BarCamps, UnConferences and the like are all the rage these days. There is an undeniable appeal to the authenticity and freedom of the format. I would challenge some of the fundamental claims people make about them though.
UnConferences are allegedly unbiased in their invitations. So you get a blogger or otherwise networked person posting a public invitation to join a group at some pub or another, and discuss a given topic. The bias here is obvious. The people that will be exposed to and respond to such an invitation are the people that are already followers of the blog, or already within the network of the unofficial host. If diversity is one of the core principles of achieving a wise crowd, then wouldn't this limited inclusiveness create the equivalent of a shallow conferencing gene pool? Not that a person becomes a zealot or disciple by merit of reading another's blog, but there is some influence inherent, and an indication of shared interests at least.
Depending on the purpose of the meeting, I think an unconference can be totally appropriate. Especially if it's as a catalyst for relationships. If a definite plan needs to be created, then perhaps not. What are the most appropriate purposes for an UnConference in your opinion or experience? When is it not a suitable format?
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4 comments:
The UnConference should work. People coming together to share idea's that interest them or are relevant to their profession. We are all professionals and grown ups that can walk into a room, when we want, sit where we want and talk about an area of the topic that we feel we can contribute the best, aren't we? You'd think but truly, I don't believe that to be the case.
Not all people have those characteristics. Some people would become paralyzed at the thought of not being told where to sit and what to think and when to go home. Not everyone that attends meetings is capable of that kind of choice.
Perhaps the UnConference is an extreme to the standard meeting that most of us know, don't always work.
Great observations, that I'm pretty sure I agree with. I think there is a time and a place for the unconference. Like your suggestion, I think they're good as a kind of gimmick to deviate from the tedium of regular meetings.
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