BootCamp PGH and Blogfest 10

Since the launch of PGH Podcamp last year, the multimedia and social networking community has grown dramatically in Pittsburgh. April 21st was the inaugural BootCamp PGH, and if you wanted to learn more about blogging, vlogging, podcasting, or even monetizing your online real estate, this was the place for you! The purpose of BootCamp was, in part, to prepare the online media community initiates and novices for Podcamp II in August. But it wasn't only basic introductions to media--many of the sessions turned out to be idea generating sessions as well. And of course there was the networking aspect.

If you were coming to BootCamp expecting in depth discussion on technical aspects, or the ins and outs of Web 2.0, then you may have been frustrated by the general discussions. But all in all, the event was successful, and introduced many people interested in jumping into the online pool of netizens to their method of choice. One thing is for sure: While the social media community has been working out the kinks between blogging, bootcamps and podcamps, the events to come can only get better! And add to that the constantly changing world of the media, and you have a community of online activists eager to share their knowledge and know-how with the world. If you're in Pittsburgh for one of these events, you really should attend. You may learn something, and you'll certainly meet some fascinating, like-minded folks.
Without a doubt, the best part of BootCamp PGH was the people (Cue the obligatory list):


Chris Brogan the Podcamp genius and giver of free hugs, Justin and the crew from SBTD, Woy (Have a Good Sandwich), Cindy and Christina from Pittsburgh Bloggers, Jim from Sportsocracy.org, Kimberly Reed, and Sri from the Pittsburgh Flicker group, Rachel the author of the innovative website and in progress novel The Sum of David, Brian from the new blog "A Bagel With," Tim from World Peace One, the New York Crew, Jay and Jen of JayandJenDot.com, and my Minute Lit partner in crime Alex.

Unfortunately, I had to teach a night class and couldn't make it to Blogfest 10 at Finnegan's Wake on the North Shore until the festivities were well underway, but I did meet some wonderful new Pittsburgh Bloggers who hung around, including Susan--a fellow novelist, working woman, and author of One-Woman Show. I'm looking forward to the Podcamp PGH get together in two weeks at the Creative Treehouse. Ideas abound, so be ready for the creative juices to be flowing! Bring napkins!

~Dawn

Pre-Update Update

So this week has been full of things to keep me from posting a proper review of the events of the weekend, notably BootCamp PGH. Said busy making things have also kept me from properly emailing and contacting those phenomenal folks I met there. But I promise I'm not being snobby, or rude--I just haven't had time to do much of anything except prepare for classes this week and work on a book review that I am trying valiantly to complete by April 27th. Here's a quick list of things I have to do and will make every effort to accomplish in the next few days (both here and on my other pages) in no particular order (kinda):

• Post a rockin' update about BootCamp PGH!
• Refine and post the review of Cinco de Mayo: The story behind Mexico's battle of Puebla by Donald Miles.
• Make sure I've responded to all the great emails sitting with stars on them because stars mean they're important (If you mailed me from Bootcamp and I haven't responded, that's you. You're stared. A gold star, even).
• Update the list of PGH Blogger and new sites I accumulated at Bootcamp (I even created a space there on the right. I promise. Scroll down and look!)
• Post the reviews of R.M. Hamilton's Unscarred
• Finish the series and post the reviews of Clifford B. Bowyer's books (NB: I'm working on finishing each series for more comprehensive reviews, and believe me, they're worth it!)
• Work on dolling up the Minute Lit blog with some "flair" (How many pieces are you wearing? Hmm?)
• Figuring out how to work this damn digital camera so I can start my adventures as a photographer.
• Get creatively thinking about the next Minute Lit podcast, and record with Alex when our schedules stop getting in the way of literary discussion.

I have the sneaking suspicion that I'm forgetting something, but you get the idea here. So be on the look out for multiple posts and updates soon!

~D.M. Papuga

BootCamp PGH and Updates!

As I've mentioned elsewhere, the universe has been against me recently. I've spent more time in Vet hospitals, graduation ceremonies, and funeral homes than is good for any one person in the past two weeks. The next review (Sandra Worth's The Rose of York: Fall from Grace) will be posted by the end of the week, and as long as things continue to improve and move smoothly, so will the review of R.M. Hamilton's Unscarred. I apologize for the delay, but illness and death waits for no one, though most often we wish it would.

There are two updates in addition to the above:

The final edit of Minute Lit, episode 2 is posted and has been finalized with the appropriate images and fine tuning (Thank you Alex!). And the second installment of Minute Lit-Tech has been posted there as well. We enjoy bouncing between the worlds of media, literature, technology, and creativity so give it a look and listen!

And second, BootCamp PGH is fast approaching! If you're in the area, and want to attend please see the information below to register! There promise to be some interesting workshops and sessions. Fear not, you needn't know much (or anything at all) about the topic of blogging, podcasting, vlogging, or viral marketing to attend. That's what the bootcamp is for! So check out the line up and the schedule, and plan accordingly. I won't be presenting (at least I don't believe so!) this round, but I'll certainly be there and bouncing between sessions. Hope to see you there!

BootCamp PGH is a free one-day, immersive "entry level" version of PodCamp. It is designed to educate students, small businesses and corporate communications professionals on the power and possibilities of new media.

WHAT: BootCamp Pittsburgh

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2007, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies, 15219

WHO: New media experts, aspiring new media creators, communications and PR personnel, and you!

HOW MUCH: Free!

Register or get more information at http://www.bootcamppgh.com/