Packing for SXSW Interactive

Yes, I'm off to SXSW this week, because:

- I've never been before, always been busy but this year I'm not (assignment delay).
- I like Austin but have never had the time to spend a few days there, its usually been short Biz trips
- SXSW is putting up a video I made on "The Limits to FreeConomics" and so I get a free pass and some bragging rights
- There's a UK Digital Mission coming over, so why not ?

So, anyone in the US who reads the blog do come along and say hi - I'm @freecloud on Twitter, so that's probably the best way to contact me there. We're also planning on doing a "Tuttle @ Texas" sort of session (ie laid back social networking over coffee) so that will also be a good way to meet up.

I've had a few people say that they think SXSW has jumped the shark, and I admit that is a risk (even if Mainstram eMedia calls it the best Web conference in the world) - but for me it'll be useful to actually meet some of the US old hands I've been conversing with over the years, plus I'm very interested in seeing the early shoots of the next things people are doing. Also, I am sure the "shadow of the crunch" will be visible and give some hints of how it will change things.