The idea behind JavaOne Camp was to
create an environment in which participants could share concerns,
ideas, and proposals about whatever was on their minds. Initially,
the theme of the camp -- billed as an unconference -- was the
direction in which people saw the Java platform evolving and where
they hoped it would go. But an unconference is based on the needs of
the participants, not on those of the people who set it up.
JavaOne Camp was organized on the Open Space technology model, which
is a simple way to run productive meetings of from five to more than 2000
people. The focus is on getting right to the needs of the
participants and then using their concerns as discussion topics.
The rules, if they can be called that, were written on paper and
taped to the wall:
- Be prepared to be surprised.
- Law of Two Feet: If you're not learning, use your two feet. (Respectfully, of course.)
- Principles of Open Space:
- Whoever comes, these are the right people.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
- Whenever it starts is the right time.
- Whenever it's over, it's over.
- The Drivers of Open Space:
Generally, Open Space events begin with a brainstorming session among
all participants. Group members write down ideas, and the group
decides on main topics to discuss. Participants then divide into
small groups, each going to an area of the room where members can
discuss the assigned topic. At any time, participants may wander off
to talk with other groups.
But on Tuesday, the first night of the JavaOne Camp this year, those
plans had to change. Although some 60 people registered for this event,
a mere handful showed up. Even so, discussion focused on the needs of
the individuals and was interesting, even more so because of the
participants' enthusiasm.
The first topic was the confusing number of options now available to
developers in the web space. How do you go about choosing a
replacement for Struts? There are so many frameworks available now,
all purporting to do so much. How do you decide which to try?
Participants compared two possibilities: Use Ruby -- or JRuby -- on
Rails, and use Groovy. The developers then discussed their biggest
concern: As with any new technology, how steep will the learning
curve be? If you already know Ruby, then Ruby or JRuby on Rails would
be a good choice, they decided. But if the Java programming language
is the only or main one you know, then Groovy would make more sense,
because it is an agile dynamic language for the Java platform.
The next topic of concern was that of social technologies, such as
the Java Community Process (JCP) program, especially since the open
sourcing of the JDK in late 2006. Participants wondered what the
governance will be and who will decide on its form and structure.
Several people expressed the concern that Sun might have more say in
this than anyone else, but one of Sun's OpenJDK ambassadors was on
hand. The ambassador explained that the JCP program is run by members
and will continue to be, and that governance for how the OpenJDK
project is formed is also up to those who decide to get involved.
In addition, the participants discussed MySpace versus SecondLife:
How much of these virtual communities is hype? And how much are real
people participating in them?
The group suspected that the low participation for Tuesday's JavaOne
Camp was due to several very popular Birds-of-a-Feather (BOF)
sessions and other events that were taking place at the same time.
All hoped that the Wednesday evening JavaOne Camp would attract more
people, more discussion, and more sharing of ideas.
The JavaOne Camp wiki contains some ideas and suggested topics. Post some more topics, and join us on Wednesday
evening to discuss your concerns and ideas.
JavaOne Camp Location: Westin San Francisco Market Street (formerly the Argent Hotel), second floor
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, May 9
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