Having presented a panel at South by Southwest Interactive 08, Just Over 50 and Not Dead Yet, I was invited to submit an idea for the 2010 edition. I think i will do it only if a topic came up that I am passionate about.
The ever wise Dave Winer gave me pause by saying that speeches suck and panels even more.
Is it all about selling your 'expertise'?
Is it more about listening to yourself talking, navel gazing, than sharing experiences and having an honest exchange? Twittering about twitter, blogging about blogs.
Tech tools are just that tools in the same way that cars take us from point A to point B.
As the situation in Iran shows online tools can be very effective. Such events make sharing how many copies of your book have sold and incessant self promotion sound trivial.
So should I save my traveling dollars for other shores, say pairing an October event in Lisbon with a visit to Portuguese wineries.
No I am not at the 140 Characters Conference, just thinking out loud on the train ride to Rudipalooza NY stop.
Bonne Journee