Only a few weeks until preDevCamp and things are really heating up!
Since we’re a global event, we have different skill levels scattered throughout the globe. In addition, we have some events which are big and some which are small. The smaller events are at a disadvantage, if they are just one person, sitting in a coffee shop, or their front room.
To help these lone developers, we’ve set up an IRC channel: #predevcamp on the freenode server. We’re hoping to have people on the channel throughout the day, asking questions and providing answers.
Since this is a global event and there are only three global organizers, we’re looking for volunteers to man the channel throughout the day. If you’re interested, please email dan@predevcamp.org and let me know!
preDevCamp FAQs
In the following FAQs, the pronouns we, us, etc. refer to the main/global organizers: Dan, Lisa, and Greg.
When is it?
Everything will be August 8th worldwide. So it will basically end up being 24 hours
of webOS.
How much will it cost?
The event is free. Your local organizer may ask for a donation to help defray costs or you may be asked to pay for food items, but you should not be required to pay anything to attend preDevCamp.
Is preDevCamp affiliated with Palm, Sprint, or any other organization?
The short answer is no. This is purely an independent volunteer effort. The global organizers have no formal ties to Palm or Sprint. Other organizations have been helpful in providing prizes, places to meet, etc., but for the most part each local camp is run by and for those attending it. We are grateful to Palm, in particular, for providing support. They worked very hard to make the SDK public in time for preDevCamp. However, neither Palm nor any other sponsor has made any attempt to control what is presented at local preDevCamps.
What will preDevCamp be like?
Each local preDevCamp will be different. However, most camps will consist of developers getting together to learn about webOS programming and related topics. Some larger camps may have formal presentations. Camps may show recorded presentations made especially for preDevCamp and follow-up with a group discussion. It’s expected that each developer will bring their own laptop (or share) for hands on exercises as well. In addition the preDevCamp IRC channel will be active with people helping one another world-wide.
What is the role of the local organizer?
The local organizer is responsible contacting local attendees, securing a place for everyone to meet, and determining the general organization of the day’s events.
What are the roles of the global organizers?
The primary role of the global organizers is to support the local organizers by any means possible including, but not limited to: the hosting and maintaining the central preDevCamp.org website for organizing local camps and registering attendees; the preDevCamp IRC channel; contacting Palm, Sprint, and other sponsors for prizes, speakers, and other forms of support for the day of the event; and gathering various types of information and educational materials to be used on the day of the camp.
What is the role of the local attendee?
A large part of each local camps success will depend on the involvement of local attendees. A major thing is to publicize the event locally. Inform other computer groups, computer students at local colleges, etc. Contact your organizer to see if there is anything you can help with. They may need ideas for where to meet or help in securing projectors, local wifi access, etc. Offer to lead one of the discussions. Many topics will have a list of suggested questions, etc. The best way to ensure a topic your interested in is covered is to lead the discussion about it.
Where will my local Camp be?
That is up to your local organizer. Small camps may be in a person’s home. Larger camps may take up several classrooms or other large meeting rooms. Your locale organizer should post the location the moment they know what the venue is going to be. To find the location of your particular camp, check your city’s page on preDevCamp.org. If location is not listed by August 1st, email your local organizer and the global organizers. We will try to assist local organizers in locating a venue if possible.
When will preDevCamp start and how long will it be?
This will be up to the local organizer. However, most camps will be all day affairs. The exact start and end times may be associated with availability of meeting rooms, etc.
What types of things will be discussed at preDevCamp?
Again, this will be up to the local organizer. Larger camps may have formal presentations planned. Then again, people interested in the same topic may just get together the day of preDevCamp. The webOS community is changing so rapidly at this point, its hard to predict exactly what will be the hot topics on the day of the camp. For example, until recently we were not even sure if the SDK would be available on August 8th. There will be forums set up at webOScast.com to discuss topics and post materials (or links to materials) for all to optionally make use of on the day of preDevCamp. There may even be a coding contest.
How do I keep up to date with the latest preDevCamp information?
Check the preDevCamp.org website and your local camps page. There is also an RSS feed. Follow preDevCamp on Twitter. Check out the forums on webOScast.com for supporting materials. These forums are primarily intended for organizers, but non-organizers are welcome as well.