I had the opportunity to discuss with someone at the ASU School of Journalism about PodCampAZ. Below was my email to her. So instead of reiterating my comments, I’ll just put my email to her here on my blog! This email was in response to an email she sent us saying that she was interested in being a part of PodCampAZ. (I’m so excited & yet so nervous about this event!! Holy cow!) Have a great GOOD FRIDAY everyone:
EMAIL 4/6/07
Hello,
My name is Michelle and my husband Brent and I are the crazy ones who have decided to bring PodCamp to Arizona! We are in the beginning stages of planning this event, but we are looking to have it sometime in September. As you may or may not know, PodCamp started last year, with the first being in Boston. It is an “un-conference” meaning that no specific voice/business dominates the overall conversation of the event, and everything must be free and open to the public. We are, however, allowed to have sponsors who help cover the costs for the venue, rentals, etc. Finally, the whole purpose is to focus on Social/New Media and how this affects our world. (We are throwing around the idea of focusing on how SM influences/changes business, education, journalism, i.e. citizen journalsim, and day-to-day living). Brent and I want to have a meeting (be it on-line, phone, or live, in person) within the next few weeks for those interested in helping with the organizing. We would love for you to join us in co-organizing, if you would like to.
So, if you don’t mind, I’ll blast you with a few links here:
Take a look at this blog post from one of the “founders” of PodCamp. I think it really explains the purpose/focus of this event:
http://grasshopperfactory.com
Within the next few weeks, we’ll have our website populated with content: www.podcampaz.com (it’s on my to-do list for this weekend… and the next!) For now, you can visit the PodCamp Wiki to add your comments, suggestions, etc: http://podcamp.pbwiki.com/Podcamp-AZ.
Finally, New York City is having their first PodCamp this weekend, and it looks like it will be a fun, collaborative, and well-organized event: http://www.podcampnyc.org. (I’ll be happy if we get anywhere near what they’re doing.)
We are excited to open up the discussion of social media and new media in Arizona. Thank you for wanting to be a part of this event. Please feel free to spread the word to any interested parties. I will email you once I get more specific information. Also, if you happen to know of any good locations for this event that I can pursue (perhaps the ASU downtown campus, or Tempe?), please let me know. I have been looking into Scottsdale Community College, Rio Salado CC, and even the art gallery, Bentley Projects. However, nothing is set in stone yet.
You are probably a very busy person, so thank you for your time!
–
Michelle Spore
Office Manager
Synergy Productions
Office: 480.626.2166
Fax: 480.626.2165