BarCamp Indy
Calling fellow geeks in Indianapolis: We have a BarCamp coming!
What's a BarCamp?
Good question. I was only passingly familiar with the concept before; I just thought they were cool conferences for computer geek types. That they can be, but they're very open and participation-driven. All content is presented by participants and is scheduled on the day of the event. It seems in many senses they are rightfully called “un-conferences.”
What are the Rules of BarCamp? (archived)
1st Rule: You do talk about Bar Camp.
2nd Rule: You do blog about Bar Camp.
3rd Rule: If you want to present, you must write your topic and name in a presentation slot.
4th Rule: Only three word intros.
5th Rule: As many presentations at a time as facilities allow for.
6th Rule: No pre-scheduled presentations, no tourists.
7th Rule: Presentations will go on as long as they have to or until they run into another presentation slot.
8th Rule: If this is your first time at BarCamp, you HAVE to present. (Ok, you don't really HAVE to, but try to find someone to present with, or at least ask questions and be an interactive participant.)
When is BarCamp Indy?
Some time in early 2008.
Uhh?
Well, this is pretty fresh. Scott Wilder (archived) just started the idea up in the last couple days. We're both brand new at this and since it's a user-generated conference, well there is not an exact date or location set yet.
Your participation is welcomed and needed. Nevermind if you have not done anything like this before, just jump in on the wiki: barcampindy.org (archived).
View responses or leave your own response
Freaking sweet man! BarCamp Bank Seattle was awesome. (though technically it was an “OpenSpace” more than a BarCamp)
So cool. It really is what you, and the participants make it. Quick question though, how do you mean “no tourists”?
As in no skipping around presentation to presentation?
If so I'd possibly reconsider this rule. One of the great things about Open Space (and from what I've heard Foo Camp) is that people vote with their feet - so that the participants get exactly what they need out of the conference. If a presentation isn't what you expect or isn't providing as much value as expected, leave. =D
More times than not people don't. But having that option is *fantastic*. =D