As one who is continually seeking to build community, I was immediately struck by the creativity that Gaeyia brought to the Lunch2.0 table (pun intended). While I often get a lot of eye-rolling over “stupid little games” (like the M&M game I imposed on a board meeting Monday night), I’ve often found these icebreaker activities break down barriers through laughter, shared activities, and creative opportunities. But, with that said, many people (introverted me in particular), avoid these ice breakers as if we’d ask them to share their “feelings.”

I totally understand that, being an introverted man myself; but I’ve found such great benefits to the building of community that I ignore my discomfort and allow myself to “go with the flow.”

As for Ignite Portland, I’m surprised to hear that this is supposed to be a tech event. I saw none of that at IP2. In fact, I found it to be such a common ground for connecting creative thinkers, that I’m constantly evangelizing the event to non-tech, non-marketing friends. Next week, I’m bringing a friend who is a prominent fire district chief on the local, regional, and national level.

Those with the gift of IDEATION, myself included, love the interaction with people from other disciplines, career fields, and cultures – it’s what turns the creative wheels. (I can even find ideas in RedBook while waiting for my wife at the doc’s office)

So, while this event may be too much werk fer thos of uz in da sticks, I say, go Gaeyia, go Ignite Portland team, go PDX!!

I’ve been critical of this event but I will be the first to say congrats to W+K for being creative and trying to mix things up a bit. I wouldn’t expect anything less from such a great company!

My issue was the ticketing….I just thought it sent the wrong message. However, I am glad to see a quick reaction by Gaeyia and am very appreciative of it.

I think this is all good conversation and we are learning a lot about each other. I personally don’t think anyone has intended to attack Gaeyia or W+K. Just open, honest conversation.

Thanks to all…you have my respect.

Any finally, thank you, Gaeyia, thank you for revising the ticketing situation. As a parent of small children, any errand after 4 PM (when the nanny leaves) involves dragging cranky, hungry kids and a stroller and I was not looking forward to that. Now my husband can pick up our tickets in one trip on his way home (and I do want to get tickets because I’m cool with playing along with your game!). I really appreciate you making that change.

To make it worse, it sounds as if these evil marketing types want to actually engage these geeks in conversation – you know, as if they’re interesting to talk to or something.

Oh, the horrors!

Seriously – IDG the indignation. But maybe that’s because I’ve been an evil marketer before. I’ve sold advertising back in the day. I’ve worked for a PR agency running their interactive division.

Hell, I have a Rupert Murdoch operation on my resume.

But I’ve always been a geek.

Might it be possible that I’m not the only one who wears (or has worn) multiple hats? That we might have something to learn from each other?

Or that having a more diverse crowd doesn’t invalidate or marginalize the original intent or event?

Finally, I’d add this last note – if you want an event or group or organization to stay true to their original intent, that means you ought to stay in there and keep singing that song.

Opting out only reinforces the idea that the event is ripe for co-opting, no?

I still have the same overall issues/concerns with the influx of advertising/PR/marketing folks into tech events, but will post some followup thoughts on that in the next couple of days.

It’s informal conversation, not marketing or PR. I see nothing wrong with introducing people over lunch. This was an easy way to get W+K people to attend w/o overrunning another host’s lunch.

Nothing more, nothing less. Obviously though, it’s difficult to explain.

I thought I’d already posted a comment but internet == FAIL here and I guess it never went through… Anyhow, I appreciate all of your comments/concerns and I hope to clear the air:

The reason this format was chosen was not to EXCLUDE, but rather to INCLUDE. The tech crowd is a tight-knit group of people and so is the ad crowd. I have been an active member of both communities for a few months now and I think that we could all benefit from a better understanding of each other. It has been difficult for me to find the places/events in which W+K should participate. We have a large family and I often refrain from telling them about local tech events because we have potential to over-run the event. Lunch 2.0v4 was designed to expose our family to the great group of people that surrounds us. This is our chance to meet you. Our chance to have a conversation outside of the bubble.

Likewise, this is your chance to meet us. Your chance to ask us what we do and what it is that we want to know/learn/understand. It is your chance to identify innovative partnerships and possibilities that could develop.

W+K has physical space, interest in our community, and a legitimate desire to be involved in tech. Please remember, we were approached with a request host Lunch 2.0 and as a host, we are given the opportunity to tell you a little bit about ourselves and what we do. We didn’t want to give you slides and a spiel, we wanted to mix it up, engage you in a conversation with a twist and have a really good time.

Apologies to those who may have felt offended, put-off, or excluded. That was ever the intention. We just want to give Lunch 2.0 a bit of quirky W+K flavor.

That said, I do see your point and the format of this event has been revised. No tickets necessary now, everyone welcome. Please see http://is.gd/tI9 for updated info.

Thank you again for speaking up. I hope you decide to stop by and enjoy our company on the 30th.

g