The 2019 BarnCamp Inquiry

In order the better understand the issues surrounding the failure of BarnCamp 2019, we want to kick off a relatively informal process of opinion and perspective gathering, with a strong emphasis on what we can do in the future to make our event not just happen, but also totally kick ass.

The deadline for submissions will be Friday 13th September.

We've compiled a list of questions below:

• What went wrong?
• What could we do to prevent those things going wrong again?
• How did you feel about the process of trying to organise Barncamp 2019?
• Would you be willing to try to help organise next year in 2020?
• Anything else to share?

Answer them by:

• Filling in this page, format as per the example below.
• Emailing you answers. Email details provided by personal invitation.
• Filling in an entry on https://pad.riseup.net/p/2019BarncampInquiry.

All entries will end up on this page, copied from the other media, unless request them to be kept private. Please do not add references to particular people who performed tasks. Simply mention that person did, or failed to do that task. All personal references will be removed.

Stephanie "Example" Jones

Cut and paste this section, then add your own info. Remove this paragraph, and anything involving mogwai, unless your issue was in fact mogwai related. Don't use your real name if you don't want to.

What went wrong?

Someone fed the mogwai after midnight.

What could we do to prevent those things going wrong again?

Don't bring mogwai.

How did you feel about the process of trying to organise Barncamp 2019?

It was great.

Would you be willing to try to help organise next year in 2020?

Yes, based on a no mogwai solution.

Anything else to share?

No, I'm trying to ignore the horrific memories.

Gremble

What went wrong?

Essentially we were almost there. We lost touch with a core member who couldn't drive due to injury, and so couldn't get the kit there. This would normally have been MH's role.

What could we do to prevent those things going wrong again?

It's been suggested that we have a lock up in Bristol or nearer to the site, so that kit would be nearer. If possible this would be for a lot of valuable equipment. In any case, have things in a much more limited set of locations would make taking equipment to site easier.

Having backup operators for core tasks is essential, and that should be built into the organisation process.

How did you feel about the process of trying to organise Barncamp 2019?

Fine, but a bit late.

Would you be willing to try to help organise next year in 2020?

Yes, based on a no mogwai solution.

Anything else to share?

No. But maybe I'll add something later.

thebrentc

What went wrong?

Perhaps short time to organise, and failure of critical tasks (e.g. power).

What could we do to prevent those things going wrong again?

Gremble says it well: "Having backup operators for core tasks is essential, and that should be built into the organisation process.". I would add documenting key kit requirements such as the power equipment could provide for contingency arrangements. The lockup is worthwhile idea.

How did you feel about the process of trying to organise Barncamp 2019?

Good to meet up online.

Would you be willing to try to help organise next year in 2020?

Probably, but depending how it goes.

Anything else to share?

No. But maybe I'll add something later.