The Origins Of PodCamp

If you want to know a little more about Podcamps, here is the official background as described on the global Podcamp Wiki where you will find information about Podcamps around the world:

“A PodCamp is a usually free BarCamp-style community UnConference for new media enthusiasts and professionals including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, social networkers, and anyone curious about new media. The first PodCamp was held September 8-10, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. PodCamps are now being held worldwide.

PodCamp isn’t just about podcasting! If you’re interested in blogging, social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net, if you’re a podsafe musician (or want to be), or just someone curious about new media, then please join us - and bring a friend or colleague.”

The first Podcamp took place in Boston in September 2006 under the visionary facilitation of Chris Penn and Chris Brogan. Podcamp Boston 2008 had no less than 480 people attend.

Why Is It Called Podcamp?

We are often asked why Podcamp is called Podcamp as it’s not just about podcasting. Well here is the official answer from Podcamp Founder Chris Penn:

“A few people wondered why, with so much focus on social media, we still use the word PodCamp. It’s not just legacy or brand, though those are two considerations. There’s also a vitally important legal reason.

Terms like Social Media Club, Social Media Breakfast, Social Media Camp, Social Media Bar, Social Media Meetup, etc. all have failed in part or in whole the trademark process. The reason is that Social Media is a generic term, like toothpaste or lawyer. Organizations have in the past tried to register these terms and been told that they can’t, as the term is too generic.

Last year, Chris Brogan, Whitney Hoffman, and I kicked in some cash and made PodCamp a registered trademark as part of our incorporation. The PodCamp Foundation is a legal entity, an S-Corporation registered as a business in the state of Delaware, and the primary purpose of the PodCamp Foundation is to enforce and defend the trademark of PodCamp.

We did this primarily so that someone can’t arbitrarily start PodCamp Microsoft or PodCamp General Motors, and use the PodCamp name and community goodwill to promote a specific brand. It also gives us the ability to selectively approve or disapprove the use of the PodCamp name, in case someone chooses not to adhere to the six rules of PodCamp and the PodCamp Foundation License.”

PodCamp Ireland

PodCamp Ireland (2007) took place in Kilkenny and was a terrific day of where we heard from newcomers and experts in social media in Ireland and beyond. Over 70 people attended the inaugural event and you can relive some of the moments via our Jaiku channel, uStream.tv channel (video) and in picture format through flickr.

PodCamp Ireland is the very first stand-alone event to promote the use and provide guidance and tips on the subject of social media in Ireland.

Podcamp Ireland is an unconference. In other words it relies on the active engagement and collaboration of participants to make it happen. Everything about an unconference comes from the participants. That includes the topics which will be discussed, the time and place, and even the decision as to whether to hold such an event at all.

PodCamp Ireland 2008 will be taking place on September 27th 2008 in Kilkenny Ireland.

• Follow the progress on PodCamp Ireland by visiting PodCampIreland.com (which you’re doing at present!)
• Follow us on Twitter
• Join the conversation into your SMS text inbox by joining the podcamp channel on Jaiku. It’s free and easy
• Listen to the updates of our planning for PodCamp Ireland and hear what other social media enthusiasts are up to in Ireland by listening to our Blog Talk Radio show
• If you plan on attending PodCamp Ireland please register here - we need to know for catering and other logistical requirements
•  If you would like to lead or facilitate a workshop on an aspect of social media you have been exploring, you can add your details here.

Podcamp Ireland Organising Team

Even though this is an un-conference it does need a little organising. Here are the team helping make PodCamp Ireland happen:

Krishna De, Bernie Goldbach, Ken McGuire.

If you are available to help us do get in contact - we need all hands on deck to help things work smoothly behind the scenes.