[alexashka]

It is pompous entertainment. But then again, I can't help but think of what else a modern conference can be but that.

There's a programming conference in my city, a thousand bucks a ticket.

All the videos are going to be put online afterwards. Why would I spend a thousand dollars for the privilege of sitting through them with no ability to fast forward?

'Networking' and all that bullshit right? As if we can't organize people to come hang out at a pub with everyone paying their tab at the end of the night?

[lsc]

>It is pompous entertainment. But then again, I can't help but think of what else a modern conference can be but that.

Huh. now, I've only been to technical conferences, for open source operating systems, but the only 'charismatic speakers' you get stay on the sales floor where they belong. I suspect that there is an inverse relationship between the specialized knowledge of the conference attendees and the 'charisma' required of the speakers.