DISQUS

Justin · 2 years ago

Great to know about some changes. This will definitely make organizing Podcamp Chicago a whole lot easier. I think even just a minimal $10 or $15 fee will give us a better idea of who is serious about attending and who isn't... And it will help cover costs... specifically the place to hold it.

Justin Kaiser
Podcamp Chicago
http://www.podcampchi.com

Brian Christiansen · 2 years ago

One idea I heard was "make the fee pay for lunch." That would take away that distracting variable (where to go, and leaving the venue) and let people focus more on meeting more people.

Another idea, to build upon the "pay what you feel its worth" (a la NPR) could become "Minimum $10. $20 gets you a t-shirt. $50 is a supporter, $75 is blank, $xxx is a sponsor…" and onwards. Additionally, someone who didn't have the cash could volunteer for free access, or maybe scholarships for students or for anyone who had a blog or some other "qualification."

John Federico · 2 years ago

Kudos. I think this is a big (and good) step forward. I produced events in NYC for years. The people ARE the event but if you've got a lot of no-shows then the whole dynamic changes.

No matter what, I always charged for the event, even if just a token amount. It demonstrated a level of commitment on the part of the attendees and no-shows dropped considerably.

Regardless, PB2 was excellent and I was glad to make the trip from NYC.

Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for B · 2 years ago

Bummed I didn't make it. Considered signing up, "just in case," but decided that was very uncool.

I won't signup unless I'm pretty sure I'll be there!

Now conversely, if I pay a fee, I (just me) feel less likely to have committed to attend.

Yes, it's just money, but I can fritter away mine, NOT others.

I think a modest fee is something organizers should have the ability to consider!

lux · 2 years ago

WordCamp in SF used to be free, but more recently has shifted to charging $25 per attendee and offers a scholarship program for people who cannot afford even that amount.

That seems more than reasonable as far as fees and policy goes. I don't see why PodCamp can't do something similar.

Donna Papacosta · 2 years ago

Chris, I'm glad to see this change. It will relieve some of the pressure on volunteers and will cut down on no-shows. Good move!

Peter O'Connell · 2 years ago

Having attended and seen first hand the effort that went into the 2007 event, I was disappointed on your behalf because of the no shows.

The fee idea is a good one and it needs to have some teeth while not casting out those who live on tighter budgets.

Most folks can usually part with between $25-$50. It equals a night out drinking or eating for most everybody. Its also enough so that folks won't just dismiss the investment in a Podcamp Fee by not showing up. $5 or $10 is ultimately chump change and I don't think it will have the results you're targeting.

While I understand that each city is allowed to set their standard for their fee (as well as whether or not to actually charge) I think it might be best for the brand (Podcamp) to establish a minimum fee if someone is going to charge.

Thanks again for all your efforts.

Best always,
Peter

Jay Moonah from Wild Apricot · 2 years ago

Chris, we're now having a debate about this on the Podcamp Toronto Google Group. What I am wondering is this: was there any discussion about why this happened this time out in Boston? We had an estimated 80% attendance rate in Toronto last year, and to the best of recollection no missing presenters. I believe previous Podcamps had similar results. Was this particular Podcamp an anomaly? If so, does it really require a wholesale change in the rules that govern all Podcamps in the future? Are there not instead some lessons and guidelines that might solve the problem?

jeff · 2 years ago

I think some reflection needs to happen into why there was such a high no show rate. How many blog posts were written on how many people have registered? Or better yet, how many twitters?

That mind set needs to change to the quality of the presentation from the quantity of participants.

Isn't it supposed to be the FREE exchange of ideas!

Beth Kanter · 2 years ago

I think you need to charge a nominal fee.
I think the organizers need to be paid for their time.

If there are people who can't afford a small fee, use some of the money for scholarships.

Beth Kanter · 2 years ago

PS if you want to send a few t-shirts to Cambodia, I could arrange that ..
The kids in the orphanage and Cambodian bloggers would love them!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/s...

Kevin Mullins · 2 years ago

I am totally in favor of charging an entrance fee for the next Podcamp and I think it should be more than $20.00. I am in favor of charging at least $50.00 for pre-registration and $75.00 for registration at the door. If folks can not afford to pay then they should donate their time and efforts before, during and after the show. This will reduce the strain of lining up sponsors and could help defer the upfront cost required for future events.

Thank-you to all the Organizers and Contributors, it was a great show.

Dale Cruse · 2 years ago

If 52% of the people DON'T show up to PodCamp, but 100%+ DO show up to the PodCamp party, then the choice is obvious: Make PodCamp a party and charge a few bucks.