I think most of the negative comments are based on people having absolutely no idea about the reality of SXSW. I'm not in a position to spend $950 on a ticket e

I think most of the negative comments are based on people having absolutely no idea about the reality of SXSW. I'm not in a position to spend $950 on a ticket either, so what did I do? Instead of staying home wishing I was there and masquerading that under contempt for the entire festival, I hoped on the StartupBus www.startupbus.com. We drove from LA to Austin and started a company and built a web app in 3 days. I worked with the best team of designers and developers I ever have. On the way there, I pitched to Dave McClure, who told me the beer I brought him was "fucking cold". Once we got to Austin, I met some of the most interesting and accomplished developers, designers and entrepreneurs I ever have. I talked to Eric Ries and pitched him my half baked idea I thought of on the way to the party we met at. How much did my accommodations cost you ask? $35 a night. I snuck into a few events and heard Steve Blank talk about his new book. Hasn't anyone ever seen Boiler Plate? When someone asks you if you are registered for the festival, just "act as if". My point is that you can go down to SXSW for less than a grand and still have amazing networking and learning opportunities. Now if I could only figure out how to make up for all the time I lost prepping for finals :)