We have moved to www.bettakultcha.com

It's taken a while to sort this but Bettakultcha has now moved to www.bettakultcha.com. The new site is much improved and is now our permanent home on the web. Hope you enjoy it!

The Bettakultcha debate

I'm sure most of you are aware that Bettakultcha IX caused a bit of a stir and some people were upset by some of the content. Myself and Ivor chose not to post our statement about the events on here so that it would receive a fair hearing and ensure it would be totally open for full and frank debate on an independent blog.

We're eternally grateful to Emma at CultureVultures for allowing us to use her site as a place to hold the debate. While we were putting together our response, just as we hoped others began to compile their thoughts and responses too. We love the fact that this happened as it's the whole point of Bettakultcha, "People talking with passion" and that's definitely what's happened.

This post isn't written to discuss the issues, it's been done far better elsewhere. This post is to show you the "Elsewhere" so you can read for yourself and we hope comment on it too.

If there are any posts we've missed please let us know.

Thanks Richard

• Richard and Ivor's Bettakultcha Statement - CultureVutures
• Bettakultcha IX - So what was the drama about - Exploring Leeds
• Bettakultcha IX June 2011 - Claireot's Blog
• The Feeling of Bettakultcha - Kate Fox News
• In defence of Bettakultcha and Killing Amy - Dan Ladds dot com

Tom Morgan on magic conspiracy theories

Tom Morgan (with some beautiful slides) shows why magic and conspiracy theories go together, all in a lovely Fez too! Don't see many of those these days.


Tom Morgan from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

1. Gemma Teed on Lists

1. Arrive at Leeds Corn Exchange
2. Sit down 
3. Watch Gemma Teed
4. Video it
5. Post to Bettakultcha Blog
6. Tweet Link

Gemma Teed from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Anna Tatton Definitions of Dementia

Now for something thought-provoking. Anna Tatton asks Should Alzheimer’s Disease be called Prichard’s Disease?

You see Bettakultcha covers serious subjects too.


Anna Tatton from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Maria Millionaire takes the stage at Bettakultcha

Maria Millionaire (aka Martin Carter) makes a very grand entrance in amazingly high heels! This short history of Leeds drag artists was a definite show stopper.

Martin Carter from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Jayne Rodgers on How Star Wars is based on Mills and Boon

Jayne Rodgers put together this amazing presentation after she told me she'd never seen Star Wars and I bet her she couldn't do this presentation. I'm pretty sure this will soon become one of the classic Bettakultcha presentations.


Jayne Rodgers from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

That's the way to do it!

It's not a Bettakultcha presentation at all, but just a great short guide to how presentations should be done and how effective they can be when you free yourself from the shackles of PowerPoint and become its master rather than its servant.

End of rant, just watch.

Powerful (PowerPoint) Presentations: Simply Stated from Wienot Films on Vimeo.

Bob Claydon on Pin Hole Cameras

We have a vast range of presenters and subjects at Bettakultcha. So here's a more sedate but fascinating talk by Bob Claydon on Pin Hole Cameras.

Bob Clayden from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Larner Caleb on Viral and why you shouldn't give him your mobile

Larner Caleb brought a blender to Bettakultcha at the Corn Exchange. "What are you going to do with that?" we asked. "Blend summat" he said. "Ok" we replied


Larner Caleb from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Jess Haigh on why Iceland is well ... just ace!

Jess Haigh, is a well known Bettakultchaist (is that how you spell it?) normally shy and retiring, Jess uncharacteristically was full of energy telling us all why Iceland, the country not the frozen food specialist, is amazing.


Jess Haigh from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Ben Wolfenden at Bettakultcha

Ben Wolfenden kicked off Bettakultcha VIII at the Corn Exchange with a thought-provoking, interactive and challenging 5 minutes. Quick tip before you watch it get a drinking straw and you'll be able to join in.


Ben Wolfenden from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Just how much fun can you have in five minutes?

Bettakultcha is a great event to share your passion about a subject you know really well. The format lends itself to that, 20 slides, 15 seconds each, making 5 minutes in total. It's a great way to get over a message.

Why not push the boundaries?
Having said that we're happy is people want to push the boundaries of the format. Here are few ideas for would be presenters.

• A play in 20 acts - each slide can be a different scene. It could be a monologue or an ensemble cast
• Interpretive dance! We've never said you have to talk!
• Five minutes of song? Equally we've never said you can't sing or rap over your slides
• Poetry?
• Using props? We had one guy use a blender?
• Audience participation?

The only rules Bettakultcha has are:

1. 20 slides
2. 15 seconds each slide
3. NO PITCHES

So lets see who can bend em!

If you'd like to present then email bettakultcha@gmail.com and tell us if you want to present in Leeds or Bradford.

Bettakultcha VIII presenters

Our thanks to these wonderful people for contributing to a fantastic night on April 12th at the Corn Exchange, Leeds.

Ben Wolfenden @benwolfenden
Jess Haigh @BookElfLeeds
Larner Caleb @LarnerC
Bob Clayden
Jane Rodgers @janeydodge
Maria Millionaire @martinloves
Anna Tatton @Tattontastic

Tom Morgan @morganesque
Gemma Teed @Gemma_T
Rich Daley @pedantic_git
Angela Whitlock @angewhitlock

Gerard Anthony @gerard_anthony
Edward Gillson @gilly_dc

Random slide challenge presenters

• Marianne Rizkallah @rubberplucky 
• Ben Needham @benneedham
  
• Jonathan David Hamilton Edmondson
• Sue

Bettakultcha VIII Menu

Anthony's Restaurant will be open downstairs at the Corn Exchange and has a full bar.

Esquire's coffee bar will be open next to the audience.

Primo's will be offering these items;

Classic BLT Bagel £3.50
Staten Island 3 Cheese Bagel £3.50

The Italian – Italian Fennel and Chilli Sausage with Mozzarella and Salsa £3.50
The Brazilian – All Beef Frankfurter with Potato Stix, Grated Carrot, Sweet Corn, Ketchup and Mayo £3.50

Both of the above hot dogs can be done with a Veggie Tofu Sausage.

They will also have some great ice creams available, plus lots of cold beers and soft drinks. If anybody would like something other than the special menu, they can do it.

It's going to be another great night!

Mike Wallis put you in his "Skinner Box"

Mike Wallis puts you in a Skinner Box and shows just why you are doing exactly what you're doing now. Yes because we trained you to. It's all quite scary once someone points it out isn't it?!


Mike Wallis from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Matt Edgar brings the Corn Exchange to life

Matt Edgar gave a great presentation which brings the history of the Corn Exchange to life. Very rarely do you get this level of insight into a place which is so much part of your daily life.


Matt Edgar from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Eleanor Snare shares her passion for fashion

Sorry for the pun. Eleanor tells us all why fashion is important, no really it is, no shit


Elenor Snare from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Mark Johnson at Bettakultcha

Mark Johnson get lost in time.... over and over again ... don't mess with time is the answer!


Mark Johnson from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.

Tim Ineaux at Bettakultcha

Tim Ineaux at Bettakultcha urging you to join the Projector Liberation Front!


Tim Ineaux from Dave Naylor on Vimeo.