Christopher S. Penn – Marketing AI Keynote Speaker

Why Keynote Speakers Violate PodCamp Rules

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Christopher S Penn
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I’m pleased to see the ever continuing evolution of PodCamp as a community gathering. It’s amazing to see how people adapt PodCamp to fit what’s appropriate in their communities and local cultures, and I hope we continue to see new innovations. I wanted to clarify something that occurred to me on the drive into the office this morning:

Keynote speakers are a violation of the PodCamp rules.

Now, the most recent PodCamp to have keynote speakers was PodCamp Nashville, and I want to be perfectly clear this is not saying their event was bad or their organizers did something wrong – they did not, and from those who attended, it sounded like a great PodCamp. This is an opinion and a request going forward.

Here are the Six Rules of PodCamp:

  1. All attendees must be treated equally. Everyone is a rockstar.
  2. All content created must be released under a Creative Commons license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
  3. All attendees must be allowed to participate. (subject to limitations of physical space, of course)
  4. All sessions must obey the Law of 2 Feet – if you’re not getting what you want out of the session, you can and should walk out and do something else. It’s not like you have to get your money’s worth!
  5. The event must be new-media focused – blogging, podcasting, video on the net.
  6. The financials of a PodCamp must be fully disclosed in an open ledger, except for any donor/sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous.

The reason why Keynote speakers are a violation of the PodCamp rules relates to rules 1, 3, and 4.

Rule 1. Keynote speakers are by default not equal to other participants. They’re placed in a position of prominence above other participants.

Rule 3. Keynote speaker slots are likely not going to be put up for general availability. The whole reason to have a keynote speaker is to select someone special, so it’s unlikely that anyone can speak at the keynote.

Rule 4. Keynotes typically have nothing going on alongside of them, which means participants have no other content options, and therefore cannot exercise the Law of 2 Feet.

Of the three rules, #1 is the most important. PodCamp is built on the foundation that all participants are equal.

Scenes from PodCamp Europe 2007When Chris Brogan and I set out our own guidelines at the first PodCamp for the UnKeynote, we agreed:

  • An introductory statement and welcome by organizers is more than appropriate
  • Logistical issues should ALWAYS be presented – restrooms are here, organizers wear this color shirt or this badge so if you need help, grab them
  • Thanks for coming to PodCamp
  • A reminder that PodCamp is YOUR conference, not ours, and the experience you have is driven solely by participants, not organizers

Like I said at the beginning of this post, this is relatively uncharted territory, but important to address now. No one in the past did anything wrong, but I’d like this guideline to be in the minds of organizers from now on:

Keynote speakers are NOT okay at PodCamps.

What are your thoughts?

Comments

44 responses to “Why Keynote Speakers Violate PodCamp Rules”

  1. Joe Cascio Avatar
    Joe Cascio

    It might work if it were a volunteer, participatory UnKeynote, but you’d have to limit how long someone spoke. We’re struggling a little bit with this very issue right now for NewBCamp.

    Reply
  2. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    Joe – why not go Webby style and limit people to 5 words?

    Reply
  3. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    Joe – why not go Webby style and limit people to 5 words?

    Reply
  4. Whitney Avatar
    Whitney

    I totally understand the temptation any conference organizer faces, to get someone with a “name” to generate excitement and attendance at an event. But the most important part of Podcamp is that this is a community-based unconference, with heavy emphasis on community. The “opening” session, so to speak, should be about setting the tone for the conference, and a keynote sets more of an “us vs them” tone than one of colleagues getting together to share and create. Someone has to ring the opening bell, I suppose, but there are lots of ways to accomplish this. We did this in Philly by showing a quick History of Podcamp Video done by Larry Lawfer, which let anyone new to get a real feel for what Podcamp is about. While it featured Chris Penn and Chris Brogan, it was *by no way* a keynote.

    There’s such a temptation to try to make an opening seem special and magical, and getting someone who is a great presenter and a “big deal” seems like a great idea. But it undermines the community collaboration aspect of Podcamp, and that’s why I think it’s generally a bad idea, in any form. You can have the organizers speak, talk about the day, talk about the goals, whatever, but it’s not a platform designed to enhance any one person over another.

    Reply
  5. Jay Moonah from Wild Apricot Avatar
    Jay Moonah from Wild Apricot

    Right on Chris. I posted an Utter last night about Podcamp Toronto, and about one of the things I love the most about Podcamps in general is the idea that EVERYONE is an expert, an idea I really want to reinforce this year in Toronto. Here’s the Utter if you’re interested: http://tinyurl.com/yr7trx

    Oh, and did I mention Podcamp Toronto? http://podcamptoronto.org this coming weekend, can’t wait! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. Whitney Avatar
    Whitney

    I totally understand the temptation any conference organizer faces, to get someone with a “name” to generate excitement and attendance at an event. But the most important part of Podcamp is that this is a community-based unconference, with heavy emphasis on community. The “opening” session, so to speak, should be about setting the tone for the conference, and a keynote sets more of an “us vs them” tone than one of colleagues getting together to share and create. Someone has to ring the opening bell, I suppose, but there are lots of ways to accomplish this. We did this in Philly by showing a quick History of Podcamp Video done by Larry Lawfer, which let anyone new to get a real feel for what Podcamp is about. While it featured Chris Penn and Chris Brogan, it was *by no way* a keynote.

    There’s such a temptation to try to make an opening seem special and magical, and getting someone who is a great presenter and a “big deal” seems like a great idea. But it undermines the community collaboration aspect of Podcamp, and that’s why I think it’s generally a bad idea, in any form. You can have the organizers speak, talk about the day, talk about the goals, whatever, but it’s not a platform designed to enhance any one person over another.

    Reply
  7. Jay Moonah Avatar
    Jay Moonah

    Right on Chris. I posted an Utter last night about Podcamp Toronto, and about one of the things I love the most about Podcamps in general is the idea that EVERYONE is an expert, an idea I really want to reinforce this year in Toronto. Here’s the Utter if you’re interested: http://tinyurl.com/yr7trx

    Oh, and did I mention Podcamp Toronto? http://podcamptoronto.org this coming weekend, can’t wait! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  8. Chris Brogan... Avatar
    Chris Brogan…

    It was the funniest/hardest thing in the world to limit all that I wanted to say to under 5 minutes in that very first un-keynote. I wanted to rave and praise and thank everyone who’d come through those doors, because it was the first one, and everyone there was my instant hero for believing in us, for supporting the idea.

    I didn’t really notice the Keynote thing for Nashville, and I understand that it was probably done with love and good intentions. I’m sure the intent was to set the tone, be respectful, etc. It didn’t even cross MY mind that it would be not connected to the rules.

    So, I see your point, and I think this is a good opportunity to encourage upcoming PodCamps (another one Friday in Toronto) to keep opening statements just that. It certainly keeps with the concept of having all voices be as equal as possible.

    Reply
  9. Chris Brogan... Avatar
    Chris Brogan…

    It was the funniest/hardest thing in the world to limit all that I wanted to say to under 5 minutes in that very first un-keynote. I wanted to rave and praise and thank everyone who’d come through those doors, because it was the first one, and everyone there was my instant hero for believing in us, for supporting the idea.

    I didn’t really notice the Keynote thing for Nashville, and I understand that it was probably done with love and good intentions. I’m sure the intent was to set the tone, be respectful, etc. It didn’t even cross MY mind that it would be not connected to the rules.

    So, I see your point, and I think this is a good opportunity to encourage upcoming PodCamps (another one Friday in Toronto) to keep opening statements just that. It certainly keeps with the concept of having all voices be as equal as possible.

    Reply
  10. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    And for the love of all that is good and holy, be SURE to tell people where:

    – the coffee is
    – the restrooms are

    That should almost be a rule in and of itself ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  11. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    And for the love of all that is good and holy, be SURE to tell people where:

    – the coffee is
    – the restrooms are

    That should almost be a rule in and of itself ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  12. Rick Wolff Avatar
    Rick Wolff

    I plan to attend Podcamp NYC in April. I am comfortable with the fact that knowledge will be irregularly (some might say unfairly) distributed among attendees. We may all be treated equal, but we’re not equal, or else we wouldn’t bother to go. Those who know will talk, and those who don’t know (like me) will shut up and listen. Those who have the reputation for knowing will have the greater turnout, and will likely have my ear, too. Those who get up and speak only because nothing’s stopping them will get the two-feet treatment. Among those who know, someone has to go first. If you don’t want me to call it a keynote, then I won’t.

    Reply
  13. Rick Wolff Avatar
    Rick Wolff

    I plan to attend Podcamp NYC in April. I am comfortable with the fact that knowledge will be irregularly (some might say unfairly) distributed among attendees. We may all be treated equal, but we’re not equal, or else we wouldn’t bother to go. Those who know will talk, and those who don’t know (like me) will shut up and listen. Those who have the reputation for knowing will have the greater turnout, and will likely have my ear, too. Those who get up and speak only because nothing’s stopping them will get the two-feet treatment. Among those who know, someone has to go first. If you don’t want me to call it a keynote, then I won’t.

    Reply
  14. C.C. Chapman Avatar
    C.C. Chapman

    As someone who was labeled a “keynote” in PodCamp Nashville it did feel weird from the moment I was asked to do it. But, this is also why I made sure to get up on stage and stress what PodCamp means to me. You should have seen the looks when I stressed the law of two feet. It was priceless.

    The whole Nashville experience was very different from any PodCamp I’ve seen. I’m not going to judge and say if it was right or wrong because the room was full of new people and everyone of them that I talked to got a lot out of it and loved it and in the end they are the people that matter the most in my mind.

    PodCamps are growing at an alarming rate. Management of them is certainly harder then ever as the scale grows. I like the idea of no keynotes. Hell, everyone is a keynote at a podcamp.

    Reply
  15. C.C. Chapman Avatar
    C.C. Chapman

    As someone who was labeled a “keynote” in PodCamp Nashville it did feel weird from the moment I was asked to do it. But, this is also why I made sure to get up on stage and stress what PodCamp means to me. You should have seen the looks when I stressed the law of two feet. It was priceless.

    The whole Nashville experience was very different from any PodCamp I’ve seen. I’m not going to judge and say if it was right or wrong because the room was full of new people and everyone of them that I talked to got a lot out of it and loved it and in the end they are the people that matter the most in my mind.

    PodCamps are growing at an alarming rate. Management of them is certainly harder then ever as the scale grows. I like the idea of no keynotes. Hell, everyone is a keynote at a podcamp.

    Reply
  16. Alan Chaess Avatar
    Alan Chaess

    Chris I couldn’t agree more. No one should be prompted or highlighted specially as a star “of the show” by the event itself.

    Reply
  17. Alan Chaess Avatar
    Alan Chaess

    Chris I couldn’t agree more. No one should be prompted or highlighted specially as a star “of the show” by the event itself.

    Reply
  18. JoeCascio Avatar
    JoeCascio

    It might work if it were a volunteer, participatory UnKeynote, but you’d have to limit how long someone spoke. We’re struggling a little bit with this very issue right now for NewBCamp.

    Reply
  19. Angelo Mandato Avatar
    Angelo Mandato

    Planning PodCamp Ohio, we’ve discussed keeping the opening and closing sessions to just a few minutes (10-20) that way we can plan an additional set of sessions in the day.

    One of our organizers suggested we allow speakers to select the amount of time they require when they post their session. That way we can schedule two 30 minute sessions where we would otherwise just plan one. The trick will be to group the shorter sessions together that are similar. We haven’t crossed that bridge yet.

    I suspect that the location can dictate how well a PodCamp can follow the 6 core rules. I think a venue that provides many smaller classrooms rather than a large lecture hall will find it easier to meet the requirements.

    There are real stars who speak at PodCamp. From my observation of other PodCamps, a star blogger/podcaster speaker doesn’t necessarily get the biggest crowds. It seems the session topics, especially those geared toward new bloggers/podcasters, attract the largest crowds. I think it is important to recognize star speakers who attend the PodCamps. The sessions however, should be presented based on the content, not the speaker.

    Reply
  20. Angelo Mandato Avatar
    Angelo Mandato

    Planning PodCamp Ohio, we’ve discussed keeping the opening and closing sessions to just a few minutes (10-20) that way we can plan an additional set of sessions in the day.

    One of our organizers suggested we allow speakers to select the amount of time they require when they post their session. That way we can schedule two 30 minute sessions where we would otherwise just plan one. The trick will be to group the shorter sessions together that are similar. We haven’t crossed that bridge yet.

    I suspect that the location can dictate how well a PodCamp can follow the 6 core rules. I think a venue that provides many smaller classrooms rather than a large lecture hall will find it easier to meet the requirements.

    There are real stars who speak at PodCamp. From my observation of other PodCamps, a star blogger/podcaster speaker doesn’t necessarily get the biggest crowds. It seems the session topics, especially those geared toward new bloggers/podcasters, attract the largest crowds. I think it is important to recognize star speakers who attend the PodCamps. The sessions however, should be presented based on the content, not the speaker.

    Reply
  21. Troy Rutter Avatar
    Troy Rutter

    Chris,

    So by your definition of rule #1, would that also mean that nobody could/should/would be flown/transported in for the purpose of attending PodCamp with tickets/arrangements paid for by the PodCamp?

    Ie: You really want X to come to PodCamp, but you are only going to get X there if you front a hotel room. Or a airplane ticket…etc.

    Would that be in violation of rule 1? I would think so.

    The notion of “everybody is a rockstar” is touchy-feely in print, but having the well-known personalities attend is definitely a plus for the attendees, IMHO. Ie: I came to PodCamp Boston to meet friends and people I have heard of online, mainly because a lot were there in one place. I’m less likely to attend a PodCamp in Salt Lake City if none of the “heavy hitters” (as determined by whom is a whole other question) are going to attend.

    So its nice to say “everybody’s a rock star” but in reality, everybody knows who is on a different playing field.

    To me, even an UNkeynote is a keynote.

    Reply
  22. Chris Brogan... Avatar
    Chris Brogan…

    Troy–

    Realize you mean Christopher Penn and not me, I’m still going to comment.

    Yes, I think that paying for someone to come to PodCamp is probably not a great use of community money. I could see a standalone company choosing to pay for someone to attend, but that’s not PodCamp’s deal; that’s between the would-be sponsor and the person.

    Having “good names” is usually the draw of professional conferences (says a guy who makes conferences for a living these days), but in PodCamp, it’s just as likely that the person running a session is just the person who knows what to do, and what needs saying. I’ve seen lots of great people add more to sessions than the person who started it. Hell, I’ve made that a PRACTICE at events that I attend (Someone come teach me ____).

    I doubt PodCamp or anything/anyone can beat the popularity contest game, but we do try to stipulate that people be treated equally well at the events, including speaking spots, etc.

    The unkeynote was logistics and mood-setting. So yes, half of it was still keynotey. (Usually my half because I’m the “I love you guys” type). Guilty there, but we can’t start an event without some level of logistics.

    Reply
  23. Troy Rutter Avatar
    Troy Rutter

    Chris B –

    Oh I totally agree about the UNKeynote. It’s just that if we take the “rules” at face value, then even choosing who gives the UNKeynote, which is usually the organizers, sets them above the rest, thus violating rule #1.

    I was trying to sqay, I guess, that you have to manage the grey (ding!) and not be black/white with the rules.

    I have to admit the topic blindsighted me, because as much as I know I traveled to Boston to hear Chris P., Chris B., CC and some others I heard/knew speak… I never ONCE got the impression that PodCamp placed them above everybody else. In fact, the only “bad” part I witnessed at PodCamp was some minor name-calling when someone on the schedule didn’t show up for a panel. Things such as “should have expected…” etc.

    But the panels that happened in LIEU of them showing up were maybe even more fun.

    So I guess I was trying to say that I don’t see the rules being broken by having Keynotes – because whether you admit it or not, there are certain people you might be going there to see. And, hopefully, you see them and meet many, many more. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  24. Troy Rutter Avatar
    Troy Rutter

    Chris,

    So by your definition of rule #1, would that also mean that nobody could/should/would be flown/transported in for the purpose of attending PodCamp with tickets/arrangements paid for by the PodCamp?

    Ie: You really want X to come to PodCamp, but you are only going to get X there if you front a hotel room. Or a airplane ticket…etc.

    Would that be in violation of rule 1? I would think so.

    The notion of “everybody is a rockstar” is touchy-feely in print, but having the well-known personalities attend is definitely a plus for the attendees, IMHO. Ie: I came to PodCamp Boston to meet friends and people I have heard of online, mainly because a lot were there in one place. I’m less likely to attend a PodCamp in Salt Lake City if none of the “heavy hitters” (as determined by whom is a whole other question) are going to attend.

    So its nice to say “everybody’s a rock star” but in reality, everybody knows who is on a different playing field.

    To me, even an UNkeynote is a keynote.

    Reply
  25. Chris Brogan... Avatar
    Chris Brogan…

    Troy–

    Realize you mean Christopher Penn and not me, I’m still going to comment.

    Yes, I think that paying for someone to come to PodCamp is probably not a great use of community money. I could see a standalone company choosing to pay for someone to attend, but that’s not PodCamp’s deal; that’s between the would-be sponsor and the person.

    Having “good names” is usually the draw of professional conferences (says a guy who makes conferences for a living these days), but in PodCamp, it’s just as likely that the person running a session is just the person who knows what to do, and what needs saying. I’ve seen lots of great people add more to sessions than the person who started it. Hell, I’ve made that a PRACTICE at events that I attend (Someone come teach me ____).

    I doubt PodCamp or anything/anyone can beat the popularity contest game, but we do try to stipulate that people be treated equally well at the events, including speaking spots, etc.

    The unkeynote was logistics and mood-setting. So yes, half of it was still keynotey. (Usually my half because I’m the “I love you guys” type). Guilty there, but we can’t start an event without some level of logistics.

    Reply
  26. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    Troy –

    You as a participant are absolutely permitted to come to PodCamp for whatever reasons you want – if there are people you deem more important to see than others, you can.

    It’s the organizers that are not permitted within reason – agreed that it is grey – to treat participants as different if it can be prevented, if a viable, practical option exists that is more open to the community. Your example of panels self-forming is precisely the sort of thing organizers should encourage and applaud, because it’s PodCamp organizing itself.

    I like to compare PodCamp to art – it is the job of the organizers to put out paint, canvas, and easels. It is up to the participants to make the good stuff. Organizers need to manage the logistics of making sure everyone gets comparable access to supplies in an egalitarian fashion, whether those supplies are chairs in a room, opportunities behind the mic, or munchies.

    Keynotes to me are akin to making everyone sit and watch as one person deemed a master artist paints.

    Are there people at PodCamp who are better painters than others? Of course. Are there people there to learn to paint for commercial reasons rather than the love of art? Of course. It’s the job of the organizers to provide the supplies, and then as much as possible, to get out of the way.

    Reply
  27. Troy Rutter Avatar
    Troy Rutter

    Thanks Chris, I wasn’t seeing it from the other side of the coin. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  28. Troy Rutter Avatar
    Troy Rutter

    Thanks Chris, I wasn’t seeing it from the other side of the coin. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  29. Dave Taylor Avatar
    Dave Taylor

    Sorry, but I disagree. It’s nice to have an approach that everyone should be treated equal, but it’s daft (in my opinion, at least) to assume that therefore means that “everyone’s already a rock star”. Pick any topic, any area, any marketplace of ideas, and there are people who have more to offer than others.

    That doesn’t mean that they’re *better* than anyone else, but it’s at best naive and disingenuous to say that as a neophyte podcaster I have as much to contribute to a podcamp as someone like Leo LaPorte or Chris Pirillo, say.

    In some sense this reminds me of the fatal flaw / fallacy of Marxism, that expertise should be shunned and even penalized so as to ensure everyone was treated equally. But that’s a discussion perhaps better had at Colorado Podcamp, coming soon to the Rockies. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Just my two cents.

    Reply
  30. Dave Taylor Avatar
    Dave Taylor

    Sorry, but I disagree. It’s nice to have an approach that everyone should be treated equal, but it’s daft (in my opinion, at least) to assume that therefore means that “everyone’s already a rock star”. Pick any topic, any area, any marketplace of ideas, and there are people who have more to offer than others.

    That doesn’t mean that they’re *better* than anyone else, but it’s at best naive and disingenuous to say that as a neophyte podcaster I have as much to contribute to a podcamp as someone like Leo LaPorte or Chris Pirillo, say.

    In some sense this reminds me of the fatal flaw / fallacy of Marxism, that expertise should be shunned and even penalized so as to ensure everyone was treated equally. But that’s a discussion perhaps better had at Colorado Podcamp, coming soon to the Rockies. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Just my two cents.

    Reply
  31. Patti-with-an-i Avatar
    Patti-with-an-i

    WWWWhhhaaaatttt? Is podcamp a franchise or does someone hold the right to use that name? I am not questioning any of the reasoning of all of it. Just is there some framework that has to be followed for using the name Podcamp?

    I can’t beleive what I am reading. Way tooooooo many rules!
    I think if someone is going to put on an event they and the organizers can see fit to do whatever they want.

    I am only going to guess that it is because Nashville used the name Podcamp (which is owned by someone) and violated the franchise or licensing agreement and hence, had a keynote, that started this whole discusson.

    So, are you saying that on the drawing boards of some cities that are planning to have a “PODCAMP” that they better change their format or use another name? is it registered, trademarked or has a copyright?

    Inquisitive minds want to know? :>

    Reply
  32. Patti-with-an-i Avatar
    Patti-with-an-i

    WWWWhhhaaaatttt? Is podcamp a franchise or does someone hold the right to use that name? I am not questioning any of the reasoning of all of it. Just is there some framework that has to be followed for using the name Podcamp?

    I can’t beleive what I am reading. Way tooooooo many rules!
    I think if someone is going to put on an event they and the organizers can see fit to do whatever they want.

    I am only going to guess that it is because Nashville used the name Podcamp (which is owned by someone) and violated the franchise or licensing agreement and hence, had a keynote, that started this whole discusson.

    So, are you saying that on the drawing boards of some cities that are planning to have a “PODCAMP” that they better change their format or use another name? is it registered, trademarked or has a copyright?

    Inquisitive minds want to know? :>

    Reply
  33. Troy Rutter Avatar
    Troy Rutter

    Chris B –

    Oh I totally agree about the UNKeynote. It’s just that if we take the “rules” at face value, then even choosing who gives the UNKeynote, which is usually the organizers, sets them above the rest, thus violating rule #1.

    I was trying to sqay, I guess, that you have to manage the grey (ding!) and not be black/white with the rules.

    I have to admit the topic blindsighted me, because as much as I know I traveled to Boston to hear Chris P., Chris B., CC and some others I heard/knew speak… I never ONCE got the impression that PodCamp placed them above everybody else. In fact, the only “bad” part I witnessed at PodCamp was some minor name-calling when someone on the schedule didn’t show up for a panel. Things such as “should have expected…” etc.

    But the panels that happened in LIEU of them showing up were maybe even more fun.

    So I guess I was trying to say that I don’t see the rules being broken by having Keynotes – because whether you admit it or not, there are certain people you might be going there to see. And, hopefully, you see them and meet many, many more. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  34. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    Troy –

    You as a participant are absolutely permitted to come to PodCamp for whatever reasons you want – if there are people you deem more important to see than others, you can.

    It’s the organizers that are not permitted within reason – agreed that it is grey – to treat participants as different if it can be prevented, if a viable, practical option exists that is more open to the community. Your example of panels self-forming is precisely the sort of thing organizers should encourage and applaud, because it’s PodCamp organizing itself.

    I like to compare PodCamp to art – it is the job of the organizers to put out paint, canvas, and easels. It is up to the participants to make the good stuff. Organizers need to manage the logistics of making sure everyone gets comparable access to supplies in an egalitarian fashion, whether those supplies are chairs in a room, opportunities behind the mic, or munchies.

    Keynotes to me are akin to making everyone sit and watch as one person deemed a master artist paints.

    Are there people at PodCamp who are better painters than others? Of course. Are there people there to learn to paint for commercial reasons rather than the love of art? Of course. It’s the job of the organizers to provide the supplies, and then as much as possible, to get out of the way.

    Reply
  35. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    Patti –

    Actually, yes, PodCamp is a legally incorporated entity as of very early 2007. It’s an S-Corporation with three executives, myself, Chris Brogan, and Whitney Hoffman as legal counsel and operations director.

    All PodCamps are required in order to use the name PodCamp to agree to and submit a copy of the PodCamp Foundation license, which you can find here:

    http://podcampfoundation.com/the-podcamp-license/

    If an event wishes to do things differently, they are certainly free to do so, but using a name other than PodCamp.

    Reply
  36. Christopher S. Penn Avatar
    Christopher S. Penn

    Patti –

    Actually, yes, PodCamp is a legally incorporated entity as of very early 2007. It’s an S-Corporation with three executives, myself, Chris Brogan, and Whitney Hoffman as legal counsel and operations director.

    All PodCamps are required in order to use the name PodCamp to agree to and submit a copy of the PodCamp Foundation license, which you can find here:

    http://podcampfoundation.com/the-podcamp-license/

    If an event wishes to do things differently, they are certainly free to do so, but using a name other than PodCamp.

    Reply
  37. Patti-with-an-i Avatar
    Patti-with-an-i

    Thanks Chris, and great job BTW….to all three of you. After I read that discussion last night I went and did my research and discovered just that.

    I think it is all good. Bottom Line….If a city or organizers want to do it a different way….then just call it something different. You know as rapidly as the world changes to up at an increased rate.

    Great job in creating a great forum for that. As a public speaker, myself, I know first hand that the organizers use me to lure attendees or a perceived value is created. I have something that a lot of people want, that is, to monetize with the internet. I like sharing it so much that
    I always give more than they expect. Yet, in turn I never lack of nothing.

    I see your names come up all the time, In fact, Chris Brogan, is on the Mashable blog this morning. So that sharing concept appears to be working for all of you, also.

    From what I have gathered now, you have created a wonderful idea, here’s to the future!…..Patti

    Reply
  38. Patti-with-an-i Avatar
    Patti-with-an-i

    Thanks Chris, and great job BTW….to all three of you. After I read that discussion last night I went and did my research and discovered just that.

    I think it is all good. Bottom Line….If a city or organizers want to do it a different way….then just call it something different. You know as rapidly as the world changes to up at an increased rate.

    Great job in creating a great forum for that. As a public speaker, myself, I know first hand that the organizers use me to lure attendees or a perceived value is created. I have something that a lot of people want, that is, to monetize with the internet. I like sharing it so much that
    I always give more than they expect. Yet, in turn I never lack of nothing.

    I see your names come up all the time, In fact, Chris Brogan, is on the Mashable blog this morning. So that sharing concept appears to be working for all of you, also.

    From what I have gathered now, you have created a wonderful idea, here’s to the future!…..Patti

    Reply
  39. John Johansen Avatar
    John Johansen

    I wanted to go the recent Podcamp Boston but wasn’t able to make it. But, here is my take on rule 1.

    You can only get so far by listening. Participating is where you refine your own experience. While Dave Taylor may feel that as a new podcaster he can’t ‘compete’ with bigger names, he knows more than the thousands of people who only listen to podcasts, or the millions that don’t even do that.

    I have respect for anyone that raises their hand and gets involved. And, I especially respect the people that are new in a field who are willing to voice their own thoughts.

    Innovation is key, especially with social media being relatively new still. And innovation is not limited to big names. Maybe I’m just egotistical but I feel that I, as a virtual (ok, not virtual, actual) unknown can still have original thoughts on using social media tools in the context of communities, business, life, the universe, and everything.

    Part of the value to me of being able to connect with so many people (either at a conference or through online communities) is the opportunity to get a diverse range of views. The more input I can get, the more I’ll have to draw from when I raise my hand, stand up, and participate myself.

    Reply
  40. John Johansen Avatar
    John Johansen

    I wanted to go the recent Podcamp Boston but wasn’t able to make it. But, here is my take on rule 1.

    You can only get so far by listening. Participating is where you refine your own experience. While Dave Taylor may feel that as a new podcaster he can’t ‘compete’ with bigger names, he knows more than the thousands of people who only listen to podcasts, or the millions that don’t even do that.

    I have respect for anyone that raises their hand and gets involved. And, I especially respect the people that are new in a field who are willing to voice their own thoughts.

    Innovation is key, especially with social media being relatively new still. And innovation is not limited to big names. Maybe I’m just egotistical but I feel that I, as a virtual (ok, not virtual, actual) unknown can still have original thoughts on using social media tools in the context of communities, business, life, the universe, and everything.

    Part of the value to me of being able to connect with so many people (either at a conference or through online communities) is the opportunity to get a diverse range of views. The more input I can get, the more I’ll have to draw from when I raise my hand, stand up, and participate myself.

    Reply
  41. larrylawfer Avatar
    larrylawfer

    I hope I am not reading this wrong, was the video of Chris and Chris I produced for PodCamp Philly considered a keynote. Hell, I did it because I knew I wasn’t going to be able to attend (I am from the Philly area, Doylestown to be exact and went to both college and a bit of grad school there).

    The video was a tribute to the Chris’s for all their work. I wanted to capture there thoughts and feelings as they marched towards their anniversary. It has been a while now and it is still getting plenty of hits over on Blip.tv http://blip.tv/file/351147/ Check it out

    Reply
  42. Larry Lawfer Avatar
    Larry Lawfer

    I hope I am not reading this wrong, was the video of Chris and Chris I produced for PodCamp Philly considered a keynote. Hell, I did it because I knew I wasn’t going to be able to attend (I am from the Philly area, Doylestown to be exact and went to both college and a bit of grad school there).

    The video was a tribute to the Chris’s for all their work. I wanted to capture there thoughts and feelings as they marched towards their anniversary. It has been a while now and it is still getting plenty of hits over on Blip.tv http://blip.tv/file/351147/ Check it out

    Reply
  43. 29th March 2008: Social Media Breakfast: Singapore « Unique-Frequency

    […] are nods to PodCamp rules and we’re sure they’re not hard to […]

    Reply
  44. PodCamp Rule #7 to be Instituted

    […] There are 6 rules of Podcamp (There used to be 7, but former rule #4 dictating that PodCamps be free was revoked after PodCamp Boston 2). The rules governing the organization and execution of PodCamps are (as listed by co-founder Chris Penn): […]

    Reply

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