Podcast Freq

The wonderful world of Podcamps has been a great way of podcasters meeting up and learning from each other free of charge. At the wrap up session last Sunday, at the Podcamp Boston event…Chris Penn announced a change to future events - one that makes sense to me. At Boston 1,357 people registered, and of those approximately 650 attended, that means there was over 50% of people who did not show up. That is a high amount. I feel for the organisers when this happens as how do you cater…how do you plan logistically…how do you keep costs down, yet ensure that there is enough space etc for the people who show up?

Because of this, they have announced that future PodCamps will be allowed to charge a registration fee, in order to cut down on the no-shows. A small fee will show a commitment to the event and I tend to agree….a nominal amount for an event that helps you reach/connect with other podcasters, an event that has an array of speakers for beginners to advanced, an event that inspires so many….surely that kind of event should inspire us to part with a nominal fee?

I also think there should be a level of commitment from the speakers. There were a couple of no shows at the conference and it causes the organisers such headaches. Clearly, there are unforeseen circumstances and I appreciate that….but it can also be a chance to get your name up there pre the event for publicity and then not show, which I think is dreadful. I think if you have put your name down and you cannot attend then you should find a replacement for your slot…after all you probably know many people attending…

Here are the latest updated PodCamp rules:

1. All attendees must be treated equally.
2. All content must be released under Creative Commons.
3. All attendees must be allowed to participate.
4. All sessions must obey the Law of 2 Feet.
5. The event must be new-media focused.
6. The financials must be fully disclosed in an open ledger.

The photo below is of the Boston Convention Center where this years was held - impressive sight eh! One thing is for sure for a new person to Boston it was not difficult to spot in the night sky!