An UnConference Every Day

I grew up listening to the radio. I loved it - it was such a delight to seemingly connect with thousands of other people who were all listening at the same time and enjoying the same music. In particular, I remember New Year's Eve 1974 as KHJ counted down the top 100 songs. My little brother and I invited the neighborhood kids over and we set up camp under the dining room table listening to the tunes until midnight when it was announced that the Number One song for that year was Terry Jack's rendition of Seasons in the Sun. You know, "We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun...,"

I was somewhat disappointed. I liked the song but, for me, it just wasn't #1 material. I mean 1973 produced Killing Me Softly. Come on. But it was a wonderful evening and my love affair with the radio continued. Two years ago, while clicking through the pages of RecruitingBlogs.com, I learned about an internet radio program called The Recruiting Animal Show. I listened and was delighted to discover a way better than Howard Stern host that loved to rant and could and would cut through nonsense better than anyone.

I have since called in several times to participate, no one could ever accuse me of being a lurker - it is virtually impossible for me to just lurk. It is part of my Wednesday schedule. The concept of internet-based radio intrigued me and I became a fan of BlogTalkRadio. The last several months have seen the birth and development of several other BTR programs that are geared specifically to the recruiting and HR industries. Hosts you may be familiar with include the Global Mash-up king, Bill Boorman (who is all over BTR), Geoff Webb and crew rockin' the The Recruiter House Party, Steve Boese clinks glasses with the best of us as he hosts HRHappyHour and, of course, The ExRecruiter with Paul Paris, and other shows abound.

The distance to Toronto is closer for an hour every Wednesday. It is interesting how familiar London now feels. The distances between there and here have been shortened because almost every day, an unconference is taking place across internet radio. When I first read about and looked at pictures from John Sumser's Recruiting Roadshow, I wanted to go to every single one. I ached to be a part of the open dialogue and the free-flow of information. RecruitFest was born in 2008, the revised and perfected "UnConference," at the hands of Jason Davis, and now Bill Boorman and Geoff Webb have taken globetrotting off a basketball court into a world that is their forum, quite literally, with their take, the TRUconferences.

I listen for the next Number One hit. I savor the content and its delivery. The earth is, indeed, a smaller place. Networks. Community. Pods. Neighborhoods. Front Porches. We gather at watering holes for nourishment, commiseration, strength, laughter, and sharing. And there is plenty of room for everyone.

Come on in, the water's fine.

© by rayannethorn

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