Comments on: The Revocation of PodCamp Rule Four http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/ Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:07:38 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Amanda MacArthur - Since 1983 » Blog Archive » What is a PodCamp? http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-3151 Amanda MacArthur - Since 1983 » Blog Archive » What is a PodCamp? Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:29:39 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-3151 [...] Another rule used to be that all PodCamps needed to be free. However, now it’s more of a suggestion than a rule, and it’s perfectly understandable if you ask [...] [...] Another rule used to be that all PodCamps needed to be free. However, now it’s more of a suggestion than a rule, and it’s perfectly understandable if you ask [...]

]]> By: PodCamp DC Review http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-2448 PodCamp DC Review Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:04:14 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-2448 [...] as I love Chris Penn and Chris Brogan, PodCamp Boston represented epic FAIL in my books. I think both of them would largely agree with me, and little of it was their [...] [...] as I love Chris Penn and Chris Brogan, PodCamp Boston represented epic FAIL in my books. I think both of them would largely agree with me, and little of it was their [...]

]]> By:   Remembering PodCamp Boston 2 by The Bryper Blog http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1491   Remembering PodCamp Boston 2 by The Bryper Blog Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:19:22 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1491 [...] I have no objection to Chris and his fellow co-founder Chris Brogan giving PodCamp organizers the option to charge a nominal registration fee for future unconferences. The result should be a more manageable attendee list and a more accurate [...] [...] I have no objection to Chris and his fellow co-founder Chris Brogan giving PodCamp organizers the option to charge a nominal registration fee for future unconferences. The result should be a more manageable attendee list and a more accurate [...]

]]> By: Dale Cruse http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1411 Dale Cruse Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:24:58 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1411 If 52% of the people DON'T show up to PodCamp, but 100%+ DO show up to the PodCamp party, then the choice is obvious: Make PodCamp a party and charge a few bucks. If 52% of the people DON’T show up to PodCamp, but 100%+ DO show up to the PodCamp party, then the choice is obvious: Make PodCamp a party and charge a few bucks.

]]> By: No-Show Rate For PodCamp Boston Triggered Podcamp Rule Changes | Podcast Fresh http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1410 No-Show Rate For PodCamp Boston Triggered Podcamp Rule Changes | Podcast Fresh Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:39:02 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1410 [...] decided to revoke the PodCamp Rule Four “All sessions and events must be free of charge to attend”. From now on, PodCamp organizers are [...] [...] decided to revoke the PodCamp Rule Four “All sessions and events must be free of charge to attend”. From now on, PodCamp organizers are [...]

]]> By: Kevin Mullins http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1408 Kevin Mullins Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:43:46 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1408 I am totally in favor of charging an entrance fee for the next Podcamp and I think it should be more than $20.00. I am in favor of charging at least $50.00 for pre-registration and $75.00 for registration at the door. If folks can not afford to pay then they should donate their time and efforts before, during and after the show. This will reduce the strain of lining up sponsors and could help defer the upfront cost required for future events. Thank-you to all the Organizers and Contributors, it was a great show. I am totally in favor of charging an entrance fee for the next Podcamp and I think it should be more than $20.00. I am in favor of charging at least $50.00 for pre-registration and $75.00 for registration at the door. If folks can not afford to pay then they should donate their time and efforts before, during and after the show. This will reduce the strain of lining up sponsors and could help defer the upfront cost required for future events.

Thank-you to all the Organizers and Contributors, it was a great show.

]]> By: Beth Kanter http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1402 Beth Kanter Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:00:16 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1402 PS if you want to send a few t-shirts to Cambodia, I could arrange that .. The kids in the orphanage and Cambodian bloggers would love them! http://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/sets/72157601862265607/ PS if you want to send a few t-shirts to Cambodia, I could arrange that ..
The kids in the orphanage and Cambodian bloggers would love them!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/sets/72157601862265607/

]]> By: Beth Kanter http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1401 Beth Kanter Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:58:42 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1401 I think you need to charge a nominal fee. I think the organizers need to be paid for their time. If there are people who can't afford a small fee, use some of the money for scholarships. I think you need to charge a nominal fee.
I think the organizers need to be paid for their time.

If there are people who can’t afford a small fee, use some of the money for scholarships.

]]> By: jeff http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1399 jeff Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:31:02 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1399 I think some reflection needs to happen into why there was such a high no show rate. How many blog posts were written on how many people have registered? Or better yet, how many twitters? That mind set needs to change to the quality of the presentation from the quantity of participants. Isn't it supposed to be the FREE exchange of ideas! I think some reflection needs to happen into why there was such a high no show rate. How many blog posts were written on how many people have registered? Or better yet, how many twitters?

That mind set needs to change to the quality of the presentation from the quantity of participants.

Isn’t it supposed to be the FREE exchange of ideas!

]]> By: Jay Moonah http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1398 Jay Moonah Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:33:29 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1398 Chris, we're now having a debate about this on the Podcamp Toronto Google Group. What I am wondering is this: was there any discussion about why this happened this time out in Boston? We had an estimated 80% attendance rate in Toronto last year, and to the best of recollection no missing presenters. I believe previous Podcamps had similar results. Was this particular Podcamp an anomaly? If so, does it really require a wholesale change in the rules that govern all Podcamps in the future? Are there not instead some lessons and guidelines that might solve the problem? Chris, we’re now having a debate about this on the Podcamp Toronto Google Group. What I am wondering is this: was there any discussion about why this happened this time out in Boston? We had an estimated 80% attendance rate in Toronto last year, and to the best of recollection no missing presenters. I believe previous Podcamps had similar results. Was this particular Podcamp an anomaly? If so, does it really require a wholesale change in the rules that govern all Podcamps in the future? Are there not instead some lessons and guidelines that might solve the problem?

]]> By: Peter O'Connell http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1397 Peter O'Connell Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:13:05 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1397 Having attended and seen first hand the effort that went into the 2007 event, I was disappointed on your behalf because of the no shows. The fee idea is a good one and it needs to have some teeth while not casting out those who live on tighter budgets. Most folks can usually part with between $25-$50. It equals a night out drinking or eating for most everybody. Its also enough so that folks won't just dismiss the investment in a Podcamp Fee by not showing up. $5 or $10 is ultimately chump change and I don't think it will have the results you're targeting. While I understand that each city is allowed to set their standard for their fee (as well as whether or not to actually charge) I think it might be best for the brand (Podcamp) to establish a minimum fee if someone is going to charge. Thanks again for all your efforts. Best always, Peter Having attended and seen first hand the effort that went into the 2007 event, I was disappointed on your behalf because of the no shows.

The fee idea is a good one and it needs to have some teeth while not casting out those who live on tighter budgets.

Most folks can usually part with between $25-$50. It equals a night out drinking or eating for most everybody. Its also enough so that folks won’t just dismiss the investment in a Podcamp Fee by not showing up. $5 or $10 is ultimately chump change and I don’t think it will have the results you’re targeting.

While I understand that each city is allowed to set their standard for their fee (as well as whether or not to actually charge) I think it might be best for the brand (Podcamp) to establish a minimum fee if someone is going to charge.

Thanks again for all your efforts.

Best always,
Peter

]]> By: Podcasting News » PodCamp Changes The Rules http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1396 Podcasting News » PodCamp Changes The Rules Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:59:08 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1396 [...] Penn, one of the organizers and creators of PodCamp, announced at the end of PodCamp Boston that the “rules” of PodCamp are [...] [...] Penn, one of the organizers and creators of PodCamp, announced at the end of PodCamp Boston that the “rules” of PodCamp are [...]

]]> By: Donna Papacosta http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1394 Donna Papacosta Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:04:53 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1394 Chris, I'm glad to see this change. It will relieve some of the pressure on volunteers and will cut down on no-shows. Good move! Chris, I’m glad to see this change. It will relieve some of the pressure on volunteers and will cut down on no-shows. Good move!

]]> By: lux http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1391 lux Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:57:46 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1391 WordCamp in SF used to be free, but more recently has shifted to charging $25 per attendee and offers a scholarship program for people who cannot afford even that amount. That seems more than reasonable as far as fees and policy goes. I don't see why PodCamp can't do something similar. WordCamp in SF used to be free, but more recently has shifted to charging $25 per attendee and offers a scholarship program for people who cannot afford even that amount.

That seems more than reasonable as far as fees and policy goes. I don’t see why PodCamp can’t do something similar.

]]> By: Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1389 Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:33:59 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1389 Bummed I didn't make it. Considered signing up, "just in case," but decided that was very uncool. I won't signup unless I'm pretty sure I'll be there! Now conversely, if I pay a fee, I (just me) feel less likely to have committed to attend. Yes, it's just money, but I can fritter away mine, NOT others. I think a modest fee is something organizers should have the ability to consider! Bummed I didn’t make it. Considered signing up, “just in case,” but decided that was very uncool.

I won’t signup unless I’m pretty sure I’ll be there!

Now conversely, if I pay a fee, I (just me) feel less likely to have committed to attend.

Yes, it’s just money, but I can fritter away mine, NOT others.

I think a modest fee is something organizers should have the ability to consider!

]]> By: John Federico http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1387 John Federico Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:09:34 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1387 Kudos. I think this is a big (and good) step forward. I produced events in NYC for years. The people ARE the event but if you've got a lot of no-shows then the whole dynamic changes. No matter what, I always charged for the event, even if just a token amount. It demonstrated a level of commitment on the part of the attendees and no-shows dropped considerably. Regardless, PB2 was excellent and I was glad to make the trip from NYC. Kudos. I think this is a big (and good) step forward. I produced events in NYC for years. The people ARE the event but if you’ve got a lot of no-shows then the whole dynamic changes.

No matter what, I always charged for the event, even if just a token amount. It demonstrated a level of commitment on the part of the attendees and no-shows dropped considerably.

Regardless, PB2 was excellent and I was glad to make the trip from NYC.

]]> By: ~bc http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1386 ~bc Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:59:54 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1386 One idea I heard was "make the fee pay for lunch." That would take away that distracting variable (where to go, and leaving the venue) and let people focus more on meeting more people. Another idea, to build upon the "pay what you feel its worth" (a la NPR) could become "Minimum $10. $20 gets you a t-shirt. $50 is a supporter, $75 is blank, $xxx is a sponsor…" and onwards. Additionally, someone who didn't have the cash could volunteer for free access, or maybe scholarships for students or for anyone who had a blog or some other "qualification." One idea I heard was “make the fee pay for lunch.” That would take away that distracting variable (where to go, and leaving the venue) and let people focus more on meeting more people.

Another idea, to build upon the “pay what you feel its worth” (a la NPR) could become “Minimum $10. $20 gets you a t-shirt. $50 is a supporter, $75 is blank, $xxx is a sponsor…” and onwards. Additionally, someone who didn’t have the cash could volunteer for free access, or maybe scholarships for students or for anyone who had a blog or some other “qualification.”

]]> By: Justin http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/comment-page-1/#comment-1385 Justin Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:41:29 +0000 http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/10/30/the-revocation-of-podcamp-rule-four/#comment-1385 Great to know about some changes. This will definitely make organizing Podcamp Chicago a whole lot easier. I think even just a minimal $10 or $15 fee will give us a better idea of who is serious about attending and who isn't... And it will help cover costs... specifically the place to hold it. Justin Kaiser Podcamp Chicago http://www.podcampchi.com Great to know about some changes. This will definitely make organizing Podcamp Chicago a whole lot easier. I think even just a minimal $10 or $15 fee will give us a better idea of who is serious about attending and who isn’t… And it will help cover costs… specifically the place to hold it.

Justin Kaiser
Podcamp Chicago
http://www.podcampchi.com

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