Luyi Chen’s blog

Yesterday, we had the first barcamp Shanghai in Tudou. For a brief rundown of the event, read my post on China Web2.0 Review.

As a barcamper, one of your most important objectives is to make a successful session. Besides doing homework on your topic, there’re other things you should know to make a successful barcamp talk.

Barcamp is like digg, traditional conference is like slashdot. In barcamp, you are not guaranteed to have a session by persuading a small group of organizers. Rather you should persuade the audiences.

Following is my suggestions if you would like to prepare for the next barcamp early.

• Think of a short and sound name for your topic. If you want to include your topic and your name on a yellow sticker, you had better summarize your topic in 5 or 6 words.
• Come early to register your topic. People are tired after listening to two sessions. If you missed the scheduling session in the morning, you are not likely to raise enough interests.
• Actively explain your topic to people before they vote. People don’t have to know the topic. They vote for things they have heard of and supposed to be useful.
• Prepare you session in a simple way. Keep in mind, this is a grassroots’ conference. Your session will probably be arranged in a room without projector, Internet access or even tables.
• Repeat your main topic during the talk now and then. In a multi-session conference, people switch between sessions quickly. Help people join in the middle of your talk to be synchronized.
• Look for help from other barcampers. Even you haven’t prepared your topic enough for a whole session, you can still make it a success by inviting other barcampers with professional background to join your session. In fact, it’s very easy to turn an active participant into a co-speaker.

Barcamp Shanghai II is purposed to happen in six months. Wish you to be a more successful barcamper next time.

Over at the registration page of Barcamp Shanghai, there’re 75 people registered now. You know, our up limit is 80 people. And as far as I know, some exciting CEO is going to bring his team, but only registered himself. So when I used the word “almost”, it means *nearly almost*.

One session idea I have got is based on my writing experience on China Web2.0 Review. I will try to organize a session about opportunities and challenges in writing a blog tracking web2.0 in China. Does this make sense?

Alex C. G. of Shanghai Networking News just interviewed Crystal Williams.

This is the longest Chinese post I have written this year. Thanks Zheng. I think we need some Chinese words about barcamp Shanghai. This event is not supposed to be a gathering of western guys in Shanghai.

In the last two weeks, I was taking part in the preparation of Barcamp Shanghai. If you don’t know what is Barcamp, it’s a loosely organized grassroot unconference. Most of the topics on Barcamp are about technology, but you can talk about other things too. For formal introduction of Barcamp you can visit the Wikipedia page.

The first Barcamp in China will be held in Tudou’s office on Sept. 24. They have a cool office in a two floor Warehouse, with more than two thousand square meters. If you want to have a look at their famous wall drawings, I have taken some picturs, last time I visit their office.

As one kind of unplanned conference, all the sessions are scheduled in the morning on the conference day. If you want to lead a session, you must show up at the schedule time. Your session even have to get enough vote to happen, if too many people want to talk.

With the new homepage went live the door has opened. Register to the event early, because we can only accept 80 people. Of course the attendance is free, thanks to our sponsors. Before you sign up, keep the spirit of Barcamp in mind. Evenyone is encouraged to contribute something. Please visit the register page for how to register and see who will come.

Read my post on China Web2.0 Review for more background. Thanks godness, we have secured the venue and almost enough sponsors to make this happen. Now it’s time to spread the words. Pacific Epoch is helping us again.

I am thinking of leading a session on the conference. At least, I can blog the event.