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 ;)

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

It also looks like some other folks are going to start chiming into the issue.

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.

Jason Calacanis asked an interesting question today in regards to the economy.. Interesting times, indeed.

I spent a little time trying to catch up on the economic going-on's in the world on my flights this past week, and things are looking volatile if nothing else. Credit fears and overall consumer confidence levels are a drag, inflation concerns and the price of oil are putting downward pressure on the markets, and real estate is in the dumps.

I've posted before about the movement of money from one investment opportunity to another, and I still think thats the case. It's just.. When the market goes south, along with a hard asset like real estate, that largely leaves things like gold, CD's, t-bills and private equity investments, right? If interest rates are forced up from inflation, that doesn't make CD's all that appealing, but the Fed is looking like they might have to cut rates to spark spending -- I'm just not sure what a rate cut would do to consumer confidence. Wouldn't it be seen as more than an admittance of trouble ahead? I bet the media would at least spin it that way.

The other option is to move money overseas, which could lead to an even more unbalanced trade deficit/weakening dollar. Not necessarily a problem if we didn't have such profound budgetary concerns. Can't cover the overruns unless you can grow the economy faster than the debt. That won't happen if the money is invested elsewhere (the often overlooked exception to trickle down).

On the other hand, a month ago the Dow set a record high, factors like the unemployment index are fairly strong. June 2007's CPI was up 2.7% from June 2006, which seems to be about right (expectation should be 2-3% a year, correct?). The productivity index is up strong for the second quarter (over 2% 2nd quarter, compared to 0.2% for the 1st quarter of 2007). Many aspects of the economy seem to be not just healthy, but growing stronger. (follow along at home over at bls.gov)

I'm inclined to suggest that our overall confidence in handling the potential threats is what's dragging us down, and if there is a signal of good news somewhere, it'll cause a rebound. The threats aren't small ones, to be sure, but we're also surrounded by lots and lots of negativity driving down confidence. I'm not an economist, and I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about the subject, but it would appear that our economy is much stronger than folks want to give it credit for (hah, get it? credit?...ahem). It goes without saying that housing continues to be the biggest risk -- if we can avoid sellers panic, we may just pull through. Thin ice, though.

Thoughts?