success of the event over the years meaning eyes are ageing). Taking a photo and zooming in was one way folks who’d neglected to bring reading glasses were using assistive tech.

CongRegating…

The first session was in the back room of a brilliant historic bookshop (which is sadly due to close in January). This was probably my favourite session of the day; we spoke about different aspects of chaos from geopolitical to staying sane and connected as adults to misinformation and connecting with young people and lots of things in between. A really broad range of folks with different backgrounds from dairy farming to digital to working with young people in a social setting.

Moving between venues

Throughout the rest of the day the conversation flowed. Split across venues around the village, we were lucky with the weather and it was a lovely way to support local venues and get to really know the area. Every session was different, and perhaps slightly influenced by the surroundings, too.

Cong is a remarkable destination. The event has a remarkable feeling to it. The perfect blend of facilitation and serendipity to make some really wonderful connections. What an absolute treat to be able to spend the weekend hanging out with the sort of folks who want to spend the weekend hanging out with people and chatting. Ostensibly around a topic, which this year was chaos, but I suspect many would be equally happy talking about order.

The evening bit

We went off in groups to get our dinner, and reconvened back in Danaghers for some evening activities. I *loved* spending some time in the pub, sketching with charcoal…

Later in the evening we moved next door for a lovely open mic session. We had musicians, poetry and more. And I surprised myself by recalling the poem “The Chaos” by Gerard Nolst Trenité. I remembered it being on the wall at school and loving it as a teenager, and found it on my phone to read out in front of everyone. No mean feat at the best of times, let alone when you’ve had a few Guinness, but I think I did okay!

The morning after

Again we were incredibly lucky with the morning weather. I woke to a glorious sunrise.

Sunday morning found a few of us congregating at the old abbey.

We were randomly paired up and set a challenge from Inga Turcan to think about and discuss with our partners, while we went for a walk into the woods.

We walked through the grounds of the abbey, across a bridge, and through this amazing arch which depicts the last High King of Ireland Rory O Conor [Ruaidr Ua Conchobair]. Apparently, when it was carved, the sculptor basically made him in his own likeness, but with a beard.

By the end of the weekend I was tired, but in the best way. A weekend of exploring, connecting, chatting, drinking, sketching, walking and just, well, being. I felt incredibly restored and am 100% down for any future CongRegations should they continue to occur. Thank you to Padraig, Eoin, Dermot and everyone for a brilliant weekend.

If that’s not detailed enough, check out my full photo album from the weekend including some videos in and around Congregation.

On Thursday 6th November I joined communications professionals from around the world to consider our professional development together in London. Run entirely voluntarily by those good folks at IABC UK & Ireland and deftly hosted by Shane Hatton, it was a brilliant day packed full of insights.

I met new and caught up with existing connections from Germany, Nigeria, Australia, USA, folks from the broader region of EMENA (Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and of course from across the UK and Ireland. I missed my Canadian co-author Matisse Hamel-Nelis terribly and I KNOW she had serious FOMO too. In no particular order, here are some things I learned from the day:

1. We can only change what we have capability – and capacity for.

I *loved* Eleanor Tweddell’s opening keynote on navigating the messiness and inevitability for change. She brings a magnificent energy to the stage and presented a brilliantly relatable session on how we feel many things at once, and we might not be able to do everything all at the same time, either. She also had some excellent recommendations including David Lynch’s Catching The Big Fish and founder of The Nap Ministry Trisha Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance. I feel like I definitely need a rest, and am looking forward to a few days off next week. Where I might re-investigate the art of napping, because Eleanor said so.

2. Know our audience – we need to meet them where they are, today

The day kicked off with a brilliant salsa workshop from Dee at Salsa Got Soul to get us energised and consider the fact communications is a two-way street; the call and response of dances like salsa makes it vital for leaders to lead, and followers to pay attention.

I used to go to Ceroc, which is a cross between salsa and jive, but without the tricksy footwork. When you start out, you learn a few basic moves, and as your skills develop you can start weaving them all together, though one of the hardest things to learn is to listen to and concede to your partner. I discovered that actual salsa, as I’d expected, is HARD. I’m going to have to dust off the split-sole dancing trainers I bought on a whim on Vinted a few months back and actually go back, as I’ve been very sedentary of late and it reminded me how much I miss it, despite being more wary than I used to be about breathing in strangers’ faces all night.

There’s a lesson here for communicators – from breaking complex things down into manageable steps, to building those individual pieces into a glorious campaign, while being clear on the expectations and outcomes you’re trying to achieve. It’s never a one-and-done thing, doing this well takes repetition, multiple touchpoints and practice – as well as knowing the ability of your partner / audience. And not forcing people to do things that they’re not ready for – some people will have more experience than others, even if they don’t quite realise it themselves! I wasn’t intending to volunteer up in front of everyone, but I suppose I was already pre-primed, even if it was pre-pandemic that I last set foot on the dancefloor. Some folks will be readier than others.

Meeting our leaders where they are is also something I took away from the C:suite panel hosted by Eduvie Martin, where one of the talking points was how to work with members of the senior leadership team. Getting to know them is vital, understanding their strengths, weaknesses and preferences, to make sure that everyone gets the outcomes they need.

3. Building relationships reaps dividends

I first met Alison Arnot a few months ago when we got together to share tips and swap advice on writing a book. As a fellow author it’s been brilliant to get to know her and we’ve been sharing tips and asking each other questions online, so it was fabulous to actually meet in person.

I really enjoyed her keynote on how to stay calm in a crisis, and the importance of preparedness and cultivating relationships with people so that you can work well together in a pinch. When the shit hits the fan, you really need to be able to trust those around you – and her storytelling of how things went down at Glasgow Airport years ago, along with the excellent framework she’s devised, really resonated with lots of folks in the room. Get her book Internal Communication in Times of Crisis for more insights!

4. It’s a small world and we’re better, connected

I started chatting to Padraig McKeon (who’d been chatting to Alison in the break) and it turned out that not only do we have several mutual connections in common in Ireland but:

• He already has a copy of Accessible Communications, the book I wrote with Matisse Hamel-Nelis sitting on his desk back home
• Off the back of our conversation I’ve submitted an entry to go to Congregation in Cong, Ireland at the end of the month. The theme of this year’s event is chaos, which feels delightfully on-brand; watch this space as that might be a glorious unexpected outcome of the day

I also had some really wonderful conversations throughout the day, in the reception after, and over dinner for the ones who stayed ’til the very end and didn’t have to jet off immediately!

5. It’d be great to have an MRI to look inside our organisations

I really enjoyed Dr Leandro Herrero‘s talk on mapping connections within organizations. From the ability to predict the next Pope through network mapping to the importance of segmenting our comms, we need to make better use of the whisper networks and unofficial influencers, not just the formal champion channels.

6. Sharon “Omnipresent” Dea

I really enjoyed Alan Oram‘s presentation on creativity and loved to see my sometimes co-conspirator Sharon O’Dea appear in a presentation despite currently being 1,000s of miles away in Japan.

7. We think with our head heart and gut

Chris Carey’s presentation demonstrated in real time how we need to design communications that work for our logical as well as visceral selves. I particularly liked his suggestions of questions to ask ourselves if we’re struggling to make a decision – as well as, echoing Eleanor’s points, the permission to pause.

8. It’s not just you the market is appalling

Edeje Onwude hosted a brilliant panel after Andy Macleod had delivered a grim set of graphs showing that the contractor and perm market in the UK has indeed contracted like you think it has. It’s not as bad as it has been at times in the past, but the recruitment process feels very broken at the moment, along with confidence in the market – though we had some “reassurance” during the panel that’s it’s not really rosy elsewhere either. I’ve been incredibly lucky this year to be busy working on a number of smaller projects with clients – though at the same time it’s a different landscape to longer-term contracts that were around a few years ago.

9. Accessible slides are easier to read for everyone

Closing out a conference isn’t always easy especially one that’s been so packed full of insights already! I had some lovely feedback from my talk on impactful communication.

Over the years my font size has increased as I’ve become a better editor. We can’t always control the environments we’re delivering presentations in but I usually design for the worst possible projectors, as well as making it easy for people to read my info without too many ideas on one slide.

Stripping back your ideas and editing your content really helps your message stand out for the right reasons. Something I’m continuing to learn as I go. If you’re also looking to learn more, check out my list of accessibility resources and get in touch if I can help your organisation – lisa at lisariemers dot com.

I’ve been reflecting, as is typical at this time of year, on the sort of work it is I actually do. I’m an independent contractor and consultant who works in and around business and technology. I love and hate intranets, care a lot about accessibility, and provide user centred content design and copywriting services to clients.

In FY24 I had the privilege of working on a number of really interesting projects, getting under the skin of some large and complex organisations to understand more about their requirements.

I took part in several discoveries working with some brilliant people in different agencies. I love talking to people – and getting to conduct user and stakeholder interviews is one of the things I’ve really enjoyed.

I’ve developed content strategies, delivered copywriting and editing services, facilitated some fascinating workshops and helped an organisation understand how to get the most out of their collaboration tools.

I’ve continued to provide reviews of intranet and communications software for the ClearBox report.

The bars in this chart probably aren’t quite as discrete in reality, as some of the projects I’ve worked on have multiple facets to them, too. At nearly 30% labelled as discovery, there’s certainly overlap with user research and content strategy.

According to the statistics, FY24 was (still) all about intranets, with 87% of my invoices being intranet and digital workplace related. Underpinning all of this is putting the user at the heart of my work. Accessibility is something I aim to weave into every piece of work – you’ll notice that it’s not a standalone service I’ve invoiced for, but it’s baked into the work I deliver.

At 8.6% working on AI related projects, it’s much less than the 20% BCG predicted, although given my recent work has been entirely based on support for an AI-based project, let’s see what the rest of FY25 has in store!

So what don’t I (always) get paid for?

It’s hard to quantify the other work I’ve not been paid directly for. I love co-hosting the WB-40 podcast where I get to have fascinating conversations with people, about business and technology. I’ve featured on other peoples’ podcasts and webinars, too.

Podcast episodes I was in last year include:

• Various episodes in the WB-40 podcast
• PR and Lattes with Matisse
• The Minter Dialogue with Minter Dial
• IABC EMENA’s podcast with Monique Zytnik

I get a lot of joy out of connecting people, and ideas. I loved presenting about accessible communications at IABC World Conference in Chicago. and I’ve had some paid speaking opportunities which might make it into next year’s roundup too – I’d love to see that bar grow!

I also love hosting my regular #ItsPubOClock meetup as a way for folks who often work from home in SE London (or want an excuse to pop out) to meet new people.

Looking ahead to FY25

I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my co-author and collaborator Matisse Nelis as we work together on our book about accessible communications!

I’ve also been developing some training and e-learning materials for clients – training is something I’ve done a lot of in previous years, although wasn’t something I worked on that much over the past financial year.

I’m looking forward to working with more clients on their intranet-related projects and helping them communicate more clearly and accessibly with their employees and partners.

I’d love to expand my paid facilitation and speaking opportunities in the future.

As I was recently reminded, we are only ever temporarily not disabled. I was speaking – only slightly ironically – about accessible communication at IABC World Conference in Chicago. I recently flew via British Airways from London Heathrow, and wanted to share my experience.

This entire post is from an exceptional position of privilege. I was able to afford to fly, and also book an upgraded seat (not that I knew how much I needed it at the time). I know plenty of folks for whom flying just isn’t viable for them. But, if you are considering flying while injured, or have a mobility issue, and are thinking about booking passenger support services, here’s what I learned on my recent trip.

This post covers:

• My experiences of the passenger transport services at London Heathrow, British Airways, and Chicago O’Hare Airport
• Tips and recommendations if you’re looking at travelling yourself or with another passenger who has mobility issues

My experience of travelling with a broken foot

Ahead of travel time (and a previous scenario)

I broke my foot around one month before I was due to fly to Chicago. I was able to bear weight on it – it wasn’t as serious a break as last time, where I needed a wheelchair to move any sort of distance.

[If that had been the case, I honestly think travelling alone would not have been an option for me, based on my experience. Despite it being technically possible with the services available. I previously travelled with my husband, who was able to carry my heavy steel wheelchair up an escalator when we were left on the plane at Gatwick. The prospect of being stuck in a terminal still fills me with a bit of dread. But, this time if needed I could walk around, albeit slightly slower than usual.]

This time, I had an Aircast boot (aka a moon boot), which I could walk on, with or without a crutch. I reflected on whether I’d be able to get myself around in Chicago, and be safe to fly to get there. I had an appointment at the fracture clinic a few days ahead of the trip, where I was able to get a fly / no-fly depending on the state of my foot. There could have been a concern about developing a clot – when I broke my foot previously I had to inject myself with a blood thinner – but this time I didn’t need to do that.

I added my injury to my travel insurance, which nearly doubled my premium. I was asked if I had been given the all-clear to fly from the doctor; the first time I spoke to them, I did not have anything confirmed in writing – which would have made the premium even more expensive – but I suppose travelling to a country where an additional injury could bankrupt an individual does add a considerable risk.

On the day of travel itself

I considered getting the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow as it’s technically accessible, but there’s quite a distance involved either end. Which feels even more significant when you have luggage. A taxi isn’t an available option to everyone, but I was really grateful to have someone drive me to the terminal entrance, and help me get my bags on the trolley when it was available.

Heathrow to Chicago

I would have liked to have received a reminder email nearer the travel time (perhaps on the day itself) about what I needed to do at the airport. What transpired I did need to do at Heathrow (LHR) was head to the terminal (I was travelling from T5) where I was directed to the assistance check-in desk. Then, I was pointed to another assistance desk, where I gave my details and was then directed to wait along with other passengers in a dedicated waiting area.

There were quite a few passengers waiting about. We weren’t given a lot of information – about how the process would work, or what we needed to do. What actually did happen, is that we waited, and were collected broadly in line with our departure time, rather than necessarily the time we arrived. Which makes sense, but also meant that there’s additional waiting, if you get there early as you’re worried about being late, because of all the waiting. Very little movement happened for the first 20 minutes or so. One or two folk got picked up. Then suddenly a procession of staff with brand-new wheelchairs rolled up, ready to move passengers about.

I wasn’t sure whether to expect a wheelchair or one of those golf-buggy type things. The member of staff wheeling me around said the wheelchair would be better for me as I have more space in it – though the service manager essentially decides on the day depending on what facilities are available.

One passenger I spoke to said their friends had gone ahead to a lounge, but they weren’t able to join them there, as we were told that there’s no way to get a pick-up the other side of security. Which, I suppose, makes sense, as coordinating multiple pick-ups from multiple locations, in an airport as big as LHR, gets complicated and difficult to wrangle. I heard another passenger say they would like to stop in the duty-free shop to pick up a gift; because they asked, they were able to leave a little earlier to do so. Another passenger said he was on a connecting flight and hadn’t eaten all day – so he’d really like to get through security and be able to get some food, despite having plenty of time until his flight. All of this relies on the kindness and helpfulness of staff, and the time to be able to do this.

We went through security fairly easily. We cut in line on one of the desks, to be lightly told off, and that future passengers had to wait in line with everyone else. I didn’t have to remove my shoe or my Aircast, but did have to put all my stuff in the trays to go through X-ray. The security area was busy, and it took a while to be able to get my stuff into trays and across, as those standing up had better purchase and ability to push them over. It felt a bit like we had to wait longer to be able to load the trays. I didn’t have to stand up, but I did get searched as you might expect – and one of those explosive wands was waved around me. I suppose a benefit of using the airport’s wheelchair is they didn’t need to check that too carefully.

We made it through security. I was due to be taken to the next waiting area, but after checking with the assistance folks there, I was wheeled straight to the gate (thankfully via an accessible toilet) as the waiting room was apparently quite warm. I got to board early so I could get settled on the plane.

On board the aircraft

I had bought an upgraded Premium Economy seat in the sale, which had plenty of legroom for me, and I had a comfortable flight. I had to adjust my crutch to make it small enough to fit in the overhead locker, where I also stowed my Aircast boot, as I travelled in trainers and wore compression tights too. Which I’d put on before leaving the house, as trying to put them on on the plane would have been logistically impossible.

I’d asked for an aisle seat (but with my injured side safely tucked in) which meant it’d be easier for me to get up and move about on-board. The person in front of me fully reclined their chair which made that harder – but the flight attendant flipped a secret switch in the arm of the chair which meant I could slide out sideways. A fun tip if you’re ever feeling hemmed in, injury or not!

Landing the other end

When we arrived in Chicago, we passengers needing assistance were advised to remain on board until the aisle was clear around us. That meant I was last off the plane, as I missed a brief early window. That also meant that the wheelchair was waiting for me as soon as I got off the plane. We were all wheeled to passport control; wheelchair users had a completely separate line at Chicago O’Hare airport – and there was a surprisingly long line of at least 20 of us. The queue moved fairly quickly, and all the staff were much younger and chattier than the folks in London, for what that’s worth! I was wheeled over to the taxi queue with all my luggage; without a trolley that was some feat. I had a lovely airconditioned cab all the way to the hotel, and assistance with my luggage the other end, too. Tip your porters!

Chicago to London

On my way back, at Chicago O’Hare airport, I waited nearly an hour for collection. There was no separate assistance check-in desk, although I didn’t have to wait long to be seen at the regular desk. I, and a couple of other passengers, were directed to a small bank of four seats. We were given a paper ticket and a number. My number matched that of the person sitting next to me; we momentarily worried that we’d been given the same number in error. We assumed it was a reference to the flight, as we were on the same one.

I was eventually collected by a supervisor who was apologetic about the length of the wait, and was able to clearly explain the options available to me. We went through security – where I was asked (though they checked if it would be easy enough for me) to remove my Aircast and other trainer, and stood up through the scanning machine.

I was told it would be possible to join my friend in the lounge if I wanted to – as wheelchair pickup was possible from there – but given it was at the other end of the terminal, and the wait I’d already had, I didn’t want to risk it. There was an accessible bar right near the gate in a food court, so I was wheeled up to that, and was able to sit and have a drink. I was out of sight of the boarding screens, so had a brief panic I was suddenly running late despite the flight being delayed. I was able to use the chair to push my hand luggage to the gate, and left the chair by the gate when I was done. That option might not be available to you if you need someone to push you.

When I went to disembark, I took advantage of an earlier window to move out – though it meant I got off the plane before the wheelchair had arrived. I met the assistant on the ramp, and he wheeled me off to a golf-buggy. Which moved about surprisingly quickly, and there are special elevators that they fit in, too. I see what the previous person meant about the space though – it would have been a very tight squeeze for someone else to sit next to me with my hand luggage too, but I am larger than the average passenger; we had four people sitting on a 7 passenger vehicle.

Tips for travelling with an injury

• Get confirmation from your doctor / clinic that you are ok to fly.
• Make sure your travel insurance provider is aware of your injury – and you can provide them with that confirmation if required.
• Book passenger assistance as soon as you know you need it – and at least 48 hours before you are due to fly.
• Consider the walking distances involved. Despite the Elizabeth Line being largely accessible, there’s a lot of walking either end – and as my friend pointed out, I didn’t want to injure myself at the beginning of the trip!
• Get to the airport in plenty of time. There’s a lot of waiting around, and services are stretched, so you don’t want to be additionally anxious about missing your flight when so much is out of your control.
• Advocate for your needs. Ask the questions you need to, speak up if you need the toilet, be clear if you need additional support. There was an expectation we were all ok to get ourselves onwards from the luggage carousel when we got back to England – though in Chicago, the support was right out to the taxi rank.
• Check in as much luggage as you can, as it’s easier than carrying hand baggage in the wheelchair / buggy. Although you will likely also need to be able to lift it off the carousel yourself, so don’t overpack in one case thinking it’ll be easier to manoeuvre. And keep minimum viable clothing in your hand luggage, as others on my trip had their suitcases join them a few days late.
• Have a coin in the appropriate currency as some airports require it to unlock a luggage trolley – I ended up going without a trolley at Chicago.
• Move about on the plane and stay hydrated! My doctor strongly recommended moving about, and I drank plenty of water.
• Expect your travel to be more expensive. I relied heavily on taxi cabs to get around. I had already upgraded my flight during a sale, so I had enough leg room to manoeuvre with and without the Aircast boot. The public transit options were reasonably good at being accessible but given my specific situation, and amount of luggage, I didn’t feel comfortable getting the blue line to or from the airport.

All of this is written from a pretty high level of privilege; I appreciate that this may not be applicable or accessible to many people. However, I thought documenting my experiences might be useful to those considering whether they want to make that trip. Overall, I had an absolute blast, and was blown away by the level of support and help I had before and during my trip. I think it absolutely depends on your own mobility, confidence and availability of time and money – as it was definitely a[n even] more expensive trip for me than it would have been.