I don't care that I pissed you off and I certainly don't want to work with someone like you on any event, now or in the future.

I'm only interested in learning from the smart people, not the ones who hang around and volunteer their time in an effort to collect people.

Don't being to lecture me on how I should earn respect. I don't remember asking you.

By above, I was referring to my post.

No, the above reflects my rebuttal to your comments. Your association to the "loop" or "group" likely didn't factor in to your comments. Nor mine. Inside, outside, bystander... none of these terms have much meaning anymore. I don't have much comment for your feeling of being ostracized. I can say that you were and still are one of the "original" community members/organizers, though that certainly didn't temper my response.

Yep, I'm out of the loop and not a part of the group anymore. The above reflects that.

1. I've been to all 5 Ignites in Phoenix. I can categorically say that it *always* gets better, from the perspective of an attendee or a presenter. And what's with the disdain for "newbies"? I consider it a mark of success that people I've never heard of continue to submit and present.

2. That's your argument? Really? That the look and feel is the same? And that somehow that is bad? Wow. I hope the rest of your arguments are more cogent.

3. Actually, there are dozens -- if not hundreds -- of microcosms of various burgeoning communities. Yes, Ignite is one representation. Your comments about "mainstream" tend to indicate that more people than an insular band know of the event, and that is somehow bad. I have the exact opposite opinion. If in fact it's being "lauded" by "mainstream", I see that as positive.

4. Perhaps in your limited experience. Not in mine. Plenty of time to interact with my fellow attendees during the show. Plenty of time to interact with my fellow presentors during the show. And plenty of time for the blending of those two groups during the show. Your lack of interaction may be the symptom of a greater issue.

5. [Sigh.] See comment #2. I suppose it will be either too hot or two cold next? Someone get this bear a bowl of tepid porridge, STAT!

6. It's easy to make that comment from the audience or attending virtually. Your perspective may change when you get up there and give it a shot. Yet I will concede that the audience is largely -- if not completely -- supportive of the presentors. Again, I fail to see how this is bad. They are five minute presentations. It's not debate club. Surely I can handle listening to a dissenting opinion for five minutes without feeling the need to shout "YOU LIED" in the audience. And if I can't, I can always chose that time for a bathroom break.

7. And that challenge leads to hatred?

8. That's your opinion. It's not an opinion shared by me or many -- dare I say most? -- of the attendees. And thus far, the only valid point you've raised on why YOU shouldn't attend or submit.

9. Here's your limited experience getting the better of you again. Personally, I live and breathe my presentations every day. That's part of the "passion" you may have failed to grasp. Beyond that, I've connected with people due to meeting them or hearing them at Ignite. That's long term.

10. "Lowest common denominator" implies a qualitative assessment, which you've failed to present. Even were that the case, is that a valid reason for hatred? Your word, not mine. But you're wrong. And you're also getting specific to AZ, which makes me wonder if you should change the title to add your city?

I'm all for dissent. I'm all for debate. I'm all for different opinions. Hell, I'm for just about any kind of opinion possible. Personally, I liked the old insightful Tyler. This one seems to be written by the inciteful one.

7. Technology a

7.

4. I'm talking about between audience members.

5. The presentations are too short.

6. Why shouldn't it be about success?

You cap at 1000 characters so I had to make my response here..

http://brainspool.tumblr.com/post/239286435/res...

My response, which didn't fit in the allowed character limit: http://bit.ly/2dw6wx

Why you gotta be hatin'?

Hate is such a serious word! I think you're taking Ignite too seriously. I don't think it's designed to be a heavily technical learn-something event like the rest of GeekWeek. Ignite (flash of fire) is a quick and dirty window into someone's passion. Sure, not every 5-minute-flash is interesting to everyone. I'm bored about half the time but there are always little gems of entertainment at every show.

As far as the same people running the show goes, maybe if new people volunteered the feel would change. But we all have our pet productions we're involved in and stay supportive of the rest. Which event do you volunteer for? Where is your volunteer time spent?

What do you want for free?

1. It's fun, pure and simple. Meeting new people, doing new things. Newbies ain't all trying to "make they mark". Some are just trying to share their passion with others. It's about having a good time.

2. It’s not always run by the exact same people. These people are tired of running Ignite and would love to pass it on to the next folks, but they gotta hang around and teach 'em-n-train 'em. You don't like who's running the show? Volunteer, fool. Then u get 2 b in charge.

3. Why do you try to label Ignite, i.e. "microcosm of the burgeoning geek community"? Who says that BS? Who defines what geeky really is?

4. There's plenty of interaction, dude. Before the show, during intermission, at the afterparty. The speakers I know have always been very approachable.

5. It is NOT short. It's almost 2 hrs. You want long? Go to TedXphoenix.

6. First of all, you don't go to Ignite to "succeed". You go to share. It's a beautiful thing that the audience is on the presenter's side. Where else in the world are you gonna get that?

7. Venues schmenus. The point of Ignite is passion. F the venues. We could do it in the park and it would still rock.

8. Boring people are boring. There is something of interest in every Ignite. You just ain't looking.

9. First of all, I'm still talking about the first Ignite I went 2. Secondly, it ain't gotta affect the long-term 2 b considered a success.

10. It’s not the lowest common denominator for GeekWeekAZ activities...it's for the non-geeks, too. That's another reason it is so great. Geeks and non-geeks alike can enjoy it. Maybe we shouldn't include it with GeekWeek activities if u feel so strongly about it.

If Ignite sux so bad, how come it's so popular? Why do they continue to seel out? Why are people eager to go to the next one? I mean, u ain't gotta watch it if you ain't into it. No 1 is holding a gun 2 ur head. Not every event is for EVERY1.

I know you're not really an ass in real life, you just play one on the internet cuz u like controversy, so I ain't mad at ya. I loved Ignite, both watching and volunteering.

Exceptions to every rule, you know.

This was my first ignite. My expectations were far exceeded. The venue, the pace, the interaction, the diverseness of the presentations, the community flavor, the energy during the intermission, the discussion at the after-party.... LOVED IT. I can't wait to go again. Having attended these-kind-of events in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco... I believe ignite has brought the best of Phoenix's own creative, intelligent and fun class to the stage. The organizers put on a quality event and it was original. It was very professional & how much did i cost? FREE and with VOLUNTEERS!
I can't wait to go again. TDhurst, you might want to come yourself. I just hope that when you decide to attend that you are fortunate enough to get your ticket. People are still talking about the event. There is a viral flavor still in the air. The after-event networking is still strong. Ignite Phoenix fans - I dig ya! You were a good crowd to roll with.

Why do you have poor grammar and no avatar?

why you gotta be such a hater?

If you're already a part of a clique, perhaps it’s not so fresh, but then you've got people like me:

I've been in Phoenix for 3 years and am only now motivated to explore and meet people. Adjusting from the east coast wasn’t easy for me.

I never used to be a community person. I worked, occasionally hiked, watched TV, played WoW, went to bed - just like most of the general population. Supporting my community never occurred to me. (despite my parents owning their own deli for 30 years)

The event was an eye opener. People passionate about things big and small, optimistic, genuinely friendly. I absolutely loved it. I didn't assume the speakers were scholars, but I enjoyed hearing the different perspectives. I also liked that every age group was represented - singles, families, senior citizens - all sharing a common interest.

Perhaps this event isn't as challenging to those on the inside, but I'm someone on the fringes, and it was a great introduction to what this town has to offer.

[part two of my comment]
Also? The beauty of Ignite is if you are bored, hang on five minutes more and perhaps another subject will peak your interest. You never know what you are going to get - except passion for a wide range of subject matter, creativity, & an awesome team of volunteers giving of themselves to make the whole event a success. Have you ever volunteered at Ignite Phoenix? Do you know how much hard work goes into that event? How about applauding the efforts of everyone who desires to make a difference in our community and bring us closer together in an age where it is far easier to live through the screen of our computer.

I am still talking about my presentation from Ignite Phoenix 3 [on the Art of Enjoying Food]. So are many other people. Hey, I know I wasn't profound. I wasn't eloquent. I am not a professional public speaker. But I put my heart out there, and apparently inspired some. It is *not* far too easy to succeed. It is frightening to get up there. You know, me being a "newbie" and all. I forgot half my points and about passed out. :) But my passion for my subject won out in the end and I pressed on. It provided some amazing new opportunities and incredibly lovely new contacts and friends.
Why shouldn't it be "all newbies" up there?? Isn't that the point? To ignite our community, to bring us together? How can we do that if we don't know who and what our community is made of?

We're all biased in some way. Very good points. I've never had a speaker or attendee clarify the points as succinctly as that. Very happy your experience was a good one!

I'm somewhat biased, just having presented, but I totally dig Ignite...

from a spectator's point of view:
-Entertaining (Tim Giron's Zombies, Austin Baker's 20 questions, etc.)
-Educational - learn a bit about a bunch of things
-Introduction to new people (especially the speakers, give you something to talk with them about)
-Broad appeal (can bring family/friends not interested in other events)
-Format (love the 5 minutes,18 speakers)

from a presenter's point of view:
-Allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone
-Learned a number of lessons on presenting
-Allowed me to share something I'm passionate about
-Forced me to clarify thoughts on something important to me
-Spurred me into action (doing follow up site)
-Enabled me to meet new people