Dell should have an IdeaStorm conference.

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Dell should have an IdeaStorm conference.

480 points posted to IdeaStorm by jervis961 06/20/07

Since the new models are being annouced soon and with all the changes coming from direct input on the site Dell should have an IdeaStorm conference to celebrate. Dell along with some of their business partners could hold seminars alowing us access to the newest products and get feedback as to their progress. They could also hold group sessions on ideas such as Linux, computer cooling, sales incentives and such to really get some great information.

Dell could either invite everyone or just a select few based on participation on the site. I think this is a doable idea, what would you like to see at such an event?

Maybe we could even get some free stuff?

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cosh 06/20/07	I doubt it would be as productive as all that.
jervis961 06/20/07	So you wouldn't want to go for the free swag?
reg 06/20/07	A web media event, like Steve Jobs... Skip the black turtle neck and jeans - Mike's suits look great.
benjesuit 06/20/07	Free beer?
reg 06/20/07	Free as in speech?
reg 06/20/07	Now I must say, I've never met Mike Dell in person, but A leader is just that - the leader. Steve Jobs is a leader, even when talking about a cell phone, he makes it sound like the second coming of Christ. I think Dell Corp would benefit more from a presentation, even a video podcast of 'What's new at Dell'. Ya, I'll make that a new idea.
jervis961 06/20/07	I think this could also be a great thing for the press, celebrating Dell 2.0
dell_admin1 06/20/07	Great idea - we've been tossing around this idea too and working on a plan. Since you guys sound interested - how do you all think we should select who is invited? Is it based on participation, or based on whether you have ideas that have been implemented? How many people is the right number to have? Thanks for your feedback!
jervis961 06/20/07	As for who is invited it should be a little of both to get a proper sampling of people. Just because someone came late to the party and all the good ideas were submitted doesn't mean they aren't a good contributor. I would try to do a good mix of ages, family status, views on linux and other ideas. You may need a survey for information about us, call it an IdeaStorm representative application if you will. It couldn't be randomly picked like a contest so there should be some kind of comparison on applicants. Don't leave out the employees, some of them should be there also.
jervis961 06/20/07	How many user do we have? Divide that number by 3 to account for duplicate accounts then take 5 - 10 percent of that number to decide how many you need. I would think no more than 50 people, but it depends on if you are going to have partner companies show up and do seminars and stuff. Where it would be held would also be another limiting factor as some people can't afford to travel. What did Dell have in mind?? I think it would help us if we knew what you are thinking already. You may want to wait to see what others say before telling us anything so not to influence the idea flow, maybe tomorrow post more info?
dell_admin1 06/20/07	Good call - I would like to see what people think before posting anything further. Plus, we haven't decided anything for sure - so the group's feedback will be great.
reg 06/20/07	Location, well - The Party Capital: Pyongyang, North Korea!
badblood 06/20/07	Well I don't think it's fair to invite solely on the basis of having ideas that have been implemented, because these were implemented partly because of all the votes that an idea was given, many, many ideas are duplicates and a few just got the timing right on some ideas - like the first posts for Linux obviously got the most votes, but the poster hasn't done much since. Participation should be based on categories: most popular ideas; most implemented ideas; most comments; most ideas; most votes.... basically it should be on the basis of the extent and consistency of participation - even if only in contributing lots of comments. You are effectively developing a network of volunteers and any meeting should be aimed at extending the network and developing it in certain ways. The meeting should be educational and motivational, and should include lots of Dell staff - meet and greet. Maybe a tour of Dell HQ and assuming the people you invite are presentable a press conference, followed by a Texas BBQ (with vegetarian option). Free beer (as in free oxygen) is as benjesuit notes, essential.
dell_admin1 06/20/07	Thanks badblood - good ideas!
cosh 06/21/07	Invite dhart.
petzymathuram 06/21/07	Hi, Invite all ideastorm participants. Dell_Admin1 plz consider people out of US as well but with a Texas BBQ ( with 100% non-veg option).
jorge 06/21/07	Only IMPLEMENTED ideas should go, why would Dell pay for someone to go to a conference if they didn't introduce an idea they're going to use? There's no marketing or headline angle for ideas they won't do.
searider 06/21/07	What do you all think about having the conference open to all dell customers but providing some special perks for people that have had Ideas implemented or some other criteria.
jervis961 06/21/07	jorge - there are people here such as yourself who have participated alot more than others but do not have an idea implimented. Now if we look at all the linux duplicates and count them as implimented, wow thats alot of people to invite. I think some of the more vocal participants are the most likely to speak up at such an event and give real feedback.
jervis961 06/21/07	searider - I don't see a problem with opening it up to all customers, but it could become a madhouse without proper control. Do you mean something like a moderated group chat with selected participants and maybe questions and comments from the others? I keep getting an image in my head of a huge Linux shouting match from the audience. Dell couldn't pay for everyone to go and I don't see people paying to fly there on their own so it would be kinda limited to local customers anyway so it could work.
searider 06/21/07	Jervis061 - I am thinking more along the lines of a convention with breakout sessions such as Best practices for preventative systems maintenance, or How to get the most life from batteries, or best gaming configurations. Also could have Award ceremony for implemented Ideas and New Product views. Do you think that if Dell had the right mix of sessions that enough people would pay their own way (group discounts available) to make it worthwhile. Possibly Dell could pay the way for top IdeaStorm contributors as one of the "perks" Thoughts ?
jervis961 06/21/07	Its posible and kind of what I was thinking of origionally. Group discussions would also include ideas that Dell would like more input on such as design and customer service improvements. My main concern would be keeping control over the people if there is a large group as some of the discussions could get heated. People act differently on the web(more vocal due to people not knowing who they are) and in large groups(group mentality causes almost the same effect as the web). I hate to point out linux people but they are a good example with all the ideas they flood the site with, they are very passionate about linux. I would hope that no group would act that way but to me it is a concern.
jorge 06/21/07	As usual I speak for myself and won't go unless I would have an idea IMPLEMENTED, going otherwise it is fruitless, for Dell. Having a ton of bad idea posters go is rather moot.
benjesuit 06/21/07	Geekapolooza '08! With complimentary beer* *Must be over 21. Drink responsibly.
benjesuit 06/21/07	In the right amount, one could consider beer... truth serum. And it might be good for the timid types to loosen up. Especially if they forget to take their zoloft. On a serious note, I think it could be a good weekend but participants should be rewarded with other than, well, free beer. Notoriety and recognition of participation would be nice, but I'm thinking of something more tangible. Perhaps exclusive Dell coupons or gift cards. Exclusive sneak peaks into Dell's future offerings which are based wholly or in part to some of the suggestions proffered on this site. (signing of confidentiality agreements, of course.) Option to purchase reserve editions of their product offerings. Exclusive complimentary Dell chotskies. I want to come away with something more than a full belly and good convo. Especially if I have to pay to play.
reg 06/21/07	WOW Beryl running in Vista - How Unique! n00bs.
jervis961 06/23/07	I'm thinking the weekend of July 20th, I'm on vacation then and back from my trip. Hows that sound to everyone else who is interested?
badblood 06/23/07	doubt I'd be invited....
petzymathuram 06/25/07	Hi Big User name, Is there really going to b a conference? Then can see the gr8 hero Michael Dell, dell_admin1, reg, jervis961, badblood, claypidgeon, lindahewit, cosh, jmxz, phubert, helmec, benjesuit and other friends toooo....,;) Anyways, friends if the conference will be in US, plz dont 4 get to podcast the event in ideastorm, so that I can have a look at the event as well. The podcast needs to introduce each and everybody with their ideastorm names. Is that Ok Big User Name?
petzymathuram 06/25/07	Hi Jervis, You're once again caught. Once again your above statement emphasizes that you are related close 2 Dell process!!!!!!!! How do u know Dell is exploring the idea of having a conference? I know 4 sure U r closely related 2 Dell. U have have confirmed it at 4.46a.m on 25.6.'07 Mark it plz......;). What is Yr reply Jervis? ;) ;)
petzymathuram 06/25/07	Hi Jervis, Ok fine how do U knw that Big User Name doen't knw what's going on around here? :) ;)
petzymathuram 06/25/07	Hi Jervis, Poor Jervis! I think you have tried hard not reveal Yr identity. I understand........nevermind. ;)
dell_admin1 06/25/07	@petzy - jervis961 does not work for Dell. Yes, we are considering a conference. Thanks!
badblood 06/25/07	I really am the President of the USA and a major Dell shareholder. Actually it wouldn't surprise me if I had a majority stake in Dell, it's just hard to keep track of all my companies these days......
reg 06/25/07	Party On Dudes, and Be Excellent to One Another...
jervis961 06/26/07	@dell_admin1 - if there is a conference and I'm lucky enough to go, is there any chance of talking Michael Dell into letting us customize our own system outside of the usual specs?? I would love to build something close to my thoughts here http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66820/Put_some_attitude_into_the_Latitude_ . I would be willing to skimp here and there but I guess Dell isn't going to mass market anything like it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!
benjesuit 06/26/07	That's actually an excellent idea J. Dell should put out a barebones system that you can fully customize.
jervis961 06/26/07	Submit it as an idea if you want.
dell_admin1 06/26/07	@jervis961 - I don't know... worth an ask though. @all - any more ideas/thoughts on this "IdeaStorm conference" (we need a better name)? I already asked about the issue of determining who is invited... here are a couple more questions to keep things going: 1) would a series of small roundtable discussions with our product teams and service teams be fun/interesting to you? 2) tour of Dell manufacturing process and/or product testing labs? 3) meet with some employee-innovators (your counterparts on the inside basically!) 4) what about including some "crowd-sourcing" experts or thought leaders or bloggers? I'll think of some more questions - let me know what you think.
jervis961 06/26/07	Stormchaser conference? cosh and the others would be better at naming the thing. I'm afraid to think of what jorge would come up with but you never know, he's surprised me before. as for your questions 1. yes very interested in the round table discussions 2. yes again (maybe I can steal, I mean see a prototype of a future latitude) 3. This would be fun also 4. I don't have a problem with that, I'm always open to making new connections So how are they picking the people any ideas yet? After my idea today, I don't know if I'll be invited =)
reg 06/26/07	Maybe tie it into a Star Wars Expo?
jorge 06/26/07	"Dell IdeaStorm Posters Gala" "IdeaStorm-Troopers Strike Dells" "The Charlatans Ball" "Fandangles mountebanked by Dell"
badblood 06/26/07	1) Could be good, but would want to make sure it is interesting for your teams, and it depends how many you invite and who you invite. If you invite a few, put them on a panel and have questions from Dell employees. If they are many put Dell leaders on a podium and let the people ask. Not everyone is a geek and there is a risk of a geek theme - while fun it could be alienating for general consumers. Some people are clearly more interested in design, or marketing than the internal workings of the machines. Either have separate events for separate interest groups or else make sure it is interesting for everyone. 2) Tour sounds great. 3) Sounds great. 4) Could be OK. You may want to invite some hardcore fans for windows, linux and promote a real discussion. and you could call it all: "Vox Populi"
reg 06/26/07	No Jar-Jar please.
jervis961 06/26/07	IdeaStorm Live? Kinda reaks of MS but is short and sweet. Maybe MS would pay some big bucks to show up and shower us with freebies?
cosh 06/26/07	- Annual Linux Geeks Annoy Dell Conference. - Linux Pride Parade. - Breaking News: Spotty Nerds Shocked To Realise Dell Is A Real Person. - IdeaStorm Conference - now with 50% more of reg's links to YouTube videos. - Dell's Shameless Mediocre Publicity Drive. (Remember to bring along lots of reasons why Dell should wholeheartedly support your favourite obscure Linux distro. They won't listen, unfortunately, because nobody cares, but do it anyway.) - iStorm. - Michael Dell's Big Birthday Bash. (yes I know we're late for that)
jorge 06/26/07	Didn't I demote this? Who changed my vote! Total shenanigans once again!
badblood 06/26/07	Geeks Gone Wild! jorge you may have accidentally promoted this one......strange but possible.....
jorge 06/26/07	Pretty sure I demoted because I was called out on it, that comment is gone as well.
badblood 06/26/07	you know I think i remember that too.....interesting.....
badblood 06/26/07	what was 'different'? Are you at work?
jorge 06/26/07	I'm pretty sure I demoted this one, I was pissed at Jervis at the time so definitely demoted. Then I added a comment here and Jervis called me on it. Now its says moted. Shenanigans!
badblood 06/26/07	shouldn't be only the top 20. The top five only submitted about five ideas.
thebittersea 06/26/07	@badblood... what should the cut be? folks with the most submissions?
badblood 06/26/07	Should be a number of categories, like the Oscars: =most points =most ideas =most votes =most comments =most implemented ideas =most acknowledged etc...
thebittersea 06/26/07	@badblood, and what would the invitees talk about in this conference?
jorge 06/26/07	I still don't see anyone who is invited to go, unless Dell isn't fronting the dough for it. Why would you pay to go, when you have provided ideas which helped them for free? Then they're presenting a meeting with Dell product teams and service teams? In other words fellow clueless people, need the managers and decision makers not the end results of upper management's whips. Tour, egh not bad, just take a big bag and or baggy pants. Employee-innovators, people you just 86-ed because you provided ideas for free, something just won't sit right there. Crowd-Sourcing experts and bloggers? Thats us! So we meet each other? Dell bloggers? Not, they just pass the Dell gospel. More like can we ask the random employee a question? Can we force the plastic injection mold to cover the fan hole at the bottom, more of my kind of day.
badblood 06/26/07	People should talk about their experience, professions, work, skills, hobbies and how it relates to Dell and the product experience, what they think is working, what improvements could be made. They could write up papers/presentations according to the ideastorm categories...
jorge 06/26/07	You mean like how we've always installed Linux/Unix on their hardware way before they even knew/acknowledged it would work?
badblood 06/26/07	Right. They have a lot to learn about Linux.
cosh 06/26/07	Why don't you just let everybody come? Not everybody will want to, so it will all work out.
jorge 06/26/07	They need to make it sound special and limited or the media will rag on them.
badblood 06/26/07	well unless they fund participation I'd imagine only dell_admin1 would turn up.
jorge 06/26/07	Thats my thought exactly.
badblood 06/26/07	Are you media-presentable?
badblood 06/26/07	Right then. We can move forward. Do you own a tie? Actually I've got two I think if you need to borrow one for the key note address on Dell marketing.
cosh 06/26/07	I can't come out in the sunlight - I'm a goth. So I can't come.
jervis961 06/27/07	Well at least there are some good things in the mess of junk comments.
jervis961 07/01/07	I wonder if there is any update on this? I will be going away on vacation next weekend and will be gone for 2 weeks. If something is coming I hope we will be given enough notice to make plans (if we get invited that is). I think they are waiting for me to be off site so they can do this without me. =)
jorge 07/17/07	Why is this still here? Honey can't find the backups, which don't exist as promised by the non-existent admin on the project, and is trying to save face by not asking cosh? Bite the bullet honey and delete it.
reg 07/17/07	Example Video From suggested DELL's Goth Party: This song: "All I Have" is so cool, I bought the Clan Of Xymox CD. Can you find me? I'm the one wearing the black shirt... ;-P
jervis961 07/23/07	How about holding the conference in Alaska ;) It would go along well with Dell's environmental push and it would make a great vacation for the people who get to go, at Dell expense of course.
jervis961 08/02/07	Any news in terms of a conference yet?
jorge 08/02/07	I also forgot, they can't grab the data off the database to analyze it either.
jervis961 08/08/07	OK! no update yet, maybe next year?
dell_admin1 08/08/07	Nothing tangible to report, in terms of dates... other than I'm working on this. Making sure the budget is in place, to tell you the truth.
petzymathuram 08/08/07	Hi Dell_Admin1, Working........ working & working......;) is this the same 4 my job as well? I hope it is not so.....;)
jervis961 08/08/07	Petzy do I sense humor in there? dell_admin1 - I was just checking on it. I knew there was talk of the summer but figured it got pushed back since there is talk of adding in the direct2dell and forums communities as well. Should make for an even more interesting event.
petzymathuram 08/08/07	;)
jorge 08/30/07	Merged Comment originally posted 08/25/07 Dupe.
petzymathuram 08/30/07	Merged Comment originally posted 08/25/07 During my experience , what usually happens around here is if really talented people are there, we will be picked up, given a Visiting card of the Organization and will be asked to meet different organization for data/ documents/ Say for eg. I need to learn MS Excel or Vista or Linux, the organization will send you to a good place for training for a day or two......Your attendance will be OD ie On Duty.... Most of the times When I have gone, I know the organization pay 300- 1000 for one visit depending upon the importance and number of days... So we get trained on par with the world requirements of technology During College days even Institutions adopt this style... Arrange for a casual visit or relaxing visit to different places as a department tour where we can observe different things....Before we visit those places, we send a letter from the organization, so that a demonstrator stands prepared to expalin us about the company. We pay the demonstrators and the place Ie companies we visit.... We can also invite other eminent persons FROM different organizations as a consusltant for a few hours............to share their ideas.....;)
petzymathuram 08/30/07	Merged Comment originally posted 08/25/07 Usually manufacturers invite schools and colleges to visit their factory. We all team up for the tour and observe things around.... Finally we have to submit a document with the photos if any.....
jervis961 09/02/07	With the comments from sean_m on the idea http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/73638/Just_say_Thank_You_to_all_Dell_Em... - does that mean that September is kind of Dell community month or something? Is this the lead up to a cenference? If so, I hope advance notice is given so people (if invited) can arrange their schedule. My schedule is strange with rotating days off and switching shifts as well as meetings, training, personal trips and the like. I'm sure many other people would need asvanced notice as well.
petzymathuram 09/02/07	Hi Jervis, you are that marketing officer....because people in marketing are always on the move right?.........You mean to say we can expect good things in September? Its new year for God's children as well..I mean for Israelites, Pastor told us. Our Church does follow doctrines...we have service on Fridays apart from Sundays to commemorate the holy day of the jews (ie Thursday oin Israel will be Friday India)....so good news anyways Jervis...;). But again all of you will be able to attend Ideastorm conference...Dont forget to post that show over You tube for me plzzz...;)
jorge 09/02/07	Agghhhhhhh!!!!!! Serenity NOW!
petzymathuram 09/03/07	Wow I am surprised to see jorge being so cool on this site...;)
badblood 09/03/07	are we having a conference or not....?
petzymathuram 09/03/07	Hi Badblood, Plz tell them to schedule a date well in advance.. . I am waiting to see all fo you as well..;)
jervis961 10/17/07	zzzzz
jorge 10/17/07	We should have our own, but only if we leave out one, we can have Dell sponsor it and then give Dell the slip when they want to propagana-ise us.
badblood 10/18/07	I'd forgotten about this idea, a kind of self help mechanism to cope with the lack of action and abuse of our trust. Now it's back in the front of my mind. It was an interesting idea and nice to think that Dell might actually be committed to this site. Now I think if there was a conference we'd have to listen to that fat guy from salesforce tell lies about ideastorm for hours and watch dell staff go in and out of the room in their suits with back packs on, sipping nasty coffee. You'd find me collapsed under the snack table, drunk, with pockets full of chocolates.
jervis961 10/18/07	mmmm chocolate...
badblood 10/18/07	dell_admin1 is this idea dead. Can we move on please.....
petzymathuram 10/18/07	Wow chocolates?.....;)
dell_admin1 10/18/07	It's not dead, actually.
jervis961 10/18/07	life support?
dell_admin1 10/18/07	Life support indicates eventual death, though doesn't it? If so, no, not life support. More like "in the waiting room". :)
jorge 10/18/07	Its dead, life support on a dead site is dead.
jervis961 10/18/07	In the waiting room... no not there. Its stuck listening to acoustic versions of heavy metal songs but can still hear the drill in the background .Poor idea must be scared.
jorge 10/18/07	Waiting room... next to the guy with the stab womb bleeding and the guy with the heart attack, guess when this Idea will get to see the reception nurse?

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