[mhjas]

To some extent, but I also think people severely overestimate what it takes to be notable. We live in such an extreme consumer culture that even a small amount of effort added to what you are already doing will set you a part from a lot of people. That doesn't necessarily mean you get a visa or that it is possible in every snarky field. But if you can write, speak, organize things, help people out and have a good attitude about it, showing up counts for a lot.