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I don't know where to post this query, so I put it here. I'm quite curious: Who has attended WordPress Camp (WordPress conference)? How did you find it for yourself? Of course, quality of Word Camp experience, varies by location. Have you been a speaker?
The blog I need help with is thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com.
I'll comment tomorrow, after my third time presenting at a WordCamp.
Bringing this backup to top of query list for raincoaster or anyone else to respond.
I'm still catching up!
Good. I want to know everything. :)
Sigh. I should just blog this instead. Maybe I'll copy/paste.
Okay: WordCamps are terrific. They used to be free, but now the trend is to put them in the $30-$60 range, at least the ones in BC; that generally includes a lunch on the premises that's not fancy. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, that sort of thing.
They are in the Un-Conference tradition, which means they tend to be un-fancy, in whatever premises they can get for free, and not have big, splashy events or sponsors. There are exceptions, like WordCamp Whistler, which basically happened because the organizers wanted to have an event up in Whistler, because it's gorgeous. But usually it's low-rent and the biggest event isn't an event at all but the mingling in the social room and the hallway. They are VERY collaborative events.
The standard of teaching is quite high, which is not to say it's techy at all. Most ones I've participated in have at least two tracks: blogger and tech. The blogger track is for people interested in, you know, BLOGGING. The tech track is for people interested in SEO, plugins, theme hacking, code development, etc.
They are almost invariably, as a result, suitable for both beginners and highly experienced bloggers, although the more experienced you are the fewer talks you attend and the more "gosh, haven't seen you since Gnomedex" chatting you engage in, as a general rule.
Try to find a WordCamp that has more than one workshop going on at a time. Yes, you'll have to make some hard choices. But at least you won't have to sit through "how to sign up a WordPress.com blog" OR "php for advanced hackers" if those don't interest you.
If a WordCamp charges you more than $40 and doesn't supply lunch, something is wrong somewhere, and somebody's making too damn much money.
I find out about these things because the organizers are friends of mine, or through Twitter, or sometimes being emailed out of the blue to speak at one. I've gotta get my passport tuned up, because I've had to turn down some cool opportunities just because of the damn border. There is also an official WordCamp site that lists the biggest WordCamps going on (I don't think it lists all of them).
The cost is no indication of the quality of the experience. That depends entirely on the organizers. If you want to read scuttlebutt about how their last big event was, Facebook is a good place to start, as are other people's blog posts; the official site of each event rarely allows critical fallout comments to stay up there.
Sometimes, if the organizers are really good, they can get phenomenal sponsors. I'm just back from spending two nights at one of the most famous hotels in the world, gratis, because I spoke at WordCamp Victoria and they were smart enough to get the Empress as a sponsor. And Victoria Gin, which I had slagged on Twitter, actually gave me a bottle of their gin to try again, which I then used as an example of good social media strategy and brand evangelism in the blogger panel. I'm still not entirely sold on the gin, but as an example of courage under fire and proactive use of Twitter, I've gotta give it up for them.
By the way, I'm organizing WordCamp Okanagan in the fall. After many abortive attempts to set a date, we're looking at early October, since it's still pretty in the interior of BC then, not too cold, and the vintners are done the heavy lifting of September. If anyone knows a community centre or school who wouldn't mind loaning out their site for a couple of days, I'd like to do Social Media Camp on the first day, and WordCamp on the second.
Blogged at even greater length on http://raincoastermedia.com
I have two reviews of previous WordCampIL up on my blog if you'd like to read them. I've only been an attendee, not a speaker.
http://justjennifer.wordpress.com/category/wordcamp2007israel/
http://justjennifer.wordpress.com/category/wordcamp2008israel/
After reading the comments on the WordPress.com blog about WordCamp, I think the biggest misconception held is that WordCamps are organized and run by WordPress itself (with the exception of SF that isn't true). All these un-conferences are set up and run by volunteers in local communities.
How'd I find out about them? Being a part of the local WP community helps, but barring that http://central.wordcamp.org/schedule/
Thx for the summary experiences so far. I was curious because there will be one in Vancouver next month but I won't be in the city at that time.
Sounds like some of the WordCamps in different cities vary widely in terms of topic depth and scope. Camp registration should no more than $50.00 for 1 or more whole days. Otherwise it isn't unconference to me... I'm benchmarking this against some of the established professional associations that have their own (and often well-organized) full day localized workshops, etc. with lunch.
Okanagan..hmmm. Well don't know where I will be at that time in life. One month at a time for me. But it's gorgeous time in wine country and not so hot. Will it be in Kelowna or ?
There will be one in Vancouver?
Oh wait, yes I know about that one. I thought you were talking about Vancouver, Washington.
And yes, it will be in Kelowna. It's central and has a decent population and lots of possible venues. The first speaker I booked is talking about using social media including blogging to promote wineries.
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maidiebike
