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've had some people ping me on the bubble post I wrote the other day, so here's some clarification/etc..

• Booms are always followed by busts. It's a natural occurrence. The internet has done nothing at all to change basic economics. Are we at the top of the boom? No, no we're not (and thats where I disagree with Dvorak). Are we heading into a boom/in a boom currently? Absolutely. Will it crash/correct/adjust itself at some point? Yes. I know people like to pretend that we're unlocking unlimited wealth here, but we're not. There will be winners as well as losers. Sorry.
  
• "Isn't there a ton of growth ahead of us in online advertising?" Unbelievable amounts, but you should seek diversified revenue streams anyhow. And just because the industry itself has a ton of potential, doesn't mean that your product does. Don't start spending money you don't have on fancy chairs and pent house office condos. Stay smart/productive/focused.
  

Blaine Cook from Obvious (twitter) posted a comment earlier noting that he will be talking about Rails scalability and the lessons they've learned at the SDForum Ruby on Rails gathering next weekend. Lessons learned, headaches, issues, solutions -- those are the things that will move Rails towards maturity. Great to see Twitter sharing.

If you're interested in that sort of thing and in the bay area, sounds like it will be interesting.

More information at Liminal Existence.