PodCamp Boston3 Rocked
This was, by far, the very best PodCamp that I ever attended. I’m grateful for Christopher S. Penn, Whitney Hoffman, Chel Pixie, Steve Sherlock, Susan “Sooz” Kaup, Doug Haslam, and everyone else who did the groundwork to make the event happen. The conference center at the Harvard Medical School was gorgeous. People took bunches of pictures, and we’re finding media here and there (all tagged “pcb3″) for you to explore it with us.
What I loved most about the experience was the energy, the sense that we could make progress, the fact that people came into the venue, engaged, and took EVERYTHING further. I felt energized, and excited by the conversations I had, and will unpack several of them into blog posts, a newsletter article, and more.
Thanks also to Nina Simonds for arranging a beautiful small dinner in honor of Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty. Thanks to Roger Berkowitz, who had a few of us into his restaurant for dinner, at Nina’s recommendation.
If you’re thinking of learning more about media making, and how this might impact your business, I highly recommend checking out a PodCamp in your neighborhood. What? There isn’t one? Start one. The six rules are easy to follow. The work is hard, but can be done with a few friends, and the results are astounding.
Lastly, a shout out to Jeff Pulver for throwing a pre-pre PodCamp supper for 30+ folks at Bertucci’s and for sponsoring two last-minute tickets (proceeds to the Boston Food Bank). You were there for the first two, and you were there in spirit for the second.
Cheers.
ooVoo to sponsor 20 Students for PodCamp Boston
The swell folks at ooVoo came up with a neat way to show love and support for students who want to go to PodCamp Boston 3, but who maybe don’t have the $50 to reserve a seat at the table. I think it’s a really cool community move on the side of ooVoo, and I think it’ll be great to infuse PodCamp Boston 3 with even more students.
There are a few stipulations and things to know about.
- You are a college student with an active .edu email address. You’re on the honor system, so we ask that professors and alumni sit this one out.
- You are an ooVoo user who can provide us with a valid ooVoo ID — it doesn’t matter if you subscribe to the fully loaded Super + Phone package or the free Standard package; in fact, it doesn’t matter if you just signed up today. But you will need to include your valid ooVoo User ID in the body of your email and send an ooVoo friend request to philiprobertson for verification. We promise not to bother you; we just need to make sure you are a subscriber.
- You have a first name, last name and a date of birth. We know you do, but we’ll need to know them to complete the PodCamp registration form — so if you are selected for a scholarship, we’ll need to ask that you share this information with us.
- You let us know you’re interested by emailing us at ooVoo@crayonville.com.
If you want to come to PodCamp Boston3 and you’ve got some EDU to show the ooV’s, read the details here.
See you at PodCamp.
What I Did This Morning Instead of Blog
There’s a lot more to social media than just blogging. To be active, we must be out there listening, commenting, contributing, communicating in other ways, and reaching the people who matter to us. One one side, that’s where I’ve spent a lot of my time this morning. And I’ve been doing other things, too.
Inspired a bit by Andy Quayle’s What Did You Do Today post, here’s a bit of what’s on my plate (not counting family life):
CrossTech Media
I’ve been doing lots of stuff for CrossTech Media in anticipation of our upcoming ITEC Houston technology event, I’ve been working with Radian6 on a webinar/video series that we’re producing for a CrossTech webinar. I’m also trying to build interest and awareness of our new The Next Data Center executive briefing event, which I’m really happy about. I’m also building out events for later in the year (something about the future of work, and one about communications, and another about social software). I’m building speaking engagements now for New Marketing Summit, my event in Boston this fall. So, that’s a lot.
PodCamp
PodCamp Boston3 is coming up this summer. I’m in charge of helping raise sponsorship money to cover the venue, the wifi, the other stuff that makes a PodCamp happen. Christopher Penn and Whitney Hoffman and others do all the heavy lifting, but fundraising takes some efforts, too.
Book
I’m co-authoring a book soon with Julien Smith. We’re in the proposal stage, so I won’t say more. Book is the new “rock band” thing we say. “Oh yeah, I’m writing a book, too.” But it’s something that matters to me, so I’m putting what I can into it.
Social Media Stuff
Here’s a pretty busy bucket that I’ve run out of time to cover. But there’s where I spend a lot of time, too. What comes of this part is always interesting, quirky, sometimes business-actionable, and filled to the brim with humans. THIS is where the above stuff starts. Social media are the fields I tend, where I plant seeds, weed out things that don’t work, grow new varieties of relationships, and develop ideas that might or might not lead to business or a further sense of being helpful.
Later, I’ll cover what goes into all this, but start here. Think here. Start here. Think about how this is what social media does for individuals. Do you know that’s why my bosses hired me in and gave me a big role in changing their company? Do you know that my bosses (and I say that half joking, because I think of us as business partners with different percentages) talk to me about Twitter and Facebook and things like that every day?
If you’re passionate about social media, real business happens here, real connections and value happen here. Education happens here. It’s what you want to make of it, and it’s a powerful force for STARTING and MAINTAINING good things. It’s up to use to close what you do with it. But if you use the tools, at least you can start.
What are you doing today? How are you using social media to move the ball forward in your life? What are your challenges?
The Beauty of PodCamp
Shashi Bellamkonda (you probably know him as ShashiB) sent me video of his presentation at PodCamp DC. His session was interesting, and I liked the formula he used to help small businesses use social media, but what I love more is what you might not immediately catch because it’s in his opening remarks.
There was an open slot. Shashi stepped up and filled in to speak. Kenneth Yeung stepped in to film it. Done. Pow. Easy content, created by knowledgeable people, captured by the participants, all done on the fly without a lot of fuss and sweat.
That’s why PodCamp is cool. Because YOU make it cool. The next event is in New York City this coming Friday and Saturday. If you can make it, you’ll love it. If not this event, find or MAKE YOUR OWN event near you.
Have you been? What did you think of Shashi’s session? Can you imagine an event where YOU are the expert on what you know, what you have to say? What’s your take on PodCamp as a concept, or unconference style event structures?
Why PodCamp Boston 3 Costs 50 Bucks
Registration is open for PodCamp Boston 3, organized by Christopher S. Penn, Whitney Hoffman, and tons of great folks. I’m excited to be part of the experience, mostly in the Mayor role, and I want you to come. But first, I want to talk about why we decided to ask for $50 to attend an event that has been free up until now.
First, some history. Until last October’s PodCamp Boston 2, our attendance-to-no-show rate was unprecedented for free events. We had approximately 70%-80% attendance. Not so last year. We had almost 700 people not come. This caused some problems. One, we had sponsors paying money for a lot of things, estimating a higher number of attendees, so some people bought things like tee shirts for nothing. Second, and more important to me, participants who expected tons of people got something different.
But what we felt after the experience was somewhat sideways to both of those things: we found that we were craving a closer connection to the people who wanted to be part of our community. We wanted a more intimate experience, where everyone who came felt like they were part of something special, and that they were making a commitment to something we feel is valuable.
Is $50 a lot of money? Yes, to some folks. Does this make us less of an unconference? Frankly, I’m a little frustrated by arguing what type of event we are or aren’t. We allow for group participation, no keynotes, as much access to everyone’s ideas as possible, and with as much consideration for our community as possible. We’re an event that has proven itself to be useful to those who choose to participate. We recognize that $50 might be a barrier to some, but feel that the commitment it represents means a lot to us.
Remember, our ledger is open. You can read the blog to see that our costs this year are $35,000, which I will be helping to raise via sponsors. Chris and I don’t make a dime off participants, and we both put in our money at several steps. Repeat: we make no money off the event for ourselves.
So, I’m asking you to register and show your commitment to PodCamp, and the Boston 3 event. Potential sponsors, I’ll be reaching out to you, but if you want to be associated with a 40-plus event and growing experience, drop me a line.
Co-founder and friend, Christopher S. Penn states his take on it here.
Photo credit, DC John
Thoughts for Future PodCamps
Fresh back from PodCamp Toronto which was, once again, well run (Thanks entire team of Toronto organizers) and of a level of technological excellence that deserves awards (Thanks Ryerson University for amazing accommodations and tech- including LIVE video streaming). It was great reconnecting with old friends, and exciting to meet up with some new ones, like Chris24 and his posse, amazing artist Anne Abbott, and so many more great people.
Here’s what I observed, and what you might consider:
Interest in the Tools is Rising
There were perhaps 60% newcomers to PodCamp Toronto, several of whom were hoping to get enough information to start their own projects. People are accepting that they WANT to make media. Now they’re reaching out to learn.
Hats off to Mark Blevis, Bob Goyetche, Rob …, and whoever else put together From Zero to Podcasting, a sort of micro NewB/BootCamp for both days, complete with a pre-planned agenda dedicated to moving through most every aspect of making media. (More on this later).
PR and Marketing are In
More and more people were from the PR and Marketing practices. There were more ad agency people, too. This pleases me. It means that there is an opportunity to engage in conversations on what works and what might need rebuilding. I have a feeling about this. I think there are big changes afoot. Not just a tool refresh, but a huge shake-up of metrics, practices, and strategy.
To that end, PodCamps have the potential to be at the forefront of being a friendly hand outstretched to people with traditional skills seeking to learn our world.
Social Conversation is Alive and Well
Shortly after last fall’s Podcasting and New Media Expo, I observed that there are a few different ways people use podcasting. One group of people podcast to make “shows,” with the intent of finding advertising/sponsorship funding. Another group use podcasting for information transfer or branding (or both). The third group use podcasts as a way of making social conversations.
This last group don’t care about making money off their production. They simply use the tools as a way to convey a message. They have loyal listeners or viewers, and they usually subscribe to each others’ media.
All three groups are dedicated to different goals, and it’s important to consider those three major categories when thinking about the “podcasting community.” It’s not all one motivation driving them, and people seeking to understand the dynamics of personal media need to consider them all separately.
Serving the PodCamp Community Requires a Shift
There’s definitely a mix of learning and experience needs between the different groups coming to PodCamps. For us to deliver value in our sessions and our community experience, organizers of PodCamps need to consider how to best serve both newcomers as well as veterans.
Subject Matter
One of the main tenets of a PodCamp is that the participants drive the content. I don’t want to change that. But I do want us to find ways to interject a somewhat larger view of what’s out there. Maybe part of it comes from adding preparatory materials to the wiki beforehand. Maybe it’s some kind of quick run through of the landscape of social media tools and experiences out there today (at least maybe the first 50 or so).
I’m wondering if there are ways to encourage giving a “lay of the land” type presentation early in each PodCamp. Nothing mandatory, but it would be great for people to see that there is a lot going on beyond what they might be creating themselves today. It might also do a better job of bringing in the newer experiences, like live streaming video, mobile media making, and social network platforms, and more.
Newcomers
From what I observed of “From Zero to Podcasting,” it seemed like an interesting model. It was essentially programmed content, built by PodCamp volunteers, delivered in a certain order, but still alive with the participatory ethic, so in effect, it was a hybrid of the unconference “just show up and whoever’s there is the right speaker” and a more structured experience. But I think it worked well, and encourage other PodCamps to consider doing something like it as an all-day potential “track.”
There was also a mentor lounge organized by Tommy Vallier, community guy for Talkshoe. This started at PodCamp Pittsburgh (or BootCamp, I forget which event in the PGH). The idea is to have a place for veterans to answer newcomer questions. I think this should be a standard at PodCamps, should there be space and willingness.
Veterans
The beauty of PodCamp is helping new people learn and grow. The challenge is that people who’ve been around want to grow as well. Different subjects are of importance to these folks. We know what RSS is, and now we’re thinking about ways to expand on what we’ve done so far. We’re thinking about projects that need doing, collaboration, ways to grow the space overall.
Yes, lots of experienced people were on hand to help newcomers, and that’s important and useful. But as well as giving back, we need to come up with material that will bring the story forward, will get us out of some of the conversational loops that happen at PodCamps, and that will give people even more to engage on at these events.
More Open Spaces and More Stress on the DIY Ethic
PodCamps need to stay a place where people who know something can share with people seeking to learn. Part of what makes our events excellent are the way we can flexibly serve all different types of experiential needs. We sneak off, find a corner, and show you how to get it done.
What I’d like from upcoming PodCamps, and what I’ll do for the ones where I participate and/or organize, is to make sure there are informal spaces that participants can come and occupy and throw impromptu learning sessions. This will go far towards ensuring that people with questions (at all levels) get answers and guidance.
What I’d ask of organizers of events is that we consider stressing these types of experiences at the outset of a PodCamp. Jay Moonah said it in the opening lines of PodCamp Toronto. He pointed out how people can throw “Come Teach Me” sessions on the wiki, and get their needs met. I want us to think about this and do more with it.
Small and Wired Rocks
The Toronto event had 400 people sign up. I’m guessing a little over 55% came between both days (though I left at noon on Sunday, so I’m not sure). I think it was a great number. The smaller the events, the better the direct connection between participants, is what I observed.
I think Ryerson University gets the award for keeping wifi alive the longest with that many geeks sucking the signal down into their Macbooks (About 90/10 split mac vs pc at Toronto). Keeping things lit up is a great way to keep us all better meshed together. Having a “hot” wiki is so much more useful, and the difference shows.
Our Social Experiences
People who’ve attended PodCamps know that getting out there and having a few beverages is part of the fun. Socializing amidst the geeks definitely makes the experience memorable, and I encourage people attending PodCamps to make the outings.
I want to recommend doing more with these opportunities. I think we could do better with lots of smaller “birds of a feather” experiences for dinner, and then perhaps a join-together after the feeding where we can maybe all reconnect. I was hoping to see more people out and about, especially newcomers, at our social events, and I think this would help grow the experience more, too.
However, as a side note, I want us to think about ways to engage people who maybe don’t want a few dozen beverages. One, we always lose the below-21 crowd, and I think they’ve got lots to offer. Two, maybe we should consider a way to throw “geek get togethers” back at the hotels or somewhere that we can make media, do software stuff, and be creative with someone at a PodCamp at night. I’m not exactly sure how to accomplish this, logistics-wise, but I’d love your take.
Verticals
Whitney Hoffman was at PodCamp Toronto, and she’s someone thinking long and hard about the ways PodCamp can be brought to various verticals, like maybe a PodCamp for Educators, for government, etc. I think it’s definitely something to consider, and I think the variations on the verticals are interesting and meaningful. Moving beyond podcasting for entertainment, or podcasting for conversational purposes, there are plenty of spaces that could use these tools for very specific uses that aren’t likely to be covered in a “general” PodCamp.
Grateful as Always
Every time I’m fortunate enough to attend a PodCamp, I feel grateful. I’m thankful that this thing that started out of an idea by Christopher S Penn and myself has grown up and found its own legs. I’m thrilled that we’ve had PodCamps all over the world, and that people continue to express an interest in bringing the experience to their areas.
My hope is that YOU bring amazing regional events to life, and celebrate the amazing people in your area. I want to see great videos and listen to engaging podcast coverage of events in Montreal, Tokyo, Boulder, and Helsinki. The events are about YOU and what you bring to the experience, and I’m grateful for each new amazing thing that comes out of a PodCamp. Thank you.
Your Thoughts
This was a long on. Truth is, I could’ve written another post twice as long on top of this one, I have so much going through my mind about all this. We’re in an amazing time, and our presence online and new media literacy is only the beginning. Once we have our feet under us with these tools, we’re in a situation where we can move into amazing new experiences. I’m anxious for you thoughts on this. I’d love to know how you see PodCamp growing, what YOU want from the events, and how YOU plan to participate to make it happen.
Photo credit, Mark Blevis
Why PodCamp Toronto Will Be Cool
Friday, I’m heading north to Toronto for PodCamp Toronto. It’s going to be an amazing event with tons of energetic people talking about things I’m very passionate about. Last year was full to the top with great memories and poignant moments. And drinking. And fun. And stuff that didn’t get put on film.
Here’s a short video I did summing it up from last year:
Will you be going?
Going to PodCamp Toronto
People of Canada, be warned: I’m going to PodCamp Toronto, which takes place the 22nd-24th up in beautiful Toronto at Ryerson University. I’m giving a session on starting points for social media and social networks, with a leaning towards businesses and organizations. I’m SO looking forward to seeing friends up there and attending some of the other really great sessions. If you’re going, make sure we get together and say hi. And if not, don’t worry. Ryerson did a killer job of covering all our media bases last year, and I suspect they’ll do the same this year.
Glad I can make it. There was a question up until the last moment, but I’m all good. The only downside, and this is a big one for me, is that I can only go for Friday afternoon and most of Saturday. I have to catch a flight to Las Vegas Saturday afternoon so I can speak at the Affiliate Summit with Stephanie Agresta and some other swell folks, so I’m going to be a hit and run PodCamper, sad to say.
Now all I need is a roomie. : )
