I am told that, historically, there's a massive rush of submissions in the last day or two. Let's wait and see what the quality of the submissions is like, we may be surprised.

I am keen to innovate in programming with this event; an unconference track is a nod towards this, but there may be better formats, so I will ensure that space is carved out for some alternative programming style.

Otherwise, there are large open discussion areas available during the event anyway. Traditionally the purpose of an early programme is mostly to promote topics of interest to encourage people to attend the conference, but with online discussion we could easily discuss the topics to death between now and then, and travelling all that way just to hear it in real life audio seems like a bit of a waste of time.

Then, for a live event, perhaps the value is in the serendipity of dipping in and out of sessions and finding out about topics you didn't know you were interested in. Or maybe it's just in seeing faces, shaking hands and breaking bread.

Edward Saperia
Chief Coordinator Wikimania London
email • facebook • twitter • 07796955572
133-135 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG


On 26 March 2014 16:52, Lodewijk <lodewijk@effeietsanders.org> wrote:
Hi Edward,

not entirely, but it would be a step in the right direction. I'm volunteering to help run that process and lead the discussions on the day itself (if certain conditions can be fulfilled, which I dont expect to be a problem). But also, I'm suggesting to turn the process around a bit. If there are no proposals for discussions, lets find discussions and bring them to the table. Lets reserve a full day worth of discussions and just make sure we find the discussions worth it :) 

Thanks for thinking along!

Lodewijk


2014-03-26 8:44 GMT+01:00 Edward Saperia <ed@wikimanialondon.org>:
The programme submissions process we're using is one that we inherited from previous Wikimanias, but given that this event is not considered a formal, research-led event, and also frankly the rate of change of the world, having people submit sessions six months in advance seems surprising.

Lodewijks, I interpret your submission as basically a plea to run a submission process again but closer to the conference date. Would you agree that this is the core of your proposal?

Edward Saperia
Chief Coordinator Wikimania London
email • facebook • twitter • 07796955572
133-135 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG


On 26 March 2014 16:27, Lodewijk <lodewijk@effeietsanders.org> wrote:
Hi,

with the submission deadline approaching, I wasn't able to find many discussion proposals (not counting panel discussions) where the audience is the main participant, and there is no particular speaker or expert. In a wiki-conference, that is always a surprise to me. I recall from past years it was always particularly hard to find people who are interested enough in a topic, expert enough, willing to lead a discussion, certain to visit Wikimania and able to think of it months in advance all at the same time - in other words: people who could propose a discussion session. 

So on Wikimedia, we say then: so fix it. Well, that is what I tried with an unconventional proposal: reserve a room for a full day, give me some flexibility and help, and together with a co-discussion facilitator I would be happy to volunteer to organize a full day of discussions around community topics. 

I would really like your input on this idea. You can find the proposal on https://wikimania2014.wikimedia.org/wiki/Submissions/Discussion_Room . 

Especially input would be welcome on:
* Suggestions on more/better good example discussion topics
* Suggestions how to organize this consultation
* Suggestions on the discussion format
* Whether this should be one full day, or two half days
* Who would be a good second discussion facilitator :)

Looking forward to your thoughts,

Lodewijk

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