Action instead of words

GonzoCamp is a chance to take the persistent conversation about the future of news and journalism in a digital world and put some action into it. Instead of endless panel discussions lamenting the demise of the way things were, we prefer to roll up our sleeves and build something that might give us a glimpse of the way things are going to be.

Basics

What is the agenda?

On Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m.:
Everyone is invited to the Big Time Brewery in the University District to get introduced to one another and start socializing ideas. Even if you can't make it to GonzoCamp, you're welcome to come and mingle.

Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.:
We will quickly pitch ideas and form teams based on a group vote of the top ideas. Then we'll break into groups and get to work.

Around 1 p.m. we'll break for lunch and hear from Michelle Nicolosi about the online-only Seattle P-I.

About an hour later, we'll start working in teams again. At 4:30 p.m. we'll come together and each team we'll present its project, followed by Q&A.
At 5:30 p.m. we'll debrief both the projects and the event.

Friday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m. We'll celebrate our accomplishments at Buckley's Tavern near the P-I. Again, even if you can't make it to GonzoCamp, you're welcome to come and mingle and hear how it went.

What do I need to bring?

A laptop and a commuter mug for coffee, plus a water bottle if you get thirsty. If you want to contribute, please feel free. The morning coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided, thanks to our sponsors.

Where can I park?

Parking at the P-I is not cheap, unfortunately. Here's former P-I staffer Curt Milton (@Curt_m) with some suggestions:

"There are no magic bullets for parking near the P-I. If people are driving, I'd suggest surface parking lots. There are a bunch and the closer you get to the P-I, the cheaper they get. Lots near Seattle Center will be more expensive.

"There is surface street parking but it is either metered or has two-hour limits. If you have a few minutes to drive around, you might find all-day parking for free but you'll probably have to walk a few blocks to get to the P-I. You can sometimes find parking farther up Queen Anne in the more residential areas. Again, you may have to walk a bit but if you need free, that's the price. I parked several times halfway to the top of Queen Anne. It was a long walk but it was free all day!

"I parked in a lot behind Kaspar's restaurant off Harrison last week (you have to go in via the alley off Harrison or Thomas) that was only $6 for the day. Here's a link. The blue pin is the lot.

"You can see there are tons of other lots around there and there might be some cheaper."

What time can I expect to be "finished?"

We lose the room at 6, so the formal event will end then. However, the crucial post-event session will begin promptly at the Buckley's Tavern. Sponsors will be providing drink tickets and supplying some light apps.

What if I need to come and go?

Since the event takes place on a work day for some people, we will allow you to come and go as needed. But please consider how your presence or absence will affect your teammates and plan accordingly. Some people got the day off from their job and even drove several hours to attend the first GonzoCamp. So it's important we all respect the commitment each other has made.

Deeper stuff

What is the goal of GonzoCamp?

In the midst of a broken economic model for mainstream news, what can 35 smart people from different walks of life build in a day? That is the question. The goal is to pitch ideas, pick the best two or three, then break into teams and try to build them in a day.

We actually have less than a day, actually. More like half a day. So we probably shouldn't try to solve the entire future of news in a digital world. Keep that in mind as you think about an idea to pitch.

The best we can hope for, probably, is a functioning tool or site that others can use to publish news and/or build community digitally.

Does everyone have to bring an idea to pitch?

No, but hopefully we don't have only a few people pitching several ideas. Once everyone gets their chance to pitch, we'll rank the ideas and pick the top two or three to try to develop.

If we do build something cool in a day, who owns it and what happens next?

First, it's important to remember that we will be working on ideas, not products or businesses. If a team develops something that looks like a promising product or business, it is up to them to determine how to proceed with it. Serra Media and the rest of the sponsors will not retain any ownership of intellectual property or any ensuing company coming out of GonzoCamp.

Where will projects be hosted (if they are web-based)?

Teams will have the option of building and/or hosting projects on servers they own or license. We're still looking for a sponsor to offer a hosting account for our projects, so if you know one (or are one), please contact us.

Who are the sponsors and what are their roles in GonzoCamp?

Serra Media founded the event and organizes the event with financial or in-kind support from other sponsors.

How do I contact the organizers?

You can send us email or fill out the feedback form.