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.

I noticed a post on Jeremy Harrington's blog about an event up in Ann Arbor, Michigan called "ArbCamp". It's a commercialized, sponsor driven variation "loosely modeled after barcamp."

Loosely modeled so long as you mean, you know, not frigging at all.

BarCamp isn't about writing on walls or deciding agenda's on the fly. That's an unconference (or, as the blog* format might suggest, a variation of one). BarCamp is about taking shared values, those commonly found in the open source community, and applying it to the unconference setup. BarCamp's an open source, user generated, conference. If someone isn't going to buy into the values that BarCamp establishes, then they're not throwing an event loosely based on barcamp. They're throwing just another unconference.

In this particular case, the event organizers (a marketing company, go f'n figure) are suggesting that its loosely based on the barcamp model, but yet they're selling $2,000 sponsorships that come with dedicated speaking time and charging $65 for "full day admission." This is, quite blatantly, a commercial rip off of whats intended to be a free event model. They're taking advantage of the incredible amount of hard work folks from the community have put into creating the barcamp brand, repackaging it, aligning themselves with the brand by suggesting they have something in common with it, and then selling it for their own purposes.

Loosely based on barcamp? Psh. It's the conference equivalent of a gpl violation.

People are free to do what they will. If someone wants to start a conference and make some coin, then hey, whatever. It's just a shame to see someone blatantly take advantage of the barcamp brand like that. If you're considering attending this event, then recognize it for what it is and attend it as such: An overpriced rip-off of the real thing. You'll be forced to listen to whoever paid the most money as they try to pitch you crappy products and services instead of listening to people engage in quality discussion over topics that they're passionate about.

Seriously. If you're going to spend $65 on this event, you're better off doubling up and buying a plane ticket to attend a genuine barcamp.