WHYcast history episode 14

Episode 14 – Stories from May Contain Hackers (MCH) 2022 and Reflections on Dutch Hacker Camp Traditions

The Naming and Spirit of MCH 2022

In this final episode of the year, the hosts turn their attention to the most recent Dutch hacker camp: May Contain Hackers (MCH) 2022, held in Zeewolde. Walter, a long-standing member of the community and press team, shares a particularly personal connection to this event—he is the one who named it. MCH was originally intended to take place in 2021, but due to the global pandemic, it was postponed to 2022, making it the only event not to follow the traditional four-year schedule. Walter recounts how, with the event’s naming competition underway, he submitted "May Contain Hackers" almost as an afterthought, and to his delight, it became the event’s official name.

Walter describes MCH 2022 as a true continuation of its predecessors, with an atmosphere reminiscent of the event five years prior (SHA 2017). The sense of community was palpable, with large villages—communal campsites or clusters—featuring their own impressive installations and the hallmark vibrant lighting that has become a staple of Dutch hacker camps. He recalls the magic of these illuminated spaces, sharing that he still treasures photographs capturing the unique nighttime ambiance.

Press Relations: Evolving Practices and Anecdotes

Walter elaborates on his work with the press team at MCH, detailing the group’s responsibility for escorting journalists around the event, ensuring that the press experienced highlights tailored to public interest and the safety of participants’ privacy. He notes one memorable incident: a youth television crew from VPRO spent days recording in the Family Village for a potential feature, only for the footage to ultimately remain unused. This, Walter remarks, was a disappointing outcome after considerable effort from both press and organizers.

He contrasts this with experiences at earlier camps, such as Ohm 2013, where a photographer once posed as press only to be revealed as an enthusiastic hacker eager to see the event. These anecdotes illustrate how the relationship between the press and the hacker community has matured, balancing openness with the need for privacy and trust.

Controversies and Constructive Engagements with Sponsors

The episode delves into the recurring theme of sponsor involvement at Dutch hacker camps. Walter references past controversies, such as the presence of Fox IT at one camp, which sparked debate within the community. At MCH 2022, the Dutch National Forensics Institute (NFI) hosted a substantial tent, offering hands-on workshops in hardware hacking, soldering, and chip decapping—activities that were met with enthusiasm and positive engagement. Walter stresses that when sponsors contribute meaningfully to the program, especially through knowledge sharing and interactive sessions, their presence is welcomed and valued.

The hosts and Walter agree that the right approach is crucial: sponsors who understand the "DNA" of the event and aim to participate, rather than simply advertise, are embraced. This philosophy is reflected in the camp’s strict policies limiting overt commercial promotion—banners and marketing materials are largely prohibited, with only subtle signage permitted. Walter shares a playful example: one company, in a nod to hacker humor, flew a flag reading "false" (the opposite of their own name "true"), reflecting the community’s love for creative subversion.

Professionalization and Volunteerism

Walter observes that over the years, Dutch hacker camps have become more professional—not in a corporate sense, but in the collective responsibility and self-organization among volunteers. He remarks on the smooth operation of MCH 2022, crediting the community’s experience and collaborative ethos. The camp’s culture of mutual support and initiative is celebrated, with everyone—from newcomers to seasoned organizers—taking ownership of tasks or finding those who can.

The discussion also highlights the vital role of sponsors in enabling the event’s scale without making ticket prices prohibitive. Walter emphasizes that it is not the companies themselves, but the individuals within them—the hackers and enthusiasts—who make the best sponsors, bringing the right mindset and intentions to the camp.

The Evolution of Logistics and Essential Teams

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the practical side of running a hacker camp, as Manduca, a veteran logistics volunteer, shares his journey. He recounts his first experience at Hacking in Progress (HIP) 1997, where he attended with a day ticket and was instantly captivated by the camp’s inclusive, quirky, and welcoming atmosphere.

Manduca’s organizational journey began in earnest at Hackers at Large (HAL) 2001, where he noticed the lack of a logistics team—tasks were handled haphazardly, with no central coordination. By the next event, What the Hack 2005, a logistics team was established, and Manduca found himself literally knee-deep in garbage due to the absence of a structured waste management system. This led to the birth of Team:Waste, and, through trial and error (such as forgetting to power the trash compactor), the camp’s logistics processes were steadily refined. These practical lessons underpin the professionalization and growing efficiency of Dutch hacker camps.

Manduca also touches on the creation and optimization of teams like Team:Shuttle (handling on-site transportation) and Team:Fire (overseeing safety with cooking apparatus), reflecting the camp’s continual improvement and adaptability.

Community Projects, Villages, and Cross-Pollination

The episode features Dave, a core organizer behind the ByCharm demo scene and representative of the HSNL village. Dave speaks about fostering creative spaces at Dutch hacker camps, highlighting the tradition of demo villages—creative, self-organizing hubs where live coding, art, and 3D printing converge. He shares that these villages thrive on community initiative: once set up, they become self-sustaining, embodying the camp’s ethos of “organize it and they will come.”

The conversation also notes the presence and activities of TOOL, the Dutch lockpicking group. Walter recalls that, at SHA and MCH, TOOOL’s tent sometimes operated on an honor system: locks and tools were left out with an open invitation for participants to experiment and teach one another. This approach, unthinkable elsewhere due to the value of the equipment, worked beautifully in the unique context of a hacker camp—demonstrating the trust and communal spirit that define these events.

Walter and the hosts express their appreciation for cross-disciplinary talks and workshops, such as those on DNA and the intersection of hacking with art or psychology. These sessions, often remembered as highlights, exemplify the camp’s role as a crucible for creative and intellectual exchange.

Safety, Rules, and the Importance of Community

Listener questions touch on practical matters, such as fire safety and the use of open flames. The hosts reaffirm that, following MCH precedent, open fires are not allowed due to safety concerns. However, small camping stoves are permitted under strict guidelines, and larger cooking setups must be approved by Team:Fire. These evolving rules reflect the camp’s commitment to both safety and the freedom to experiment, with clear communication and dedicated teams ensuring a smooth experience for all.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

The episode closes with an invitation for more volunteers and stories, underscoring the value placed on community contributions. The hosts stress the delicate balance between privacy and the desire for outreach, with the press team serving as a bridge between the insular hacker community and the outside world.

In sum, this episode provides a rich tapestry of recent Dutch hacker camp history, weaving together themes of tradition, professionalization, inclusivity, creative experimentation, and the importance of both structure and spontaneity. The stories and lessons from MCH 2022 encapsulate the enduring spirit of these gatherings—a spirit that continues to inspire and shape WHY2025.