I do what I do because I don’t want to be in a sweaty stinky hotel with a thousand other people, walking around like sheep (go in this door, now go here), because it’s part of my J.O.B.

I don’t want just “another job”. I don’t want to be talked down to from a podium. I don’t want to do things the same way they always have been done “just because”.

I REALLY don’t want to go to a conference just to be “seen” or be “in” with a certain crowd.

It baffles me that in the year 2007, with the internet and freedom this type of work provides, that we all group up in a hotel in some city to connect and communicate with each other the same way our grandparents would have. This is not what I signed up for!

However, I’m well aware that this is the ONLY option at the moment, until me or you changes things. And because of this you will find me frequently debating whether I should attend the next “big” conference or not.

Internet Marketing I thought would attract smart people with a slant towards the non traditional, but instead they march to the same drum as their fully employed J.O.B. counterparts, at least when it comes to conferences.

So What Is The Alternative?

There is none. It is up to us to create an alternative if we desire one. As for what the alternative looks like or sounds like I’m not sure, but here are a few guesses (with a hint of inspiration from Burning Man).

-Maybe in a large field (or a beach).

-We camped for each of the nights.

-No corporate sponsors.

-The purpose is education, networking, sharing towards creating more profitable businesses and more viral thoughts.

-The attendees would be responsible for providing value for the others in the form of education (you are the conference), there would be no formal speakers or meetings. Share what you are good at. If you aren’t good at anything yet, you can contribute by being on the infrastructure crew ;-)

-Those with artistic/musical abilities would be encouraged to perform and the gadget/engineering crowd would be encouraged to show off their toys.

-Hopefully stress levels would be low (we’d be in nature plus you’d have your own tent/getaway ;-)

-Clothing optional

Those are just a few of my thoughts.

Of course I don’t want to be the only one there, what is your vision?

Shall we shoot for fall 2008? ;-)