Friday February 10, 2012 11:35 AM AEST

Barcamp is on this weekend

By David Field
16:18 Nov 12, 2008 | 2 Comments
Tags: barcamp | 2008
Barcamp is on this weekend

Just what exactly is an unorganised computer conference? And why is it awesome?

There’s an unusual computing conference going on this weekend. It’s called BarCamp, and it’s not a normal computing conference – it’s what happens when you apply the open source model to real world gatherings.

The plan is for people to just rock up and give talks on whatever they are knowledgeable and interested in. All the benefits of the open source movement are there: people who’ve dedicated a lot of time to learning about one specialised area share what they know about a niche topic, along with freeform discussion, debate and learning.

A quick skim over the registration page reveals what might happen, because some people have posted what they’ll be speaking about. Some of the talks include:

Business structures for start-ups -- by Paul Zagoridis, author of a blog entitled "Psychology of the Deal".

More than you wanted to know about Maps -- by Joseph Gentle, who’s been writing a native mapping application for the iPhone and toying with cool ideas like making a maps rendering engine that renders on the client side instead of sending pre-rendered tiles to the user.

Speed Networking -- by Alex North, the event "unorganiser" who’s in charge of the craziest meet and greet ever. He’s also a Google Engineer and creator of the GasBag iPhone app that’s received a lot of attention in the mainstream press recently.

Nick Hodge from Microsoft (and guest at previous Atomic Live Forums) is going to be there, but hasn’t specified what he’ll be talking about yet. In the spirit of BarCamp, we’ll see what he’s got planned on the day.

There are a whole stack of people who have vague ideas and are open to suggestions, and anyone who wants to can talk about a topic. If you’re going to though, you should be prepared and know your stuff.

Hell, I’m even giving a presentation about human computer interaction, user interfaces and how users comprehend options through phrasing and context.

If you’re free this weekend, live in Sydney, and want to learn more about quirky aspects of tech, check out BarCamp Sydney’s site for more details.


 
 
Behind the scenes with Mass Effect 3! GTX 560 VGA round-up! Essential Skyrim tweaks to improve your game! Plus reviews, news, hardware, more games, and easy to following modding guides for PC builders. ON SALE NOW!
2 Comments
SceptreCore
Nov 12, 2008 7:51 PM
Just remember Dave, your not just representing the magazine, but the entire atomic community as well!

So Don't Stuff It Up!! No Pressure...

:P
Waltish
Nov 13, 2008 2:44 AM
Is too bad I live so far away {:(
Comments have been disabled on this article.
 
Latest Competitions
 
Atomic Magazine

Issue: 133 | February, 2012

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.
 
Latest Comments
 
Latest User Reviews
Battlefield 3 is the new benchmark online FPS
90%
A very fun and realistic multiplayer ride.
 
Antec Kuhler 920 - liquid cool
90%
Antec Kuhler 920 silent but effientive out of the box no maintence water cooling kit
 
Antec's Lanboy Air - our new favourite case
90%
Antec Lan boy Air in red a very cool design
 
Antec's Lanboy Air - our new favourite case
90%
This product overall is awesome.
 
MSI's GT780 laptop as fast as it gets
90%
Nice laptop
 
 
Close Get the February, 2012 issue of Atomic mailed to you for $8.95, including postage.

SubscribeBuy nowDigital Version