WHYcast history episode 12

Episode 12 – Stories from Observe Hack Make (OHM 2013)

Each episode of WHYcast delves into the rich tapestry of Dutch hacker camp history, and in this twelfth installment, the focus is on Observe Hack Make (OHM), the 2013 edition of the long-running series of Dutch hacker camps. The conversation is sparked by the appearance of Walter, a recurring guest who shares his personal recollections, and by Ad’s own memories, as OHM was his first camp as an active participant and volunteer.

The OHM Hat and Volunteer Identity

A charming moment unfolds as Walter dons his OHM hat, prompting the hosts to reminisce about the tradition of event attire. At OHM, attendees could collect patches and stickers for their hats, representing the languages they spoke, their roles as organizers or volunteers, and the teams they belonged to. This system of visible identification was a playful yet practical way to showcase the international and collaborative spirit of the camp. It continued a practice from previous camps (notably HAR 2009, where such information was printed directly on the caps), evolving at OHM into colored lanyards or wristbands to denote team affiliations. This tradition reinforced the camp’s ethos of openness, inclusivity, and decentralized organization.

Growth and Scale: A Volunteer’s Perspective

OHM 2013 marked a significant scaling-up of the Dutch hacker camp phenomenon, with thousands of attendees and a sold-out event. Walter highlights the logistical evolution: the event ran smoothly despite its size, with improved organization and continuity—new team members were brought in alongside veterans from earlier camps, creating a blend of fresh energy and institutional memory. The lack of rigid hierarchy was noted as a strength; the event operated on fluid volunteerism, where everyone, including attendees, could step up and take responsibility, resulting in a self-organizing “mini-society.”

A particularly innovative solution mentioned—possibly debuting at OHM or a subsequent camp—was the use of trash cans equipped with QR codes. When a trash can was full, anyone could scan the code, automatically alerting the cleanup team. This empowered all participants to play an active role in event upkeep, embodying the hacker ethic of shared responsibility and direct action.

The Assange Video Link and WikiLeaks Aftershocks

One of the landmark moments at OHM was the live video presentation by Julian Assange, then confined to the Ecuadorian embassy in London following the WikiLeaks disclosures involving Chelsea Manning. Although Assange had attended HAR 2009 in person, by OHM 2013 he was unable to travel, so organizers arranged a live video link. This event underscored the deep connections between the global hacker community and high-profile figures in the world of digital activism and whistleblowing. The inclusion of Assange, even virtually, was both a technical feat and a statement of solidarity with controversial figures at the intersection of technology, politics, and freedom of information.

Controversy: Sponsorship and Hacker Ethics

The episode does not shy away from the more difficult aspects of hacker camp culture. Walter recounts the controversy surrounding Fox-IT, a security firm that sponsored OHM but was viewed with suspicion (and, in some quarters, hostility) due to its work with law enforcement and development of wiretapping software. This sponsorship led to uncomfortable incidents; some Fox-IT employees experienced verbal and even physical abuse at the event. Walter, attending with another security company, Madison, recalls the tension but notes that, aside from minor issues, his own experience was positive. This episode serves as a reminder that the hacker community, while generally inclusive and tolerant, is not immune to internal conflicts over ethics, alliances, and the boundaries of acceptable collaboration.

Hacking Beyond Computers: Blacksmithing and Art

OHM 2013 was not just about digital hacking. The camp featured hands-on, analog hacking as well—most memorably, a blacksmithing demonstration with an iron-melting setup. This tangible, physical expression of the hacker spirit delighted the press and attendees alike, showing the broad and creative scope of what “hacking” can mean.

An unforgettable artistic highlight was the presence of Bart Jansen, an artist known for transforming his deceased cat, Orville, into a remote-controlled flying “Orvillecopter.” The bizarre and whimsical Orvillecopter became an emblem of the event’s playful, boundary-pushing creativity. Jansen apparently also gave a talk about his subsequent “flying animals,” including an emu, a rat, and a tarantula—all similarly mechanized. The Orvillecopter, in particular, is fondly remembered and visually striking, exemplifying the camp’s encouragement of unconventional projects.

Radio Omroep: The Soundtrack of Camp Life

Continuing a tradition from previous camps, OHM featured its own radio station, Omroep. Run by volunteers like Psychic and with contributions from others (including, as noted, Astrid Oosenbrug, who would later serve in the Tweede Kamer), the radio station became a cultural hub. The hosts share anecdotes of late-night broadcasts and live musical performances, underscoring the camp’s festival-like, community-driven atmosphere.

Lessons Learned and the Culture of Improvement

OHM 2013 is recognized as a pivotal event where organizers learned crucial lessons for future editions. The larger scale forced new approaches to logistics and organization, and the event’s largely positive reception by visitors—combined with the organizers’ critical self-reflection—helped the Dutch hacker camp tradition evolve. The episode closes on a note of anticipation: Manduca, a veteran of logistics since Hacking in Progress (HIP), is expected to share more stories in a future episode, promising even deeper insights into the evolution of Dutch hacker camps.

Brief Historical Notes from MCH 2022 and Volunteer Traditions

In addition to the deep dive into OHM, the episode includes a segment with Kato from Team:Bar and Team Food Court, focusing on the organization and volunteer culture at hacker camps, particularly at May Contain Hackers (MCH) 2022. Kato recounts the challenges and successes of organizing multiple event bars, including the development of protocols for volunteer “angel shifts,” and highlights the culture of on-the-spot volunteering, skill-sharing, and community building that characterizes these events. The format of shift leaders mentoring new volunteers is identified as a best practice to be continued at WHY 2025.

The hosts also reference the family-friendly atmosphere at recent camps, such as Fri3d Camp in Belgium and the introduction of a family zone at WHY, demonstrating the cross-pollination of ideas and traditions across European hacker gatherings.