SXSW 101

Running a little late, the instructor rushes into the classroom to find the students already there and huddled together at the back of the room.

"I know I'm late, but that's no reason to mutiny."

One student pokes her head above the group. "Oh hi! You gotta see this. I got this great idea for a video game!"

"Oh? Well you know what you should do with it, don't you?"

"No, what?"

"November 14th. What does that date mean to you?" The class is quiet for a second. The date is familiar. But what does it mean?

"Okay, I'll give you a hint... but just one. $95 off..."

"Okay everyone, take your seats. One of your fellow students has prepared a special presentation about the value of a SXSW Platinum Badge." The students whisper excitedly as one of their own makes his way to the front of the class.

"Why I'm Going Platinum, by... me." The other students laugh, this is going to be good!

As the students take their seats they notice the instructor erasing the last vestiges of the words on the board and excitedly replacing them with some very prominent names from the film world: Todd Haynes and Richard Linklater, Jan Harlan and Col Needham. Putting down the chalk, the instructor beams.

There is only one word written on the chalkboard when the students enter the classroom: GOLD!

As the students file into class they notice something strange about the blackboard, every inch is covered with words like "networking opportunities," "talks," "product launches," "the newest technology," "industry leaders" ... and right in the center of it all, in large bold letters... "Value."

As the students settle into their seats the instructor writes a simple phrase on the board: First Round of Panel Content Announced. She turns to face the class. "Some of you may have noticed that SXSW Interactive has announced the first batch of panel programming for 2009.

A student at the back of the class tentatively raises her hand. "Yes? Don't be shy, I'm here to answer any question you might have about SXSW and SXSW Interactive," the instructor urges. The student stands. "I'm confused about something. I heard someone mention the Screenburn Arcade. What exactly is that? Is it part of SXSW?"

As the class settles in, the instructor takes her place at the podium, scanning the eager faces of those who have come to learn. This is going to be a wonderful year, indeed! It's time to begin. The first student stands. "I keep hearing that the sooner I register for SXSW Interactive the better, but it's still months away. I know I'm going, but why would I want to register so early?"