Unimpressive Unconference

I attended my first 'unconference' in London today. Effectively they make it up as they go along, no one really accepts responsibility for a workshop and it's oh, so dynamic. Actually it's all a lot of hot air and usually not anything to do with the title of the session. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to learn, but it's easy to see why conferences are more commonly held than unconferences. It's also a little disheartening to find that everyone involved in digital humanities is so disorganised. There are good ideas out there - and a lot of clever people - but no solid vision bringing cohesion to the party. I left the day's event with just a whiff of annoyance, prompting me to go off walking alone. At least the South Bank is a perfect venue for that, but sadly part of the riverside walk was blocked off for maintenance. Still London's London.