Okay, okay: so I’m a sucker for compliments. But, honestly, that video is hilarious! You are a talented man, Mr. Bryce.

Oddly enough, I can’t tell you how many times the name “CopyCamp” was confused for CopyCat, which was not entirely unplanned or unintentional — and is somewhat apropos for an event that wants to explore the (often thought to be boring) topic of copyright, digital rights management, and creativity in the digital age.

There has been some confusion about the event pricing, which I know the CopyCamp team will work hard to clarify in the coming weeks. Also, some folks have been asking about who is coming and — as the event was only announced recently and registrations are just starting to flow in — I'm also going to start publishing a list of confirmed participants as soon as we can I've just published a list of the first bunch of confirmed participants. (yah, I know: use a Wiki!).

However, you hit the proverbial nail on the head with your keen observation about the ratio of layers to artists/activists being about 1-to-6 (right now, it’s probably about 1-to-36!). Far from “a weird mix,” the participant mix is seen by the CopyCamp team as key to exploring the role of copyright in the context of being a creator, and in the context of Canada (vs. Toronto). One of the early intentions set by Susan was to ensure that the voices of the people who are actually creating — creating art, content, and our cultural fabric — are the ones that are heard, and the ones that are able to be heard by each other. Artists struggle — and too often against each other — with the tension between intellectual property and fair use or fair dealing. Often, it appears that the only ones that win are the corporate interests that sit between creator and consumer, the ones that control the channels of distribution.

So, let it be said — although Bono won’t be there — I'm pretty sure that CopyCamp will ensure that:

• This event (that is somewhat about copyright) is unlike any other event about copyright;
• The voices represented are ones that may not have had the airtime they deserve before;
• The people who need to be there — from near and far — are supported (financially) in getting there;
• The participant mix is weighted heavily toward the “creator”;
• Enough is learned from this experience to make the event even better in the future!

And, if you do want to come (for less than $700!), please have a look at where we need help at the event! Of course, you’d have to promise to bring that big DemoCamp clock.

Thanks again Bryce: just the laugh I needed at the right time. :-)