I have attended South by Southwest.
Not since my days in the Cub Scouts have I tried so hard to earn a badge.
"South by" is, without doubt, among the rockingest events you could ask for.
Lots of people have tried to describe it, with limited success.
Now I understand why.
During my visit, I had the privilege of participating in a closed-door meeting with South by Southwest's executive director, Mike Shea.
Shea described South by Southwest as "dozens of micro events under one tent," plus dozens of micro events "outside the tent."
And not only are there dozens of out-boarding events, there's a swelling crowd of attendees refusing to pay the registration fee.
This so-called "Badgeless Movement" thinks of itself as anarchist. But in my book it's really just a collection of cheapskates.
I feel a bit sorry for them.
Yes, they may be awesome.
But they're not officially awesome.
