Barcamp Leeds 2008

I’d like to thank everyone for putting on such a good event this year, tho maybe trying to fill 2 days was a bit of an error (I expect the open street map guys thought it was ace), I thoroughly enjoyed both days, learned lots of new stuff and met some great people.

I’ll start in reverse with the end of day 2 if that’s OK as its fresh in my memory – Schedule is here.

Day 2

• Introduction to Textmate - An apple based text editor that’s code centric and has some brilliant features. Luckily for us PC boffins there’s a PC version called E Text Editor which is a faithful port of the Mac version and works just as well. Seriously, if like me you spend 99% of your time out of Dreamweaver in a more code based editor (I use the bog standard Notepad) give this a go… it could change your life.
  
   
• Secret Stuff - A discussion from a geek chick about the ‘secret’ goings on at BAE, namely true UAV’s that fly around without human direction. I apologise for making wise cracks about ‘when is Sky Net going live as i plan to find somewhere safe to hide’ and my general geekyness about new aircraft as I closely followed the x-prize between Boeing and Lockheed when it came to pitching for the Joint Strike Fighter.
  
   
• Surreal Presentations – Basically pick a topic, Google for a Powerpoint about it and present your findings in a funny way – great fun!
  
   
• Business 2.0 – Basically a brain-storming session about how a more business focused, support based forum could be generated on the Geekup/Barcamp template where business owners can get together to discuss and get help with sticky situations. I thought this was a great idea and will happily share my 8 years experience in running a small studio with anyone who participates.
  
   
• Ask The Hodge – 2 questions, How and Why… Don’t think Dom got around to answering either (probably called me a smart arse)
  
   
• Breakfast - Yum, I hadnt had time to eat

Day 1

• Games, Beer and Pizza – (drink, drink, eat, eat) Whoah… think I should be going home now.
  
   
• Startup Mistakes
• Build an Iphone App in 20 mins
• Affiliates 101
• Lazy web
• Link Building for SEO
• Design Vs Usability
• SEO Is Evil

Famewhore images: Me, Me. Mopre soon as people post them up to Flickr