SXSW 2006SXSW is just over a month away, and I've had my nose in projects for the Interactive conference for several months now, both related to pro bono work I've been doing – for the Digital Convergence Initiative of the Texas Technology Corridor (DCI), where I'm a board member, and for EFF-Austin, where I'm president. My Polycot partners and I figure this is important work relevant to our business. DCI is an economic development project without which the Central Texas region may fall even farther behind the rest of the (flat) world, and EFF-Austin is focused on technology policy that favors open systems and net neutrality, which are relevant to broad innovation in a world of creatively disruptive technologies and practices, and accelerating change. But I digress (and potentially rant)... back to the original subject, SXSW Interactive. Working with a volunteers, I've been coordinating a digital convergence track that addresses the impact of the remixification of the world on creatives and developers as well as entrepreneurs and businesspeeps. The changes brewing are immense, and those of us who're early adopters are watching other parts of the world catch on faster while the U.S. slides, potentially into oblivion if we don't take steps, the first of which is to acknowledge that something's happening, and it's something that requires us to think hard, establish new neural paths, and not incidentally do a better job of teaching. It's not really accurat that no child's left behind when every child's left behind, though relative perception might make it seem that way. We need engineers, innovators, and smart policy in the USA, and DCI is one incubator for that sort of change, focused on the region along IH35 from San Antonio to Waco (but talking to many folks from many regions during SXSW Interactive). Along with the track of sessions DCI's coordinated, there's a major event in the works, a party where we'll demonstrate convergent technologies while we're hanging out and having phun. The party's March 14 at Austin Ballet Theatre downtown (maybe we'll dance, too.) A very interesting team of forward-looking volunteers, including artists, technologists, and creative thought leaders have been brewing this party (or should I be lowering your expectations?) The night before, March 13, EFF-Austin will throw its annual soireé with national EFF and Creative Commons. Not sure of the venue yet, but (as in the past) entertainment will include sets by Mr. Fang, Gift Culture, Kilowatts, and David Demaris. More about this party when we have the venue nailed. jon posted this at 9:05 AM |
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