An alternative way to program a SwanCon

[tommo]

I was going to post this as a reply on someone else's journal, but I think it's an interesting enough point to be a post of it's own.

I've been wondering whether the job of programmer should really be divided up further than it currently is. Have a head programmer to run and timetable the whole thing and generally be in charge, but then have sub-programmers responsible for different streams. You could have a media fan organising some TV and movie panels, a lit fan organising some book panels, avid gamer for gaming panels, anime buff for anime panels, and so on. And the head programmer gives them each a certain number of panel slots they have to fill up. I think that could result in a much more well-balanced programme.

What do people think? It'd swell the numbers in a committee somewhat, but I think if it was done well and everyone involved put in the required effort, you'd probably end up with a stellar programme. And it'd take some of the burden away from the head programmer, who tends to do a hell of a lot of work putting it all together.

Comments

[tommmo.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. And you'd have to have sub-programmers who are willing to submit to the head programmer's authority. Egos would need to be kept in check.

Of course, if it all blows up and the sub-programmers bail out, then you're just left with one programmer doing it themselves, which is the way it normally is anyway.

[almightybean.livejournal.com]

I have no experience whatsoever to draw on obviously, but it should probably be noted that if it blows up and all the subprogrammers bail out then it won't be QUITE the same as it normally is, because the time frame will probably be a lot shorter for that person, and their stress levels will be higher :P

[tommmo.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know. Although programmers tend to be awfully stressed by that stage anyway ;)