[Stoves] ETHOS 2008 format

[Paul S. Anderson]

Dear Stovers and ETHOS members,

It is still 100 days before the ETHOS 2008 meeting in late January.  The call
for abstracts has been posted.  Now is an appropriate time to TRY to get the
format of the conference adjusted.

ETHOS is a great conference, but there is not enough time for the essential
DISCUSSION of crucial topics.  Here are my suggestions and reasons:

1.  Everyone who submits an abstract is allowed to present.  That is the past
and current policy.  But in the past everyone got 15 minutes regardless of the
topic, and we are so slow.  Some people fill their 15 minutes with too much
background.  We are not running tutorials for newcomers.

   Change:  The time allowed is only 4 minutes, plus 1 minute to change to the
next speaker.  MAKE YOUR KEY POINTS, GET ATTENTION FOR YOUR TOPIC, AND DISCUSS
SEPARATELY IN DETAIL WITH THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED, or get into the debates. 
Five (5) minutes total means 12 topics introduced well in on hour.  6 minutes
means 10 topics/presenters.  Instead of struggling to get only 4 (X 15 minutes)
done in one hour.  We are trying to SAVE time for some additional conference
activities.

We could have all of the short presentations were done in the about 5 meeting
hours:  maybe 3 hours on Saturday morning groupings of short presentaions, and
different groupings on Sunday morning.  Then we could open the timetable for an
improved conference.  We would have plenty of time to get into depth on SOME of
those topics plus the major issues.

2.   Those who feel they have a major topic to present need to state their case
to the conference organizers, including more than a brief abstract.  Also, the
organizers can request that someone present in more detail.  Much depends on
the newness of the topic.  See also the suggestion below about "topical
panels".

3.  "Topical panels" or groupings could be organized when 3 or more people are
discussing related topics.  Still keep the times relatively short, and REQUIRE
that the presenters meet (or discuss via email) beforehand about how to make a
lively and interesting session.  Then have some real discussion for the plenary
session.

4.  Abandon the unwritten rule that one person can only make one presentation. 
BUT the topics must be quite different and justify a separate 4-5-6 minute
presentation.  Perhaps I am the only one who is impacted by this.  Last year I
had material to present on TLUD advances and on Alcohol stoves.  That occurs
again for the coming meeting.  I'll prefer 4 minutes on each topic instead of
having one be a "poster session" that reaches only a few people.

5.  What to do with the saved time???

a.  We need some high-class presentations that merit more than the 5 or even 15
minute time slots.  In 2006 Don O'Neal gave a compasionate discussion as
Keynote on the urgency of the stove problem.  We could have had more
discussion.  In 2007 Dean Still was scheduled for a Keynote that did not
materialize (time problems, etc.).   We do not need a Keynote speaker just to
have a keynote speech.  We need to have a kick-off presentation(s) to a
critical problem with some time for discussion immediately afterward.

b.  Discussions/panels/ even DEBATES.  The issues of testing are NOT cut and
dried (pun?).  Avoiding IAP inside the house (use a chimney to take the smoke
outside) is different from clean-burning/low emissions.
     Other people reading this can suggest topics even if they will not attend.

c.  Focus sessions relating to Geographic areas or to technologies.

d.  Fuel issues.

6.  I attended the PCIA III meeting in Bangalore a few months ago.  It was a
fantastic meeting.  Goal oriented, not just a series of presentations.  Brenda
and John and their crew were wonderful.  ETHOS should not try to mimick that
approach, but should try for have more goal-oriented interaction and
discussion.

7.  Please keep the lighting of the stoves on Saturday afternoon.

8.  This year we will meet in the new facilities at the University.  I do not
know how many separate rooms will be available, but let's consider some
"breakout sessions" and then have everyone come back to report on what was
covered in each of those sessions.

9.  The announced deadline (I think it is January 1, but am not sure) for 
abstracts (to get your name on the program) should be respected.  But there
will always be a few very justified late additions.  But the late-comers
certainly should not expect the long time slots of 15 minutes.

10.  I appreciate the major efforts done by all who have put on the ETHOS
meetings in the past.  I am only suggesting some changes.  I expect to attend
regardless of the format.  Others who have attended in the past or expect to
attend in 2008 should please make comments about the conference format while
there is still time for adjustments.

Respectfully submitted,

Paul

-- 
Paul S. Anderson, Ph.D., Geography professor - Emeritus
Telephone:  USA-309-452-7072 (residence and office)
Internet site:  www.ilstu.edu/~psanders
For my gasifier stoves info, go to:
http://bioenergylists.org/contributors#Paul_Anderson





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