I’ve been trying to decide whether or not I want to be the main organizer of PodCamp Atlanta again in 2008. Lately, I’m leaning toward ‘no.’
Being in charge of the first PodCamp Atlanta was exhilarating and I wouldn’t change anything about it. But I think this time around, someone else should be in charge and put their own spin on it.
Since I scheduled both of them, I’ve known for months about PodCamp Atlanta ’08’s proximity to Sex 2.0. People have asked, “Can you do that?” Sure, I can. But the more important question to me now is, do I want to? Because if PodCamp starts to feel at all like an obligation instead of something fun, then I know I shouldn’t be the one leading the effort.
When PodCamp Atlanta ‘07 was in the planning stages, the social media climate (god, did I just use the phrase “social media climate?”) in the Southeast was different from what it is now. It was very nascent at that time (in terms of events, that is; not in terms of how many people were blogging or whatever). SoCon07 was being planned at the same time, and was held in February 2007, as Atlanta’s first social media conference. Since then, there have been tons of other events and gatherings. There’s no shortage of people in this city who could easily lead the PodCamp effort in ‘08.
One thing I know about myself is, I have a history of taking on too much and cleaning up the mess if other people drop the ball. And it takes a toll on me, physically and emotionally. I don’t want to be put into high-stress mode come April of next year, when what I should be doing is celebrating and having fun.
Sex 2.0 is where my heart and soul is, and that’s where I want to focus my energy. Obviously, I will happily be involved with PodCamp, just as I will happily be involved with any social media coolness in the Atlanta area. To whomever ends up taking PodCamp and running with it, I’ve got a collection of great quotes about PodCamp ‘07 that can be used on promotional materials for next year, including Julie Squires saying, “PodCamp Atlanta changed my life.” That’s sure to rope in some sponsor dollars! :)
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3 Responses to "Passing on PodCamp"
I sympathize. Belieeeeeeeeeeeeve me, I sympathize. PodCamp Boston 2 nearly killed me.
Leonard Witt is the main reason why SoCon08 is running. Tim Moenk and Barbara Vining took on a lot of what I did last year. I have been kinda out of the loop other than adding my 2 cents here and there.
However, now that it is ready to launch, I am stepping in with re-newed energy.
What I recommend is let others play, but do not step out all together. Some of my greatest learning experiences came from being a part of the good, bad and exhausting efforts of organizing SoCon.
Never said I’m stepping out altogether. I will give info and insight to anyone who wants to do the main organizing. But PodCamp is a community effort, and as such, it should not be something that people think of as “Amber’s” or whatever.