[grok] — verb

1. to intimately and completely share the same reality or line of thinking with another physical or conceptual entity
2. the intermingling of intelligence that necessarily affects both the observer and the observed

[ORIGIN: 1961, COINED BY AUTHOR ROBERT A. HEINLEIN IN HIS NOVEL STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND] Thanks to Joshua Blankenship for the definition.

The Origin of the Grok

The first Grok began in the tasty beer and pixel filled mind of Matthew Smith of @squaredeye & Cowork Greenville & now Zaarly.

It was an experiment gone oh so right. It was an incredible 3-day, mind-meld of awesome. Ideas were shared, friendships were made, BBQ was eaten and beer was drank.

I won't go into detail on the experiences here but I recommend you take a gander at what was said about Greenville Grok.

• Matthew Smith
• Yaron Schoen
• Cameron Koczon
• Joshua Blankenship

The Format

The day will be divided up into two hour blocks. Within those two hour blocks we will have 10/20s. 10 or 20 minute blocks of timed, rapid conversations. As we finish a 2 hour block and break for food the hope is that you take the opportunity and carry on those conversations as we socialize.

The Speakers

The Grok is open for anybody to lead a discussion about an idea you want to share, a business challenge, a technique or even demo something you've been working on.

You can take a few moments to plan something or present something adhoc. The planning isn't important but if you think you have something that'll hold the attention of a group of people for 10 or 20 minutes then by all means share it with us.