Is it me or are people just not understanding BarCamp?
“Mostly there to watch and learn…I’ll be the dedicated audience.”
The desire to learn is wecome, but I’m concerned with the expressed lack of participation. Maybe the whole DemoCamp experience is corrupting the spirit of BarCamp. NO SPECTATORS, ONLY PARTICIPANTS! No tourists! I’m concerned all of this sitting and complaining that you can’t hear the questions being asked at DemoCamp has made people forget that BarCamp is about independence, doing-it-yourself, making things happen. If you can’t hear the question, ask for the question to be repeated. Why are you relying on others to do something for you? Speak up and take responsibility. There is an architecture of participation and your BarCampTdot experience requires that you participate and share. While the above comment may be harmless, it expresses a lack of contribution that will suck the life out of BarCamp. I wonder if I would have felt differently if the statement had been:
“I’m not sure I have anything to present but there’s nothing like meeting new folks and discussing ideas and learning”
This statement bothers me less. Jay, Bryce, Deb, and I have been busting our buts to make sure there are attendees, sponsors, facilities, food, furniture, beer, projectors, electricity, a network, etc. There are NO TOURISTS! The rules of BarCamp are very simple:
- Attendees must give a demo, a session, or help with one. All presentations are scheduled the day they happen. Prepare in advance, but come early to get a slot on the wall.
- Presenters are responsible for making sure that notes/slides/audio/video of their presentations are published on the web for the benefit of all and those who can't be present.
When you come, be prepared to share with barcampers. When you leave, be prepared to share it with the world.