...and the Podcamp AZ madness begins!

Well it's that time of year again- and enough of a reason to make a blog post! Podcamp Arizona 3.0 has been launched and is ready for you to register!

So, what is a Podcamp? Well, it's considered an "unconference" that encompasses every form of social media around- from Podcasting/vidcasting to all the endless forms of relevant media. The sessions are designed to show you how to use relevant media most effectively for whatever you might want to use it for (and no, I'm not talking in just a "how can I make a million bucks" way. Not everyone wants to do that. Believe it or not.). What makes it an "un"-conference? Anyone can speak, and everyone is involved in the presentations. Also, if you're in a session and it's not for you, everyone is encouraged to use the "rule of two feet" and get up and go check out another session! No worries of hurting the feelings of a presenter! This rule works very well because there are many great sessions happening at the same time, and there's just no way to see all of them!

Oh yeah, did I mention that it's FREE?

This informatively fun weekend is set for November 14th & 15th, and it kicks off the evening of Friday the 13th (isn't that awesome?) with all of the Phoenix "fn's" (friday nights) hanging out on Mill Avenue and walking up and down the street in a drunken stupor!

All right, not ALL of us will be in a drunken stupor, but those who will be- you know who you are. Then Saturday morning the fun begins bright and early at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe. Or is it Phoenix? It's right there on the border of both cities, I can never remember unless I look up the address.

I've been one of the many, many people who have helped to shape this event into the success it is. I do not say this to brag. However, having the unique behind-the-scenes look over the past three years, I can say I have never been more impressed with how a (un)conference has matured. Not just in size (we had nearly 800 people in attendance last year, and I'm not even counting those who watched online!), but in the quality of the presentations and the plethora of information available. It continues to grow and change each year- and it has to, because what's relevant keeps changing as well. Sure, you get the same intro presentations, but I can say that every year I've gone away learning something new.

Who is Podcamp for? Just about everyone. Do you blog? Go to PodcampAZ. Podcast? Go. Video? GO. Are you a journalist? Writer? Real Estate Agent? Gamer? Musician? Student? Professional of just about ANY type? Stay-at-home Mom? How about a stay-at-home-Mom-who-rants-about-politics (hehehe)? All of you will get something out of PodcampAZ.

To get a better look, here are my photos from last year's Podcamp. If you have an hour or so you can browse through the Flickr group too.

All right, here's the deets:

When: November 14 & 15

Where: University of Advancing Technology, Tempe (yeah I looked it up), AZ (btw it does not matter if you don't live in AZ- we had attendees from 35 states last year! Yes, this could be a business trip if you work it right.)

REGISTER: http://reg.podcampaz.org/

ALL the info you need: http://podcampaz.org/

Sponsorship Info: http://podcampaz.org/sponsor-podcamp-az/

Mark those calendars now, and plan on being at PodcampAZ this November!

This weekend- Podcamp AZ 2.0

Well here it is- this weekend the 2nd annual Podcamp AZ comes to the valley, and I'm so excited! We've worked so hard this year to put together a first rate unconference, and I think- no, I know- we will pull it off!

This was truly a community effort. I don't think at any podcamp meeting there were less than 15 people. I may hate the summer weather and the politics of AZ, but one thing I love and what keeps me living here is the sense of community and support in the Valley of the Sun.

One of the sessions I'm most looking forward to is Evo Terra's "Five Reasons Your Podcast Sucks". Many others have moved on to video, or streaming audio for their shows, but I remain strictly an audio podcaster for my show. Those are the sessions that are going to interest me the most! :-) However there are many MANY sessions planned on a plethora of topics- something for everyone!

You can register all the way up through the weekend if you'd like to attend- it's absolutely free! Though, if you want one of the cool shirts, a donation would be appreciated!

Still need convincing? The great AZ weather (in November, not the summer!) and all the great sessions isn't enough? Well how about some photos from last year?

See you this weekend!

Know What I Did Last Podcamp AZ?

I had a really great time- that's what! That time of year is upon us again here in the not-quite-as-hot-now Southwest. Last year was the inaugural Podcamp AZ, and it was such a success it just had to be brought back!

What's Your Source? This year's unconference is taking a look at what is relevant in media today. Whether we are talking podcasting or radio, video or even print, all of these media outlets are a source that is continually changing and advancing. If you want to be on top of it, then you should be at Podcamp AZ November 1st and 2nd. Sessions and interaction focus on the creation of all relevant media sources, and how to use those sources to work for you for whatever you want! It doesn't matter if you are a newbie coming in who has never turned on a computer (and if you are I will want to shake your hand!), or a more 'experienced' person with relevant media sources. There are always new things to learn and talk about- and Arizona is one of the best places to do it.

The speakers lined up this year are also something to look forward to. More referred to as "hosts of an ongoing conversation", they bring their knowledge of a topic to you, yet are just as willing (and wanting) to learn as well. Some of the awesome speakers lined up this year are Evo Terra, Doug Welch, Kathy Jacobs, Francine Hardaway, Brian Shaler, and Chris Pirillo! You can learn more about these speakers and see who else is scheduled by clicking right HERE.

You really can't beat Arizona in November- the price is right and the community is awesome and inclusive. Head over to the website and register NOW and come be involved in the second annual Podcamp AZ!

http://podcampaz.org

If you'd like to help spread the word about Podcamp AZ, here's a little promo you can play on your podcast or radio show:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/audioaddict/PodcampAZ08PromoMix.mp3

... or you can always spread the word in the relevant media outlet of your choice. GO! Register! See you November 1st!

Stop Cyber Bullying- a small PSA

Forgive me fellow Addicts, just jumping in with a quick message about a story that caught my attention. As a fellow blogger myself, and knowing many of you blog, it seemed important to put here.

I posted about these horrible threats happening to a blogger on the Truth Seekers message board earlier today. For me, it hits home because being as outspoken I am about subjects, I feel very lucky that I haven't had more hatred thrown in my direction. I mean, this woman is a tech blogger for God's sake- what hate could possibly be thrown at a tech blogger? But that is exactly what hate is- irrational, and with no basis of understanding whatsoever.

So tomorrow bloggers are attempting to make a statement about bullying on the web. I am not sure what sort of impact it will make, but I'm willing to participate and show my support. I'm going to post my anniversary episode of my podcast late tonight, then no blogging of any kind until Saturday!

Thanks Jay, for bringing this story to my attention. I knew Twitter was good for something- it led me to your blog! Hell I all ready love your music!