That’s what happened to us with the last (5:15pm) slot . . . → Read More: Artificial Intelligence discussion at BarCampNYC3]]> They say at BarCamp that if you don’t like the session you are in, feel free to go to a better one. No hard feelings. But what do you do, if you show up for the announced moderated discussion session yet the moderator does not.

That’s what happened to us with the last (5:15pm) slot of the second day of BarCampNYC3. So, after waiting for 10 minutes past the start time, I decided to step in and moderate.

We talked a bit about everything: a definition of Artificial Intelligence (no agreement) and statistical algorithms that try to find the tanks, tune adverts and prevent SPAM. We discussed the state of art in computer vision and why once well-known consumer company in that space (Riya) still failed miserably. Near the end, we also talked about artificial intelligence as an emotional one and whether Pleo is intelligent.

All together, it was a very spirited discussion and most of the people contributed their opinion and their knowledge. We may not have discussed what the original moderator had in mind, but we certainly discussed interesting topics.

My session must have only had 6 people in . . . → Read More: Chumby presentation at BarCampNYC3]]> I have gone (and will go back tomorrow) to the BarCampNYC3. The requirement for every person to speak was not enforced, but I figured I have something to contribute anyway. I brought and talked about the Chumby. I entitled my talk “Chumby – Open, Cool, Cute“.

My session must have only had 6 people in it, but I think all those people were interested and asked good questions. I certainly got some queries after the talk and even later in the evening, when I put Chumby on display again. Certainly, the accelerometer-based Chumball widget was inviting; after all, the only other well-known device that supports accelerometer is iPhone. I even got a positive review of the session already.

I also got to speak to some people about my research and allowed for a silly photograph to be taken of me.

I have enjoyed a number of other sessions. Not every presenter had a strong idea of what they wanted to say, but there was plenty of people in the audience willing to lend their understanding and interpretation. I think this must a part of BarCamp’s culture.