On Wed, Nov 9, 2011 at 1:41 PM, Kyle Banerjee <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> Yes, we have.  We've even had people want to come to the preconference
>> (and pay the preconference charge) but not attend the regular
>> conference.  :-)
>>
>
> They've wanted to do it, but have they actually been able to? What makes
> c4l worthwhile is the ability to mix it up. If people attend with the
> intention of just receiving specific training, they're not contributing and
> that undermines the experience for everyone.

Yes... at least at the Asheville conference (though there were just a couple).

> C4l has seen both free and paid preconferences and it's easy enough to
> rationalize either.

Having put on a paid preconference, I think if I were to do it again
I'd make it free.  We received several comments about the lack of food
at the Asheville preconference (though we had coffee).  I think having
a price attached to it leads to expectations like that.  Perhaps it is
better to just say "The preconference is free... the price for the
conference is $150" ... let people completely fend for themselves
w/r/t to food/drink on the preconference day.

Fwiw...

Kevin