Theorizing the Web, an experience by Chas Emerick.
From the post:
Last week, I attended Theorizing the Web (TtW). I can say without hesitation that it was one of the most challenging, enlightening, and useful conference experiences I’ve ever had. I’d like to provide a summary account of my experience, and maybe offer some (early, I’m still processing) personal takeaways that might be relevant to you, especially if you are involved professionally in building the software and technology that is part of what is theorized at TtW.
The first thing you need to know is that TtW is not a technology conference. Before I characterize it positively though, it’s worth considering the conference’s own statement:
Theorizing the Web is an inter- and non-disciplinary annual conference that brings together scholars, journalists, artists, activists, and commentators to ask big questions about the interrelationships between the Web and society.
While there were a few technologists in attendance, even fewer were presenting. As it said on the tin, TtW was fundamentally about the social, media, art, legal, and political aspects and impacts of the internet and related technologies.
Before I enumerate some of my highlights of TtW, I want to offer some context of my own, a thread that mostly winds around:
When I saw the tweet by Chas, I thought this was a technical conference, but I quickly learned my error. 😉
Before you watch videos from the conference, Theorizing the Web, take a slow read of Chas’ post.
Whether you will draw the same conclusions as Chas or different ones remains to be seen. What is clear from his post, this conference covered many subjects that aren’t visible at many other conferences.
If you have a favorite video from the conference let me know. I will be watching at least some of them before offering my perspective.