---------- From: Tim May[SMTP:tcmay@got.net] Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2001 12:02 PM To: cypherpunks@lne.com Subject: Re: Comped scribblers the bane of conferences

On Saturday, August 25, 2001, at 07:59 AM, Declan McCullagh wrote:

...

On Thu, Aug 23, 2001 at 04:14:04PM -0700, Tim May wrote:

...

Meanwhile, don't expect to see me at the next CFP conference! Plenty of comped scribblers, though.

CFP is in SF next year, so you may want to stop by.

As for "comped scribblers," I am one. But look at it from a journalist's perspective: We may attend two conferences a week, say at $1,500/per. Rough estimates, then, would be over $150,000 a year, more than most journalists make.

Paying that much in conference fees is not feasible, and conference organizers generally understand this and let us in free (we may pay for meals) in exchange for publicity.

First, $1500 per conference sounds way too high, even by today's inflated standards.

You haven't gone to too many conferences lately, have you? Palmsource 2001: At door: $1395, early bird $995 (add $745 for tutorials). Comdex fall 2001: As high as $2895. if you get a 'flex pass'. Most attendees will probably be paying from $0 (exhibits only, online reg) to $1895 (2 conferences). RSA 2002: At-door full-conference registration is $1795, not including $495 for the tutorials. (that's the worst case - it's half that before Dec 4, and there are a number of lower-cost options). Peter