ConnectAnnArbor has responded to the various criticism around the web of ArbCamp via their blog. While it does appear they've changed their product pitch to no longer ride barcamp's popularity, they certainly come across as a bit snarky in their post (not to mention in some of their comments on my own blog). They also grossly misquote me, and assume that I'm sort of "barcamp guru," I believe is how they phrased it. They implied that I was telling people "they'd be better off flying to SF." Those of you who know me (or read this blog) know how into the local thing I am. I'm extremely proud of what we've been able to accomplish not being SF based. I believe 100% that the internet is a borderless, boundary free medium, and I live that every single day. If the internet is the great enabler that we all like to say it is, then it should certainly apply to our way of life.
As far as being a "barcamp guru" or some sort of insider, I'm just another satisfied barcamp customer. I respect the hell out of the hundreds of folks who have worked to make it such a beloved, worldwide event. I hate to see folks try to take advantage of it, knowingly or unknowingly. (disclosure: we were a sponsor for barcampOrlando.)
Anyway.. Here's my comment that I left in response to the sf stuff, just in case it ends up getting deleted. I didn't want anyone to think I had sold out ;)
It also looks like some other folks are going to start chiming into the issue.You guys can spin this in whatever way that makes you and yours feel comfortable.. but..
"you're better off attending a barcamp in sf"
I'm assuming you're attempting to quote my blog. I live in Orlando, Fl, and I'm pretty hardcore/open/proud about not being SF based. There have been 300-400 barcamps all over the world. That's part of its charm. Anyone, anywhere can throw a one. It's not something that exists solely in the echo chamber of SF, and it's not exclusive in any way to anybody. If you want to insert words into the discussion and change the dynamic of the conversation, fine. The funny thing about the internet is that it's all out there in the public for others to read.
The specific issues raised centered on ArbCamp using the barcamp wiki to promote the event (if it's not a barcamp, then don't use its brand for your promotions), and stating that its "loosely based on barcamp" as part of the "product pitch."
I just removed the links you guys put on the barcamp wiki (even though Bill Tozier had told me he had done it, and frankly, it should have been on you guys to do yourselves), and you've now been clued into what it means to be "based on a barcamp." Cool.
Good luck with the event, and have a great time!
Best,
Alex
If nothing else, maybe this will start a conversation on how to appropriately handle things like ArbCamp. My belief is that when anyone sees a community mark being abused, we should call it out. As soon as Jeremy's post made me aware of arbcamp's "infractions", I figured it was worth kindling the flames some. Past that, what can really be done?
I'm curious to hear others thoughts.
Comments...
(Page 1)1. Isn't it common for commercial enterprises and large organizations to feed off the creativity and copy what they see being done better, cooler elsewhere? Isn't that why first movers are continually changing what they do, where they are and who they interact with?
So, Barcamp has been around for a couple of years and I've personally seen its impact in places as far away as Nairobi and Cape Town. I think it's only natural that larger organizations try to capitalize on that.
However...
The ArbCamp thing is just a little much... I mean, there's copying some of the elements that make something successful, then there's basic thievery of the name (come on, how is "a-r-b" not a direct anagram of "b-a-r"?).
If I'm the organizer for ArbCamp, I'd be embarrassed for my lack of creativity.
11:37PM on Oct 14th 2007 by Erik Hersman
2. I have no problem with iterating on the concept and doing something a little more commercial. I just think using the barcamp wiki for their promotions, and including "based on barcamp" in their product pitch was a little much.
As far as the name, you may be right. I know it's upset at least a few people. They're up in ann arbor though, so.. its not completely out of no where.
I talked with one of the guys up there, and I think they "get it" at this point. We'll see..
8:24AM on Oct 15th 2007 by Alex Rudloff
3. If it's a conference just say it's a conference. Hell it was a very inexpensive conference at that, with some moderately cool people talking. Why the felt they needed to have any association with bar camp is what surprises me. They've gotten a boatload of publicity by being the copycats, which they certainly would have gotten had they just called it a conference and been on their way.
12:07PM on Oct 16th 2007 by jharr
4. (come on, how is "a-r-b" not a direct anagram of "b-a-r"?)
When "a-r-b" is for Ann ARBor, the city the event is held in =)
5:26PM on Oct 16th 2007 by Ross Johnson
5. Just ignore them. They will crash and burn on their own. They've been shamed, and now we can get back to growing the Orlando scene.
10:50PM on Oct 17th 2007 by Eric Marden
6. We had an awesome time, sorry you missed it.
11:17PM on Oct 27th 2007 by Edward Vielmetti