It seems that this will be the third time on a reasonable followed site/blog that I have to explain to so many whiners why SXSWi is cool/fun/beneficial: the tech splinter parties/events/hackfests that AREN'T associated with SXSWi. Now granted, to say that there was a "lack of tech" is total horseshit. Web frameworks face-off, server-side JavaScript, CVC not MVC, even the Google hackfest brought out just that: real hackers. And the this list goes on from there...

Moreover, the events/parties with the most DBs (douchebags not databases or decibels) were mainly the ones that were officially associated with SXSWi. Note to anyone especially those trying to find movers and shakers to interview them or simply network: the movers and shakers are NOT at these parties.

You need to check places like the Hotel St. Cecilia, The Highball, the East Side of Austin in general, all within 1-3 miles of the convention center.

Finally, local Austin groups put together some stellar parties/events/hackfests: Austin Rails, Wordpress BBQ, Austin JavaScript Party, etc.

Yes I am a local so I didn't have to pay for flight, hotel, rental car, etc. but what I do have to do is continue to defend the techies of Austin that make SXSWi fun and worthwhile.

BTW, I'll be at the (mt) closeout party tonight at Mohawk. Come say hi, we are friendly in Austin... ;-)