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A value of a conference...

Mon, 08/06/2007 - 17:17 — redpantz

I've just returned from Las Vegas after attending both Blackhat and Defcon and realized something. Both conferences while good (Blackhat being the better of the two), don't really focus on what I enjoy in cons, and that's drinking/socializing. Having a high cover charge for sensationalism and presentations seem a bit off to me. I'd much rather have a few people speak while doing some drinking, meeting up with friends/strangers and have a good time. This is what Summercon is all about! So, come one come all and bask in the glory that is Summercon.

Comments

Thu, 08/09/2007 - 03:44 — sckain

You can't have any expectations.

I agree that you almost have to go with a purpose, or 0 expectations. I've never made the trek to the west coast, but, made a few Summercons', a HOPE (never again) and a few Shmoocons'. I don't think I'll ever go to a large con ever again. I showed up at Summer con in Pitt. not knowing anyone or anything, but, with the ability to carry a conversation, actually listen and (then) hold my liquor it made it an amazing time. It wasn't 'cause I learned anything; but, because I made friends. Going to HOPE was not as much fun for me, too many people and not enough "great content" just didn't do it for me (also being a drunken idiot the whole time didn't help). Now, without HAVING A SUMMERCON TO GO TO (or maybe my invite got lost in the mail) in left me with Shmoocon, which was not only in my "back yard", it was also a good time.

What makes me excited now is a the offering of workshops. I did Shmoocon labs and it was a good time, basically show up a day early and help build the network(s) etc. I'm very excited to see the workshop "track". My main reason to going to anything at this point is to hang out with like minded folk and have fun; but, exposure to something one doesn't do every day is a great thing and IMHO a better value than.

I just hope i have more notice next year;).

"Keeping it real since 2 min ago."

Thu, 08/09/2007 - 18:35 — mtrump

You know what else you can't have?

You know what else you cant have? Any kind of reasonable impulse control. Because this crowd thrives on last-minute decisions, spurious logic, and mob mentality, being able to control your impulses will only make this event tedious for you.

Note: Does not apply to destroying hotel property. Do not destroy hotel property. That is all.

Thu, 08/09/2007 - 01:54 — mr_mansfield

The Con, and me.... FANTASTIC....

Reflections of DeFC()n 2oo7,
The best part of defcon this year, was passing it by... Jimbo, the pantz and I dropped by for a cocktail and a preview, to be accosted by a band of mis-fit glommers on, 3 young chicks in their anime gear, and Not one Piss-Flapper....

So we passed it by, to stay downtown and drink overpriced Daqueri's from a vomit soaked club.

Highlight of the trip, was showing Redpantz Mr_Mansfield's gravy making technique, complete with floating corn, while he does his best not to throw up on the bathroom floor!---

Now thats a Defcon!

Thu, 08/09/2007 - 20:09 — jonlin

cosplaying and hacker cons?

>> 3 young chicks in their anime gear

They were COSPLAYING! Why would you cosplay at a defcon? Who knows. I hope no cosplayers show up at summercon, unless it's redpantz wearing a Sailor Venus outfit.

Tue, 08/07/2007 - 14:39 — mtrump

Conned by cons... total agreement

I couldn't agree more. The technical portion of so many conferences is just a wank-fest for fanboys and 1337-meat-beaters, making it hard to justify the entrance fee for the overwhelming majority of people who attend. I stopped paying Defcon six years ago, and haven't looked back. It seems like it has become a media-driven parody of itself.

I just want to go to an event where I can throw stuff at redpantz while he tries to give a presentation, drink, and get arrested for "simulating a sex act" without anyone thinking less of me. Summercon is that event.