Because the Audience is More Intelligent Than the Speaker...

There is a very cool project happening right now in the form of a book. Not just any book, but the first book dedicated to the unconference. Not only that, but the first (as far as I'm aware) book authored completely via a wiki. Here is the official description of the project:

This book is a collaborative project. It aims to pick the best minds around the word from people who have helped organize unconferences or attended one. It's a book entirely authored on a wiki.

The book welcomes your participation. Think of this book like a bee hive. Thousands of bees buzz around to make a bee hive. So is this book. The end result will be a rich, finely distilled book on unconferences.

Although I have never organized an unconference, I will still be contributing from a participant's point-of-view. If you have attended and/or organized a CaseCamp, BarCamp, DemoCamp, TransitCamp, PodCamp, etc... , I urge you to do the same. At this point, chapter suggestions are being collected and narrowed down. It's still early enough in the process for you to make a real impact on this project. For more information, click here.

CaseCamp Toronto 4.0

Many thanks to Eli Singer and co. for another great Case Camp! Over 150 of the industry's most creative professionals came to meet, learn, and share, making this the most attended Case Camp to date. There was a definite theme of social/grassroots media which only amplifies the importance of understanding the movement.

Case studies from MommyBlogs Toronto, Newmindspace, Eli Singer on behalf of WWF-Canada, and Zipcar proved that marketers have to be more honest, sincere, and creative than ever to succeed in this day and age.

I was particularly struck by parenting blogger, Catherine Conner, who discussed the importance of integrity and trust with her readers. All would be lost the moment her community sensed they were being sold something. This raises a good point that I'm sure has been on bloggers' minds for quite some time - how can you generate enough revenue to sustain your project/hobby/passion without alienating your readers? It's a very delicate balance that the web 2.0 world has yet to figure out.

Another interesting moment to come out of tonight's camp was the announcement of a Case Camp job board. Created as a way to help fund Case Camp as it continues to grow and to ensure that it remains free for all to participate. If you or your company is looking to hire, please get in touch with Eli. Not only will you be helping the community, you will be reaching the industry's brightest.

If you still haven't experienced Case Camp, I strongly urge you to check out the next event. Sign up for the mailing list to be notified as soon as the next camp is announced.