It’s day two of Q Conference in Austin, TX and I just want to apologize to readers for my lack of live blogging. Whenever I am not speaking at a conference I always live blog, microblogging at the very least, and have grown accustomed to participating in the conversations surrounding the speaker talks. The ‘back channel’ is like a home to me and the chatter that goes on, albeit not profoundly life-changing, is usually stimulating and helpful.
In respect of the wishes of Gabe Lyons, I virtually shut down my technology for the day yesterday. Since I was sitting on the third row, taking notes on my iPhone before the shutdown, it would have been very disrespectful to continue or twitter. I both enjoyed it & at the same time was challenged by it.
Here are some of the pro’s:
- more concentration
- more quiet/down time during breaks
- more reflection
- heightened presence
Unfortunately, the con list for me is longer:
- no pad & paper handy for notes
- no communication with my family (which was important)
- no connecting w/ those friends just a few rows away who couldn’t see me
- no dialog w/others present about the event
- no ability to give information to my readers
- no way to check links for all the great speakers or bookmark things online
- no way to make plans with others whom I promised to meet here
- no way to take or upload photos
- no way to participate in the back channel, view feedback, create conversation, participate, converse
Now, all that said, these are just my first impressions. Obviously, I highly respect Gabe and even appreciate his “check your cell phone at the door” experimental challenge to us. I can say it was worth it and it did enhance my experience at one level.
Unfortunately, though, you won’t get to hear all the magnificent sweep of information, challenge, stimulation, and inspiration because I will never go back and transcribe all the notes I took by hand. Very unfortunate for readers because the first speaker alone, Alan Hirsch, would have been worth the entire trip.
Today, I’m gonna ask Gabe if I can sit on the back row instead of at the front and take some electronic notes.
By the way there is “officially” sanctioned guest blogging going on at: Qideas
I’m surprised that Gabe would do this at Q. There’s been a sort of anti-tech movement in certain circles since Shane H’s book dropped, but I don’t get it. Seems far more symbolic than substantive.
Virtual tools are a gift which enhance community – they are making us more connected, not less; more aware of the global church, not less. Used wisely, these tools enhance physical relationship rather than detract from it. IME, the synergy of both (virtual & F2F) is more generative than one without the other. Sure, there are exceptions, but the main stage session of a Google-era social-action conference is probably not one of them.
I still feel conflicted about this even after 24 hours of processing it.
Here’s the conflict for me: On the one hand, as an avid user of online technologies, it’s been a great act of discipline to unplug. And I have been able to appreciate the heightened focus it has produced.
On the other, it seems completely out of step with the philosophy of Q (ask questions) and the conversational mentality of our current culture. Additionally, it seems like any attempt to control the back channel will be, at best, mis-perceived.
Obviously, as a first time guest here, I’m just trying to be respectful of the organizers’ wishes. I’m both honored and excited to be included. We have been specifically asked not to blog, photograph, twitter, etc. during several different sessions and events throughout our time. For all I know, the closed format may be something they want to be a distinguishing trait of future Q Conferences.
it must have been effective, i’ve seen more one post on it.