As Ben's pointed out, this isn't the first time the topic has been raised... I'm often quite vocal about it, so apologies to those who've heard me go on about this before, but here's a few things to consider:
* Putting on a Rails Camp is a lot of work. Putting on a conference is a level beyond that. Who is going to pay for your time? I definitely think whoever runs the conference (and don't try and do it yourself - you need a small team!) should be paid at least something for putting it together, but conferences are also most certainly not money-making ventures. * Speaking of Rails Camps - we have two of these each year. Granted, they're a little different, and not everyone's cup of tea, but I think it's still worth asking: why do we need a conference? I'm not saying we definitely don't need one, but just want to get the thinking laid out. * Many regional conferences are quite informal affairs - something I feel Rails Camps cover quite neatly. So, if a conference was to happen, I think it should be a grand and special event - more like a FutureRuby or NordicRuby than a RailsConf. Great food, catered parties, quality speakers. Especially if we want to attract overseas speakers and attendees. This is not the cheap path, though. For what it's worth, I've gotten to several conferences over the last few years, and FutureRuby was far and away the best one. Happy to expand further on why if anyone's truly interested. * There are a lot of Ruby and Rails conferences around the world already. Europe had four in May! Yes, we are pretty remote, so most of us don't get to these conferences often (or at all), but the same will apply for those outside of Australia who we'd like to have come along to our conference. * The previous point is important because a good part of the Australian Ruby community see each other regularly as it is, via monthly meets and Rails Camps. We've got a pretty amazing community here, and I want to share that with the world - but it's not going to be easy. I don't want to put an end to these discussions, because I think there's great potential for an amazing event, and I'd love to help out, but I'm also wary that with regular Rails Camps, we've got community events kinda covered already, and want to make sure there's a need. And, should this happen, I just think the target from the start should be to run something a cut above normal. Hell, a cut above great. -- Pat e: [email protected] || m: +614 1327 3337 w: http://freelancing-gods.com || t: twitter.com/pat bounce: http://trampolineday.com || skype: patallan On 09/06/2010, at 10:48 AM, Luke Chadwick wrote: > Hey Everyone, > I discovered, in a discussion last night at the Sydney Meetup, > that there has never been a Ruby/Rails Conference in Australia. I find > this to be sad, and want to rectify the situation. > > I am happy to take a hand in starting to organize an event if there is > interest in actually seeing it happen. > > To get the ball rolling, can I get a show of hands who would attend a > RubyConf in Sydney? > > Regards, > > Luke > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Ruby or Rails Oceania" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/rails-oceania?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ruby or Rails Oceania" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rails-oceania?hl=en.
