Artagnon's Presence

BarCamp? A BarCamp is something in between a social gathering and a group discussion, usually on topics involving technology. Everyone must participate- there are no spectators, only participants. On the outside, it might look like a meeting between a closed group of geeky people, but it’s not at all that. What differentiates a BarCamp is its open-source nature. Anyone can attend it for free. All details are available on a wiki, which everyone can edit and help in shaping the event collaboratively.

So what needs to happen before the BarCamp? People first get to know about it on the net and participate by doing whatever they can- publicize it on the net by blogging about it or similar, create some artwork for the event, or go hunting for sponsorship to help organize the event. As it gets closer and closer to the event, members are asked to confirm their participation and asked to decide a topic they’d like to talk about.

BarCamp starts off with a keynote speaker creating a “mood” for more discussion. Interactive presentation sessions then begin after three-word introductions from the speakers. Participants post image, video and text updates on the internet to update those who weren’t able to attend the event itself. Sessions are spaced out with breaks for snacks, tea etc. where people socialize and get to know each other.

A Barcamp Kolkata banner

When there are several BarCamps in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Chennai, why hasn’t there been even one in Kolkata? People say it’s the lack of IT industry in Kolkota. Partly true. Lack of initiative is probably another primary reason. So I’m taking a bold step and organizing the first ever Barcamp Kolkata. Details are available here. I hope Kolkata doesn’t fail me ;)