Starting the Conversation Anywhere

While spending my hours on the phone with friendly airline folks trying to get Shel Israel cookies & milk delivered to his middle seat, I’ve been watching the blog feeds coming rolling by.

I saw an interesting post from Dave Winer a few minutes ago about some HyperCamp idea sneaking or something. The post is here, but the only thing it does is link here which you should take a look at.

His picture is an interesting idea:

The larger thing that is interesting (to me anyway), is the discussion underneath the image as well as the information surrounding the image. For example, as of the time I looked, 4,727 had gotten there first. The comments (well done, Dave, you participated/answered) were 4 months old until 20 minutes ago when a new comment just popped up.

There are a number of interesting observations here.

First, using Flickr as a discussion board, well there you go, score one for unintended consequences. It points out that conversations will start anywhere and that, overtime, every web site/service will have, as an features, comments/discussions.  The management of all of those comments? Alerts? Figuring out what matters, etc? Lots of opportunities in that pile.

Second, the visual aspect. Dead simple to get what Dave is talking about and easy to have a conversation about it.  This one has some a quiet message in it for everybody doing applications, services or anything that touches the public; use pictures not words and be ready to answer the questions.

It’s an interesting blend of his blogging tool, flickr, and a discussion thread.

Now, this notion of “bloggers” and (or versus) “pros”, jezz, don’t get me started. 

As for the rest of this hypercamp thing, I think somebody should start geek scouts. You have to go to all these camps (Foo, Bar, Un, Hyper, Joe, Blow, etc) and for each one you get a merit badge.  Instead of selling cookies, you sell web services.  Instead of being an eagle scout, you are a Bronze, Silver or Gold Level Nerd, with the appropriate pocket protector worn with pride. Have chapters around the world, etc, etc. 

Yep, I’m still on hold.  Why, does it show?

Comments

[Startups.in]

Seems pretty vague at this time.
Just a commercial web2.0 PR platform aka commercial camp ? ;-)

Regards,
NagB /at/
Startups.in

[Rick Segal]

Well, Nag, I never say never. You'd be shocked at how much money late night infomercials are making, even today. Thanks for stopping by the ol blog.

[Startups.in]

I agree. "Make hay while the sun shines" seems to be the order of the day.

Looking forward to read more on your trips :) Will be interesting to get a first hand perspective with what's happening around the world :)

Wish you well.

Regards,
NagB /at/
Startups.in

[Shel Israel]

So are we, Nag. That's why we want to go hang out with smart people and then figure out what is going on all over the world.

[imarketing manager]

Nice