Getting bmorejs rolling again

[jasonrhodes]

During our first nodeschool event, several people mentioned how they'd like to see a Baltimore JS group get started that was more than just a few nodeschool events per year. I'd be happy to help and attend, but I can't organize by myself. I'm pretty sure that @vinylfox and @jjulian are pretty busy right now, and while they did an amazing job of running the BmoreJS group for a number of years, but it'd be nice to have a few others step up to help.

Also: it'd be nice to have more than just white men involved in the organization of the new event, if possible…

Thoughts?

[jasonrhodes]

I'm unfortunately not available at 4 today either but let us know what you all discuss or decide.

On Jun 13, 2014, at 3:13 PM, Karl Groves notifications@github.com wrote:

Hey guys, got held up in all the crazy rain on my way back from Wilmington and unable to make it. LMK whatever I need to do to help.

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub.

[Ryan-J-Smith]

Won't be able to make it today either. I'm interested but stuck in lab for the afternoon.

[VinylFox]

I would love to know who is actually coming.

[nickfunk-zz]

I am On Jun 13, 2014 3:23 PM, "Shea Frederick" notifications@github.com wrote:

I would love to know who is actually coming.

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46050357 .

[VinylFox]

I don't see much of a point going if it's just going to be Nick and I (no offense Nick), so I will not be heading down there.

[nickfunk-zz]

Ha! None taken. On Jun 13, 2014 3:44 PM, "Shea Frederick" notifications@github.com wrote:

I don't see much of a point going if it's just going to be Nick and I (no offense Nick), so I will not be heading down there.

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46052256 .

[emlama]

Glad to see this getting some traction. If there aren't any speakers lined up I could talk about my (mis)adventures with Meteor.js or Leaflet.js. I would be glad to walk the group through the basic of either, gotchas that totally caught up with me, and their strengths.

[VinylFox]

Ill take you up on that! Would love to hear about Leaflet.js

Gimme a short description of your talk and a short bio and ill update the web site.

[emlama]

Ok, I'll get to this by EOD Thursday.

[emlama]

PS - I'd love to hear someone talk about node-webkit. It's the tech behind Popcorn time and Storyboard Fountain. I think this is an interesting trend because both are open source apps aimed at non-technical consumers and I think node-webkit is a crucial part of reaching said audience.

Just my 2 cents.

[jasonrhodes]

Hey Matthew, glad to hear you'll be speaking! I'm excited that we might actually get this rolling again.

Shea: the two-talk format is interesting. One advantage is that it might let us plan out one beginner-focused talk and one more advanced talk for each meetup. I know there's a tendency to feel like we've covered it all before but there are a lot of area folks who are new to JS or new to programming concepts and this would be a way to make sure the more advanced topics don't scare them away, maybe.

I'm also curious about exploring other formats beyond just "speakers talking to audience", maybe something building on the Open Source Hack Night event they've been doing forever, or breaking into groups to share what people are working on, etc. Not sure how well some of those kinds of things would work, but I'm interested to hear others' thoughts.

On Tue, Jun 17, 2014 at 8:41 PM, Matthew Forr notifications@github.com wrote:

PS - I'd love to hear someone talk about node-webkit. It's the tech behind Popcorn time http://popcorntime.io/ and Storyboard Fountain http://storyboardfountain.com/. I think this is an interesting trend because both are open source apps aimed at non-technical consumers and I think node-webkit is a crucial part of reaching said audience.

Just my 2 cents.

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46383736 .

[nickfunk-zz]

I like the idea of talks geared toward (beginners like) me. I also like the idea of break out groups. Would love to bounce my ideas off of folks for feedback and also hear what others are working on.

On Tue, Jun 17, 2014 at 11:38 PM, Jason Rhodes notifications@github.com wrote:

Hey Matthew, glad to hear you'll be speaking! I'm excited that we might actually get this rolling again.

Shea: the two-talk format is interesting. One advantage is that it might let us plan out one beginner-focused talk and one more advanced talk for each meetup. I know there's a tendency to feel like we've covered it all before but there are a lot of area folks who are new to JS or new to programming concepts and this would be a way to make sure the more advanced topics don't scare them away, maybe.

I'm also curious about exploring other formats beyond just "speakers talking to audience", maybe something building on the Open Source Hack Night event they've been doing forever, or breaking into groups to share what people are working on, etc. Not sure how well some of those kinds of things would work, but I'm interested to hear others' thoughts.

On Tue, Jun 17, 2014 at 8:41 PM, Matthew Forr notifications@github.com wrote:

PS - I'd love to hear someone talk about node-webkit. It's the tech behind Popcorn time http://popcorntime.io/ and Storyboard Fountain http://storyboardfountain.com/. I think this is an interesting trend because both are open source apps aimed at non-technical consumers and I think node-webkit is a crucial part of reaching said audience.

Just my 2 cents.

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub < https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46383736>

.

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46392830 .

[emlama]

I would love breakout groups where I could get feedback on actual code I'm writing. I also think that mini barcamp styled discussion groups would be pretty easy to orchestrate as long as enough people show up.

Anyhow, here's a short writeup on what I'll talk about:

Come join Matt as he talks about LeafletJS, the open-source version of google maps that is used by Flickr, Foursquare, and Mapbox.

During his talk Matt will dive into Leaflet's API, strategies for structuring your applications, and how to write your own plugin.

Are these normally longer? I could try to fill it out but I also haven't written the talk yet...

[emlama]

Hey guys, just checking in on my last message.

[VinylFox]

This all sounds great to me, I like the format your suggesting. Writing up the details on meetup.com right now.

[VinylFox]

Ok, updated the event page, let me know if you like that - http://www.meetup.com/bmorejs/events/188674662/

We still need a location, who knows the status for that?

[jasonrhodes]

Looks great, Shea. If anybody needs me to touch base with Shawn Grimes at Digital Harbor, I can. @karlgroves I think you wanted to check on Groove so let us know if that's still the #1 plan, which I'm fine with.

On Tue, Jun 24, 2014 at 10:42 AM, Shea Frederick notifications@github.com wrote:

Ok, updated the event page, let me know if you like that - http://www.meetup.com/bmorejs/events/188674662/

We still need a location, who knows the status for that?

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46979860 .

[karlgroves]

I talked to Tom Nelson @ Groove finally, he was fine with our original date. Let me check on the new one.

On Tue, Jun 24, 2014 at 10:42 AM, Shea Frederick notifications@github.com wrote:

Ok, updated the event page, let me know if you like that - http://www.meetup.com/bmorejs/events/188674662/

We still need a location, who knows the status for that?

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-46979860 .

Karl Groves www.karlgroves.com @karlgroves http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves Phone: +1 410.541.6829

www.tenon.io

What is this thing and what does it do? http://vimeo.com/84970341

http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/

[emlama]

Awesome, thanks Shea!

[VinylFox]

AOL has confirmed as a food sponsor, FYI.

Would love to find a beverage sponsor - can someone take the lead on that?

[bizob2828]

We can sponsor beverages, message systems. Let me know what you need, logo, etc. what's the beverage budget?

[VinylFox]

Right now we have 30 RSVP's, but I image that will grow a bit. Assume 1.5 bevs per person? ~$60?

Give me a logo to use for the meetup sponsor section and that should do it.

[bizob2828]

@VinylFox emailed you our logo with blurb, if applicable. Regarding bev's what do you want me to buy?

[VinylFox]

A nice mix of adult beverages and some soda.

[bizob2828]

Ok, I won't worry until we get a more accurate head count closer to the event

[VinylFox]

@karlgroves any update on the location availability?

[karlgroves]

Reached out to Tom at Groove again. It may be prudent to seek a different venue.

On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 12:45 PM, Shea Frederick notifications@github.com wrote:

@karlgroves https://github.com/karlgroves any update on the location availability?

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/baltimorenodeschool/baltimorenodeschool.github.io/issues/4#issuecomment-47127994 .

Karl Groves www.karlgroves.com @karlgroves http://www.linkedin.com/in/karlgroves Phone: +1 410.541.6829

www.tenon.io

What is this thing and what does it do? http://vimeo.com/84970341

http://lanyrd.com/profile/karlgroves/

[karlgroves]

Response from Tom at Groove:

-----Start----- Hey Karl,

Running into a bit of a snag now for that week in July and getting any more events on the book for our work/cafe area. I'd ask if you could do the following week, but Refresh Baltimore meets and I'm not sure if turn out would be hindered because of that.

Would it be too crazy to ask to do the event on 7/29, 7/30, 7/31?

-----End-----

[VinylFox]

Still no location and were a week away with 40 RSVP's - I was hoping for more from this group, but it's really just come right back to Jonathan and I organizing the entire thing again.

[jasonrhodes]

Yeah, I think there's been some confusion about who the point person is and in my experience, event organization by committee rarely works because everyone assumes someone else is doing what needs to be done.

Last thing here was @karlgroves asking about moving the event in order to secure a location, but who's responsible for the "yes/no" on that question? I'm not sure.

I'm definitely interested in helping out with rounding up speakers, brainstorming ideas about the meet-up, etc., but I don't have time to be the main point person to do logistics and delegation to the other people who've said they're willing to help. Does anybody here have time to take that particular responsibility on?

[jasonrhodes]

As for next week's event: @shawngrimes is DHF available next Tuesday night? Details: http://www.meetup.com/bmorejs/events/188674662/

If we go there, we'll have to nix the beer but it's a great location for all of our other needs.

[karlgroves]

@VinylFox that response is very uncool. As Jason noted my last comment on venue was 13 days ago and got no response at all. I've said over and over and over again since this conversation started that I want to help and clearly I've tried. So to say "but it's really just come right back to Jonathan and I organizing the entire thing again." is uncool

[emlama]

Hey organizing is tough stuff, I have to admit I got out of the game because of burnout. Let's keep focused on the prize ;)

It looks like we have some options on the table.

• I'm fine with moving it to 7/29, 7/30, or 7/31.
• I don't think there is a ton of overlap with the Refresh crowd so I don't see why 7/22 wouldn't work.
• I'm cool with DHF as long as they have enough chairs. You really don't need alcohol to have a meetup...

As for the talk, I have a preliminary outline that should take about 20 minutes to walk through. If we want something longer and a little more technical I could top it off with a little Backbone on Leaflet action.

Lastly, I was thinking it would be a good idea to finish the night with a little audience prodding to try and drum up speakers. Something to the effect of:

"Raise your hand if you've been doing x, y, or z" "Ok great, if you raised your hand you should talk to Jason, Shea, or Jonathan about doing a short talk for the next meetup"

Just need an x, y, and z.

[shawngrimes]

DHF is available and I would be happy to sponsor that night (sponsor just means someone from DHF unlocks and locks the doors).

I'm going to do a chair count today but 40-50 should be fine if you account for some no-shows.

[jasonrhodes]

This late in the game, it's probably best to keep it on the date scheduled if at all possible. I guess it just comes down to seats at DHF—at nodeschool we asked people to bring some chairs so we could do that again if we end up in a pinch, I guess?

@matthewforr I think that sounds like a good idea for possibly turning up potential speakers. I'll think a little bit on some x/y/z ideas and report back...

[VinylFox]

Sorry to be "uncool", please let me know what part of my statement was inaccurate and I will correct it. Running a meet up is hard work.

[karlgroves]

Really? Awesome. Count me out then.

[VinylFox]

I agree, let's keep it on the same date.

Another option for location (besides DHF) is the AOL offices, Paris has offered them up to us, but I do like the idea of moving around a bit.

I've never been to the DHF, what's the space like? Do we have a projector and whatnot?

[jasonrhodes]

DHF is a large open space with tables, chairs, and stools. They've got a projector and screen with an Airplay AppleTV set up, and a sound system with a separate AppleTV Airplay hook up if you want to do music before/after etc. It's about a block or two up from Betamore. @shawngrimes would be there to help with any technical or logistical issues. There's a parking lot around the corner, but I'm not 100% sure what the situation is that for a Tues evening (no Orioles game so that's good).

@bizob2828 just making sure you've seen this and know to nix the booze for this event if we go with DHF, which sounds likely at this point so long as chairs/seating isn't an issue.

@karlgroves, I'd really love to have you involved. I don't think we've done a good job so far of clearly outlining who is doing what, but this our first stab at putting this together so maybe we can do a better job on the next go-round. It sounded like you wanted to take the lead on organizing the group, which is what we need, and it sounds like @VinylFox has implied that he'd prefer not to have that specific role (Shea, correct me if I'm wrong). Maybe it'd be best to hand everything over to you and let you run point on the next meeting, if you're still interested?

[bizob2828]

@jasonrhodes sounds good, just need to know what kind of beverages to purchase and i will be there

[shawngrimes]

Parking "should" be okay on a Tuesday night. The neighborhood is now allowed to park in the school lot too so it's a little more crowded than it used to be but there always seems to spots available when I leave at night. There is also an auxiliary lot on Cross st. between the school and the tech center (there's a dumpster and loading dock). We have parking passes available in the Tech Center so you can just stop in and grab one to put in your car.

As far as tech goes, we have two projectors, a screen, speakers, microphones, apple tv, huge room and a second smaller room, small kitchen. I asked one of our youth to do a chair count today and he did, but he forgot to email it to me before he left. As soon as I get those numbers, I will let you all know the seating capacity.

Just a heads up, our Internet has been horrible over the last few weeks. Absolutely dreadful. Comcast is in the processing of installing a line for us and it's scheduled to be completed on or before 7/11. The wire was run on Monday, just waiting for the guy to come with the modem and make the line hot. When it works though, it's open and public. I can keep you informed as things progress there.

I'm also fine if we are just a stop gap and if you want to switch to AOL or somewhere else to have beers in the future, no hard feelings. I'm just happy to help where I can and where it makes sense.

[shawngrimes]

We have 46 chairs, I'm going to see if we can get 10 more this weekend. I'll post an update when I know.

[emlama]

@shawngrimes Thanks for setting us up with DHF! I think the space is great and will work perfectly.

Will I be able to plug directly into the projector or will I need to use Airplay?

Everyone else, I have an initial set of slides together. My next steps are to whip up a couple of quick demos and add presenter notes but early feedback is welcome.

PS Pull requests are welcome.

[VinylFox]

@shawngrimes can you make sure I added the correct address on the meetup page, and let me know if there are special instructions I need to add about the parking or finding the place, getting in, etc.

http://www.meetup.com/bmorejs/events/188674662/

Who will be there to open up and setup?

[VinylFox]

@matthewforr awesome slides man, love the humor mixed in, and it also looks like i'm going to learn a lot of things I didin't know about Leaflet. Have you done a dry run to find out how long it will take?

[emlama]

@VinylFox I'm going to do a run through tonight and time it out. If you give me a target, I'll hit it. I did major in Communications (of all things) so I'm pretty comfortable with public speaking.

[bizob2828]

@vinylfox since DHF doesn't allow booze what should I buy for drinks?

[VinylFox]

@matthewforr I have full confidence in you :)

@bizob2828 some sodas and juices would be good. individual cans/bottles seems to work best. also a cooler to put the drinks in with ice would be nice.

[shawngrimes]

I am picking up 15 more chairs this weekend from ikea.

@matthewforr you can plug directly into the projector. The projector isn't mounted so you can access all of its ports.

@VinylFox that is the right address. There is also a marked up satellite photo with parking info on this page if you want to use it: http://www.digitalharbor.org/visit-us/

As far as Internet goes, we are currently using horrible filtered Internet from the school system. Comcast has run a line for us but now we are waiting for them to connect the service and that is scheduled for 7/15. We've requested to have it expedited but just wanted to keep you all in the loop. Our original provider is also supposed to get new equipment early next week to fix the original connection we had as well so fingers crossed.

[shawngrimes]

I have 15 new chairs in the back of my jeep for tomorrow. I also have a confirmation from Comcast (for whatever that is worth) that they will be at the Tech Center between 1 and 3pm. Even if Comcast doesn't show, we will have Internet, it will just be filtered :(