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It's possible that he might have requested it if he expected to divulge some sensitive information.

I doubt attendees had to sign an NDA - even if they did, Scoble is there ;). Pretty lame (not your comment, the 'no webcast').

Whatever he talks about will get posted somewhere, guaranteed. It's just going to be released in a spotty way now. Lame.

Aren't there tech reporters attending this?

Sounds more like for 'exclusivity' of being physically present there kinda thing to me.

Any veterans want to comment on whether this is historically consistent or something new?

There are often off the record portions of YC content.

Startup School is very public (space fitted 1700 attendees this year, no word about secrecy).

Too bad that Ben's talk wasn't broadcasted as it was really good and entertaining.