Ideas worth speaking about

A few topics we discuss around here have formed the basis of my proposals for panels at SXSW Interactive 2010. I think you’ll recognize them. These proposals are now up for voting through Friday, September 4, 2009. If you like them, consider leaving a comment or voting thumbs up on them.

Why SXSW Interactive?
Because I’ve been to SXSW twice now, originally because it’s the closest event to me. Since attending, I’ve found it’s a terrific resource for stretching your brain. I can’t think of any other way to connect with such a broad range of ideas related to the world of interactive media. There was even an art show tucked in to last year’s SXSW. My first year, small business owner Rex Hammocksuggested I attend at least one technical panel that I would never normally think of attending, just to hear new things. I did, and I did. I recommend it to you, too.

You don’t have to be planning to attend SXSW to vote or comment on these proposals. You just have to be interested.

How Did This Happen? I’m in Business!
Why does business have to be so complicated? Where’s the checklist for all this? What about the IRS? Learn how to create a business, choose a structure, and figure out which expenses are deductible, all specifically targeted for interactive and new media creators, presented by someone who has been there. Liz Strauss will be joining me to answer your questions on the spot. (This idea was originally sparked by a question Chris Brogan asked me at SXSW 2008.)

Escape! Live and Work Where You Want
What’s one step beyond being a web worker or a work shifter? Moving out of the big city. Looking to escape long commutes and crowds, professionals are running into broadband issues, limited amenities, and culture clashes. How do you overcome those, and live where you want? I’ll be joined by Alaska resident Aliza Sherman and Australia Gold Coast resident Des Walsh (via Skype!) to spill some of the secrets we’ve been keeping from the city folk, about living your life while making a living, from anywhere you want to be.

Sheila Scarborough and I cooperated in creating a panel, on another topic you’ll recognize from around here:
Drawing the Line Between Free and Paid
Is “Give it away, give it away now!” really a good idea? We share our knowledge by blogging and being helpful; it does not pay the bills, but it can indirectly market our services. How to draw the line between giving away free ideas and possibly attracting more paid clients?

And Sheila also developed this panel on ethical questions that I think will resonate with you:
Can They Buy Your Voice? Blog Disclosure Ethics
Most bloggers haven’t figured out how to make money online any better than mainstream organizations. If the answer is at least some paid or sponsored content, then accusations fly that accepting freebies undercuts that vaunted blogger independent voice (and there’s the FTC and Google to worry about.) What’s your answer?

Thanks for your support. If you have a SXSW proposal of your own to promote, or you find an interesting one you’d like to give some attention to, tell us about it in the comments.

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Becky McCray

Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.

www.beckymccray.com

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