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Previous Events Archive => KEYCON 2013 CHICAGO => Topic started by: The_Beast on Sun, 18 August 2013, 00:53:27

Title: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 18 August 2013, 00:53:27
So what did you guys like? What didn't you like?


This is for people who went or interacted via the forum. I'd love to see some thoughts on it!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Sun, 18 August 2013, 01:41:09
a wider shot of the presentations would have been better. especially yours, since it had pictures.

and for people to shut up during the presentations!!!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Sifo on Sun, 18 August 2013, 01:43:21
better hotel organization... it'd be great if we were all in the same damn place
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 18 August 2013, 03:03:52
So what did you guys like? What didn't you like?


This is for people who went or interacted via the forum. I'd love to see some thoughts on it!

I'm glad you guys had the stream! It was awesome just getting glimpses of what was missed.

Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Alessandro on Sun, 18 August 2013, 04:25:33
Obviously I couldn't watch the whole thing but from what I did see there was some brilliant stuff on show. We just need to follow this up with UK keycon. :D
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sun, 18 August 2013, 06:11:19
Obviously I couldn't watch the whole thing but from what I did see there was some brilliant stuff on show. We just need to follow this up with UK keycon. :D

I believe there are plans being made by European GH members to do something.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 07:25:25
Wouldve liked:
- Better organization with the presentations; the presentations came together last second.
- Better notice up front from members. I can't have people asking me for hotel rooms 3 nights before Keycon. Just silly.
- Longer time at the venue.
- Longer time for presentations.
- Wish I prepared a better presentation now. (Please feel free to PM me if you have questions about my engineering related stuff)
- A/C in the room!!!
- Bathrooms on the same floor
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: TheQsanity on Sun, 18 August 2013, 07:27:02
It was amazing. The food was great and the people were wonderful. I only wish I could have stayed longer!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 07:27:11
Things that were great:
- Dongsquad reunion
- Jcrouse's collection
- Dianoda's photo shoot
- Beast and Binge's presentation
- The food!!
- After party

OH I GOT TO TYPE ON A CASE I WORKED ON. THATSHOT,JPG
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:34:37
Obviously I couldn't watch the whole thing but from what I did see there was some brilliant stuff on show. We just need to follow this up with UK keycon. :D
Meetup in London some day between 1st and 7th of September. Date has not been set yet.
Geekhack thread (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45465.0).
Deskthority thread (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/tea-and-keyboards-london-meet-up-september-2013-it-will-h-t6112.html).
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: esoomenona on Sun, 18 August 2013, 09:38:42
Things that were great:
- Dongsquad reunion

 :'(
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: dante on Sun, 18 August 2013, 10:55:56
Not to detract from Boilermaker - Mashby did a hell of a job.

Would have been nice to have a typing competition for cash and/or prizes.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: pandather on Sun, 18 August 2013, 11:48:00
I learned from browsing the forums and stuff about it that everybody loves The_Beasts wood!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Moosecraft on Sun, 18 August 2013, 12:18:55
Things I didn't like:
1. Not being there
2. Not being there
3. Lack of pictures, unless I missed a thread of pics.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Photekq on Sun, 18 August 2013, 12:19:54
I just wish I could've been there. I watched a fair amount of the lifestream and it seemed great. It may be possible I could come next year though..
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: UniClown on Sun, 18 August 2013, 12:22:47
Things I didn't like:
1. Not being there
2. Not being there
3. Lack of pictures, unless I missed a thread of pics.

Here are a some from Dianoda http://dianoda.minus.com/mbhh6wgDg70sRD Very high quality pictures.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 18 August 2013, 12:23:15
Things I didn't like:
1. Not being there
2. Not being there
3. Lack of pictures, unless I missed a thread of pics.

They should be up soon. I know there are some in the OG Keycon thread but I think people are traveling back to home so uploading photos on the road is kinda of hard.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Sun, 18 August 2013, 12:51:22
so this meet made me want to start buying up boards again.

thank you.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Alessandro on Sun, 18 August 2013, 13:04:48
so this meet made me want to start buying up boards again.

thank you.

Pretty much that. And I'm glad.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 18 August 2013, 13:38:34
Would like to see:

- Introduction round (Hello, I'm X from Y, I work for Z, doing this and that and my interest are whatever)
- Wider shot for presentations (So you actually see the screen and the presenter...)
- People not interrupting the presentation (The classic Q/A at the end perhaps...)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Dubsgalore on Sun, 18 August 2013, 13:41:42
on the forum; looked like a ton of fun, really annoyed that pre-existing plans conflicted with it for me, i would have loved to come

I'm still waiting on all the wonderful photos, my favorite part about these meetups are the pictures afterwards

- Introduction round (Hello, I'm X from Y, I work for Z, doing this and that and my interest are whatever)

that should be necessary for the NYC meetup

Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Sun, 18 August 2013, 13:57:08
Also, The_Beast looked way different than what I imagined (image below)

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Sun, 18 August 2013, 14:08:37
not as blue though, here i was expecting this guy

(http://images.wikia.com/marvelmovies/images/d/df/Beast-x-men.jpeg)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Xenderwind on Sun, 18 August 2013, 14:20:40
I was hoping for ron swanson
(http://www.tvasylum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ronswanson.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 18 August 2013, 14:20:55
Things I didn't like:
1. Not being there
2. Not being there
3. Lack of pictures, unless I missed a thread of pics.

I have a boatload of pics, all of them much lower quality than Dianoda's and many of them of random things, like people talking and eating.  i will post hem when I get home tonight or tomorrow.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sun, 18 August 2013, 16:09:05
I liked meeting everyone.  Seriously, you guys are some cool cats.  Really happy I went.

And I'll be uploading some random pictures momentarily.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 18 August 2013, 16:52:56
When I read that Dianoda had taken photos, I was expecting explicit close-up macro photos of individual keycaps and olives and anchovies.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Binge on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:27:47
Things I liked,

1) Meeting friends with whom I can really relate.
2) i3oilermaker's business card.
3) Sculpting a zergling.
4) Punching Rarar in front of his mom.
5) Meeting the Walter family.
6) Hearing myself talk.
7) CPT acting his hardest to feign interest in my meager existence.

Things I want to see improve,

1) Introductions - we all know what needs to be done here.
2) Longer free roam times.
3) Bathrooms on the same floor.
4) More options for video/audio feeds or the expectation for someone to dedicate themselves to A/V coverage.
5) Free Poker 2s because nobody can enjoy their feel without them.
6) More 60% buckling springs.
7) Zenuty.

Aaaand... that's it :)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Xenderwind on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:35:33
3) Sculpting a zergling.
Don't think I've seen that yet.  Still have it, or pics of it?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Game Theory on Sun, 18 August 2013, 17:37:55
Things I liked,
....
5) Meeting the Walter family.

His mom posted about being at Keycon.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natewalter
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: hashbaz on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:10:29
She signed it "Mama Fry".

(http://circlesunderstreetlights.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/happy-crying-rage-face.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mkawa on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:15:36
She signed it "Mama Fry".

Show Image
(http://circlesunderstreetlights.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/happy-crying-rage-face.jpg)


:D

Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:37:29
Too much effort for too little time with everyone. DEFINATELY need more time to socialize. Like, 9:00AM to 9:00PM. I met 3 or 4 people who were awesome, spent 30 minutes talking to each, saw a couple presentations and the day was over. I am thinking I was the oldest one thete. The thing I enjoyed was the passion of the younger guys. Beast really enjoys making things. Binge really enjoys making things. Dionde (spelling?) loves photography. I would have loved to talk with TJ about cables, wcass about BSs, and others, but there was not enough time. I am sure things will continue to get better but this was a fantastic start.

John

PS ... Sorry, forgot about a good clack conversation with eth0s. Sorry if I forgot anyone else.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:47:49
I didn't get to shake your hand again and say bye to you John :(.

I really enjoyed our conversation about your old jobs and being able to make stuff at shops with nice equipment. We'll definitely have to stay in touch :D
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Sun, 18 August 2013, 20:50:29
Too much effort for too little time with everyone. DEFINATELY need more time to socialize. Like, 9:00AM to 9:00PM. I met 3 or 4 people who were awesome, spent 30 minutes talking to each, saw a couple presentations and the day was over. I am thinking I was the oldest one thete. The thing I enjoyed was the passion of the younger guys. Beast really enjoys making things. Binge really enjoys making things. Dionde (spelling?) loves photography. I would have loved to talk with TJ about cables, wcass about BSs, and others, but there was not enough time. I am sure things will continue to get better but this was a fantastic start.

John

Yea, I wish introductions were a bit more organized *cough kawa cough cough* and we could have had the room a bit longer


I did really enjoy dinner with you guys, that was a ton of fun!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:04:43
I didn't get to shake your hand again and say bye to you John :(.

I really enjoyed our conversation about your old jobs and being able to make stuff at shops with nice equipment. We'll definitely have to stay in touch :D

Yeah, funny, I was telling you about our old company and flocking procrss and today, someone started a thread about flocking keycaps.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: keymaster on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:06:04
-lots of talented individuals: beast with wood, binge with molding, mkawa with a seemingly endless well of knowledge, dianoda's photography skills, mashby with public speaking/presenting, and l3oilermaker's business smarts

I got there a bit later than everyone, but I did get to enjoy jcrouse's amazing keyboard collection. His 10th anniversary 55g Realforce was my favorite. I may get myself a 55g RF next year when I have more funds.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:24:22
It's mingapedia you know? Ask mkawa a question, get a nuclear bomb of knowledge. :P
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:28:43
Too much effort for too little time with everyone. DEFINATELY need more time to socialize. Like, 9:00AM to 9:00PM. I met 3 or 4 people who were awesome, spent 30 minutes talking to each, saw a couple presentations and the day was over. I am thinking I was the oldest one thete. The thing I enjoyed was the passion of the younger guys. Beast really enjoys making things. Binge really enjoys making things. Dionde (spelling?) loves photography. I would have loved to talk with TJ about cables, wcass about BSs, and others, but there was not enough time. I am sure things will continue to get better but this was a fantastic start.

John

PS ... Sorry, forgot about a good clack conversation with eth0s. Sorry if I forgot anyone else.

John, you're one of the people I didn't get a chance to talk to, really at all.  I wish there would have been more time and I would have had a chance to.  Maybe I'll see you at the next meetup.

I agree with these sentiments, more time would have been awesome.  I spent most of my walk-around-and-meet-people time learning how pizza is made, according to the stream viewers, from kawa.  :))
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: MOZ on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:29:03
It's mingapedia you know? Ask mkawa a question, get a nuclear bomb of knowledge. :P

Mingapedia, when wikipedia just isn't enough.

We should have a podcast of ming talking about some random topic each week.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 18 August 2013, 21:30:34
I know this is kind of weird to say but the fact that we're all like, THIS WASN'T LONG ENOUGH is a great problem to have. Just means we need to do more meets and do more Keycons.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Sun, 18 August 2013, 23:38:52
I know it might be difficult but one thing that might help would be some people bring PC's/laptops to have repeating slide shows about some of their area of expertise.  It might have helped shorten some of the presentations a little.

What I liked
1.  You guys got my wife into mech boards.  I have been trying to get my wife into one ever since I got my Das.  And probably 95% of the stock alpha keys have shine with the space bar almost having a divot where my right thumb hits it. 
2.  Dinner was NOT at a national chain.
3. All the BS goodness, no it was GREATNESS.
4.  The reactions I got with my proposed layout for my project.  (Space bar only bottom row with Tsangan kit sized mods over arrow keys instead of the standard navigation block (I think thats what it is called))

What I didn't like
1.  Free roam time wasn't long enough. 
2.  Not enough wives and girlfriends to chat together and create a support group for significant others of mech board addicts.
3.  The 60% board was not finished.
4.  I didn't have any more of my project completed.

Suggestions for next year.
1.  Larger room for better manuverability and I don't see attendance dropping.
2.  Variety of boards set up at an actual typing station to get a real feel for it including a sheet of text to actually copy and get a feel for typing on different switches
3. Have a Q/A box setup for each presenter including a general box.  People write a question put it in the box and toward the end of the event each presenter answers questions from the box.
4.  If someone lives in the area have fliers posted around town for the event especially in common areas in the event of colleges present, possibly a radio ad or even an ad on a public access channel.

That is about all I can think of now.

Melvang
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: ComradeSniper on Mon, 19 August 2013, 00:17:21

4.  If someone lives in the area have fliers posted around town for the event especially in common areas in the event of colleges present, possibly a radio ad or even an ad on a public access channel.

I really like this idea, what better way is there to introduce newcomers to mech keyboards than a meetup like this one?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 00:25:24
What I liked
1.  You guys got my wife into mech boards.  I have been trying to get my wife into one ever since I got my Das.  And probably 95% of the stock alpha keys have shine with the space bar almost having a divot where my right thumb hits it. 

I thought you might have listed this under "What I didn't like " because now you have to buy two of everything ;)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 19 August 2013, 00:26:53
What I liked
1.  You guys got my wife into mech boards.  I have been trying to get my wife into one ever since I got my Das.  And probably 95% of the stock alpha keys have shine with the space bar almost having a divot where my right thumb hits it. 

I thought you might have listed this under "What I didn't like " because now you have to buy two of everything ;)

I don't care.  We aren't hurting for money that bad.  Also it means I have a wider base for gift ideas for birthdays, anniversary (and yes I would), and Christmas etc.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 00:42:26
What I liked
1.  You guys got my wife into mech boards.  I have been trying to get my wife into one ever since I got my Das.  And probably 95% of the stock alpha keys have shine with the space bar almost having a divot where my right thumb hits it. 

I thought you might have listed this under "What I didn't like " because now you have to buy two of everything ;)

I don't care.  We aren't hurting for money that bad.  Also it means I have a wider base for gift ideas for birthdays, anniversary (and yes I would), and Christmas etc.

Fantastic! :)

But ... be careful that something like this (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46022.0) doesn't happen to you and your good lady :))
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: MKULTRA on Mon, 19 August 2013, 01:24:58
4) Punching Rarar in front of his mom.
Please tell me that this actually happened...
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 19 August 2013, 01:44:30
Wasn't there(hopefully next year,) but a Geekhack dinner and drinks would be cool, like a Thanksgiving in August kind of thing. Or a barbeque. Perhaps even line up some stuff from manufacturers like presentations or Skype calls so they can show off some of their wares and get some networking street cred with the people who use their products. Was there a lot of trading going on? Did you guys hold any raffles or giveaways? Maybe have a wall of laptops with members who can't be there Skyped in so we can sit down and chat with them. Put little name tags above each monitor.  :)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jwaz on Mon, 19 August 2013, 01:45:40
Big ups to Binge for the livestream, that was awesome. Other than that... next on on the west coast/ east coast? (maybe alternate?)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 01:49:39
Telepresence?  Needs robots invent, so everyone can attend no matter where they are.

Maybe in 2063?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 19 August 2013, 01:56:39
Telepresence?  Needs robots invent, so everyone can attend no matter where they are.

Maybe in 2063?

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 01:59:59
Telepresence?  Needs robots invent, so everyone can attend no matter where they are.

Maybe in 2063?

(Attachment Link)

Actually I was thinking something more like this (http://www.dilbert.com/strips/comic/2012-10-26/).
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 19 August 2013, 02:07:38
Sounds familiar...

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 19 August 2013, 02:08:53
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 02:09:55
Sounds familiar...

(Attachment Link)

Now if only that was real and not a TV prop ...
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Alessandro on Mon, 19 August 2013, 02:12:31
Maybe have a wall of laptops with members who can't be there Skyped in so we can sit down and chat with them. Put little name tags above each monitor.  :)

HOLY YES
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: TheSoulhunter on Mon, 19 August 2013, 02:25:49
Sounds familiar...

(Attachment Link)

Now if only that was real and not a TV prop ...

Actually I think it was real, it looks a lot like Texai...

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Mon, 19 August 2013, 02:45:53
Make the skype robots all look like this!
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/19/u2e2asyb.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 05:32:00
Sounds familiar...

(Attachment Link)

Now if only that was real and not a TV prop ...

Actually I think it was real, it looks a lot like Texai...

(Attachment Link)

Oh cool!  Want!!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 19 August 2013, 06:49:33
Big ups to Binge for the livestream, that was awesome. Other than that... next on on the west coast/ east coast? (maybe alternate?)

Just FYI, Keycon West should be happening in early 2014. Mkawa was saying it would be in LA-area or San Francisco-area.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Mon, 19 August 2013, 06:52:55
Big ups to Binge for the livestream, that was awesome. Other than that... next on on the west coast/ east coast? (maybe alternate?)

Just FYI, Keycon West should be happening in early 2013. Mkawa was saying it would be in LA-area or San Francisco-area.
CPT, I think you meant early 2014.

John
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 19 August 2013, 07:38:05
I sure did. Thanks!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: tjcaustin on Mon, 19 August 2013, 09:32:03
So new...
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 19 August 2013, 15:29:58
I really like the name tags! Super useful for id-ing people


My one gripe with them is the avatars were a bit small. I really id people via the avatars more so than the names.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 19 August 2013, 15:31:58
I really like the name tags! Super useful for id-ing people


My one gripe with them is the avatars were a bit small. I really id people via the avatars more so than the names.

Seconded.  And I'll add that I would have liked to see their real names on the name tag in addition, at least as an option if the person approved it.  I like to use real names in person and I kept forgetting people's names.  :P
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 19 August 2013, 15:46:39
I really like the name tags! Super useful for id-ing people


My one gripe with them is the avatars were a bit small. I really id people via the avatars more so than the names.

Seconded.  And I'll add that I would have liked to see their real names on the name tag in addition, at least as an option if the person approved it.  I like to use real names in person and I kept forgetting people's names.  :P

Some people prefer the mystery!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 19 August 2013, 15:47:45
I really like the name tags! Super useful for id-ing people


My one gripe with them is the avatars were a bit small. I really id people via the avatars more so than the names.

Seconded.  And I'll add that I would have liked to see their real names on the name tag in addition, at least as an option if the person approved it.  I like to use real names in person and I kept forgetting people's names.  :P

Some people prefer the mystery!

Well everyone told me their real name anyway, so it shouldn't be an issue.  But that's why I said optional.  :P

Edit:  Unless you meant that some people wouldn't want to see other people's real names?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 19 August 2013, 15:57:33
I really like the name tags! Super useful for id-ing people


My one gripe with them is the avatars were a bit small. I really id people via the avatars more so than the names.

Seconded.  And I'll add that I would have liked to see their real names on the name tag in addition, at least as an option if the person approved it.  I like to use real names in person and I kept forgetting people's names.  :P

Some people prefer the mystery!

Well everyone told me their real name anyway, so it shouldn't be an issue.  But that's why I said optional.  :P

Edit:  Unless you meant that some people wouldn't want to see other people's real names?

Either way. I'm not really sure I always want to know who people really are haha.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mashby on Mon, 19 August 2013, 17:47:27
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 19 August 2013, 18:10:52
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

Or Miami!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 19 August 2013, 19:31:05
Oh great, now I'm reading mashby's post in his voice.......
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 19 August 2013, 19:42:28
Oh great, now I'm reading mashby's post in his voice.......

I did that too!  Makes everything much better.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: i3oilermaker on Mon, 19 August 2013, 20:35:02
+1 to Mashby - agree 100% with everything mentioned.

Only drawback to using hotel space is that it will prob cost more than 10 bucks a head unless we go to a dumpy hotel.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 19 August 2013, 20:40:35
But the money spent on the venue at the hotel would save a lot of people a lot of money with parking / cab costs.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Mon, 19 August 2013, 20:41:32
+1 to Mashby - agree 100% with everything mentioned.

Only drawback to using hotel space is that it will prob cost more than 10 bucks a head unless we go to a dumpy hotel.

no tell motel!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Mon, 19 August 2013, 20:54:05
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

7.  Make mashby the official KeyCon organizer.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 19 August 2013, 21:00:34
Also this -
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 19 August 2013, 21:10:55
+1 to Mashby - agree 100% with everything mentioned.

Only drawback to using hotel space is that it will prob cost more than 10 bucks a head unless we go to a dumpy hotel.

I'm okay spending a bit of money to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.  I suspect a few people might agree?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 19 August 2013, 21:48:46
I would probably be willing to spend up to 50 if it meant I didn't have to drive around somewhere like Chicago and try and navigate traffic and find temp/cheap parking.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 19 August 2013, 21:56:09
2 Keycons would be a good setup, like PAX. I would say Keycon Chicago and Keycon LA(or bay area) would be great but that does make it ****ty for the East Coasters. Also: Keycon EU maybe? Merging something with DT would also be pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:10:19
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

7.  Make mashby the official KeyCon organizer.
8. Disallow any talking by mkawa
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:12:18
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

7.  Make mashby the official KeyCon organizer.
8. Disallow any talking by mkawa

+1 on number 8 during presentations
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: inlikeflynn on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:16:06
Looks like quite the epic event guys! I really wish I could have been there after looking through all of the pictures and seeing some familiar faces and plenty of unknowns.

just think, if I would have been there, it would have been a 500% increase in number of 1800 boards being shown off ;) Glad there was at least 2 of them though. maybe 2014 I can hope

time to go look through the rest of these threads and pictures and see what else I missed
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:17:31
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

7.  Make mashby the official KeyCon organizer.
8. Disallow any talking by mkawa

+1 on number 8 during presentations
And introductions
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:18:53
Mashby's list was really nice but I really would like more socializing time. We didn't have nearly enough of that. And we could've really sped up the presentations and introductions. I interrupted a few times too =\
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:19:20
Looks like quite the epic event guys! I really wish I could have been there after looking through all of the pictures and seeing some familiar faces and plenty of unknowns.

just think, if I would have been there, it would have been a 500% increase in number of 1800 boards being shown off ;) Glad there was at least 2 of them though. maybe 2014 I can hope

time to go look through the rest of these threads and pictures and see what else I missed
I had 3 or 4 NIB vintage Cherry boards I never broke out. Needed more space   :)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:20:29
Looks like quite the epic event guys! I really wish I could have been there after looking through all of the pictures and seeing some familiar faces and plenty of unknowns.

just think, if I would have been there, it would have been a 500% increase in number of 1800 boards being shown off ;) Glad there was at least 2 of them though. maybe 2014 I can hope

time to go look through the rest of these threads and pictures and see what else I missed
I had 3 or 4 NIB vintage Cherry boards I never broke out. Needed more space   :)

Which cherry boards?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:21:13
I completely agree. Socializing is the number one thing to me. Even if the other person is always wrong, or so I was told.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: inlikeflynn on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:21:44
Looks like quite the epic event guys! I really wish I could have been there after looking through all of the pictures and seeing some familiar faces and plenty of unknowns.

just think, if I would have been there, it would have been a 500% increase in number of 1800 boards being shown off ;) Glad there was at least 2 of them though. maybe 2014 I can hope

time to go look through the rest of these threads and pictures and see what else I missed
I had 3 or 4 NIB vintage Cherry boards I never broke out. Needed more space   :)

I'm sure you've posted them before, but I cannot remember you posting any non custom made boards as you have such a crazy epic collection john :)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Mon, 19 August 2013, 22:30:06
Looks like quite the epic event guys! I really wish I could have been there after looking through all of the pictures and seeing some familiar faces and plenty of unknowns.

just think, if I would have been there, it would have been a 500% increase in number of 1800 boards being shown off ;) Glad there was at least 2 of them though. maybe 2014 I can hope

time to go look through the rest of these threads and pictures and see what else I missed
I had 3 or 4 NIB vintage Cherry boards I never broke out. Needed more space   :)

Which cherry boards?
G81-3116SDU
G80-8113HUAUS-2
G80-2100HDU
...
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 19 August 2013, 23:01:21
Would alos love to see some audio equipment there next time as well. I'll bring the scotch!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Mon, 19 August 2013, 23:06:40
yes, audio equipment would be really cool.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 19 August 2013, 23:11:49
yes, audio equipment would be really cool.

I'll bring pictures.  No way am I hauling that around.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 20 August 2013, 01:52:04
+1 to Mashby - agree 100% with everything mentioned.

Only drawback to using hotel space is that it will prob cost more than 10 bucks a head unless we go to a dumpy hotel.

Sponsors.....;)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 20 August 2013, 06:03:36
+1 to Mashby - agree 100% with everything mentioned.

Only drawback to using hotel space is that it will prob cost more than 10 bucks a head unless we go to a dumpy hotel.

I'm okay spending a bit of money to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.  I suspect a few people might agree?

Total cost could end up being cheaper if we reduce transportation costs and do not have to worry about parking.  Not to mention the cost of time and energy of running around the city.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 20 August 2013, 07:24:06
+1 to Mashby - agree 100% with everything mentioned.

Only drawback to using hotel space is that it will prob cost more than 10 bucks a head unless we go to a dumpy hotel.

I'm okay spending a bit of money to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.  I suspect a few people might agree?

Total cost could end up being cheaper if we reduce transportation costs and do not have to worry about parking.  Not to mention the cost of time and energy of running around the city.

True.  I didn't have to pay much since I didn't stay in a hotel, but a different location would require that and that's got extra costs and logistical issues.  Good point.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 20 August 2013, 07:26:11
yes, audio equipment would be really cool.


Would alos love to see some audio equipment there next time as well. I'll bring the scotch!  :thumb:

TJ, Binge, and I brought some audio swag. Binge had some Mad Dog planar cans. I had my Grado SR80s. TJ brought his Fiio E17 and J13 IEMs. The Mad Dogs were awesome and comfy. And the E17 is cool but I'm still getting used to it.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: tipo33 on Tue, 20 August 2013, 07:40:44
I wish I could have gone :(
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Tue, 20 August 2013, 07:43:25
I wish I could have gone :(
As do we, tipo. Hopefully next time.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: tipo33 on Tue, 20 August 2013, 07:52:55
I wish I could have gone :(
As do we, tipo. Hopefully next time.
I plan on attending the 2014 one.  Maybe planning ??   Depending on location of course.

Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 20 August 2013, 07:57:33
I wish I could have gone :(

Would have been nice to see some of your Alps boards.  The pickings were sparse.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mkawa on Tue, 20 August 2013, 08:45:56
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

7.  Make mashby the official KeyCon organizer.
8. Disallow any talking by mkawa

+1 on number 8 during presentations
And introductions

ahahahahahahaha

NEVERRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrr...... (tiny rs)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 20 August 2013, 08:47:10
I wish I could have gone :(

Would have been nice to see some of your Alps boards.  The pickings were sparse.

I had a bunch of Alps boards but some of the guests sat in front of my table. I had a Siig Minitouch, a Dauphin DCK-84, and my modded Ducky 1087XM.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mashby on Tue, 20 August 2013, 08:51:43
Regarding Introductions and Socializing
We had a couple of challenges with this first KeyCon.
   - Our time was limited
   - Lunch was near the start of the event
   - We didn't have time to setup

Given that we only had 5 hours and didn't have access to the room until 11am, there was a lot of scrambling setting everything up at the start. That left us with less time than we actually had. Introductions were scheduled for the start of the event, but we were 30 minutes in before we could actually start the Con.

We had planned for the SmallFry remembrance prior to lunch and thankfully that took place as planned and then we had the break for lunch. However, coming out of lunch, presentations we pushed back because of introductions. All-in-all, we got everything in, it was just a bit out of order and took a bit longer than it should. If you combine the setup time with lunch, we technically only had 4 hours for the Conference.

These are not complaints, or apologies, but I wanted to give a little context and how things were laid out and why.

Thinking of Next Year
It's clear that people liked the presentations, but also wanted my socializing and to do that we simply need more time for the Conference.  I think we could strike a balance between presentations/workshops/socializing, but like every conference I've ever attended, there is never enough time to do everything. ;D
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mkawa on Tue, 20 August 2013, 08:59:36
well, it's possible to have a badly run con with few participants in which things start to drag, but we definitely didn't get there. otoh it's a good thing we had so much cool stuff it was impossible to take it all in and go "meh, i'm done here", otoh we need more time for the next big organized event. DEFINITELY.

and yes, i do need to shut up.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:47:44
Less talk, more orgies!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 20 August 2013, 10:54:08
I wish I could have gone :(

Would have been nice to see some of your Alps boards.  The pickings were sparse.

I had a bunch of Alps boards but some of the guests sat in front of my table. I had a Siig Minitouch, a Dauphin DCK-84, and my modded Ducky 1087XM.

A aargh!  I missed the Ducky.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:08:25
and yes, i do need to shut up.

Nah, you wouldn't be mkawa if you weren't in a constant state of high-speed, high-density information dispersal. ;D
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:11:37
Mingapedia would not be the same. Mkawa does have a good point though. HASHBAZ, WHERE WERE YOU??
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: hashbaz on Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:14:12
I was home nursing a bad sunburn and being upset at myself for not making travel arrangements earlier.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:27:20
I'll forgive you this time Hashbaz...but only if I get to see you at the next Keycon :P
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Thimplum on Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:50:37
I was home nursing a bad sunburn and being upset at myself for not making travel arrangements earlier.

I was at home doing just about nothing and wishing that I had transportation...
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Binge on Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:52:13
I was hoping someone took pictures of sifo sleeping...  I was the disappoint.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: i3oilermaker on Tue, 20 August 2013, 14:11:52
Oh, I got one...
(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/spectrelabs/spectrelabs1101/spectrelabs110100013/8548493-an-asian-man-sleeping-on-a-bed.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: jcrouse on Tue, 20 August 2013, 17:23:54
^  nice. Ya just never know who's watchin
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Tue, 20 August 2013, 17:41:18

and yes, i do need to shut up.

no. you provide a service. you kill the awkward silence. if you shut up it'd just be a bunch of people staring at each other.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 20 August 2013, 19:15:30

and yes, i do need to shut up.

no. you provide a service. you kill the awkward silence. if you shut up it'd just be a bunch of people staring at each other.

Awkward silence during presentations?   :p
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 20 August 2013, 19:19:17

and yes, i do need to shut up.

no. you provide a service. you kill the awkward silence. if you shut up it'd just be a bunch of people staring at each other.

Awkward silence presentations?   :p

Fixed and it sounds cool!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 20 August 2013, 19:23:59

and yes, i do need to shut up.

no. you provide a service. you kill the awkward silence. if you shut up it'd just be a bunch of people staring at each other.

Awkward silence presentations?   :p

Fixed and it sounds cool!

Wow, I read your fix first and didn't realize you changed it and thought "what the hell was I thinking writing that?"  I need to go home.

Your idea is pretty good though.  Next time!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:41:16

and yes, i do need to shut up.

no. you provide a service. you kill the awkward silence. if you shut up it'd just be a bunch of people staring at each other.

+1.  Provide a service.  Time to start charging!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: eth0s on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:42:30
Overall, I thought it was a blast and I had tons-of-fun. This was the first one and although there were too many unknowns and things left to chance, everything came together rather nicely. Reading through all the feedback, I'm thrilled that everyone appeared to have a great time, would like to make it more awesome and come back next year.

There's always room for improvement in any event, regardless of how successful they are, below are my thoughts.

What I'd Like To See Next Time
1. Host the event at a hotel instead of a campus
   - Allows for reserving a block of rooms
   - Makes transportation easier since most hotels have shuttles
   - Allows for the Con to run a full-day, or possibly two days
   - Makes socializing easier after the official events

2. Have An official signup form
   - Allows for a proper headcount
   - No need to have people confirm
   - Capture Name tag information (choose what you want to see on your tag)

3. Charge A Registration Fee
   - Make it inexpensive, like $10
   - Can be used to cover lunch
   - Should be based on what the cost of the event is, minus vendor contributions
   - Requires that those that register commit to the event.

4. Assign Responsibilities
   - Dedicated "MC" to keep things on schedule and in order
   - Dedicated "A/V". Binge and Hoff did a great job and very grateful they took charge of it
   - A bunch of other small tasks that can be assigned to a volunteer

5. More Planning
   - You can never have enough, but...
   - Creating a specific agenda and then building around it
   - Registration of speakers/presenters
   - Specific events, opportunities for vendors to present/donate/participate

6. "Blue Sky" Ideas
   - Typing competition (mentioned already)
   - Workshops
      - How to make a USB Cable
      - How to lube a switch
      - etc
   - Spouse activities
   - Awards dinner
   - Sifo Photo Booth
      - Life-size cardboard cutout of Sifo
      - Get your picture taken with him
      - Multiple backdrops so you can have your photo in Paris, Hawaii, or the great pyramids.

I nominate mashby for Geekhack's 2014 KeyCon Czar & Grand Pooh Bah.  I also suggest that next year we all go to Nashville, TN, for two reasons:  (1) so it's easier for mashby to organize it; and (2) because talking to mashby made me want to go to Nashville.  But we can go anywhere that mashby wants us to go, if he is in charge.  (New York City is a nice place.)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:46:40
eth0s, you bring up an interesting point.  TN is central to the eastern half of the states, so that might be worth considering.  It'd provide a not-too-far location for even more people than doing NY or something like that.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: eth0s on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:49:09
eth0s, you bring up an interesting point.  TN is central to the eastern half of the states, so that might be worth considering.  It'd provide a not-too-far location for even more people than doing NY or something like that.

Also I bet the hotels are cheaper in Nashville, TN, than hotels in NYC or even Chicago.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 20 August 2013, 20:53:06
The location should be mashby's house. See how easy that is?
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Melvang on Tue, 20 August 2013, 21:13:15
The location should be mashby's house. See how easy that is?

Just bring your tents and we can camp out in his backyard
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: The_Beast on Tue, 20 August 2013, 21:16:15
The location should be mashby's house. See how easy that is?

Just bring your tents and we can camp out in his backyard


So KeyCamp?


Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: eth0s on Tue, 20 August 2013, 21:42:51
The location should be mashby's house. See how easy that is?

Just bring your tents and we can camp out in his backyard


I got dibs on mashby's extra bedroom, but I'll let you guys camping in the back yard use my bathroom though.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 20 August 2013, 21:57:00
The location should be mashby's house. See how easy that is?

Just bring your tents and we can camp out in his backyard

+1  I would do this.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mkawa on Wed, 21 August 2013, 00:14:16
and yes, i do need to shut up.

Nah, you wouldn't be mkawa if you weren't in a constant state of high-speed, high-density information dispersal. ;D
sometimes i need to shut up to let people mingle because keycon is time limited ;)

Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:11:14
eth0s, you bring up an interesting point.  TN is central to the eastern half of the states, so that might be worth considering.  It'd provide a not-too-far location for even more people than doing NY or something like that.

Also I bet the hotels are cheaper in Nashville, TN, than hotels in NYC or even Chicago.

And better yet my wife is always wanting to go to Nashville!

I'm really quiet in person in case anyone was scared I'd talk the whole time.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:24:11
eth0s, you bring up an interesting point.  TN is central to the eastern half of the states, so that might be worth considering.  It'd provide a not-too-far location for even more people than doing NY or something like that.

Also I bet the hotels are cheaper in Nashville, TN, than hotels in NYC or even Chicago.

And better yet my wife is always wanting to go to Nashville!

I'm really quiet in person in case anyone was scared I'd talk the whole time.

I was picturing you running around the room going to each conversation in turn and making some remark, then moving on to the next one, and repeating.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: tjcaustin on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:25:38
eth0s, you bring up an interesting point.  TN is central to the eastern half of the states, so that might be worth considering.  It'd provide a not-too-far location for even more people than doing NY or something like that.

Also I bet the hotels are cheaper in Nashville, TN, than hotels in NYC or even Chicago.

And better yet my wife is always wanting to go to Nashville!

I'm really quiet in person in case anyone was scared I'd talk the whole time.

I was picturing you running around the room going to each conversation in turn and making some remark, then moving on to the next one, and repeating.

^
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:28:00
eth0s, you bring up an interesting point.  TN is central to the eastern half of the states, so that might be worth considering.  It'd provide a not-too-far location for even more people than doing NY or something like that.

Also I bet the hotels are cheaper in Nashville, TN, than hotels in NYC or even Chicago.

And better yet my wife is always wanting to go to Nashville!

I'm really quiet in person in case anyone was scared I'd talk the whole time.

I was picturing you running around the room going to each conversation in turn and making some remark, then moving on to the next one, and repeating.

I do get a little ADD sometimes but mostly just in my head. ;)

Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mkawa on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:32:06
Captain's log, Stardate 8.20.13

The starship needs-to-finish-his-thesis has just landed at its home port in the greater LA area. I come back from Chicago bearing photos, stronger bonds with people that were friends on geekhack and now are so much more than that, and lessons, so many lessons..

The goal of my time as part of the rudder team of the starship geekhack has been to make the community both stronger and more sustainable. Some difficult decisions will need to be made to make that happen, just as they had to be made every month over month in this past year, and I, among other community members have taken some big risks to do what we can to make that happen.

Boilermaker at techkeys is one of those people, and I absolutely commend him not only for the awesome job he and mashby did with Keycon this past week, but also for his continuous and unceasing support of the community via sustainable group buys, donating his time and effort to do fulfillment for my early efforts at funding the geekhackers foundation, and for continuing to provide for the production of cool stuff within the community and publicity of that cool stuff outside the community to help it grow.

mashby and cptbadass are also among these people; their efforts at aggregating and making accessible the immense amount of knowledge spread across our community's many many members is to not only be encouraged but lauded. It is hard tiring work that pays only in a job well done.

And of course, with them, I must mention our dearly missed friend and family member SmallFry. He not only helped drive their efforts but was their mentor into our community and many many other peoples' mentor into our community. It is a testament to his strength, his caring and his intelligence that he continues to draw people into our community after his passing.

What I have learned from this visit is that it is people and community that not only make geekhack what it is, but that make society the generally pleasant place that it is, and that the greater geekhack community is just every one of us out there that likes to tinker, that likes to be an artisan, that likes geek out and hack up what is needed to make stuff happen; and that, frankly, is just about every person out there.

We are all friends and family, whether we are inside or outside of the community. SmallFry believed this with every fiber of his being, and as a continuing rudder team member, I'd like to make a few commitments publicly that I think will help keep me focused on this goal.

The first commitment is small but meaningful. It is that his mystery key three symbol aka the friends and family key, which I now believe to be the intermingling of vectors of current, electrons finding each other in the dark passageways of a conductor, will always be our flag, our call to action, and our sign of unity. The geekhack family of sites and the geekhackers foundation will all bear this icon as a reminder.

The second commitment is to grow this community to any limits we may find together, then to break those limits down and grow past them.

The third commitment is to never let an individual in the community suffer needlessly when something can be done to help them.

The fourth commitment is to never let money take advantage of the community. We are not a commodity. We are not for sale. We are happy to collaborate with commercial interests, to become small commercial interests ourselves, but we are a community of intelligent, caring, and strong individuals, not just some nameless sources of revenue.

That's what I learned at keycon, I think. You're obviously free to discuss because, as I've been saying a lot recently, that's kind of the point of this place.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:36:24
Well said sir!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: demik on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:37:10
tl;dr

as long as ming is there it'll be a great con
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: noisyturtle on Wed, 21 August 2013, 01:38:04
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:14:08
Captain's log, Stardate 8.20.13

The starship needs-to-finish-his-thesis has just landed at its home port in the greater LA area. I come back from Chicago bearing photos, stronger bonds with people that were friends on geekhack and now are so much more than that, and lessons, so many lessons..

The goal of my time as part of the rudder team of the starship geekhack has been to make the community both stronger and more sustainable. Some difficult decisions will need to be made to make that happen, just as they had to be made every month over month in this past year, and I, among other community members have taken some big risks to do what we can to make that happen.

Boilermaker at techkeys is one of those people, and I absolutely commend him not only for the awesome job he and mashby did with Keycon this past week, but also for his continuous and unceasing support of the community via sustainable group buys, donating his time and effort to do fulfillment for my early efforts at funding the geekhackers foundation, and for continuing to provide for the production of cool stuff within the community and publicity of that cool stuff outside the community to help it grow.

mashby and cptbadass are also among these people; their efforts at aggregating and making accessible the immense amount of knowledge spread across our community's many many members is to not only be encouraged but lauded. It is hard tiring work that pays only in a job well done.

And of course, with them, I must mention our dearly missed friend and family member SmallFry. He not only helped drive their efforts but was their mentor into our community and many many other peoples' mentor into our community. It is a testament to his strength, his caring and his intelligence that he continues to draw people into our community after his passing.

What I have learned from this visit is that it is people and community that not only make geekhack what it is, but that make society the generally pleasant place that it is, and that the greater geekhack community is just every one of us out there that likes to tinker, that likes to be an artisan, that likes geek out and hack up what is needed to make stuff happen; and that, frankly, is just about every person out there.

We are all friends and family, whether we are inside or outside of the community. SmallFry believed this with every fiber of his being, and as a continuing rudder team member, I'd like to make a few commitments publicly that I think will help keep me focused on this goal.

The first commitment is small but meaningful. It is that his mystery key three symbol aka the friends and family key, which I now believe to be the intermingling of vectors of current, electrons finding each other in the dark passageways of a conductor, will always be our flag, our call to action, and our sign of unity. The geekhack family of sites and the geekhackers foundation will all bear this icon as a reminder.

The second commitment is to grow this community to any limits we may find together, then to break those limits down and grow past them.

The third commitment is to never let an individual in the community suffer needlessly when something can be done to help them.

The fourth commitment is to never let money take advantage of the community. We are not a commodity. We are not for sale. We are happy to collaborate with commercial interests, to become small commercial interests ourselves, but we are a community of intelligent, caring, and strong individuals, not just some nameless sources of revenue.

That's what I learned at keycon, I think. You're obviously free to discuss because, as I've been saying a lot recently, that's kind of the point of this place.

Bravo!
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Wed, 21 August 2013, 07:45:39
Nicely said, mkawa.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: keymaster on Wed, 21 August 2013, 10:18:21
(http://i.imgur.com/rOzjdiZ.gif)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Wed, 21 August 2013, 13:24:37
The positivity and encouragement for trying new things is what keeps me coming back here.   I have been a member of many online communities for various niche interests and this place has a less hostile atmosphere than any other online community.  Any person that gets out of line is called out quickly by the community.  And personal meetups only strengthen things.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: mkawa on Wed, 21 August 2013, 14:38:03
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24794081/_DSC9677.jpg)
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Wed, 21 August 2013, 14:39:52
Show Image
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24794081/_DSC9677.jpg)


Wow.  That's a very moving picture...
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: Binge on Wed, 21 August 2013, 14:42:14
The feels  :'(
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: tjcaustin on Wed, 21 August 2013, 14:42:19
Show Image
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24794081/_DSC9677.jpg)


Why are you putting things in my eye, ming?  Stop it.
Title: Re: Keycon After thoughts?
Post by: LargeFry on Wed, 21 August 2013, 15:58:10
Show Image
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24794081/_DSC9677.jpg)


Thank you for posting that picture.  I would love to see the other pictures from your visit.