Our Gang, also known as “The Little Rascals,” re-runs were a staple of my childhood afternoons and Saturday mornings. As a budding thespian, I loved the episodes where the gang staged a show. As I remember it, the gang said, “Hey, Let’s have a show!” and off they went; creating a fun show with sold out crowds. This YouTube video captures the episode of Our Gang which made me believe that I could set up a stage, create a curtain from old quilts, sell tickets to my friends and be a hit!

In some ways the world of self-publishing as we experience it on the social web is the 21st century version of the Little Rascals’ show.

The latest application of Web 2.0 to reach the Charleston area is that of a Bar Camp, a participatory conference where topics from a wide variety of presenters on a great range of subjects are offered. These user generated conferences are modeled on Open Source software development where those who wish to contribute do so. The emphasis in on open participation.

The old model of a conference was of one where a presenting group determined who, what, when, where and why. Bar Camps are more organic, fluid and responsive to what individuals would like to experience at a conference. Users are empowered and through the open, collaborative process, ideas, concepts and new visions emerge.

A group is planning a Bar Camp in Charleston for October 24th at the Lowcountry Innovation Center. The facebook page for the group offers more information as does the BarCampCHS.org web page.

Topics are not limited to technology. You can go to the website, register and suggest a session or presentation or see what others are proposing. Do plan to attend or even to sponsor. And, if you are seeking to place your brand or company before an intelligent group of self-determined, early-adoptors, this is your opportunity.

I’ll be there and I hopt to see you!