Summary: A number of folks along the Front Range would like to participate in a BarCamp ("unconference") event. One possibility is to participate in the big BarCampEarth event, Aug 26-28, 2006, but that date is a conflict for some folks. Edit this space to help with finding one or more venues and to organize this great get-together! This is a wiki, so don't be afraid to reorganize things to make it better.
Joe's invitation, 3/27/2006
Greetings!
I'm thinking of organizing a BarCampDenver (and/or maybe BarCampBoulder) as part of the radio show I do on KGNU (see http://www.kgnu.org/front ).
I'm curious if there are folks in the area who would like to participate in a local "un-conference."
The radio show is called "On the Internets" (also available as a podcast, see the xml link on the show page above), and it's normally a 5-10 minute segment that covers citizen journalism, remix culture and the digital lifestyle. Previous installments have featured guests including Craig Newmark (craigslist) and locals Bobby Clark (Howard Dean's internet manager), Amy Gahran, Dave Taylor and Larry Nelson, art and remix projects, and much more.
For this "program", I envision a series of shows that cover the production and experience of BarCampDenver, starting with some early excitement building, then getting the word out about details, and coverage of the actual event. I've asked Chris to be a guest interviewee, I've talked to Boulder Digital Arts (BDA) about having a role in helping with the "un-curriculum", and I'm willing to try and line up some sponsors for the event itself.
I personally would have an interest in two unrelated themes being included: "democracy technology" and music, sweet music. I've been working in "web mining" and would be glad to talk about that.
Is this too geeky or is there a Front Range audience for some social computing?
Drop me a note or get in touch, let's make it happen!
Joe
Joe's update, 6/18/06
Well, at least the interview finally happened, click here to hear! (Or click here to subscribe to the podcast feed).
Anybody want to try and get it together to have some Front Strange participation in BarCampEarth in August?
I sure hope so!
Joe
Joe's update, 7/21/06
Okay, this is getting good! There's interest even as far North as Fort Collins. There seems to be enough consensus (although not complete consensus) around the dates concurrent with BarCampEarth. If folks can't make it that weekend, no problem! We can always do more than one event. In the meantime, Dan L is right, we should get together and see how much of the pre-event work we can plan, organize and delegate (if only to each other for now). I've been checking the Wiki a little more often now that I know it's picking up steam, but please don't hesitate to contact me about this. I think all my e-mail addresses work, and I'm in the book. Dan L. and I have been chatting about a get together in the coming week, are other folks available to get together? -Joe
Check out the pictures of BarCampRDU (Raleigh-Durham, NC), held at the Red Hat offices, taking place today (Saturday 7/22)...
http://flickr.com/photos/tags/barcamprdu/
Daniel Newman - voice of experience
6/25/06
Let's definitely get this going. When works well for the Denverites?
I'm here at BarCamp San Fran and know we could get a great BarCampDenver going!
I can get us a location and beer sponsors no prob...food too...
Daniel Newman dnewman@gmail.com
Amy Gahran - media component?
7/13/06
So a few weeks ago I heard Joe's podcast about Barcamp. Being only a semi-geek (I'm mainly a media person), I'd never heard of Barcamp before. But it sounds way cool. I'd be happy to pitch in to help.
I've got a TON of local media contacts. We've got some amazing new media talent in this regions, as I'm sure some of you know.
I propose that give BarCamp Denver a strong media component, to mix it up a bit. Let's not make this just about tech, but the intersection of tech & media. With some parts just tech, and some just media.
How's that sound?
Also... I propose that in the near term those of us who are into this have a get-together -- drinks, dinner, lunch, etc. -- to brainstorm and consider dates. I'd be happy to host this at my house in Boulder, or we could go somewhere else in the Boulder-Denver region.
Reactions?
Amy Gahran
amy@gahran.com
- Contentious.com
- RightConversation.com
- IReporter.org
- Editor, Poynter Institute's E-Media Tidbits
Daniel Newman - RE: media component?
7/15/06
The cool thing about BarCamp is that it is a totally blank slate. Topics and even the organization are decided by the participants at the actual event.
Thanks, Joe, for starting off this local effort! Sounds excellent to me! See also the Bazcamp gatherings that have happened twice since last fall up at Boyd Lake State Park near Loveland, organized by the Hacking Society folks that convene weekly gatherings along the Front Range and elsewhere in the world.
Here are some tips on organizing that look useful:
http://barcamp.org/OrganizeALocalBarCamp
http://amitgupta.com/blog/shoebox/2006/01/17/barcamp-nyc-its-over/
Neal McBurnett
http://mcburnett.org/neal/
Rafael Espinoza - Water Donation
Not sure how I would fit into such an activity, but I'm sure I'll learn something. I'd be happy to bring bottled H2O to the event. I also have some access to a number of non-profit organizations that may be interested, as well as some ideas on locations.
public at rk-tects.com
Dan Lurie - Planning Meeting?
Hey Guys! Good to see so much interest in a BCD! First, let me introduce myself. I'm a blogger for Weeblogs Inc, and I was the Volunteer Coordinator for the hugely successful BarCampSF. I realize that this is an un-conference, but it still needs leadership to go from just an idea to an awesome reality. I would be happy to take on a role as organizer/logistics/host person-guy-thing for BarCampDenver. I'm a student, and I have a lot of time on my hand for doing all sorts of planning that is needed to make this thing go off without a hitch. That being said, I'm more than happy to share the responsibilities, I'm just saying that its important to have defined leadership from the beginning, or nothing will get done.
That being said, I think all interested parties should get together sometime soon to do some preliminary planning and see where we stand. How about coffee on saturday or sunday at Paris on the Platte?
Sid Eaton - Possible Contributor
I'm interested in this event and what I can do to help, before or during the event. I am an IT jack of {many} trades and master of none. I too would be interested in attending planning meetings prior to the event and could, for instance, perhaps pariticpate on a discussion panel during the event. I have a commitment on 8/26 until about 3PM, but currently have no other commitments for the proposed dates.
Sid Eaton
University of Colorado
University Management Systems
Advanced Technology
___________________________________
Vision isn't enough. It must be combined with venture.
It isn't enough to stare up the steps. We must step up the stairs.
-- Vance Havner
