I wasn’t at the edubloggercon last year, but I enjoyed the bloggers’ cafe enormously. I think the difference this year is partly the numbers, and partly a loss of innocence: lots of good things happened by serendipity last year, and because nobody was expecting anything, nobody seemed to have hidden agendas like self-promotion — which I don’t know is objectively the case by the way.

Perhaps everyone is just trying too hard to make it exciting?

Pearson’s presence was a good idea in my opinion. I did not mind that they want to amplify the possibilities (hey, this sounds like a great conference theme ;) ).

I want to help shape a great experience.

On the recording issue, I think overall it was a compliment that Pearson wanted to record, share and amplify some of the ideas shared at this event. I agree that if you’re trying to record a session that can detract from your ability to listen, process, and reflect– but I also think it can be a great value for others who can’t physically attend the event to have it recorded. It also can permit other voices to participate. One of the students at SLA participated in our leadership discussion because of the Ustream channel, and Chris Lehman was able to bring some of those points into the discussion. That couldn’t have happened with just a face to face discussion that didn’t involve any streaming.

With this group, I think it is natural that people are going to push boundaries. That is what innovators do. I also think change is inevitable, and growth is a good thing in terms of participation. Hopefully our dialogs about these issues will lead to an even better EduBloggerCon next year, and in the months ahead which will take place at different venues. I agree Steve deserves lots of thanks for all his work in coordinating this. I personally found the event very worthwhile and fun. Some things can change, but I was very glad I went and participated.

well articulated post. I did NOT attend last year so I can’t make a personal comparison. But, like you and many others, it felt just like another conference. I didn’t really know what to expect but I certainly did NOT expect what I saw on Saturday.

Your call to help organize and help is a noble one. But in doing so, aren’t we still propagating all what is not right with a pre-fab un-conference? Why not just let it flow without much planning? Just give the space and let it happen. No planning, no schedule, just space for people to gather, share, and learn.

I’ll see you in the cafe this week.

I am quite sure this feedback will help make the next EduBloggerCon even better. Growing pains lead to sustainability and the people driving this event will surely want to do better what they already do well.