Miguel Guhlin, David Jakes
At the Bloggers’ Garage, which by the way, I strongly suggest that the Bloggers’ Garage be completely revamped (more below), I ran in to a few folks like John Maklary, Howard Martin, Alfred Thompson, Paul R. Wood, and David Jakes.
Photos appear below:
darn it, the pictures didn’t come through. My camera broke or something!
BLOGGERS’ GARAGE FEEDBACK:
Ok, not to be totally critical but…this Garage thing is a bust. First of all, the Garage is ALL the way at the end of the building away from Registration desk and where the escalators are. It’s the perfect place to put the Bloggers Garage if you want to send the message, “WE DON’T LIKE BLOGGERS!” Now I know there’s this stereotype that bloggers just sit around and write snarky comments, getting chubby and all that, and the exercise is probably good for us, but come on…this was just TOO FAR to walk.
And, after making the journey of a thousand miles, what did you find? An oasis of comfortable couches, dazzling plastic and glass portraying the keynote engagements, a schedule for bloggers to expound on neat ideas?
Uhh, No. Instead, the bloggers garage was a small area of 4-5 tables, some power strips cast desolately on a counter, uncomfortable chairs (no cushions to encourage hanging out), and no TV streaming keynote presentations. In other words, NOTHING.
Now, I know that this is their first effort but there is one lesson that TCEA Steering Committee will get out of this–nobody is going to hang out in the Bloggers’ Garage. And, that’s exactly the wrong lesson. Here’s what TCEA 2009 (it’s not too late!) or TCEA 2010 organizers can do to fix the situation:
- Getting some comfortable couches for folks to lounge around in
- Set up a large flat screen TV so we can watch the keynote from the comfort of the Garage, without having to leave…treat this area as the place husbands are exiled to when their wives kick them out…a retreat in style.
- More wireless access points. I forgot in my diatribe above that wireless in this area was abysmal…David Jakes had to walk away to get a better signal.
Hmm…what did I leave out?
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Great suggestions, Miguel. I think it is a great start for them to improve upon it. While I prefer an area out of the way, that might be a little too far. I prefer a less trafficked area to have conversations. And people stopping to get pictures with popular ed-tech folks like you, Maklary, Grenier, Jakes, and Wood can just get too distracting.
Great suggestions, Miguel. I think it is a great start for them to improve upon it. While I prefer an area out of the way, that might be a little too far. I prefer a less trafficked area to have conversations. And people stopping to get pictures with popular ed-tech folks like you, Maklary, Grenier, Jakes, and Wood can just get too distracting.
By the way where are the women bloggers? 😉
By the way where are the women bloggers? 😉
@Carolyn, we don't have them thar critters in Texas!;->
@Carolyn, we don't have them thar critters in Texas!;->
TCEA Sounds like they are trying to replicate ISTE from this summer. From what you’ve described their effort = FAIL. I’m coming Thursday, was thinking of stopping by the garage, thanks for the heads up. Won’t waste my time.
TCEA Sounds like they are trying to replicate ISTE from this summer. From what you’ve described their effort = FAIL. I’m coming Thursday, was thinking of stopping by the garage, thanks for the heads up. Won’t waste my time.
You also forgot that the signage was poor. Even if you find your way to the area it is hard to tell because there is no good signs to tell you that you are there.And the name? I understand that the word “Garage” sort of fits in with the conference theme graphics but its still an unappealing name. I liked the “Bloggers Cafe” that was used at NECC but even one didn’t want to use that surely something else more inviting could be used.On the good side it was really great to have an idea where to find the bloggers and Twitteres I follow.
You also forgot that the signage was poor. Even if you find your way to the area it is hard to tell because there is no good signs to tell you that you are there.And the name? I understand that the word “Garage” sort of fits in with the conference theme graphics but its still an unappealing name. I liked the “Bloggers Cafe” that was used at NECC but even one didn’t want to use that surely something else more inviting could be used.On the good side it was really great to have an idea where to find the bloggers and Twitteres I follow.