You're right, next time I want a vacation I'll just do a google image search...or to grow my business network, I'll add myspace friends. It's all in what you see. To me it looks like a conference that has all the important stuff without the annoying expo and corporate sponsors. I'm sold.

> what do you expect to learn from speakers > that you already haven't read on the web?

Are you kidding? Do you think the only thing to learn from someone is what they've written on the web?

I've seen Kevin speak in person at BarCamp Tampa last year. I almost skipped it b/c I had read so many of his blog posts, but fortunately decided to come in just a bit late instead. It was well-prepared, entertaining, insightful, inspiring, (I'll stop now and not over-do it) and not just a rehash of his blog entries.

I actually decided the networking opportunities were overrated, and I would only go to another conference for good speakers.

> Most conferences are only good as networking opportunities, if that.

Like being able to eat lunch with the Speakers of the event?

Exactly. Whom among us hasn't written down every useful thought we've ever had and blogged it? If all of our friends blogged, would we even want hang out?

i agree. furthermore, $200-300 to get in, plus travel and accommodation expenses (either in $$ or time if going the car-sharing and couch-surfing route)

networking is definitely important, but only if you have someone on your team who is super prepared and ready to take advantage of the experience.

(personal note: while that person could be me, i much more enjoy staying home to code and go salamander wrestling)