Sessione Idea: DH for n00bs

This is similar in tone to Celia’s topic proposal, so perhaps we could combine them or have them run back to back?

Last year’s ThatCamp resulted in some great discussions of DH theory, project goals, and lots of “well, we built it but now what do we do/how do we do it better” thinking. But as a relatively new archivist, I’m more interested in how these projects happen in the first place. I’d like to attend a session that covers the basics of getting a digital project off the ground, including but not limited to:

• web hosting (who do you recommend?)
• servers, scanners, cameras, and hardware (what kind? how many?)
• do you need a dedicated IT/tech man or lady?
• web development and design software
• choosing your topic and audience
• would you use existing online resources like Flickr, Pinterest, or Facebook?

Horror and success stories both encouraged. Talking about the theory behind these projects is always inspiring, but I’d like to leave ThatCamp this year with a better handle on the practicalities of putting these theories into practice. And since we have a great mixed crowd of developers, archivist, academics, and people who have been through various kinds of projects, this seems like an especially good venue for this conversation.