PodCamp Atlanta
This past weekend I attended my first unconference/
blog camp hosted by Podcamp Atlanta and organized by Amber Rhea, Penny Haynes, Rusty Tanton along with several others.
With a great face for radio and a voice suitable for who knows what, I attended because I want to start podcasting. For work, I usually go to high level (read pricey) conferences where attendees sit in the audience and listen to industry luminaries. This one was free and very interactive. There were numerous break out sessions. And while I would have preferred to have slept in this weekend, I made my way along with 150 others to Emory University here in Atlanta for discussions on podcasting tools, vlogging, screencasating and audience engagement.
I was impressed by the diversity, levels of experience and overall enthusiasm of the attendees that came together as part of a growing social media movement.
It is also interesting to compare the experience from the eyes of an AP reporter and those of bloggers like Josh Hallett, Patrick Gaul, Grayson Daughters and Stephanie Roberts. I ask you as outsiders, which gives you a better sense of PodCamp Atlanta? Which would you rather read? Is user generated content less newsworthy? Is it time to throw out distinctions?
During Josh’s opening remarks, I took the plunge and asked the audience about something that has been on my mind as of late – how do you keep up with all the latest, greatest technology out there? A year ago, it was enough for me to publish a text only blog. Then came the pictures. The stakes keep rising. And now I am looking to begin podcasting and vlogging. Where will it end? How much technology does one need?
During the podcamp, as I was learning about bit and sample rates, audio compression and removing “ahhs” and “uhms” from my answers, I thought of Mike Manuel who raised the same issue on his blog last week. Forget the pitching and message development; we need to be techies or, in my case, know one.
The message from the audience: relax, stop apologizing, and pick your techie battles.
While the expectations are getting higher, the tools are getting easier. One audience member likened online tools to those at a construction site. You don’t need all the tools; only the tools you need. Experienced carpenters can always tell the rookies; they are the ones that come to work with the most tools. The veterans only bring the ones they need.
Let me get back to you.
Technorati Tags: PodCampAtlanta; PodCampAtlanta07; Blogging; Social Media; Unconferences; Podcasting; Podcast;
Thanks for coming, it was great meeting you! I'm glad you brought the point up about the seemingly endless pressure to adopt more tools. I think there are a lot of folks with that concern, but most of them probably weren't at PodCamp. (Comment this)
You don't have to have audio and video in this space to make it compelling, because you have a talent for crafting words. Guy Kawasaki is one of my favorite bloggers and he sticks with his best tool... the written word. (Comment this)
Thanks for your kind words. Any time my name is in the same sentence as Guy's I am truly honored.
Dan (Comment this)