Why I’m Not Missing SxSW

Danny,

I'm a little late on the reply but nonetheless I was grateful to read this post.

I understand there are valuable sessions and I love hearing about those - especially any that focus on new thinking, innovation and approaches (and not the same old topics of transparency, integration, etc. etc. that any of us doing social media already know very well).

But the truth is, whenever a SXSW fanboy or girl talks to me about SXSW, they talk like high schoolers excited about the year-end senior kegger. They don't talk about the valuable content, amazing speakers or educational sessions. They talk about the parties, the meetups, the beer, the leis and the web-celebs they are excited to snap a photo with so they can display it on their Facebook or Twitpic to somehow further validate their expertise.

Oy vey.

I know a lot of good things happen there but it's the people who say "to be honest, it's my company paying me to go to one week-long party" that turn me off of this event (http://bit.ly/kV6Hf). I can get all the real valuable content from the blog posts, Twitter posts, podcasts and more - from the people that are actually paying attention while they're there.

And as a PR exec, of course I know networking is crucial - but I'd rather spend a few thousand dollars on an event full of clients and new business prospects, not trying to prove I can hang with the "cool kids."

Christine
http://www.twitter.com/missusP
.-= Christine Perkett´s most recent blog post ...Persuasive Picks for the week of 03/15/10 =-.

I missed SXSW this year do to client commitments. I I have to admit I was 10% bummed, as there were some specific people that I wanted to reconnect with, but the truth is that little has happened in social media over the past year and that was quite evident in all the tweets.

Think about it, we're still tweeting and blogging and Facebooking. The tools have all been upgraded a bit, but the newer applications, like Farmville and Foursquare, are social media novelties and have nothing to do with building friendships or business relationships, which is why I'm in social media in the first place.

Will I go to SXSW next year? I plan to, but if my schedule doesn't work out, that's cool too, I've got so many friends in San Diego that I need to reconnect with!
.-= Global Patriot´s most recent blog post ...10 Ways To Be A Global Patriot On Global Patriot Day 2010! =-.

I went to SXSWi to connect with people I've already met online. Little did I know those would be the worst people to spend time with.

I also went for some of the panels. Out of all of them, two were worthwhile. The rest? A small room full of hot air.

I did meet wonderful people outside of social media who were "social" and in "media" so thankfully the trip wasn't a complete bust. Some good came of it for me and for them.

During this trip the person I shared a room with, he and I talked long and hard and realized a much better way to connect and create and the much better places to do so. Eureka. So what could have become a wasted trip became possibly the most productive of any I've been on in a long while.
.-= Christina Kingston´s most recent blog post ...Top 5 People Who Need To Shut Up =-.

I was thinking of going to the conference, but I don't feel Austin TX is for me. Bad location. Too many Longhorns.
.-= Donovan Moore´s most recent blog post ...Acts of Kindness Can Spread Easily =-.

DB - You know I love you and your work. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I think I was the one that sent the Tweet about the tornado wiping out the social media strategists, which was a stupid, smug thing to type. Was trying to make the observation that there was a lot of social media expertise in that particular room (courtyard, actually), and was trying to do it in a breezy way. It of course came across poorly, and I'd hope that we're familiar enough with each other's viewpoint that you'd recognize that of course I don't believe being at SXSW is some sort of litmus test, because it clearly is not.

So, to anyone who may have read that tweet, I apologize sincerely. I do not believe I am a social media a-hole, but if you ever disagree, you have my permission to come out to Arizona and give it to me good. I'll reimburse your travel expenses.

On to the larger point. Yes, there were a lot of people at SXSW, and yes it had some deficiencies this year, as I wrote about in my wrap-up post. But, it was still great. Tons of interesting people, potential clients, collaborators, etc.

I don't understand why you and Ari and others are so down on the event, just because there is a concentration of people who are in the same business as you are? Why is that a crime? When you're at an event, and someone you know and respect walks in, and you have a conversation or whatever, why is that so much more offensive to you than if you say "thanks for the retweet" to me when we're both at home?

It's a love in because there are a ton of really interesting, crazy smart people in the same location, who can all talk intelligently about issues that have a direct impact on what we do every day for a living.

It seems like what you guys really want is a series of tweets telling everyone how much the conference sucks, or that this person or that person sucks. Or maybe I just don't understand your core objection well?
.-= Jay Baer´s most recent blog post ...Getting Serious About Social Media =-.

I had similar thoughts about CeBIT - the world's largest computer fair. It's in Germany, but it's still quite a way to travel for me. I've found it less useful to my business over the years, have started attending more smaller events instead.

Thanks for another brilliant post Danny:)I honestly have very little idea about SXSW and know it to be some kind of a Very BIG deal..so I guess, it isn't really a big miss if one's not attending. Keep enlightening us!
.-= Sanchita´s most recent blog post ...Colors of Life..one of them being foggy. =-.

Hi, Danny. I feel obligated – and quite happy – to agree with you,its waste

Hi, Danny. As the face behind the "social media circle jerk" link you popped up there, I feel obligated - and quite happy - to agree with you. Social media has sucked the value, the interest, and the soul away from SXSW.

I've spoken with a couple of friends of mine who have gone to SXSW every year for years. They're not going this year (this is two different people, from two different places - not a couple). Both give the same story: "it used to be about bad-ass indie music and indie film, man. Now it's about pasty white guys who won't put away their fucking iPhones to listen."

I've never been, but I've often wanted to. At least until I read the static from last year. Just a few years ago, reporting from SXSW was about how fantastic Wolfmother or Mastodon was. Last year, it was all about how great Twitter and Facebook are.

I've got no time for that. Some things should remain blessedly social-media free.

Thanks for the link. I love this post.

"Comments about there being no-one left to do social media if a tornado hit an event there (obviously the only folks that can make social media a business are all at SxSW)"

It is so much more important that we are here doing what we do daily...so they will have figures to report at next year's SxSW!!!

Robyn
.-= Robyn Hawk´s most recent blog post ...FROM THE ARCHIVES: You all know that I am a huge fan of Christine Dhein and her Green Jewelry News...I have some GOOD NEWS!!!! Past articles are now archived for all to read! The Green Jewelry News is only available by subscription (Free) and every issue is chock full of great articles and tips for greener jewelry design...enjoy reading the articles you may have missed! =-.

hehehe, I love this article Danny. While, I wanted to go to SxSW just to experience it -- you said, what I've been thinking.

Definitely amused! :)
.-= Sasha H. Muradali´s most recent blog post ...#MusicMonday – 305 Pitbull’s Dirrrty South =-.

I guess I am out of touch.. I keep hearing about he SXSW and have no clue what it is? I looked it up and it talked about music... what is the education part to this or does it really matter since most of you on this comment seem to think it isn't worth it?

Thanks for bringing it to the surface and will feel much better once I know if I am missing something or not.

I don't think anyone really goes to SXSW for an education. Simply for networking and partying. If your job depends on making contacts and connections, I imagine its a great event to go to.@tomfromhr
No offers from Canada yet! Haha. :) =-.

Danny,
I love reading posts that are counter current.

Here in Boston some pals have put together a #NXNE #fakeSXSW event, being held tonight at the Summer Shack. A 10 minute drive to talk with good friends is preferable to a large and loud scene.

Also, I figure from a business standpoint there is a difference between "Hey Look at ME" and "Hey, look what I can do for you". I have met plenty of colleagues and clients on the web (mostly through Twitter) so I don't feel compelled to travel for business reasons.

I readily admit it would be fun to experience SXSW and meet new folks face to face and solidify and extend current friendships. Dodging Boston's Noah like deluge this weekend would have been a plus as well.

So, I feel the pull of the crowd to SXSW, but I know I am doing well right here. I Don't need to feel that I am missing something unknown either.

I can see a lot of the slidedecks online and read a few blog posts and feel satisfied. Meanwhile my clients are not experiencing a gap in service.

It's all about the client, not about me. At least that is what I attempt to strive for.

Thanks for the post.

I can see why you wouldn't want to go to SXSW this year. I agree, the one big party thing doesn't seem like the best use of a corporation's money if there's nothing returned back to the corporation.

But I'm curious if you (and really anyone reading) attends any conferences, and if so, if any offer value for you?

I'm leaving for an IT conference today, and though the content is going to be fantastic, and the keynotes top-notch, my biggest takeaway for these events is the people. Making time to press the flesh and get to know folks in real life makes it all worthwhile. Folks I can call up after the conference and ask for help. Folks I can talk to about problems I might be having, and because they know me, maybe, just maybe, they might be able to help me.

Yes, sometimes you have to wade through a lot of sewage to get to the gold, but there's gold in them thar hills!
.-= Phil Gerbyshak´s most recent blog post ...Stop Playing Corporate Dodgeball…Yeah I’m Talking To You! =-.

I considered going to Austin this year. I decided I would rather work with my clients (primarily small business owners) on a more practical basis. I have been hearing some good reports like the one that Google is working to bridge Google Apps with personal accounts. But for now, I'll concentrate on practical solutions that work today.

Thanks Danny for confirming for me that I am not missing much at the "love fest."
.-= Richard A Marti Jr´s most recent blog post ...Short Quiz to See if Social Media Marketing is Right for You? =-.

Nice post Danny - thank you. I'm leaving tomorrow to check out SXSW for the first time. I'm just viewing is as kind of a tax-deductible Spring Break for geeks.

I'm in midlife and have made the decision to live the rest of my life without regrets. SXSW has been on my bucketlist for a couple of years, so I figure I owe it to myself to check it out.
.-= RickGriffin´s most recent blog post ...Rock Climbing – Check! =-.

Danny,

I decided not to go to SXSW purely for business reasons (plus I hate crowds).

And yes, I've read the tweets about the same old tired topics.

Great post - just tweeted it with #notatsxsw

John
.-= John Haydon´s most recent blog post ...How To Create A Custom URL For Your Facebook Page In 70 Seconds =-.

Dude, this post rocks! I'm new to social media and so far from all the long winded, white paper, mumbo jumbo, self important hyperbolic self talk, I'm getting pretty tired of it all as well.

After I finish reading all the latest and greatest social media strategy, it still boils down to just one thing. Like in the movie City Slickers. Just one thing. And that is, connect. And you do this by creating content. So what is the BFD. You crank out the content and communicate back and forth. Done. It's not brain surgery.

Do you need a Harvard MBA to get it? Dont think so. I'm going back to work and write some more.

Wake me up if something changes.

peace out,

donovan moore
Gotham, WI
.-= Donovan Moore´s most recent blog post ...The Future of God: A new Theory =-.

Danny,

Great post! I think a lot of us are feeling the same way. I know of people presenting great sessions, but yet most of the talk is about partying. Tons of high school behavior happening. And I wasn't fond of high school.

I'm having trouble with Disqus Comments on my blog and I emailed for help on Friday. I got an email from them saying they were at SxSW. Not something I wanted to read when I have an issue! So I hope nothing happens in Austin or I'll never get my issue resolved!

I mean don't get me wrong, I would love to go and experience it... perhaps meeting some people in real life. And exchanging and learning new ideas.
.-= Ann Marie van den Hurk, APR´s most recent blog post ...Caffeine + Competitiveness = Badge =-.

Well-stated Danny. I'm glad someone else felt this way.
.-= Jim Mitchem´s most recent blog post ...On Loyalty =-.

I like the way you think Danny. You care about your work and not the glamour.
.-= Susan/TogetherWeFlourish´s most recent blog post ...Focus on Renewal Gets a Little Help From Curves =-.

We're definitely simpatico here Danny.

I'm sure that there's some value to some of the panels, but really, the value of the event boils down to two things IMHO:

1) In a short amount of time, meeting a relatively large number of people you follow and respect face-to-face

and

2) One big party.

I'm not one to shake a stick at those things, but as you articulated, I wouldn't go expecting to learn something earth-shattering.
.-= Andrew Swenson´s most recent blog post ...Back to Basics: An Open Letter to Publishers =-.

Kudos. Wanna guess how many people asked me (or bulk emailed me) wondering if I was going to the event? Wanna guess how many times I said no for the simple reason I see zero value in paying money for something when I'd rather be a name and not a number?

Besides, I'm seeing across Twitter and blog posts what you're seeing: everyone writing the same stuff. Less about conference sessions and more about karaoke meetups, bar lounging, and social gatherings. And they're paying money for this, wanting me to join them?
.-= Ari Herzog´s most recent blog post ...Web 2.0, Government 2.0, Anything 2.0: STOP IT! =-.

First of all Danny, nice looking blog. :) Then next, great post and good reminder about selective hearing.

As @CKieff reminded me yesterday, just check the hashtag #notatsxsw to see that here are many, many of us who are not at SXSW.

(Although I confess to a certain amount of envy. I'd enjoy hanging with the cool kids and meeting people face to face, but it wasn't to be this year.)

So, curled up in my armchair on rainy March Sunday, I scan the Twitterstream for new information that will help me deliver value to my clients. Some of it comes from #SXSW tweets and some of it from the many people who are #notatSXSW, and perhaps never will be. And that's ok.
.-= Allen Mireles´s most recent blog post ...An Unexpected Use of Facebook–Or Is It? =-.

Great points Danny. i was teaching a couple of people yesterday a little about social media. They find it daunting still. The name dropping would not mean anything to them. I told them it was not rocket science either but a set of tools to connect with amazing people near and far...Yo don not need to be a techie but a people lover.
Human just love to make celebrities or each other and be near them. A reality check of gratitude of what we have is always humbling. There is more than enough to go around. Greatness abounds...it is a matter of being aware.
.-= rebeccahappy´s most recent blog post ...RebeccaHappy: “I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.” ~Hafiz =-.

A funny story. I told my wife "gosh it seems like everyone is at SXSW." She then rattled off a list of people who are important to me on the social web and asked me if they were there. The answer every time was "no."

Hmmm. I stand corrected. Nice reality check from the spouse : )
.-= Mark W Schaefer´s most recent blog post ...How to sell stuff on your B2B blog without being annoying =-.

Interesting post Danny. SxSWi was a blast for me. Mainly because I had the chance to catch up with a lot of folks, meet new folks and participate in interesting sessions - all surrounding the nonprofit space. The nonprofit world at SXsWi is much smaller than the 'overall' scene.

http://twitter.com/franswaa

Danny,

I'm a little late on the reply but nonetheless I was grateful to read this post.

I understand there are valuable sessions and I love hearing about those - especially any that focus on new thinking, innovation and approaches (and not the same old topics of transparency, integration, etc. etc. that any of us doing social media already know very well).

But the truth is, whenever a SXSW fanboy or girl talks to me about SXSW, they talk like high schoolers excited about the year-end senior kegger. They don't talk about the valuable content, amazing speakers or educational sessions. They talk about the parties, the meetups, the beer, the leis and the web-celebs they are excited to snap a photo with so they can display it on their Facebook or Twitpic to somehow further validate their expertise.

Oy vey.

I know a lot of good things happen there but it's the people who say "to be honest, it's my company paying me to go to one week-long party" that turn me off of this event (http://bit.ly/kV6Hf). I can get all the real valuable content from the blog posts, Twitter posts, podcasts and more - from the people that are actually paying attention while they're there.

And as a PR exec, of course I know networking is crucial - but I'd rather spend a few thousand dollars on an event full of clients and new business prospects, not trying to prove I can hang with the "cool kids."

Christine
http://www.twitter.com/missusP
.-= Christine Perkettu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Persuasive Picks for the week of 03/15/10 =-.

I missed SXSW this year do to client commitments. I I have to admit I was 10% bummed, as there were some specific people that I wanted to reconnect with, but the truth is that little has happened in social media over the past year and that was quite evident in all the tweets.

Think about it, we're still tweeting and blogging and Facebooking. The tools have all been upgraded a bit, but the newer applications, like Farmville and Foursquare, are social media novelties and have nothing to do with building friendships or business relationships, which is why I'm in social media in the first place.

Will I go to SXSW next year? I plan to, but if my schedule doesn't work out, that's cool too, I've got so many friends in San Diego that I need to reconnect with!
.-= Global Patriotu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...10 Ways To Be A Global Patriot On Global Patriot Day 2010! =-.

I went to SXSWi to connect with people I've already met online. Little did I know those would be the worst people to spend time with.

I also went for some of the panels. Out of all of them, two were worthwhile. The rest? A small room full of hot air.

I did meet wonderful people outside of social media who were "social" and in "media" so thankfully the trip wasn't a complete bust. Some good came of it for me and for them.

During this trip the person I shared a room with, he and I talked long and hard and realized a much better way to connect and create and the much better places to do so. Eureka. So what could have become a wasted trip became possibly the most productive of any I've been on in a long while.
.-= Christina Kingstonu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Top 5 People Who Need To Shut Up =-.

I was thinking of going to the conference, but I don't feel Austin TX is for me. Bad location. Too many Longhorns.
.-= Donovan Mooreu00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Acts of Kindness Can Spread Easily =-.

DB - You know I love you and your work. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I think I was the one that sent the Tweet about the tornado wiping out the social media strategists, which was a stupid, smug thing to type. Was trying to make the observation that there was a lot of social media expertise in that particular room (courtyard, actually), and was trying to do it in a breezy way. It of course came across poorly, and I'd hope that we're familiar enough with each other's viewpoint that you'd recognize that of course I don't believe being at SXSW is some sort of litmus test, because it clearly is not.

So, to anyone who may have read that tweet, I apologize sincerely. I do not believe I am a social media a-hole, but if you ever disagree, you have my permission to come out to Arizona and give it to me good. I'll reimburse your travel expenses.

On to the larger point. Yes, there were a lot of people at SXSW, and yes it had some deficiencies this year, as I wrote about in my wrap-up post. But, it was still great. Tons of interesting people, potential clients, collaborators, etc.

I don't understand why you and Ari and others are so down on the event, just because there is a concentration of people who are in the same business as you are? Why is that a crime? When you're at an event, and someone you know and respect walks in, and you have a conversation or whatever, why is that so much more offensive to you than if you say "thanks for the retweet" to me when we're both at home?

It's a love in because there are a ton of really interesting, crazy smart people in the same location, who can all talk intelligently about issues that have a direct impact on what we do every day for a living.

It seems like what you guys really want is a series of tweets telling everyone how much the conference sucks, or that this person or that person sucks. Or maybe I just don't understand your core objection well?
.-= Jay Baeru00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Getting Serious About Social Media =-.

I had similar thoughts about CeBIT - the world's largest computer fair. It's in Germany, but it's still quite a way to travel for me. I've found it less useful to my business over the years, have started attending more smaller events instead.

Hi Danny,

First off the new blog is gorgeous!

Now I'm going to do something I don't usually do... disagree with you!

First off, I'm live in Austin, and SXSW is good for the city. Period. And all those indie music and film types, I don't have much use for them either. Generally I get the "you're not cool enough to play with us" vibe.

Last year, my first sxsw, was life changing. I was just beginning to get how many very smart people were doing social media. I didn't know who Chris Brogan was, but I did know who Beth Kanter was, and she remains the only internet celebrity I'm still a huge fan girl of, but a lot less intimidating!

This year was different. I got really sick. Not like contagious flu sick, more like shit what's wrong with me bloodwork kind of sick. I had 3 drinks on Friday night before realizing that was the last any alcohol would touch my lips the whole conference as a result. I was unable to do the late night party scene... I had a late dinner with Stacey Monk Friday night, and that was the last night out. I was saddened by this as I am in search of clients and employers. Pressing that flesh can be helpful. Because I wasn't feeling well, in addition to recently taking a huge confidence hit, I gave out a lot less business cards, but the ones I did really meant something and might lead to something. That's valuable. Also, because it's in Austin, it's just a little weird to be in social media and not go (with a few notable exceptions who had intense circumstances). My badge was paid for, but I would have gone again even if it wasn't.

The panels... somebody always gives me some insight, some gem, some experience at this thing that is life changing. This year it was my very last panel when I was fed up by the lack of exciting new info this year. It was simple, who said you can only do one thing? Ie, if I can make money at grants, but I want to be doing social media, instead of single mindedly doing social media, why not do both? Nothing earth shattering there, but it changed my mindset. I think I will always meet someone at SXSW who says something to inspire and teach me. It's just too many smarties in one area not to. If you don't walk away with something like this, yep, you are missing the point.

Parties are fun and all... but frankly I'm not 22 anymore, and you are older than me. Some 30 year olds can do it, and consider it nerd spring break... but WHY would I want to go on spring break again? My body is too old and tired for binge drinking. Really. But I get a lot out of the panels, the lounge (I only choose to stay in the nonprofit one!) and maybe the happy hours when folks are still mostly sober. But talking business with a room full of drunks, I can skip that ;-) But sxsw is as always, you get back what you put into it.

Thanks for another brilliant post Danny:)I honestly have very little idea about SXSW and know it to be some kind of a Very BIG deal..so I guess, it isn't really a big miss if one's not attending. Keep enlightening us!
.-= Sanchitau00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...Colors of Life..one of them being foggy. =-.

Hi, Danny. I feel obligated u00e2u0080u0093 and quite happy u00e2u0080u0093 to agree with you,its waste

Good to see that you've dusted off the tired old blog post theme of "I didn't attend this conference, so it's not very good this year." I read this blog post about SXSW, Web 2.0, DEMO, the TechCrunch 50, and TED all the time.

Sure there is plenty of social media snake oil, but it's no different than any other gathering. I'd say you're following the wrong people.

Hi, Danny. As the face behind the "social media circle jerk" link you popped up there, I feel obligated - and quite happy - to agree with you. Social media has sucked the value, the interest, and the soul away from SXSW.

I've spoken with a couple of friends of mine who have gone to SXSW every year for years. They're not going this year (this is two different people, from two different places - not a couple). Both give the same story: "it used to be about bad-ass indie music and indie film, man. Now it's about pasty white guys who won't put away their fucking iPhones to listen."

I've never been, but I've often wanted to. At least until I read the static from last year. Just a few years ago, reporting from SXSW was about how fantastic Wolfmother or Mastodon was. Last year, it was all about how great Twitter and Facebook are.

I've got no time for that. Some things should remain blessedly social-media free.

Thanks for the link. I love this post.

"Comments about there being no-one left to do social media if a tornado hit an event there (obviously the only folks that can make social media a business are all at SxSW)"

It is so much more important that we are here doing what we do daily...so they will have figures to report at next year's SxSW!!!

Robyn
.-= Robyn Hawku00c2u00b4s most recent blog post ...FROM THE ARCHIVES: You all know that I am a huge fan of Christine Dhein and her Green Jewelry News...I have some GOOD NEWS!!!! Past articles are now archived for all to read! The Green Jewelry News is only available by subscription (Free) and every issue is chock full of great articles and tips for greener jewelry design...enjoy reading the articles you may have missed! =-.