I’ve got what’s probably a crazy idea. I know that a few mid-westerners read this blog–and I mean a literal “few” (3). What if we put on an Indy Code Camp? I’m not talking about the marketing/PR “code camp” they tried to do recently (*scoff*) but an honest-to-goodness code camp.
I think it’s nuts. I think it’ll never happen.
(And that makes me want to try it!)
It reminds me of the Far Side comic where some military generals are sitting around a situation planning table and one says to the rest, “On the other hand, gentlemen, what if we gave a war and everybody came!”
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
I’m in. Sounds great to me!
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
Let’s do it!
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
Alright - that’s 2 of the 3 mid-westerners (I’m not counting myself). One more affirmative and we’ll move this idea forward!
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
I’m game!
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
Midwesterner #4, in the blog!
I think a code camp would be quite interesting, tell me more!
Better yet, tell everybody here and I’ll cross post, I TOO have at LEAST four Midwesterners reading my blog.
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
Indy TechFest sounds fine and good, I think it’s missing some key components of what a code camp offers — namely the “by the community” part of the “by the community, for the community” phrase. I’ll be at TechFest (saturday, at least, if it’s on fri/sat) but I’m still going to kick around the idea of organizing a code camp.
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
IndyTechFest is being organized and put on by the Indianapolis .NET Developers Association (IndyNDA) and Indiana SQL Server User Group (IndyPASS). These are volunteer user groups with a combined membership between 1500 and 2000.
I can speak for the IndyNDA in saying that in the nearly six years we’ve been meeting, very few marketing presentations have occurred (like 3). One was planned (IBM presenting on design tools), the other two presenters won’t be back.
How is it community driven? The user groups are community volunteers. Anyone that wants to help can email Info@IndyTechFest.com and volunteer (or go to a user group meeting and volunteer).
You are correct on the small amount of information available. Watch over the coming weeks and that will change. Overview information has already been pulled together. Right now we are working to finalize sponsorships for the event to know what type of budget will be availalbe. The plans are for 350 to 400 people in this initial event. That size group requires a bit of planning and will generate a few costs!
In brief - five tracks, five sessions within each. Professional level interactive presentations, lunch informal chats, door prizes, a keynote, an open room to chat and poke on your notebook with others, and more. The open room will provide the ability to do what a code camp does while still having great sessions going on as well.
The event is being set up to be at no cost and is being set up to avoid corporate marketing.
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
Thanks for the info Brad!
Nobody wants to compete with anything, as that’s unproductive (we’re not companies, we’re community!)
But information is scarce about Indy TechFest. Can you elaborate for us a little on what it will entail? I in particular am interested in the “by the community, for the community” aspect of code camps. How will Indy TechFest incorporate the community (other than attending)?
Thanks!
August 22, 2007 at 23:29
The .NET Developers group (IndyNDA) and SQL Server group (IndyPass) are already organizing a ‘better than a code camp’ event for October 13th. This is Indy Tech Fest (IndyTechFest). Why try to compete with the other volunteers in town trying to do something. Better to join what is already in the works.
Right now the plan is five tracks with five sessions. Lots of local and non-local speakers. If you want to help then contact info@IndyTechFest.com. We could use all the help we can get.
Just like the user groups, this is a volutneer thing and not a company thing.