Challenges Facing SkeptiCamp

From SkeptiCamp

SkeptiCamp is by no means a slam dunk success. It faces challenges that must be overcome. Note that some of these are speculative, and others have been discovered through experience.

• Will SkeptiCamp organizers collaborate through a wiki to avoid repeating mistakes?

• Can BarCamp be adapted to the domain of contemporary skepticism?

• Will skeptics gain significant value from a SkeptiCamp event?

• How to fill the roles requiring skills (and networks of contacts) that are relatively rare among skeptics (e.g., sponsorship czar)

• Can SkeptiCamp overcome the passive nature among many skeptics? Most of us don't see ourselves as active producers and sharers of knowledge, but rather as passive consumers.

• Can our events defend themselves against exploitation by those who either have an axe to grind? Is the requirement of interactivity sufficient to control quality? Are skeptics up to the task of asking questions during talks -- to challenge claims?

• Is SkeptiCamp too open? Do we need a gatekeeper on submissions of talks?