(cross-posting to wikimediaindia-l and the OpenHatch events list)
I recently read a thought-provoking piece, "The Bardoli Incident," by a Gujarati open source software contributor.[0] It's a moving story of hospitality to newbies and I wanted to share it with you.
I especially appreciate that Pradeepto Bhattacharya personally took it upon himself to stop newbie attrition at the event. My Indian parents taught me a heritage of hospitality, as I remembered in "Be Bold: An Origin Story".[1] So this kind of heroism, the heroism of the host, speaks deeply to me.
It's a tough balance, respecting each participant's right to drop out while ensuring they know that we want them to stay. I think Bhattacharya got it right by asking honest questions and adapting the newbies' experience. Maybe other event organizers reading this have had similar experiences?