With over a hundred RC bugs still outstanding for Jessie, there’s never been a better time to host a bug-squashing party in your local area. Here’s how I do it.

1. At home is fine, if you don’t mind guests. You don’t need to seek out a sponsor and borrow or hire office space. If there isn’t room for couch-surfers, the project can help towards travel and accommodation expenses. My address isn’t secret, but I still don’t announce it – it’s fine to share it only with the attendees once you know who they are.
2. You need a good work area. There should be room for people to sit and work comfortably – a dining room table and chairs is ideal. It should be quiet and free from distractions. A local mirror is handy, but a good internet connection is essential.
3. Hungry hackers eat lots of snacks. This past weekend saw five of us get through 15 litres of soft drinks, two loaves of bread, half a kilo of cheese, two litres of soup, 22 bags of crisps, 12 jam tarts, two pints of milk, two packs of chocolate cake bars, and a large bag of biscuits (and we went out for breakfast and supper). Make sure there is plenty available before your attendees arrive, along with a good supply of tea and coffee.
4. Have a work plan. Pick a shortlist of RC bugs to suit attendees’ strengths, or work on a particular packaging group’s bugs, or have a theme, or something. Make sure there’s a common purpose and you don’t just end up being a bunch of people round a table.
5. Be an exemplary host. As the host you’re allowed to squash fewer bugs and instead make sure your guests are comfortable, know where the bathroom is, aren’t going hungry, etc. It’s an acceptable trade-off. (The reverse is true: if you’re attending, be an exemplary guest – and don’t spend the party reading news sites.)

Now, go host a BSP of your own, and let’s release!