Podcamp Cape Town Wrap

I have been scanning the various blog articles posted by fellow attendees of Podcamp Cape Town. All have been gushingly positive and extremely pleased with the way the day turned out.

So let's step back and take an overall view of the event. Firstly, it was disappointing to see the table's worth of unclaimed name tags (with 100 free Skyrove units). By our table's estimation close to a third of the confirmed attendees did not pitch (Glen, Max feel free to correct me). Sure it was Springbok rugby day, but Glen had been gracious enough to set a 5 o'clock time limit on an event which for all intents and purposes could have been an all weekend affair. Perhaps this is the problem with an event that proudly proclaims that there is no entrance fee? When no bucks have been laid out there isn't the same level of commitment to attend? In the same vein, many attendees left during or just after lunch, eager to get to the World Cup braais. The irony is that this was just the time where people were starting to get into the swing of what an un-conference was. The vibe was uber-relaxed, and participation felt a whole lot less intimidating.

Secondly, there were a couple of talks which seemed more like a sales pitch than discussion openers or network invitations. They could have learnt a lot from Jeremy Nell who entertained, informed and inspired while explaining his 'brand' without attempting to sell anything.

So now over to the positives. This 'little pioneering community' lacks nothing when it comes to enthusiam, innovative thinking, entrepeneurship, intellect and creativity. The excitement that resonated every time a speaker mentioned something that stretched the mind was palpable, and I just know that the 'new media' space in South Africa is going to see the results of those few hours spent in Obs.

While I took copious notes, I would be unable to provide a short summary of all the speaker's contributions. Those that stood out for was Dave Duarte's look at 'The Attention Economy', Brad Shrimpton's little insight into Apple IMC SA, Rowan of MyVideo's look at the quandry facing tose looking ot monetize online offerings in the new media space and of course Jeremy Nell's refreshingly unself-edifying 'talk' on comic-blogging.

I reckon it's a fair generalisation to say that all those attending left the venue enthused, motivated and, where necessary, rejuvenated, ready to get their teeth into the opportunites this 'new media' space offers to those willing to commit to it. To say that this space is still in it's infancy here in South Africa is probably an understatement, but be sure things are changing and do yourself a favour, mark down the names of attendees somewhere safe, these guys are going to become the movers and shakers.

So, hopefully, I have given a balanced take on the Podcamp Cape Town un-conference. Those of you who missed it, missed out, make sure you do not next time such an opportunity presents itself. Glen, Max & sponsors thanks for the commitment, hard work and dough you ploughed into this project. Eishman truly enjoyed the experience and appreciated your efforts.

Looking forward to the next one!

Oh, and one more critiscm ... not nearly enough beer was consumed ... this needs to be fixed next time!

Podcamp Cape Town ... Why is no-one talking about it?

I am a little confused. I have just learnt that Cape Town is going to get it's own PodCamp.

For me it's an exciting development. I have been a consumer of Podcasts since just a few months after Adam Curry's Daily Source Code became what is generally accepted as the first podcast to be offered for download. I have found this form of new media refreshing and a necessary antidote to some of the mainstream media available here in South Africa, particularly radio.

In fact, I even ventured into the world of podcasting myself, with an experimental show in 2005/6, but decided to leave that sphere of the New Media revolution to those with voices worth listening to. Voices such as Rob Walch @ Podcast411 & Michael Butler @ The Rock & Roll Geek Show, both of whom have from time to time mentioned this thing called Podcamp. They have had me salivating as they described the meeting of like-minded people at an 'unconference' discussing all things 'New Media' in a relaxed manner, no airs and graces, no heirarchy, simply sharing ideas as to what can be achieved using this remarkable vehicle, the internet.

Here's the reason for my confusion. Is it just me, or has their been very little coverage of this event? The first I heard of it was when my Facebook feed showed that Vinny & Jeremy were going to be attending this thing called PodcampCapeTown. I did a quick Amatomu, Muti & Google search and besides Glenn of The ZA Show (the engine behind this initiative), ClickKliek & Ernst Kuschke, I don't see any mention of PodcampCapeTown anywhere? Glen's announcement was on the 29th June, and age ago in web terms.

So hopefully Eish!! blogging about it will help create a little more traction. It's difficult to tell exactly how many have committed to go as there are two places to register, the wiki www.podcampcapetown.com & FaceBook.com, but perhaps it's not so much the number of attendees that count rather what is discussed and how what is discussed filters through into the various New Media entities currently generating content and how it spawns new ventures. Perhaps it's not so much the number of attendees that count but the number of individuals who wish they could've attended. Perhaps it's not so much the number of attendees that count rather the quality of the presentations. And perhaps it's not so much the number of attendees that count rather the amount of fun that those attending will have. In fact let's be honest, it's not so much the number of attendees that counts, rather the amount of hype!

The broadband explosion here in SA is very close. Telkom has put us in a unique position to be ready and waiting when it does.

I can't help but think that this could be an answer to Fred @ Ideate's musing "Cape Town, wake up!"

Register @ www.podcampcapetown.com or www.facebook.com

One day remains

The previous post "Big freaking deal!" was a purposeful precursor to today's main posting.

Here's a band that, in my humble opinion, "get" the new media revolution. Last week I heard them on Adam Curry's 'Daily Source Code' for the first time. He played it on recommendation from Jersey Todd from the US of A, who heard it after the band placed it on the Podsafe Music Network on the advice of Andrew Pavitt host of RockOutLoud in Oz.

Enough from me though. I sent them a couple of questions via email and got a quick and comprehensive reply from Daniel van Niekerk, the bass player. So here's some background on the band gleaned from that response. Take a read than mosey on down to their myspace page and enjoy some good old rock and roll!

Although only formed one and a half month ago there is a fair bit of pedigree in "One Day Remains." Bassist Daniel has been playing in various bands for many years, as has Michael Naranjo who is probably best known for his stint with "7-day Story" which played the title track on SABC's "Going Nowhere Slowly" and drummer Brett Palmer's biggest previous gig was with Benjamin Gate which enjoyed great success in the States a few years ago.

Yesterday I took delivery of my latest cd purchase. The artist? The Who. What relevance does this have when we are talking to a band who list such influences as Bon Jovi, Winger, Petra(one of my all time favourites), Pantera, Van Halen & White Snake?
You see, there is so little good, new rock and roll that I have been forced to start collecting albums from the classic bands of the past. "One Day Remains" believe this is a void they can fill. "We want to become the new standard of South African Rock. We offer something wholesome with some good solid lyrics."
And they are going to do it independently. "We believe in the whole Independent concept, and making sure artists get what is due to them. The 90% going to the label and maybe 5% going to the artists days are over. The traditional record industry is dying of an industry cancer. New media is the way to go....electronic, downloads...having the CHOICE of what to purchase." And why not, it sure as heck is working for them so far! They've had international airplay, are getting overseas tour leads, struggling to keep up with the incoming correspondence and they haven't played a single gig yet!!

Plans for the future? Their impending launch has been postponed due to the unexpected tsumani of interest but a tour of the States in the first quarter of 2008 is already being organised and they "have a few surprises up their sleeve," so keep checking their website. Hopefully we'll get to see them live soon!

In the meantime take a listen to the track below and click the link under the player to vote for them in the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands.

btw. Being new to the whole interview thing, I didn't get to ask them where the name "One day remains" come from. So keep and eye on the comments below. I am pretty sure they will fill us in.

Updated 19 April 2007 : They have a new website www.myspace.com/onedayremains take a look