Tips

Introduction
A page of tips, automatically posted to Twitter  once a day via a server script.

Tip list

 * 1) INSIGHT if you seek the trappings of a traditional conference (keynotes, etc.) then perhaps an "unconference" like SkeptiCamp isn't for you.
 * 2) INSIGHT traditional skeptic lecture events inform; open events provide us a tool to become more skilled and knowledgable skeptics.
 * 3) TIP past experience suggests that regular meetings of organizers (via Skype and/or in-real-life) is a key predictor of a successful effort.
 * 4) INSIGHT we value first-time speakers not merely to keep things fresh, but as a path towards goals of skill development & knowledge sharing.
 * 5) TIP employ your community in your promotional efforts by asking for the help of local bloggers and Twitter users in beating the drum.
 * 6) INSIGHT what is SkeptiCamp? A global, collaborative effort to adapt the participatory Barcamp conference model to science-based skepticism.
 * 7) TIP set expectations that all participants employ their critical thinking skills and ask questions of speakers during their talks.
 * 8) TIP to benefit future organizers, contribute to the "What Went Wrong" page on the wiki http://skepticamp.org/wiki/What_Went_Wrong
 * 9) TIP for events with multiple rooms, consider limiting the larger room to short talks (for most) and allow longer talks in smaller rooms.
 * 10) INSIGHT "Conference Curiosity Didn’t Kill The Proverbial Cat. It Awakened The Attendee" http://jeffhurtblog.com/2010/03/31/conference-curiosity-didnt-kill-the-proverbial-cat-it-awakened-the-attendee/
 * 11) TIP both at the start and conclusion of your open event, be sure to mention and thank any sponsors and supporters.
 * 12) INSIGHT open events can benefit skepticism at large by building a community of more articulate, skilled and better informed skeptics.
 * 13) TIP if you feel compelled to curate talks, please don't call your event a SkeptiCamp. These events are open for specific reasons.
 * 14) INSIGHT by tearing down the barriers to having substantive events, SkeptiCamp can reach places & people who otherwise would see few or none.
 * 15) TIP for a session idea, consider facilitating a group discussion on a topic of your choice drawing from expertise of participants.
 * 16) INSIGHT open events can serve as a mirror of one's group, reflecting what we're thinking about, and how we interact and develop as skeptics.
 * 17) TIP sponsor-supported custom printed t-shirts can promote future events and contribute to a sense of shared ownership among participants.
 * 18) TIP expand your skill portfolio. If you helped organize the last event, consider giving a talk at the next one.
 * 19) TIP if your "Lead Organizer" isn't coordinating efforts or scheduling meetings, then it's time to find another person to fill that role.
 * 20) TIP your event sucks because one or two people are doing all the work. Collaboration is key to great events that can occur year after year.
 * 21) INSIGHT through our registration fees we support curated lecture events; by contrast we support open events thru our active participation.
 * 22) TIP to forestall problems that might get you kicked-out, ensure all organizers are familiar with the rules of your venue.
 * 23) TIP boredom is everyone's fault. Ask questions. Keep speakers on time. Keep the pace moving quickly. Have designated downtime/breaks.
 * 24) INSIGHT in-real-life events complement social media by providing rich and substantive opportunities for interaction not found online.
 * 25) TIP the Barcamp model asks that we accommodate as many talks as the venue and schedule will allow. Consider multiple rooms and/or days.
 * 26) TIP you can host your event's site for free at our wiki. See http://skepticamp.org/wiki/SkeptiCamp_Denver_2012 for a recent example.
 * 27) TIP on the day of your event, consider 'greeter' volunteers who can direct people to the registration table and answer questions.
 * 28) TIP reduce risk of fraud in organizing your open event by keeping costs low, favoring in-kind donations & using public page to track money.
 * 29) TIP where our traditional skeptical events rely on established personalities, open events unearth the faces and ideas of our Long Tail.
 * 30) TIP in the schedule allow for breaks/downtime during the day for participants to talk and relax.
 * 31) TIP when promoting your event, avoid comparisons with our traditional events that will set the wrong expectations for participants.
 * 32) TIP sharing your organizing experience in the wiki of "What Went Right" with your event allows others to build upon your success.
 * 33) TIP speakers should show mercy for their fellow participants. Keep talks focused and solicit questions.
 * 34) INSIGHT where our traditional events focus on fueling orgs, SkeptiCamps instead focus on knowledge distribution and skill development.
 * 35) TIP good presentation tips (found in books, blogs, etc.) can enrich talks and help us to avoid common mistakes.
 * 36) TIP even if you expect to lead the organization of the event, defer the core decisions (where, when, etc.) to the kickoff meeting.
 * 37) TIP when promoting your event, openly relate the experiences (both good and bad) of past events, as documented in blogs and at the wiki.
 * 38) TIP if you're planning to charge a nominal fee to participants to offset your costs, ensure that the rules of your venue will allow it.
 * 39) INSIGHT if a Barcamp-based event doesn't work for your group, consider other 'unconference' models http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconference
 * 40) TIP to better set expectations for your next event, ask attendees to share their experiences on their blogs, podcasts, Facebook, etc.
 * 41) TIP if your talk was too short, perhaps you could offer an expanded version at your group's next Skeptics in the Pub?
 * 42) TIP encourage attendees to participate, but lay off on the pressure—allow each to freely choose their own level of engagement.
 * 43) INSIGHT if SkeptiCamp could be said to have an official book, it'd be Carl Sagan's 'The Demon-Haunted World' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Demon-Haunted_World
 * 44) TIP if your local group leadership shows no interest in an open event, don't be deterred. It happens. Organize independent of the group.
 * 45) INSIGHT those who don't see value in 'free' events may not realize that open events ask that you 'pay' through your participation.
 * 46) INSIGHT don't be offended if participants come and go during your talk. At open events we actually encourage everyone to move about freely.
 * 47) TIP for help in finding potential venues for your event, get in touch with local Barcamp (Podcamp, etc.) organizers.
 * 48) INSIGHT "The Unconference" (2006) by Jeff Jarvis http://www.buzzmachine.com/2006/03/26/the-unconference/
 * 49) TIP stumped for a topic? Perhaps speak to how you apply the tools of skepticism in your hobby or occupation (snake oil in hi-fi audio, e.g.)
 * 50) TIP many insightful experiences in organizing open events can be found at the Barcamp site http://barcamp.org/OrganizeALocalBarCamp
 * 51) INSIGHT short talks (that are effective) must necessarily be focused talks.
 * 52) INSIGHT when lecture-oriented events are all you offer your local skeptical community, passivity on their part shouldn't come as a surprise.
 * 53) INSIGHT can an open event model succeed in skepticism? Much depends on overcoming our scattered expertise and passive expectations.
 * 54) TIP don't hesitate to raise your hand to correct a speaker during their talk, but try to do so in a constructive and civil manner.
 * 55) TIP even with a primarily goal of sharing knowledge within a community, nothing prevents you from inviting local scientists and academics.
 * 56) TIP if you could not find a sponsor but still wish to offer t-shirts, consider having an option to pay for one during registration.
 * 57) TIP if you aren't giving a talk at your coming event, plan on offering one at the next one.
 * 58) INSIGHT "This Is Not Your Grandma's Conference" by Jeff Hurt (2010) http://experiente4blog.com/2010/06/21/this-is-not-your-grandmas-conference-conference-2-0-education/
 * 59) TIP Speaker Wranglers might consider inviting local bloggers and podcasters, even those outside of the skeptical community.
 * 60) TIP use signage (balloons, etc.) to direct participants to your event location.
 * 61) TIP those expecting a traditional lecture-oriented event may be confused by their role in the open and interactive conference model.
 * 62) INSIGHT our big skeptical conferences have value, but only a minority of us can overcome the barriers to attend. We must do better.
 * 63) TIP if your lead organizer is editing graphics, ordering food, etc., ask them to step back and focus on delegation and coordination.
 * 64) INSIGHT if leadership of your local group doesn't consider member development (via open events) a priority, consider an independent event.
 * 65) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp is an ongoing project to develop an event model which focuses on distributing knowledge within communities of skeptics.
 * 66) TIP if you had signed up but cannot attend your local event, please remove your name from the list of participants to make way for others.
 * 67) TIP do not abuse SkeptiCamp. Speakers using bait-and-switch will find their talks derailed and morphed into group discussion.
 * 68) TIP first-time organizers take note. Regularly-scheduled planning meetings leading up to event have proven important predictor of success.
 * 69) QUESTION in what ways do open events reflect our communities? What does it say about those who choose to participate (and those who do not)?
 * 70) TIP Speakers: if your slides will be posted online (SlideShare, etc.) please let us know so that we can avoid having to take so many notes!
 * 71) TIP don't pay mere lip-service to collaboration. SkeptiCamp will burn-out quickly if we don't approach organization as a team effort.
 * 72) INSIGHT allowing anyone to speak at an open event may sound naïve, but the policy is deliberate, providing both opportunities and challenges
 * 73) INSIGHT social media (Twitter, etc.) offer experiences that complement (but cannot yet replace) the in-person interaction that events offer.
 * 74) INSIGHT many will attend traditional events to validate (rather than challenge) their views. Will this happen with open events as well?
 * 75) TIP newbie organizers struggling in their efforts might ask if they're fighting the Barcamp model rather than adopting its tested practices.
 * 76) INSIGHT to understand how SkeptiCamp events might scale, we can look to and learn from the larger Barcamps.
 * 77) INSIGHT why an event model? To avoid the complexity and financial risk of trad approaches and instead place repeatable events within reach.
 * 78) INSIGHT if you aren't encouraging interaction and discussion during talks, perhaps another event model might be a better fit (Ignite, etc.)?
 * 79) TIP even with specific organizers focusing on speaker wrangling, finding good speakers remains a shared effort open to all.
 * 80) TIP no one speaker is indispensable. With interaction and discussion, your event can succeed with most any slate of speakers.
 * 81) TIP because you can expect questions during your talk, make your main points at its outset as you may otherwise run out of time.
 * 82) TIP if you're giving a talk, consider staying for the entire day. You may have more to contribute (and learn) than your brief time on stage.
 * 83) INSIGHT traditional, curated events often feed the status quo; open events threaten to disrupt it.
 * 84) INSIGHT open events are not for everyone. Don't read too much into those who choose not to participate.
 * 85) TIP when soliciting for talks, don't yield to the bias of badgering only friends and acquaintances. Venture outside your comfort zone.
 * 86) INSIGHT open events can often be organized with a total budget smaller than the individual registration fee of a traditional conference.
 * 87) INSIGHT if you're planning to have an official photographer, consider asking that photos be posted with CC licensing (for free distribution)
 * 88) QUESTION with an open, interactive format, are speakers less (or more) likely to make controversial claims?
 * 89) INSIGHT interactive and participatory events provide value in ways that differ from larger marquee events where little is asked of attendees
 * 90) INSIGHT amateur organizing efforts notably lack professional experience and must necessarily compensate through collaboration.
 * 91) TIP option of self-organized scheduling requires that speakers arrive early to "get a slot on the wall" where they select a time and room.
 * 92) TIP so the session was too short? Take your questions and discussions out into the hallway.
 * 93) INSIGHT open events uniquely provide a shared burden for first-time speakers. You are not alone in being anxious about giving your talk.
 * 94) INSIGHT unconferences feature 'the law of two feet', meaning that you should feel free to abandon one talk for another http://www.deborahschultz.com/deblog/2006/07/the_law_of_two_.html
 * 95) TIP anticipate common questions and concerns. For example, your event page should make it obvious how to contact organizers.
 * 96) INSIGHT for various reasons (such as cost) only a tiny minority of self-identified skeptics will attend our larger, traditional events.
 * 97) INSIGHT open events set no specific agenda for skepticism, but rather provide another tool from which direction and priorities can emerge.
 * 98) INSIGHT organizing a large traditional event requires skills and financial resources that lie beyond the reach of most part-time amateurs.
 * 99) TIP even with specific organizers focusing on promotion, publicizing your event remains a shared effort open to all.
 * 100) INSIGHT why open events? To discover and develop members of your local community.
 * 101) INSIGHT SkeptiCamps are not driven by celebrity speakers, but rather by those of us in the Long Tail of skepticism.
 * 102) INSIGHT we say that these events are 'open' in that their organizers will collaborate on key decisions (date of event, venue, etc.)
 * 103) QUESTION should SkeptiCamp prove to be a success, launching dozens (more?) of events around the world annually, how does that change things?
 * 104) QUESTION what are the measures of success of open events? Number of attendees? Number of speakers? First-time speakers? Repeat events?
 * 105) INSIGHT of the many measures of the success of a group, open events suggest that among the most prominent should be 'member engagement'
 * 106) TIP at end of the day, encourage speakers to post their slides to Slideshare (or similar service) and link from your Event Page.
 * 107) INSIGHT ego will be a factor at any event. Open events blunt ego by making things less speaker-centric and more conversational.
 * 108) TIP angry that certain topics were discussed at a recent open event? Consider participating in your next local event to add your voice.
 * 109) TIP be sure to provide a clear session title and description for your talk to reduce the risk of walkouts and awkward questions.
 * 110) INSIGHT the Barcamp model might be the most democratic way to organize a conference, providing events sustainable from year to year.
 * 111) TIP feel free to share any of the tips from this feed. You can find the full list at http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Tips
 * 112) TIP groups in cities that aren't yet hosting an annual open event should at least discuss what it might offer their members.
 * 113) TIP if sending attendees out for lunch, schedule a popular speaker afterwards to entice everyone's prompt return.
 * 114) INSIGHT 'open' events do not mean anything goes, but rather that the agenda and discussion is driven by participants (not organizers)
 * 115) INSIGHT why open events? To improve the SkeptiCamp model so that we can have substantive events everywhere.
 * 116) TIP temporarily silence doors with tape on latches. Be sure to remove the tape at the conclusion of your event.
 * 117) INSIGHT the Barcamp model owes its wild success to its narrow focus on the collaborative planning of simple and repeatable events.
 * 118) INSIGHT featuring both substantive and social dimensions, open events gain your local group "glue" to bind together your other efforts.
 * 119) TIP set expectations of your attendees to enable them to get the most out of our interactive, open events.
 * 120) INSIGHT compensate for your lack of experience as an organizer by learning from the experiences of Barcamp (and SkeptiCamp) organizers.
 * 121) TIP don't hide your organizing efforts in private email. Where possible keep them public, such as via Twitter or in a wiki-based Event page.
 * 122) TIP once your event is complete, please help document our history by adding it to the Event Archive http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Event_Archive
 * 123) TIP ensure that you at least have a hallway (or better yet a comfortable lounge) where discussions among participants can occur.
 * 124) TIP to keep things moving forward, ask your local group(s) to sponsor your open event rather than be directly involved in its organization.
 * 125) INSIGHT to "phone in" a talk at an open, interactive event isn't likely to be tolerated by your fellow participants.
 * 126) INSIGHT why not employ these events to raise funds for organizations? Because we risk failing to meet central goal of distributing knowledge
 * 127) TIP finding it difficult to organize your event? You may be doing it wrong. Discuss problems with organizers in other cities.
 * 128) INSIGHT our early adopters are learning much about organizing these events. Don't silo that knowledge. Share via wiki so others can benefit.
 * 129) TIP open, interactive events can provide rich opportunities to exercise one's critical thinking skills and apply the tools of skepticism.
 * 130) INSIGHT BarCamps are the open equivalents of trad conferences, in which top-down planning is replaced with a bottom-up self-organized model.
 * 131) TIP have you a personal issue with one of the organizers or participants? These events are as close to neutral ground as you'll find.
 * 132) INSIGHT regional events can provide a substantive and inexpensive introduction to skepticism and our community.
 * 133) TIP though open events aren't focused on 'celebrity' speakers, they're welcome to join in on the fun. No special treatment however.
 * 134) TIP create dedicated social media accounts for your event (Twitter, etc.) to share news and communicate with participants.
 * 135) TIP imposed group activities, such as asking individuals to introduce themselves, are anathema to the voluntary participation of open events
 * 136) INSIGHT open events win not through perfection, but rather by having GOOD events that can be sustained yearly and replicated anywhere.
 * 137) TIP resist the urge to plan every detail! A relaxed & adaptable approach will often produce better results than one that is formal & rigid.
 * 138) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp adapts the open technical conference called "Barcamp" to the domain of contemporary skepticism.
 * 139) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp serves as a reflection of our community as well as our desire to share information among ourselves.
 * 140) TIP did someone drop the ball in your event's organization? These are open events where anyone can step forward to pick it up!
 * 141) TIP problems with no-shows? Next time consider prominently featuring your list of participants to encourage a commitment to attend.
 * 142) TIP quiet the door (with tape, etc.) to allow participants to enter/exit during the session with minimal disruption.
 * 143) INSIGHT at curated events, organizers drive the quality of experience for attendees. For open events, attendees drive the quality control.
 * 144) INSIGHT events based on traditional formal models might be viable for established groups, but are unsustainable for smaller, informal groups
 * 145) INSIGHT what are the priorities of your local skeptical community? Open events can provide a glimpse into what its members care about.
 * 146) TIP what specifically drives your passion for science and skepticism? Build a talk around that topic to share with your fellow skeptics.
 * 147) TIP encourage questions DURING talks to address misinformation where it will count the most. There may not be enough time at end of talk.
 * 148) INSIGHT talk is cheap. You might have great ideas for an event, but nothing beats actually organizing and participating in one.
 * 149) TIP because you can expect questions during your talk, move your important points to its beginning in case you run short of time.
 * 150) TIP consider an incremental promotion strategy. A choice morsel of information each day will have greater impact than everything at once.
 * 151) INSIGHT in 2009 Edinburgh Skeptics hosted the first SkeptiCamp outside of North America.
 * 152) TIP a reg service like EventBrite serves as an alternative to the wiki but may hide list of participants and limit turnout as a result.
 * 153) TIP ask influential skeptics to promote and participate in your local event, to contribute their experience & to interact with the speakers.
 * 154) INSIGHT though we may validate our skepticism through the lectures of our traditional events, we can also exercise it through open events.
 * 155) INSIGHT how to run a useless conference, by Seth Godin (2005) http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2005/11/how_to_run_a_us.html —conferencing as a way to change people's behavior.
 * 156) INSIGHT by adopting open events you pursue untapped talent in your community as well as providing avenues for everyone's growth as skeptics.
 * 157) INSIGHT open events can include the young who might otherwise be excluded from social events or lectures taking place in bars and taverns.
 * 158) QUESTION in what ways do open events compete with our larger, traditional events? In what ways do they complement them?
 * 159) TIP after the event, speakers might consider rewriting their talk for publishing, such as in a magazine or group blog.
 * 160) TIP a secondary, smaller room can accommodate longer, more in-depth sessions than in a larger main room.
 * 161) TIP find a skilled volunteer to produce your event graphics. You'll likely need them for shirts, presentations, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
 * 162) INSIGHT since its launch in 2005, there have been Barcamps in over 350 cities around the world. (SkeptiCamps in 24+ cities since 2007.)
 * 163) TIP note that attempts to bait-and-switch one's topic are subject to derailment by your fellow participants through in-talk discussion.
 * 164) TIP organizing efforts begin with a Kickoff Meeting featuring the http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Kickoff_Meeting_Agenda (tweaked to your needs)
 * 165) TIP help promote SkeptiCamp (and your local community of skeptics) by wearing your shirt to other skeptical and science events.
 * 166) TIP if serving food, consider a vegetarian option in the menu.
 * 167) INSIGHT we promote openness in that anyone with something to contribute or a desire to learn is welcome and invited to participate.
 * 168) INSIGHT Barcamps are known for eclectic mixes of cutting edge presentations not found at traditional events. Can SkeptiCamp do the same?
 * 169) INSIGHT lacking a viable model that stood within reach of informal groups, we should not have been surprised at the paucity of events.
 * 170) TIP Speaker Wranglers: contact local paranormal/UFO/crypto groups to present their best evidence, but don't be snarky about it.
 * 171) INSIGHT your group's open events are all its own, helping to build an identity and stake a claim in the future of skepticism.
 * 172) INSIGHT open events impose only enough structure to keep them from flying off the tracks.
 * 173) TIP during event sign-up, make it clear to users what data will be posted publicly. Many won't wish to share their email to all, for example
 * 174) INSIGHT what do you need to host your first SkeptiCamp event? A free venue and moderately-high expectations of your fellow skeptics.
 * 175) TIP with "open" scheduling the day starts with a short introductory session followed by each speaker choosing their own room and time slot.
 * 176) TIP at beginning of day, announce any event tag to use for posted pictures, video, tweets, etc. (#vanskepticamp, e.g.)
 * 177) INSIGHT tech communities around the world have held over 1,000 Barcamps in 350 cities since 2005. A nice goal for skeptics, no?
 * 178) TIP so you attended a SkeptiCamp and hated it? These events reflect our community. Next time, try giving a talk and asking more questions.
 * 179) INSIGHT why open events? To distribute knowledge and benefit from the experience and expertise within your community.
 * 180) TIP have a backup projector handy just in case a bulb burns out (or other technical problem) occurs.
 * 181) INSIGHT "We Participate, Therefore We Are" by Jeff Hurt (2010) http://jeffhurtblog.com/2010/07/27/participate-therefore/
 * 182) INSIGHT there is an 'i' in SkeptiCamp but no 'we'. This is clearly an oversight. Move along. Nothing to see here.
 * 183) TIP though participants may be science literate, don't assume that they identify as skeptics. Don't assume that all skeptics are atheists!
 * 184) TIP all organizers and participants each play a part in creating 'buzz' for your open event through blogging, podcasting, Twitter, etc.
 * 185) TIP for early morning events, having coffee and snacks available can be an inexpensive and appreciated touch.
 * 186) TIP chat with attendees after the event to identify problems and strengths. Share them in the wiki for the benefit of other organizers.
 * 187) INSIGHT organizing annual open events demonstrate your interest in developing and increasing ownership within your local skeptic community
 * 188) TIP in burying your list of participants, you limit their ability to serve as a driver of the turnout you seek. Keep them front and center!
 * 189) INSIGHT because curating speakers is often political and a barrier to organizing, open events instead recruit and cajole to build diversity.
 * 190) INSIGHT does your local community of skeptics have any value? If so, what are you doing to unearth and develop that value?
 * 191) TIP featuring a keynote or celebrity speaker may drive attendance, but it will set the passive expectations of a traditional event.
 * 192) TIP you learn much from organizing an event of your own. Rather than hoarding your hard-won xp, share it through the wiki.
 * 193) INSIGHT Chicago's Skepchicamp in 2010 was the first to feature a band. Is that awesome or what?
 * 194) INSIGHT why not charge money to attend? We wish to set expectations that you 'pay' by helping to organize, offering talks and participating.
 * 195) INSIGHT open event models must overcome the barriers to having events as well as the barriers that keep them from growing.
 * 196) TIP for a cheap venue for a first-time event, consider a meeting room at a library or community center.
 * 197) TIP whether or not you have sponsor logos on the back of the t-shirt is up to the conference organizers. Some like them, others do not.
 * 198) INSIGHT if you REALLY want featured speakers at your event, investigate other conference models that should prove to be a better fit.
 * 199) INSIGHT if you wish to curate the speaker roster to decide who can speak and who cannot, then the SkeptiCamp conference model is a poor fit.
 * 200) TIP if your event is growing, you might consider multiple rooms or multiple days. Both have their pros & cons. Collaborate on the decision.
 * 201) TIP consider joining forces with another speaker to collaborate on a joint talk.
 * 202) TIP please help promote this feed by sharing (retweeting, etc.) the tips and insights you find most valuable.
 * 203) TIP find a volunteer blogger to chronicle your event, summarizing the talks and discussion, etc. (with licensing allowing free distribution)
 * 204) INSIGHT sharing knowledge through open events comes naturally to domains (tech, e.g.) where tools, knowledge and skills are available to all
 * 205) TIP is one open event per year not enough? Why not encourage other cities in your region to host and travel to participate in their events?
 * 206) TIP a "Master of Ceremonies" keeps the day moving, fills the gaps between speakers and allows the Lead to continue coordinating.
 * 207) TIP if attendees are paying for shirts, don't plaster them with sponsor logos. Also keep the cost low and don't use as a fund raiser.
 * 208) TIP a secondary room can host sessions that appeal to a minority of attendees (niche or micro-topics.)
 * 209) TIP keep your content interactive. Long videos are not. Reading from books is not. Lectures are not. Soliciting questions is.
 * 210) TIP when choosing a date for your event, ensure it doesn't conflict with local events, sports games, concerts or national skeptical events.
 * 211) TIP keeping your event open means that you should never require participants to donate to or join an organization.
 * 212) TIP don't dim the lights so much that it discourages interaction between speaker and participants.
 * 213) TIP choose a venue that allows participants to come-and-go during talks with minimal disruption.
 * 214) TIP consider using a wiki page (rather than a dedicated site) as your Event Page. It has worked successfully for hundreds of Barcamps.
 * 215) INSIGHT open events avoid an odd contradiction of our traditional events, where high registration fees discourage participation by the young
 * 216) TIP ask what sort of event you seek (size, diversity, etc.) It may determine whether or not you send out a press release to the local media.
 * 217) TIP participating at an open event is not an entitlement, but a privilege. Organizers can kick you out at their discretion.
 * 218) TIP so long as safety isn't an issue, it's the duty of participants to turn a bad talk into a useful discussion, or suffer until it's over.
 * 219) INSIGHT open events can attract nutty speakers. What to do? Consider it a learning experience. Derail awful talks w/questions & discussion.
 * 220) INSIGHT "Eight Ways to Vary Your Conference Seating and Improve Your Attendee's Experience" by Jeff Hurt (2010) http://jeffhurtblog.com/2010/05/25/eight-ways-to-vary-your-conference-seating-and-improve-your-attendees-experience/
 * 221) INSIGHT open events provide opportunities for skeptics to exercise their critical thinking skills in an interactive setting among friends.
 * 222) TIP if you plan to charge a nominal fee to attend, don't play favorites. Ensure everyone, esp those organizing and giving talks, pay the fee
 * 223) INSIGHT hosting an annual open event increases the visibility of your local skeptical community as participants share in its promotion.
 * 224) INSIGHT curated events can feature 'safe' speakers who validate the views of their paying attendees. Open events offer no such assurance.
 * 225) TIP review your event page (or website) regularly to fix any errors, remove spam and clarify any ambiguities.
 * 226) TIP domain expertise for speakers is not necessary, but do be conversant with your topic from multiple points of view & solicit corrections.
 * 227) TIP "Respect your fellow organizers. Respect their time, and appreciate what they contribute to make this happen." http://web.archive.org/web/20120107035555/http://www.cleverclevergirl.com/?p=10
 * 228) TIP if you're traveling, you might find out if there's a skeptical group along your way who might be interested in listening to your talk.
 * 229) INSIGHT open events reflect our local communities, providing a range of opportunities for all to engage, or to remain conspicuously absent.
 * 230) INSIGHT why do open events encourage first-time speakers? They gain us access to ideas that might otherwise be lost.
 * 231) TIP reduce barriers to signup. Whether using a wiki, web form, spreadsheet or service, also provide an email address to submit one's details
 * 232) INSIGHT because open events reflect your community (both the good and bad) we ask that talks be interactive to compensate for cruddy ones.
 * 233) QUESTION what else could we do to improve the quality and substance of our events without taking away their openness?
 * 234) TIP prominently feature your list of attendees! Many will decide to attend your event based upon others attending http://jeffhurtblog.com/2009/07/30/is-social-the-new-conference-black-are-attendee-lists-the-new-allure/
 * 235) TIP choose a venue with couches or other seating outside the room(s) for those taking a break from the talks.
 * 236) QUESTION do our traditional lecture-oriented events continue to reinforce passive forms of engagement? Or are they changing?
 * 237) TIP a list of SkeptiCamp-specific Twitter accounts can be found at http://twitter.com/skepticamp/camps Tweet me to add yours.
 * 238) TIP a traditional event scales in size by finding a larger room. SkeptiCamps grow with MORE SPEAKERS, requiring more rooms and/or days.
 * 239) TIP planning meetings that are infrequent, poorly organized, poorly promoted, and closed add substantial risk to your event.
 * 240) TIP "In-person meetings are overrated. Unless you all need to view the space [...], keep it online." http://web.archive.org/web/20120107035555/http://www.cleverclevergirl.com/?p=10
 * 241) TIP while we encourage your active participation at open events, we nevertheless want you to be the one to choose your level of engagement.
 * 242) INSIGHT "the ability to engage in free-flow conversations spurred from user-driven content was incredibly empowering" http://marketingsmack.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/the-tao-of-bar-camp/
 * 243) TIP Long Tail events complement our trad events by expanding opportunities, perhaps even driving the growth of the 'head' of skepticism too.
 * 244) INSIGHT reserving questions for the end of a talk (as with trad lecture) raises difficulty of correcting speaker where context is often lost
 * 245) INSIGHT among the innovative 'unconference' formats, we chose to adapt Barcamp, as it has seen wild success since the first Barcamp in 2005.
 * 246) TIP to fill the minutes between talks needed for presentation setup, Colorado events have employed multi-round trivia contests.
 * 247) TIP should you charge a nominal fee to attend your open event? Ask how it will affect turnout, participation, attrition, satisfaction, etc.
 * 248) INSIGHT by breaking down the walls separating organizer, speaker and attendee, you build a shared responsibility in your event's success.
 * 249) TIP consider labeling talks as introductory (or advanced) to better set the expectations of participants.
 * 250) INSIGHT unique among conference models, Barcamp-type open events don't require the support or backing of formal organizations.
 * 251) TIP in organizing, experiment as you see fit, but try to share and learn from the experience of others (in the wiki, etc.)
 * 252) QUESTION what are the benefits of developing the Long Tail of the skeptical community, such as through open events?
 * 253) TIP when composing slides, speakers should keep in mind that less is (most often) more.
 * 254) TIP the SkeptiCamp Rule: be prepared to cite your sources on any claim likely to be challenged.
 * 255) TIP Speakers must take questions during their talks, even if it means they run out of time.
 * 256) TIP be transparent in your finances! Post your expense report publicly at your event site and notify all those who submitted donations.
 * 257) INSIGHT the promise of SkeptiCamp lies in substantive skeptical events in dozens of cities around the world every year.
 * 258) INSIGHT open events can fail in big and small ways. In planning your event, review the mistakes listed at the wiki to avoid repeating them.
 * 259) INSIGHT open events can serve as "glue" to bind together other forms of skeptical education and activism.
 * 260) TIP excessive collecting of personal information during sign-up can serve as a barrier to participation. Collect only what you need.
 * 261) INSIGHT open events don't require the involvement of a formal organization. Instead, they only need to draw together interested participants
 * 262) INSIGHT humble beginnings: Atlanta's first SkeptiCamp in 2009 took place in a Boy Scout meeting hall.
 * 263) INSIGHT contrast open events with traditional events, where questions only occur at end of lectures, when time is short and context is lost.
 * 264) TIP in promoting your event, emphasize a local focus (Meetups, etc.) but be sure to plug it on social media (Twitter and Facebook) as well.
 * 265) INSIGHT it's okay to criticize the shortcomings of your recent event, but couple your words with greater involvement at the next one.
 * 266) INSIGHT how can open events occur year after year? By relying on a collaborative model that tears down barriers to organizing events.
 * 267) TIP those who are not self-identified skeptics are welcome to participate, but talks should relate to theme of science and skepticism.
 * 268) TIP according to Atlanta SkeptiCamp organizer Taylor Proctor, the second rule of SkeptiCamp is to BE AWESOME.
 * 269) TIP purging nutty or awful speakers from your roster is an option, but perhaps an open event isn't what you're after?
 * 270) TIP if you harbor expectations about how an open event should be run, don't pester the organizers, but rather become one.
 * 271) INSIGHT though SkeptiCamp is borne of the highly-successful Barcamp, we expect to improve upon it -- to serve as a model for other domains.
 * 272) TIP are established speakers reluctant to offer a talk at your open event? Try to find out why. Articulate the goals of your event.
 * 273) INSIGHT we have little idea of the value that is present in our own communities. Barriers exist to keep it from being discovered & developed
 * 274) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp doesn't aim to change the world, but rather to promote the distribution of knowledge within communities of skeptics.
 * 275) TIP network with local organizers of open events (Barcamp, etc.) to learn of potential venues, sponsors, etc.
 * 276) TIP on your Event Page, feature all of your participants whether they are speaking or not. Together they create buzz and increase turnout.
 * 277) TIP consider closing your event with a fun session, such as a skeptic-themed trivia contest to wind down from the intensity of the day.
 * 278) TIP your Event Page (or site) should be updated regularly to build confidence that planning is actively moving forward.
 * 279) TIP for a taste of what a first-time event can be like, listen to Episode #97 of the Skepticality Podcast http://traffic.libsyn.com/skepticality/097_skepticality.mp3
 * 280) TIP by sharing one's organizing experiences in the wiki (skepticamp.org) we avoid repeating mistakes and can build upon our successes.
 * 281) QUESTION could our large traditional events benefit from evenings of open talks? (as fringe events, Birds of a Feather, etc.)
 * 282) TIP being a sponsor does not entitle you to give a 20 minute sales pitch. Talk with organizers to see if your talk will be a good fit.
 * 283) TIP sharing your organizing experience in the wiki of "What Went Wrong" helps future organizers to avoid repeating your mistakes.
 * 284) TIP speakers shouldn't gamble on perfect projection. As a backup, bring a high-contrast PDF version of your slides on a thumb drive.
 * 285) TIP if you have multiple rooms, encourage participants to move between them freely, even during talks (but without being disruptive.)
 * 286) INSIGHT through SkeptiCamp we seek to make the distribution of knowledge within communities of skeptics the norm rather than the exception.
 * 287) TIP plan for ample downtime and breaks to allow participants to interact (check email, use restroom, etc.) outside the talks.
 * 288) QUESTION will traditional lecture-oriented events (and purely social events) be sufficient to grow the skeptical community going forward?
 * 289) TIP because national skeptic organizations are often strapped for cash, ask them to sponsor by contributing swag and books instead.
 * 290) INSIGHT what sort of churn do you see in your local group (meetup, etc)? Are you giving members a reason to come back and grow as skeptics?
 * 291) INSIGHT at our traditional events, consider that the most interesting content may not be in the main hall but rather in hallway discussions.
 * 292) INSIGHT "Four Steps to Overcome Conference Attendee Resistance to Active Participation" by Jeff Hurt (2010) http://jeffhurtblog.com/2010/04/29/four-steps-to-overcome-conference-attendee-resistance-to-active-participation/
 * 293) TIP because you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of participants, be sure open your talk by encouraging questions.
 * 294) INSIGHT the first cross-event participant/speaker is Don Lacey, who gave talks at events in Phoenix and Denver in 2009.
 * 295) INSIGHT experiment with the conference model, but in doing so be sure to consider the xp of the thousands who preceded you as an organizer.
 * 296) TIP avoid coupling your event to activist causes (esp protests) that will deter participation. Keep it focused on knowledge sharing.
 * 297) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp is not for everyone. Don't blame them. It's me, really.
 * 298) QUESTION some Barcamp derivatives (Eventcamp, e.g.) serve as "innovation labs" to explore new ideas. Will SkeptiCamp play such a role?
 * 299) TIP after the event, organizers should meet to discuss what went right and what went wrong http://skepticamp.org/wiki/What_Went_Right http://skepticamp.org/wiki/What_Went_Wrong
 * 300) TIP choose a venue where the seating arrangement encourages discussion and interaction. http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Organizing_a_SkeptiCamp_Event#Pick_a_time_and_place
 * 301) INSIGHT "The sum of the expertise of the people in the audience is greater than the sum of expertise of the people on stage." --Dave Winer
 * 302) INSIGHT Clay Shirky's "Here Comes Everybody" (2008) strongly influenced the early development of SkeptiCamp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_Comes_Everybody
 * 303) INSIGHT some skeptic group might give a 'session-oriented' unconference a try http://www.scottberkun.com/blog/2006/how-to-run-a-great-unconference-session/
 * 304) TIP at end of day, be sure to re-thank your sponsors.
 * 305) INSIGHT an open event is a vote of confidence in your local community of skeptics. It's a commitment to their development and growth.
 * 306) TIP is the event always scheduled when you're busy? Consider getting involved in organizing the next one where you can influence the date.
 * 307) INSIGHT your passive community members will often need to experience open events first hand to understand the benefits of knowledge sharing
 * 308) TIP must-read set of Barcamp tips for SkeptiCamp organizers: http://lalunablanca.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/barcamp-tips/
 * 309) QUESTION how does skepticism change with the proliferation of tools (open events, etc.) that enable each of us to engage & grow as skeptics?
 * 310) INSIGHT skeptical paranormal investigators @parabaxter and @ghostchaser spoke at the first SkeptiCamp event in Denver in 2007.
 * 311) TIP don't feel the need to check your ego at the door for your talk, but keep in mind that it could be a liability with interactive format.
 * 312) TIP Speaker Wranglers should consider contacting academics from local educational institutions to participate.
 * 313) INSIGHT open events provide your group a tool to mine the knowledge and experience of your membership.
 * 314) INSIGHT "Lessons learned at FOO Camp 2010" by Scott Berkun http://wp.me/p4vkk-1lF (many good ideas from the conference that led to Barcamp)
 * 315) TIP as a goal, your venue ought to accommodate all the speakers who wish to give a talk.
 * 316) INSIGHT in-person events offer opportunities to make connections and start friendships in ways that complement social media sites.
 * 317) INSIGHT through SkeptiCamp we seek to replace the non-interactive lecture with the interactive talk.
 * 318) TIP SkeptiCamp takes open events based on BarCamp into new territory, contributing the knowledge and critical thinking skills of skepticism.
 * 319) INSIGHT central to development of SkeptiCamp is lowering the barriers to organizing substantive skeptical events. We want them EVERYWHERE.
 * 320) INSIGHT at open events no speaker is entitled to a captive audience. During talks, attendees will ask questions and move between rooms.
 * 321) TIP what will you do if a 9/11 "Truther" signs up to do a talk? Remind the attendees that the quality control lies in their asking questions
 * 322) TIP when posting event news and updates to social media, customize the message for effective presentation (no #tags on Facebook, e.g.)
 * 323) INSIGHT why don't SkeptiCamp events feature celebrity speakers? Because we focus on distributing knowledge within communities of skeptics.
 * 324) TIP shirts and food are great, but don't let them stand in the way of you having an event.
 * 325) TIP to sit passively in the back row is to miss out on much of the value of these events. Next time move up and ask questions of speakers.
 * 326) INSIGHT more rooms don't simply allow for more talks, they allow for simultaneous discussions.
 * 327) TIP promotion of your open event is a shared burden. Talk about it at other events. Ask podcasters and bloggers to plug their appearances.
 * 328) INSIGHT rethinking conferencing for skepticism must necessarily swim upstream against decades of formal lecture-oriented tradition.
 * 329) TIP without new blood you risk stagnation. Consider "Speaker Wranglers" to promote first-time speakers and the participation of outsiders.
 * 330) TIP not having a timekeeper to keep the speakers within their time limits risks antagonizing your participants.
 * 331) TIP "Assign tasks quickly to those who say they want to help. Be direct, be open, and be thankful for their help" http://web.archive.org/web/20120107035555/http://www.cleverclevergirl.com/?p=10
 * 332) TIP collaboration is the key to great open events that can sustain themselves from year to year.
 * 333) INSIGHT there is value in the traditional lecture format (it scales nicely, for example) but it's a poor fit for open events.
 * 334) INSIGHT talks both eclectic & unexpected prove to be a major draw for open events. Skepticism's breadth is impressive: http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Session_Ideas
 * 335) TIP to thank your sponsors, consider setting up a slideshow loop to play before the day begins http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/06/saying-thanks-i.html
 * 336) QUESTION what are the most effective ways to deliver criticism during an open event?
 * 337) TIP 10 Tips For More Effective Presentations, a free eBook by Jon Thomas http://www.presentationadvisors.com/resources/Presentation-Tips-PA.pdf (pdf)
 * 338) TIP is your event attendance growing (or shrinking) over the course of the day? Take the time to find out why and share it in the wiki.
 * 339) INSIGHT creating a conference format from scratch isn't likely to prove sustainable. Hence we chose to adapt the wildly-successful Barcamp.
 * 340) INSIGHT events in traditional curated lecture-oriented model have value, but fail in discovering and developing our Long Tail.
 * 341) QUESTION how do open events compare to Large Group Awareness Training seminars, such as in their structure and goals? (we hope not at all!)
 * 342) INSIGHT @reedes may have played a role in getting SkeptiCamp off the ground, but it's up to the community to develop and refine the model.
 * 343) INSIGHT if you're concerned about having first-time or untested speakers at your event, you might find other conference models a better fit.
 * 344) INSIGHT SkeptiCamps are informal, community-organized conferences borne from the desire for people to share & learn in an open environment.
 * 345) TIP if there was an official SkeptiCamp anagram, it would be "CasketPimp"
 * 346) INSIGHT open events reflect the weaknesses and divisions within our community as well as our strengths. They are us.
 * 347) TIP so you didn't like the date or location of your recent event? Why not get involved in the event's organization next time?
 * 348) INSIGHT organizers of open events endeavor to create participatory spaces where knowledge can be distributed within communities.
 * 349) INSIGHT as with any new idea, each of us will project our own desires and goals onto these events. That's fine so long as they're kept open.
 * 350) TIP allow time for networking before your event starts. Recruit the idle and bored to help set up the room.
 * 351) TIP if you're charging more than a nominal fee to attend, or using fees for non-event purposes, please don't call your event a SkeptiCamp.
 * 352) TIP to ensure speakers arrive prepared, any conditions that might impact their preparation should be communicated WEEKS before the event.
 * 353) INSIGHT open events tear down the barriers to having events, reducing the hassle, the complexity and the politics of organizing.
 * 354) INSIGHT Edinburgh in the UK in 2009 was the first SkeptiCamp outside of North America.
 * 355) TIP promote your event using popular social media tools (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
 * 356) TIP as the lead of the event, do you find yourself micromanaging? You're doing it wrong. Focus on delegation and coordination.
 * 357) TIP no organizer is indispensable. Events have succeeded even with the departure of key organizers (for personal reasons, etc.)
 * 358) TIP what topics are acceptable for your talk? Any of the hundreds (thousands?) relating to science and skepticism. http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Session_Ideas
 * 359) TIP these events are not fund raisers for your organization. People 'pay' through their participation where the goal is sharing knowledge.
 * 360) INSIGHT while outreach has never been our central goal, you might ask what you can do to make your event more welcoming to curious outsiders
 * 361) TIP if leading a group discussion, you don't have to be an expert in your topic, but can draw upon the expertise found among participants.
 * 362) INSIGHT steps to great events: first, tear down barriers to organizing by amateurs. Second, build upon experience. Third, grow and improve.
 * 363) INSIGHT unlike our trad events that feature a curated agenda, open events feature an agenda driven by the interests of their participants.
 * 364) TIP "Collaboration Tips and Tricks" by Collaboration King (2010) http://collaborationking.com/collaboration-capital-tools/2010/7/30/simple-collaboration-tips-and-tricks.html
 * 365) TIP Speaker Wranglers: extroverts often give talks given the opportunity. Demand more. Seek out first-time speakers & the underrepresented.
 * 366) TIP using a wiki for your Event Page offers convenient updates, but you must nevertheless monitor for spam and malicious edits.
 * 367) INSIGHT why does the burden of quality control fall upon the attendees? To maintain openness and to reduce the organizing effort.
 * 368) TIP asking all participants to briefly introduce themselves at start of day will be seen as an imposition. Do consider name tags, however.
 * 369) TIP be sure to arrive on time if scheduling and room assignments are selected by the speakers themselves on the morning of your event.
 * 370) TIP speakers might consider giving their talk a second time at a local school, church, nursing home, fraternal or community organization.
 * 371) INSIGHT with the right tool (Barcamp, e.g.) the burden of organizing substantive events comes within reach of informal groups of skeptics.
 * 372) INSIGHT traditional lecture-oriented conferences (CSICon, eg) can be of great value, but serve largely as passive experiences for attendees.
 * 373) TIP if you plan to physically separate speakers and attendees (via a "Green Room", etc.) perhaps it's not an open event that you're after?
 * 374) TIP find a venue where the room(s) allow interaction and discussion during talks http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Organizing_a_SkeptiCamp_Event#Pick_a_time_and_place (skepticamp.org)
 * 375) INSIGHT where some conference models optimize towards complexity or scalability, Barcamp focuses on lowering barriers to participation.
 * 376) INSIGHT open events can provide an entry point for new skeptics, to learn the methodology and understand how we ask questions.
 * 377) TIP experiment with the conference model, but be sure to ask whether you're promoting the basic ideas underlying open, participatory events.
 * 378) TIP multiple rooms not only allow for more talks, but also provide participants more choices (in addition to conversations in the hall.)
 * 379) INSIGHT featuring lectures (SitP, etc.) can attract new members to your group, but at risk of perpetuating passive engagement among members.
 * 380) TIP contact local bloggers and podcasters (even those outside of skepticism) to encourage them to offer talks at your event.
 * 381) TIP to reduce planning hassle, employ a free (or low-cost) conferencing tool (Google Hangouts, Skype, e.g.) to host your planning meetings.
 * 382) TIP to lower the barriers for first-time speakers, consider having a second, smaller room to host their talks.
 * 383) TIP the measure of success of your open event is not head count. Rather it's measured in the level of participation. Grow next year.
 * 384) TIP potential speakers shouldn't hesitate to push the limits of topics considered a good fit, though no abusive or disruptive content.
 * 385) INSIGHT open skeptic events are organized in spite of disinterest on the part of leadership of local groups. Own your community's future.
 * 386) TIP if sponsorship isn't feasible or desired, find a venue near restaurants so that you can send attendees out for lunch.
 * 387) TIP because video streaming/recording change the dynamics of an event by erecting barriers to speak, consider having a 2nd camera-free room.
 * 388) TIP the ideal way to participate at a SkeptiCamp open event is to give a talk on a topic that drives your passion for science and skepticism
 * 389) TIP to encourage sign-up at the wiki for registration and talks, have plenty of extra "add your name here" lines at the end of each list.
 * 390) INSIGHT we call SkeptiCamp a conference 'model' but it could just as well be thought of as a tool for leveraging the Long Tail of skepticism
 * 391) TIP too many questions during your talk to get your main points in? Next time, consider moving those points to the start of your talk.
 * 392) TIP resist the ownership of organizing roles. Through rotation (or ideally by giving a talk instead) you build resiliency.
 * 393) TIP promotion is a shared responsibility for organizers & participants. Remember the first rule of SkeptiCamp is to talk about SkeptiCamp!
 * 394) INSIGHT through SkeptiCamp we seek to expand the opportunities of our Long Tail to contribute in substantive ways.
 * 395) TIP if you've recently played a role as organizer, consider asking organizers of coming first-time events if they have any questions.
 * 396) INSIGHT why open events? To grow as a skeptic through learning to organize events, exercising your critical thinking skills and giving talks
 * 397) TIP scheduling talks can be tricky and political. Study Barcamps for successful practices, such as where speakers choose their own slots.
 * 398) TIP be sure to add your event to notification services, such as Upcoming, Eventful, Facebook, etc.
 * 399) TIP to reduce the risk of early departures, let attendees set their own pace and level of involvement and participation.
 * 400) TIP if you aren't asking questions, you aren't participating. You may think the speakers are the event, but in actuality YOU are the event.
 * 401) TIP consider giving a talk at your next open event. If none, why not organize one?
 * 402) INSIGHT by distributing knowledge within communities of skeptics we enrich those communities and promote ownership in their development.
 * 403) TIP to contribute to this tip feed, contact skepticamp@gmail.com to gain access to protected page at http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Tips
 * 404) TIP a secondary room can accommodate first-time speakers who would not otherwise speak because they find the main room intimidating.
 * 405) INSIGHT build on the experience of the hundreds of Barcamp events (and dozens of SkeptiCamp events) by studying how they were organized.
 * 406) INSIGHT curating talks raises barriers to organizing events. Open events instead encourage interaction to deter and mitigate the bad.
 * 407) TIP to promote free discussion during lunch, consider avoiding tables and instead treat it as a big coffee break.
 * 408) TIP if your Event Page can only be updated by a select few organizers, you risk fewer updates and stagnation. Consider a wiki next time.
 * 409) TIP because these are interactive events, be sure to warn speakers that extended video clips or reading text will generally not be allowed.
 * 410) INSIGHT traditional events rely on experienced organizers. SkeptiCamps are organized by amateurs who must necessarily rely on collaboration.
 * 411) INSIGHT the first SkeptiCamp originated as an experiment by a young meetup group in Denver in 2007.
 * 412) TIP the first rule of SkeptiCamp is to talk about SkeptiCamp.
 * 413) INSIGHT the "Barcamp Rules" provide a glimpse into Barcamp culture (e.g., "If it's your first time at Barcamp, you have to speak")
 * 414) TIP provide multiple ways to get in touch with organizers, including a dedicated email account. Consider Twitter, Facebook, etc. too.
 * 415) TIP allow for breaks with sufficient time for participants to step outside to stretch their legs, smoke, converse, use restroom, etc.
 * 416) TIP angry that certain people will be participating at an upcoming open event? Why not attend to counter their nonsense?
 * 417) TIP if you only have one room the "Law of Two Feet" dictates you step into the hall. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Two_Feet
 * 418) QUESTION how can open events increase the diversity and reach of skepticism?
 * 419) INSIGHT you may have led the organization of your last open event, but that does not confer ownership or entitle you to lead future events.
 * 420) TIP most attendees will participate at a SkeptiCamp event by asking questions of speakers. Encourage them to give a talk at the next event.
 * 421) TIP shirts can be sponsor-supported or opt-in (where interested parties can pre-pay using Paypal (or similar) to fund a low-cost printing.)
 * 422) INSIGHT read about the early development of SkeptiCamp at Grassroots Skeptics. http://ohioskeptic.com/grassrootsskeptics/?p=554 (in three parts)
 * 423) TIP in promoting your event, be sure to ask around for potential sponsors. Ask for donations 'in kind' where possible to reduce accounting.
 * 424) INSIGHT what is the value of your local community of skeptics? What are you doing to develop your members and discover their talent?
 * 425) TIP in the weeks leading up to the event, offer sessions for speakers to practice their talks (ATL introduced such "SkepBOOTcamps" in 2010.)
 * 426) TIP no organizer or participant is indispensable when it comes to the success of your event. Move on if someone drops out.
 * 427) TIP thinking about organizing an open event? Stand on the shoulders of the thousands who came before you by reading about their experiences
 * 428) TIP because scheduling can be political and tricky, study the scheduling practices of Barcamps for tested and proven approaches.
 * 429) INSIGHT Barcamp is only one of several alternative 'unconference' models that might be worth exploring for skepticism.
 * 430) TIP for our best events, organizers held regularly-scheduled meetings in weeks/months leading up to event. Via Skype or in person.
 * 431) TIP Speaker Wranglers: stay on top of those who have committed to speak. Ensure that they will be prepared on the day of the event.
 * 432) INSIGHT our traditional lecture events feature speakers and attendees. In contrast, we have 'participants' at our interactive open events.
 * 433) TIP authors: rather than pitch your book (or worse yet to read from it) share with us your passion for the ideas within & why you wrote it
 * 434) TIP any given topic for a talk can be approached from at least one angle: summary, investigation, book review, personal experience, etc.
 * 435) INSIGHT by tearing down the barriers to organizing open events, these events can cross language and geographical barriers.
 * 436) INSIGHT we strongly discourage fund raising at SkeptiCamp events because it distracts from the central goal of knowledge distribution.
 * 437) TIP asking questions to derail bad talks allows good talks to be derailed as well. Organizers can eject disruptive participants if needed.
 * 438) TIP nailed your talk? Consider offering an expanded version at a local library, school, nursing home or luncheon group.
 * 439) TIP Barcamps are known to be fast-paced and intense, offering new ideas and interactivity. We should demand no less for our open events.
 * 440) TIP be transparent and public in your organizing efforts so that others can benefit from your experience.
 * 441) TIP don't expect that our open and interactive events will translate as well to video as our lecture-oriented traditional events.
 * 442) INSIGHT open events can benefit your local group by providing 'glue' to bind together your other disparate efforts.
 * 443) TIP "Ten Steps to Organizing a Barcamp" remains chock full of good tips & available in six languages http://web.archive.org/web/20120107035555/http://www.cleverclevergirl.com/?p=10
 * 444) TIP nervous about speaking? Your talk didn't go as well as you hoped? Don't be discouraged. Plan to fix those problems at the next event.
 * 445) TIP to prepare yourself for the event, review the speaker roster and get up to speed on the topics (via related Wikipedia articles, etc.)
 * 446) TIP do not abuse SkeptiCamp. These events are not fund raisers for your organization. Attendance should be free, or at nominal cost.
 * 447) INSIGHT what happens when you combine the intensity of Barcamp with the tools of skepticism? This is the experiment of SkeptiCamp.
 * 448) INSIGHT "Be the Candle in the Dark" was an early SkeptiCamp catchphrase adapted from Carl Sagan's "Science as a Candle in the Dark"
 * 449) INSIGHT while we encourage participation, no one is entitled to participate in an open event, particularly if safety is jeopardized.
 * 450) TIP a venue with free wireless (and good 3G reception) will allow use of social media, live blogging and fact-checking of suspicious claims.
 * 451) INSIGHT "Let Attendees Be Participants" by Scott Gould http://scottgould.me/let-attendees-be-participants/
 * 452) INSIGHT open events opt for a lightweight structure to place them within reach of informal groups of skeptics anywhere around the world.
 * 453) INSIGHT you recruit for diversity in speakers (incl first-timers) to grow members, spread ownership, gain new ideas and keep things fresh.
 * 454) QUESTION how do local groups change with the availability of new tools (open events, etc.) to develop their membership?
 * 455) INSIGHT Barcamps are known for introducing new ideas and voices that might be unknown to curators of traditional tech events.
 * 456) TIP are you an actor? Consider the challenge of a talk that demands much of an audience whose critical thinking skills have grown soft.
 * 457) INSIGHT if you must diverge from the open model (such as to curate talks) then please don't call your event a SkeptiCamp.
 * 458) TIP avoid basements for venues—at least those without free wifi connectivity.
 * 459) TIP Speaker Wranglers: contact scientists who work in local publicly-funded institutions—they may be keen to reach out to taxpayers.
 * 460) TIP experimentation by organizers is encouraged, but please keep your event open and share your experience via the wiki.
 * 461) TIP don't curate speakers by deciding who can and cannot speak. Instead, recruit broadly from within your community and without.
 * 462) INSIGHT by design, SkeptiCamp has no agenda beyond asking for open, interactive events where talks stick to topics of science & skepticism.
 * 463) TIP for Event Pages, wikis aren't perfect. However they offer an openness and transparency unmatched by non-editable websites.
 * 464) INSIGHT open events discourage the curation of talks to reduce barriers to organizing, to better reflect our community & to avoid favoritism
 * 465) INSIGHT open events can benefit you by providing a rich range of opportunities to grow as a skeptic in ways that can fit your busy life.
 * 466) TIP different approaches exist for scheduling talks for open events. With some, speakers choose their slots. In others, organizers decide.
 * 467) TIP to those giving talks, keep in mind that these events are about interaction. Please try to stick around for the whole day.
 * 468) TIP speakers at an open event shouldn't expect a captive audience. These events are ruled by the "Law of Two Feet" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Two_Feet
 * 469) TIP infrequent updates to an Event Page (or site) suggests a lack of transparency in organizing (or worse yet, a dead event.)
 * 470) TIP first-time events should be simple and focus on participation. Skip the food, sponsors and t-shirts. You can grow next year.
 * 471) INSIGHT to see open events as "low rent" copies of our traditional events is to miss their value in development, participation and reach.
 * 472) TIP if you plan to give away door prizes, consider assigning participants numbers at registration.
 * 473) TIP an unexpected gap in the schedule? Why not fill the gap yourself by leading a discussion on a topic of your choice?
 * 474) INSIGHT local groups with missions (fighting local woo, e.g.) may be valuable, but effectiveness is limited without development of members.
 * 475) TIP consider bringing a backup projector to your event, as you might experience a bulb burnout, overheating, or other technical problem.
 * 476) TIP if you're streaming audio/video, ask people who are AT THE EVENT to pause the stream to reduce bandwidth usage.
 * 477) INSIGHT to promote open events relatively free of politics, established groups might think of themselves as sponsors rather than organizers.
 * 478) TIP as open events are participant-focused, be sure to promote your participants (including blogs, Twitter, etc.) on your event page.
 * 479) TIP as an amateur organizing your first event, start simply and stick with the basics. Allow yourself time to gain the xp to do more later.
 * 480) INSIGHT the largest recorded BarCamp happened in January 2010 with over 2,700 attendees in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
 * 481) TIP organizers should show mercy for the participants. Organize to keep the event moving and the annoyances to a minimum.
 * 482) TIP a secondary room can include more discussion and interaction than might be practical in the main room (which may be a lecture hall.)
 * 483) TIP infrequent updates to your Event Page (or site) risks lower turnout, where potential participants may consider your event to be dead.
 * 484) TIP in promoting your event, set expectations by explaining how these events differ from our traditional lecture-oriented events.
 * 485) TIP does the speaker stink? Ask some questions already! Epic bad? Turn the session into a group discussion.
 * 486) INSIGHT open events might not fix the problems of your community (or group) but they can offer a disruptive tool to move things forward.
 * 487) INSIGHT our traditional curated speaker-driven events have value, but shouldn't be confused with our participant-focused open events.
 * 488) TIP "Don’t over-complicate things. Don’t let other people over-complicate things." http://web.archive.org/web/20120107035555/http://www.cleverclevergirl.com/?p=10
 * 489) TIP SkeptiCamp is a community property. Help document your event by writing, taking photos, blogging and spreading the word.
 * 490) TIP if you're asking attendees to pay for shirts, you'll probably want to exclude sponsor logos.
 * 491) TIP keep the speaker's line of sight free of distractions. Shut doors. But don't dim lights so much it discourages interaction.
 * 492) TIP not having Speaker Wranglers to encourage first-time and outsider speakers risks having your extroverted members dominate your roster.
 * 493) TIP the attendees are the quality control. Don't rely on the organizers to filter-out those who go off-topic or spew nonsense.
 * 494) TIP the Lead Organizer should avoid taking on tasks herself and instead focus on coordinating the efforts of others. http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Lead_Organizer
 * 495) INSIGHT one of the largest recurring Barcamps features hundreds of attendees and dozens of concurrent sessions http://minnestar.org/minnebar/
 * 496) TIP funding your venue, t-shirts & food can be accomplished through fundraisers, nominal registration fees but (preferably) sponsors.
 * 497) INSIGHT the first band to play at a SkeptiCamp was "Tense Kids" at Skepchicamp in 2010.
 * 498) INSIGHT interactive and informal events provide opportunities to explore and discuss ideas that are not fully developed.
 * 499) TIP organizers can collaborate not only among themselves, but can share their experience with those in other cities through the wiki, etc.
 * 500) TIP on the day of your event, consider having the MC or an organizer offer a short talk describing how to get the most out of open events.
 * 501) TIP so you think the speaker's idea is dreadful? Instead of privately bitching, why not speak up to start a discussion to improve it?
 * 502) INSIGHT regional events provide substantive experiences for those who cannot afford the time or expense of traveling to national events.
 * 503) INSIGHT participants at open events offer talks to share what they know and to learn from others though questions and discussion.
 * 504) TIP please send corrections or ideas for this tip feed to skepticamp@gmail.com
 * 505) TIP after the event, speakers should contact podcasters to see if they're interested in interviewing you about the topic of your talk.
 * 506) TIP announcing a 'Call for Organizers' and scheduling a kickoff meeting is your very first step towards a successful event.
 * 507) INSIGHT ad hoc approaches to event planning don't accumulate practices from which others can benefit. Learn from and share via the wiki.
 * 508) TIP organizing these events in a visible & transparent way so others will be comfortable stepping into a organizer role at a future event.
 * 509) INSIGHT if you insist on curating the talks for your event, perhaps it's not an open event you're after?
 * 510) TIP if you plan to lead a group discussion, promote it beforehand so that interested participants can better prepare for the topic.
 * 511) TIP whether as an email or a tweet, attendees can provide feedback to organizers. Better yet, become an organizer at the next event.
 * 512) INSIGHT through SkeptiCamp we seek to have events in places and among people where otherwise there would be few to none.
 * 513) INSIGHT at our traditional events, attendees spend most of their time passively listening. At open events we focus on active discussion.
 * 514) TIP first events should be small, simple and done on the cheap without sponsors. Focus on participation and collaboration. Grow next year.
 * 515) TIP 25 Signs Your Event Sucks http://www.slideshare.net/tojulius/25-signs-your-event-sucks-presentation (slideshare)
 * 516) TIP organizers collaborate not only among themselves locally, but with others around the world through the wiki.
 * 517) TIP so others can benefit from their experience, organizers should discuss what went right (& wrong) and contribute a summary to the wiki.
 * 518) TIP organizers can consult with their local Barcamp organizers for tips on venues, sponsors, etc.
 * 519) INSIGHT in 2008, BC Skeptics hosted the first SkeptiCamp outside of the United States.
 * 520) TIP multiple room cons: need more coordination; limited venues; still should have big room to hold everyone at start of day
 * 521) TIP multiple room pros: allow for more speakers in a day; give attendees choices; and smaller rooms for bashful first-time speakers
 * 522) TIP epic bad speakers may prompt the Master of Ceremonies (MC) to step in and moderate a discussion on the speaker's topic.
 * 523) INSIGHT It's early yet, but we expect that open events will complement the traditional curated lecture-style events.
 * 524) INSIGHT "opening my arms to embrace the whole room I said 'This is your panel'" - Dave Winer http://www.scripting.com/stories/2010/03/06/jeffJarvisAndBloggercon.html
 * 525) TIP if you don't blog, consider giving a talk at your open event. If you do blog on skeptical topics, consider yourself obligated to do so.
 * 526) TIP attending an open event is often free or at nominal cost. You 'pay' through your participation, by giving a talk or helping to organize.
 * 527) TIP to reduce A/V hassle ask presenters to bring their slides in a PDF on a thumbdrive.
 * 528) INSIGHT why do open events encourage first-time speakers? They inject enthusiasm & foster a culture of openness rather than calcification.
 * 529) TIP sponsors can provide venue, t-shirts, food, etc. to enrich an event. But they are not critical to simple, first-time events.
 * 530) TIP speakers might consider publish their slides with a Creative Commons license at SlideShare to allow others to build upon them.
 * 531) TIP organizing a SkeptiCamp should never be a solitary effort even for the smallest of events. Collaboration is key.
 * 532) TIP your list of attendees is a primary attraction for your open event. Feature them on your Event Page along with their blogs, sites, etc.
 * 533) TIP while we encourage everyone to offer a talk, organizers will say 'no' to those that are off-theme, redundant, abusive or disruptive.
 * 534) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp was first launched by members of the Denver Skeptics Meetup, an informal group only several months old.
 * 535) TIP for larger events, consider using a service (Meetup, Amiando, EventBrite, etc.) to manage your registrations, fees, donations, etc.
 * 536) TIP depending on your venue and event size, you may need event insurance. (A good question for your local Barcamp organizers.)
 * 537) TIP to benefit future organizers contribute to the "What Went Wrong" page on the wiki http://skepticamp.org/wiki/What_Went_Wrong
 * 538) TIP ask local science institutes, labs and university departments for speakers. Many are publicly funded and seek outreach opportunities.
 * 539) INSIGHT "What is an Unconference?" (2006) by Dave Winer http://scripting.wordpress.com/2006/03/05/what-is-an-unconference/
 * 540) TIP Encourage speakers to move their main points to the start of their talks in case they run out of time due to questions and discussion.
 * 541) INSIGHT these events are open to all, including those hostile to skepticism. However, we won't tolerate abusive or disruptive behavior.
 * 542) TIP if not on a good transit route, set up carpooling to/from the event.
 * 543) TIP Speaker Wranglers can draw from a wide range of experience—from the newbie skeptic to the battle-scarred veteran.
 * 544) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp differs from most of our traditional lecture-oriented events in that speakers must take questions DURING their talks.
 * 545) TIP to benefit future organizers, please contribute to the "What Went Right" page on the wiki http://skepticamp.org/wiki/What_Went_Right
 * 546) INSIGHT these events are about you, providing rich opportunities to learn from others and to share your knowledge.
 * 547) INSIGHT Barcamp has solved most of the problems involved in organizing grassroots conferences. Pay it heed. Build upon it. Improve upon it.
 * 548) INSIGHT we say that these events are 'open' in that anyone can speak on a topic of their choice (within the theme of science and skepticism)
 * 549) INSIGHT traditional events provide an opportunity to hear our 'A-listers' speak. Open events allow us to learn from those in our Long Tail.
 * 550) TIP to reduce insider/outsider awkwardness, provide name tags at registration table & encourage everyone to wear one. Include @twitter name.
 * 551) TIP see a list of earlier SkeptiCamp events at our Event Archive page on the wiki http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Event_Archive
 * 552) INSIGHT we seek to develop relationships with sponsors as a long-term goal, allowing events to scale in size & integrate in our communities.
 * 553) TIP talks that impart hard-won experience are as valuable as those that offer new ideas and enthusiasm.
 * 554) TIP anxious about speaking? Ask organizers to favor a venue with a smaller side room where you can offer your talk in an intimate setting.
 * 555) INSIGHT open, collaborative events aren't held as a service to the community. Open events ARE the community and a reflection of US.
 * 556) TIP solicit the participation of a skilled photographer to document your event. Tag photos with a designated event tag (#vanskepticamp, eg)
 * 557) INSIGHT with over 1000 Barcamps in 350 cities around the world since 2005, we're building on a highly successful open conference model.
 * 558) TIP do not abuse SkeptiCamp. Adhere to the core values of openness, participation & collaboration, or please call your event something else.
 * 559) INSIGHT open events are not intended to serve as a "Farm League" for our traditional events, though we have seen some cross-fertilization.
 * 560) INSIGHT 90% of SkeptiCamp is drawn from Barcamp. We tweak the model to better meet the needs of the skeptical community.
 * 561) TIP need an idea for a talk? Consider covering a local legend, oddity or personality.
 * 562) INSIGHT where professionals organize our traditional events, amateurs organize our open events and must compensate through collaboration.
 * 563) TIP when promoting your event, emphasize the various ways one can contribute to the effort.
 * 564) TIP to increase buy-in among organizers, defer core decisions concerning date, venue, etc. until your kickoff meeting. Collaboration is key.
 * 565) INSIGHT quality control at traditional events falls upon their curators. At open events that burden falls upon attendees asking questions.
 * 566) TIP sitting in the back row and not asking questions is a sure path to boredom at any event. Interaction is central feature of SkeptiCamp.
 * 567) TIP speakers must take questions during their talks even if it means they risk running out of time. Move key points to start of your talk!
 * 568) TIP so you didn't like the speakers or topics at your open event? Next time, consider helping to recruit speakers & offering a talk yourself
 * 569) TIP please help promote this tip feed by retweeting the posts you've found most valuable.
 * 570) TIP for abusive, disruptive or otherwise troublesome speakers, the MC shouldn't hesitate to issue warnings or cut their talks short.
 * 571) INSIGHT starting that first event, even if small and imperfect, is a first step toward bigger things.
 * 572) TIP build upon social media networks (Twitter, etc.) to promote your event. Emphasize that your event and its promotion is a shared effort.
 * 573) INSIGHT SkeptiCamp is borne from Barcamp - a way of organizing open events that distribute knowledge within a community.
 * 574) TIP if not serving food at the event, be sure that people know beforehand. Provide printed directions to nearby restaurants.
 * 575) TIP at your event be careful of assumptions you make about your fellow skeptics. They may not share your views on politics or religion.
 * 576) INSIGHT to ensure the long term success of an open event conference model, its organizers must share their experiences (thru the wiki, etc.)
 * 577) TIP if providing a meal or snacks at your event, check with your venue to see if you need to go through specific caterers.
 * 578) INSIGHT the bargain of SkeptiCamp is that through your participation you gain substantive events where often you would have few or none.
 * 579) TIP organizers set the length of talks and should be crystal clear on policy from early-on so that speakers can prepare.
 * 580) INSIGHT Barcamp is a conference model accessible to small and informal groups anywhere around the world. We adapt it to skepticism.
 * 581) INSIGHT first SkeptiCamp event occurred on the same weekend James Randi, PZ Myers & Eugenie Scott attended "SciFoo" unconference in Calif.
 * 582) TIP if you're going to charge for t-shirts, consider skipping the sponsor logos on the back. Few will want to pay to advertise.
 * 583) INSIGHT these events are self-organized, meaning if you have certain expectations of the event, you must get involved to ensure they're met.
 * 584) INSIGHT "I wanted to try something different, a conference where there were no speakers, no panels, no audience." - Dave Winer
 * 585) TIP at the start of your event, consider giving a short explanation of what skepticism is and what it is not, to help those new to the idea.
 * 586) INSIGHT to get the most from open events requires that we learn from the experiences of other organizers and participants.
 * 587) INSIGHT why do open events encourage first-time speakers? To provide opportunities to grow and share ideas in a relaxed, open environment.
 * 588) TIP we appreciate your help in handing out t-shirts, but consider doing a talk next time. Seriously. Do a fracking talk.
 * 589) INSIGHT don't just criticize the arguments of others. Stick your neck out to make your own and solicit feedback from others.
 * 590) INSIGHT by design, open and interactive events shift the burden of quality control from the organizers to the attendees (thru asking q's)
 * 591) TIP first events can be modest in size. Colorado's first event had 30+ attendees & Vancouver's merely 15. Subsequent events have grown.
 * 592) TIP choose a venue with free WiFi and encourage attendees to live tweet/blog your event.
 * 593) INSIGHT while events can be fun and informative, the friendships, ideas & collaborations that emerge from them can have far reaching impact.
 * 594) INSIGHT an open event model is a poor fit for organizers who seek to micromanage and dictate speakers, content and scheduling.
 * 595) TIP nailed your talk at SkeptiCamp? Consider making yourself available via the Skeptical Speakers Bureau http://ohioskeptic.com/grassrootsskeptics/?page_id=648
 * 596) INSIGHT at open events we promote audience members to "participants" - for whom we must set expectations to engage in the discussion.
 * 597) TIP ask attendees to post all pictures/video with your designated event tag (#vanskepticamp, e.g.)
 * 598) TIP introductory talks should be negotiated to early in the day (or to their own room) to provide context for those new to skepticism.
 * 599) INSIGHT open events that focus on collaboration and participation can provide a yardstick of activity for skepticism in your region.
 * 600) TIP if recording (via audio/video) ensure individual speakers are comfortable with their session being recorded.
 * 601) TIP when selecting a venue, ensure it will have enough chairs and tables. You'll probably need extra tables. Visit it beforehand!
 * 602) TIP SkeptiCamps are open in that topics are chosen not by the organizers (or a curator) but rather by their presenters.
 * 603) TIP because these events are free - or at nominal cost - we encourage everyone to contribute in some way, ideally by giving a talk.
 * 604) INSIGHT asking that everyone participate in a substantive way promotes ownership which in turn fuels participation.
 * 605) TIP why should you speak at SkeptiCamp? Because you know stuff that others can benefit from. SkeptiCamp is about distributing knowledge.
 * 606) TIP if multiple rooms, the larger one should ideally be large enough to hold all participants at start/end of day.
 * 607) INSIGHT Seth Godin on "The new standard for meetings and conferences" http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/05/the-new-standar.html "Interact or stay home!"
 * 608) TIP Speaker Wranglers: when reaching out beyond the skeptical community for speakers, be sure to explain what you mean by skepticism!
 * 609) TIP your event sucks because the SAME people are organizing it from year to year. Rotate roles and be transparent in your organizing.
 * 610) TIP those sitting quietly in the back row are missing a golden opportunity to exercise their critical thinking skills. Ask questions!
 * 611) INSIGHT while ad hoc approaches to event planning can produce results, they are rarely repeatable. An event model gains us sustainability.
 * 612) TIP why should your group host an open event? It's an opportunity for your members to stake a claim in your group's future.
 * 613) INSIGHT Speaker Wranglers are the evangelists of SkeptiCamp, promising potential speakers recognition & fun in exchange for offering a talk.
 * 614) TIP contact local magic clubs about your event, asking for a presentation on misdirection, cold reading, spoon bending, etc.
 * 615) INSIGHT lecture-oriented events encourage passive consumption. Open and interactive events encourage creative production.
 * 616) INSIGHT through SkeptiCamp we seek to promote the distribution of knowledge within communities of skeptics.
 * 617) INSIGHT while open events can endure without sponsors, learning to cultivate local sponsorship is our path towards larger venues & turnouts.
 * 618) TIP if you have too many speakers, apologize to those who cannot speak and resolve to have more rooms or days at the next event.
 * 619) INSIGHT through SkeptiCamp we seek to provide substantive opportunities to exercise one's critical thinking skills.
 * 620) INSIGHT when promoting your event to a new audience, be sure to mention that it's not a kid's camp. That can be a point of confusion.
 * 621) TIP if you don't plan on providing food, be sure to warn attendees ahead of time so they can plan their meals accordingly.
 * 622) INSIGHT Barcamps are known for being fast-paced, substantive and fun. We should aim for nothing short of that for our open events.
 * 623) INSIGHT our traditional events feature the (often) over-exposed "head" of skepticism. Open events unearth our neglected "Long Tail."
 * 624) TIP your event sucks because the audience sits quietly not asking questions of speakers. Set expectations for interactive events.
 * 625) TIP scale your open event by studying larger Barcamps and consulting with their organizers.
 * 626) TIP a prominent list of participants can actually drive attendance. Allow each to specify their involvement, presentation topic, blog, etc.
 * 627) TIP is a speaker injecting partisan politics where you think it's unwarranted? Don't bitch about it silently. Raise your hand to ask why.
 * 628) INSIGHT a speaker roster that lacks diversity is not the fault of the underrepresented. It is a problem we all own and must take seriously.

Which tip is posted?
The tip of the day selected is determined by a simple calculation.

The tip_number to post for the day is calculated simply:

tip_number = ( ( base_offset + days_since_epoch ) mod tip_count ) + 1

For example, if the date is April 7th, 2010, it is 14,706 days since the epoch. If base_offset of 41 with a tip count of 56, then

tip_number = ( ( 41 + 14706 ) mod 56 ) + 1 = 20

where tip number 20 (of 56) will be the tip of the day.

Or more commonly, you'll modify the list and wish to calculate a specific base offset to resume from where you left off...

base_offset = tip_count + tip_number - ( days_since_epoch mod tip_count ) - 1

Example

base_offset = 56 + 20 - ( 14706 mod 56 ) - 1 = 76 - 34 - 1 = 41

There are websites that can provided the number of days since the epoch. Here's a perl command to do so

perl -e 'printf qq{%d\n},time/86400'

Configuration
(please keep these lines intact, though you can change the base offset as you add new tips to the list)

base_offset=124

twitter_user=skepticamp