Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions we have heard, but chances are we've missed some. If that's the case and you still have a question, please let us know.

General info

How much does it cost?

Nothing, BarCamp is free. We only ask that you 1) register so that we have an accurate head count for food/t-shirts, and 2) come eager to learn and share your knowledge with others.

Do I have to register or can I just stop by?

We prefer that you register since we're limiting the event to 200 people, which is what the venue can accommodate at this time. We certainly won't stop you from dropping in though, but please understand that only those with badges will be able to get a t-shirt and eat lunch.

Will there be Internet access?

Yes, we've been assured by the venue that there will be adequate WIFI for 200 people. We just ask that you hold off on the BitTorrent or Hulu until you get home :-)

Will there be computers there to use?

No, please bring your own.

Will breakfast/lunch be provided?

Maybe. We're currently looking for sponsors, and one thing will be to provide lunch for everyone attending. We'll post a notice when we find out more!

Isn't BarCamp for techies?

Yes, BarCamps are definitely focused on technology, there's no doubt about that, but there are also no rules on what defines a topic at BarCamp. Since Charleston is full of amazing artists, photographers, designers, writer, educators and non-profits (all of which use technology!), we wanted to open it up and get a diverse group of people who can all learn/share with each other.

Is this something that started locally?

No, absolutely not. It started in 2005 in response to the invite-only FooCamp, a technology conference hosted by open source publishing luminary Tim O'Reilly. The idea, as described in this blog post by co-founder Chris Messina, as an alternative, non-exclusive, “open” alternative to FooCamp.

BarCamp is now held worldwide, organized entirely by volunteers and participants. There has also been spin off "camps" such as WordCamp, HealthCamp, DesignCamp, DrupalCamp, JobCamp, LinuxDevCamp, UXCamp, MobileCamp, EduCamp, PhotoCamp, and a host of others.

More information:

Sessions

Do I have to present a session?

No. You're not required to present, but we encourage everyone to be an active participant instead of a passive observer. The strength of BarCamp is the culture of open sharing and learning.

OK, say I do want to present a session, how do I?

The short answer: show up the morning of BarCamp and write your session topic down in an open time slot.

Longer answer: get a head start by proposing a session which will give others a chance to view, discuss, and "like" your topic. This does not mean that you're scheduled in a time slot, but serves as a way to drum up interest and support in your session. For example, if someone sees your session proposal on "underwater basket weaving" they may be more willing to attend BarCamp. You may be the only two in the state of South Carolina interested in that particular topic, but hey, the two of you connected and will share/learn about your craft, so that's all that really matters.

When people "like" a session proposal, it gives us an idea of what topics have a lot of interest and what size room may be needed. If there is enough interest in a session we'll definitely want to reserve a time slot, but the majority of sessions will be determined Saturday morning by what sessions people write down on the infamous white board of BarCamp.

Bottom line: If you want to present, register and plan on attending - there will be a slot on the schedule for you.

How long are the time slots going to be?

Time slots will be 45 minutes long.

I'm really interested in a topic, but don't want to present on it. What can I do?

You should still propose a session but select "I would like someone to present on this topic" in the drop-down menu. Again, this will serve the purpose of getting the idea out there and seeing if someone would be willing to cover it. There's no guarantee that someone will, but at least you're getting the idea out there and making it known.

Other options are to suggest a BoF or post in the forum (see below).

Um, what is a "BoF"?

BoF stand for "Birds of a Feather" and doesn't have a central speaker, or presenter, but rather a theme or topic that like-minded people can gather around and discuss. It could be as simple as discussing Ruby programming, or Strobist lighting techniques, or online activism, or some other topic.

And the forum?

You can use the forum to discuss a topic and collaborate on what could be discussed, or who could present on it, or something else. Again, you're getting the idea out there and will hopefully drum up support from others.