[FOSS4G2017] Iron Mapper

[Jeff McKenna]

Hi Keith,

Thank you so much for sharing these ideas.

I in fact love the idea.

Speaking openly, FOSS4G events need to encourage more of the 'fun'-style 
exercises, talks, or whatever.  In early FOSS4G days I would manage a 
fun exercise called the 'WMS Shootout', using the exact same dataset, 
and in the plenary I had the tech people play 'Eye of the Tiger' song as 
myself and the GeoServer rep Andrea Aime were introduced 'in our 
corners'.  I hear constantly how that is missed, at FOSS4G's.

I hope this local committee is open to these style of talks, such as 
also Ivan Sanchez's famous 'songs', that, little does anyone know, each 
year I privately argue with FOSS4G local committees to give Ivan the 
full stage during a plenary, and sometimes sadly I lose that battle - 
even though after each FOSS4G most of the buzz was generated by the pure 
laughter, and relevant topic, caused by Ivan's performance.

So I am all supportive of an 'Iron Mapper' style event, even giving a 
small spot during a plenary or the main stage during a social event - a 
fun 'competition' or exercise, in the spirit of what FOSS4G was created 
on - sharing and learning and laughter.

-jeff



On 2016-09-15 2:04 PM, Keith Jenkins wrote:
> Guido has suggested an "Iron Mapper" event for FOSS4G Boston.
>
> Back in 2012, Diana Sinton organized an "Iron Mapper" event here at
> Cornell University.  Inspired by "Iron Chefs", participants were
> tasked with creating a map within 30 minutes (or maybe 60 minutes, I
> can't remember).  Each map had to use a specific dataset (the "secret
> ingredient") that was revealed at the start of the event.  I think
> some other basic datasets were provided, but participants were allow
> to download and use any other data they wanted to use.  At the end,
> each person showed their map, and described what they did (maybe 1
> minute each?) and then we all voted (somehow) on our favorites, and a
> couple prizes were awarded to the winners.
>
> It was great to see the variety of maps that were produced, and also
> what could be accomplished in a short amount of time.
>
> I think this could be a fun addition to FOSS4G, and the resulting maps
> could possibly be funneled into a larger Map Gallery, or not,
> depending on the wishes of the map gallery folks.  It could just be a
> stand-alone event.
>
> I think it would be relatively easy to organize.  Here's what would be needed:
>
> * a room/space for the event
> * someone to pick the "secret ingredient" dataset and explain the rules
> * someone to manage the submissions
> * someone to organize the voting
>
> Of course, some of those someones could be the same person.
>
> If this is something that the LOC would like to include in the
> program, I'd be happy to help make it happen.  Are others interested?
>
> Cheers,
> Keith
> ____________