Pattern Writing Group

In addition to the Pattern Writing Group (formerly known as the Pattern Writing Workshop), which is meant for papers that aren't ready yet for a writers' workshop, EuroPLoP^™ offers a special Writing Group for people who would like to take a first step at writing patterns.

This group is lead by Kevlin Henney. For more information read his introduction:

The "other" Pattern Writing Group

There are more pattern readers than pattern authors. EuroPLoP^™ is focused principally on pattern authors and the improvement of their work. However, writing a pattern can seem like a daunting task to many non-authors who may otherwise be experienced pattern users. Each of us has a basis of experience from which we can mine and document patterns, but where do we start? What makes an effective and valid pattern? What is the most appropriate form for a given pattern? How can we uncover and present an effective pattern language?

The purpose of this writing group is to provide an informal introduction to pattern writing for non-author conference delegates; the emphasis is on discussion rather than lecture-style presentation. The writing group will begin by exploring the characteristics and anatomy of patterns and pattern languages, and see how this is reflected in pattern workshops and pattern forms. The aim is to then discuss any pattern ideas participants may have, and have others in the group help them bring out the key features by exploring forces, consequences, examples, etc. After the working group participants should be in a better position (and, hopefully, strongly motivated) to consider writing up a pattern or pattern language for themselves, their colleagues or a future conference.

For preparation, it is suggested that participants read the pages referenced from http://hillside.net/patterns/Writing/ and also Software Patterns by Jim Coplien (available in PDF from http://www.bell-labs.com/user/cope/Patterns/WhitePaper/).

Participants are asked to submit a short position paper (thinking positively, a "position email") that lists the questions they have about patterns and pattern writing, as well as practices they believe help the process of pattern identification and writing. Participants are asked to include a list of any ideas for patterns that they may have, no matter how unformulated these appear to be.

Although the writing group is aimed at non-authors at the conference, authors with time to kill and experience to share are also welcome.

Please send an email stating that you plan to attend, and also a position as outlined above, to kevlin@curbralan.com by 15th June 2001.

Shepherding Workshop

All shepherds or PLoPers, who plan to be shepherds in the next PLoP^™ season, get the opportunity to improve their shepherding style and to exchange experience with other shepherds.

This session will be lead by the author of "The Language of Shepherding", the person the Shepherding Award is named after, the well known Neil Harrison.

The Shepherding Workshop will be held on Saturday in parallel to the Writing Groups.