the state of the PHP community

Hi All,

I find myself wondering about the state of the PHP community (and 
related community with a PHP focus), so, here's a bunch of questions - 
feel free to answer none to all of them, on list or off, or add more of 
your own - this isn't for anything specific, just out of interest and 
sure I (and everybody who reads the replies) will learn something + 
doors/options/contacts may come of it. The only thing I can guarantee is 
that I'm genuinely interested in every reply and will read every one of 
them + lookup every tech and link mentioned.

in no particular order:

What other languages and web techs do you currently use other than PHP?
- if you include html or css please include version, if js then 
preferred libs, and whether client or server side.

What's your previous language/tech trail?

Are you considering any new languages or techs, and if so which?
  - names / links

Is PHP your hobby/interest, primary development language, just learning or?

How many years have you been using PHP regularly?

How many years have you been working with web technologies?

Did you come from a non-web programming background?

Is your primary role web developer or designer?

In your developer life, are you an employer, and employee, contractor, 
freelancer, part of a team of equal standing members?

Do you tend to work on jobs for geo-local clients, clients in the same 
country, or do you work internationally 'on the web'?

How do you get your projects? do they come to you, word of mouth, do you 
hunt and bid for projects, code call, visit clients, target clients 
individually you think you can help, or?
- not looking for trade secrets, just to get enough for an overall picture.

Do you have any frustrations with the PHP community, do you find you 
want to talk shop but can't, or find people to work with but can't, have 
projects in mind you want to do but can't find people to do them with etc?

Do you network with other PHP'ers in real life - meetups etc, do you 
tend to shy away, or do you find you circulate in other web related but 
non PHP focussed communities?

Are you a member or any other web tech communities, opensource efforts, 
or standardization bodies - again, if so which?

Are there any efforts, projects or initiatives which are floating your 
boat right now and that your watching eagerly (or getting involved with)?

ps: please *do not* flame anybodies answers, that really wouldn't be fair.

Best & Regards,

Nathan