But back to your post – I don't think you're truly “Bored” but just not challenged and while I agree with many of the commenters, that you need to present (if you did, my bad…too busy running around to see everyone), I think we at differing levels of advanced knowledge, should do a power session? (btw, @nbostic Nick Thanks for GREAT info and input on the session we both were in. I have to go through my notes to find exactly what you said, to give proper attribution).

Or maybe an advance coalition (Jim Reppond alluded to something similar) is an idea?

I agree with Jay & Dale and everyone else with the general thought “we are only as bored as we put in to it.” Geordie, you are further along than 90% of the audience, IMHO and I feel like you share a lot already.

I think you are looking for what I'm looking for or more of which is more “A-HA” moments (no not the band…). I'm looking for opportunities at REBarcamp events that says “here's something you should do or here's some new knowledge that will help you and others.” Just an amazingly simple “A-HA” moment.

Very hyperfocused sessions, such as the testing topics @housechick mentioned or one like Drew Meyer's, I believe would cure my boredom factor.

I guess for what it's worth, I throw up a suggestion: not that we who use the tools or blog or teach or present are any “better” or more knowledgeable, but I think an ADVANCED REBARCAMP would be welcome to the more “veterans” on the block. What say ye?

I'm not saying the underlying theme and culture of Rebarcamp's be ignored or replaced. But an extension of the Rebarcamp movement could allow for a half-day “Advanced Sessions” with topics such as you and others mentioned.

It could be something easier to organize, doesn't necessarily NEED sponsors (or $175 like the REbarcamp Bellevue) and could be titled “REBarcamp The Advanced Sessions” – Any thoughts?

Again, not to alienate or leave anyone out, it's just that to do one day that tries to be all things to all attendees, might be doing what we teach not to do. Trying to be all things to all customers…

I'm sure we wouldn't have to necessarily call it REbarcamp (what is the intellectual property rights to usage of the name?) but I know that advanced subjects are already being offered from so many sources.

Participating is the core aspect to finding the “A-Ha” moments for me; every time I go to events like these, my sole focus is “what can ANYONE teach me today?” And than my ADHD takes over, and eventually I offer up info and my questions lead me to the “A-Ha” of the day, from a presenter, from a self-proclaimed “newbie” or from another colleague, preventing me from getting too bored.

Hope that offers another viewpoint…

Thanks again Geordie and it was great meeting you IRL in Seattle.

All the best to you,

Ed B

Scott Cowan wrote a similar post at BHB as yours…attending REBCs and expressing dissatisfaction AND NOT GETTING INVOLVED AT THE REBC. I have to give Scott props because he did get involved at the Bellevue mini-REBC event with planning and even made the long drive extra early to help set up.

You can't really control how the events turn out–it's suppose to be about group participation.

My recommendation to you is to either get involved and make a difference and/or plan your own REBC if you want to continue attending–scratch that–you should stop attending and start participating.

In Portland, the majority of our attendees didn't know what a blog was, RSS? (forget about it), Twitter? (not a chance), IDX? (huh), A+B=ummm G?, bounce rate is how high the super ball bounces right…

Since these events are user run & content comes from within, get involved and do more if you want more. If you don't like them… Stay home. It's okay.

(BTW, Geordie's Blogger Idol idea was great and I think the whole room got a lot out of it. I know the people I spoke with did. The interesting thing is each person got out of it totally different value. Each was based upon the individual's previous knowledge & experience.)

I'll see your 3 BarCamps and raise you 2 San Francisco's! Our mini-conference on the front steps in Seattle gave me hope for this event, but I do have to agree, things need to change.

To everyone who said “lead a session”, for me personally, my job is teaching RE people about technology and marketing. The last thing I want to do is teach some more, but I am willing to. Unfortunately, I have taken the approach of sitting back the first half of the day to gauge the scene: who are the real thought leaders, what is the level of the crowd, etc. I like to know who I'm talking to, if I speak at the level I want, I may bore some and excite others, so I want to appeal to the masses.

When I observe the first half, I have unfortunately been underwhelmed, both with many topic presenters (vendors pushing their wares, people who know far less than me and most of the people commenting here or people who just threw the topic up with no idea of what to talk about) and the participants who appear to still have no idea what a blog is and can't remember their Facebook/Twitter login information. This (perhaps incorrectly) indicates to me that the level of knowledge is below the level I'm seeking.

I too want to learn, not just teach.

The next BarCamp I attend, I will lead more sessions. I will get technical. Some people won't like it. Hopefully someone in the crowd will be able to engage at a level that challenges me.

Duke – maybe it's just me, but it seems like you're being rather argumentative and taking Geordie's thoughts a little too personally, when you could be taking this to the event you are working on (although the URL you use in your comments indicates you may want someone to put on a URL direction/posterous setup session). I see this as a challenge to present REAL advanced topics at any future BarCamp I attend because I know there are other people wanting the bar raised.

Geordie & Christian: Let's do the hardcore tech meeting soon!

**this was written as my personal perception and experience after 5 BarCamp's – also not as many as the vendors/sponsors – and is not intended to say BarCamp doesn't have a place or purpose, I just want more out of it**

Jim Reppond's twitter 201 group was great – all advanced add-ons, interfaces, auto feeds, techniques, etc. I'm sure there were one or two bored genius tweeters, but most of the group was very well informed – I may have been the least informed.

Maybe there should be a certified-geek group – something that clearly states “you will we overwhelmed – not for beginners.”