1. Unlike last year, I've actually managed to get up on time to see a few panels. Saw Douglas Coupland speak yesterday, and he was remarkably ADD but brilliant and funny simultaneously. I like that his first script is called "Everythign's Gone Green" - Gotta give a man props for a New Order reference.


2. The Lonelygirl15 guys didn't really say anything too surprising, though they did reveal a hidden understanding and concern for interactive advertising, which I found moderately interesting. And they live posted a new Lonelygirl15 video from the stage, and we all got to watch the comments pour in in realtime. That was pretty amazing - talk about a ravenous fan base. And they seconded mine and Ben's philosphy that people don't care if things are "real" or not, so long as you treat the viewer with respect.


3. SXSW has a terrible website, and a terrible mobile component. It's actually kind of disturbing and hilarious. They have these ridiculous SMS and mobile "chat" updates that are actually completely devoid of any real useful information. If you go to the page on the site that tells you about the official SXSWi opening party, it actually says "location TBD," even though they knew it far enough in advance to put it on the printed materials. Hrm.


4. Saw Robert Rodriguez introduce two grindhouse films last night - apparently they were the two old grindhouse films he and Quentin showed to the actors to get them up to speed with what they were trying to do. The first one, Torso, was awesome for the first half, boring for the second. The second film was going to be a zombie film, and we were promised the world's only Shark vs Zombie fight, but I couldn't stay. European 70's cinema looks so amazing, and american? Not so much.


5. Interactive is no longer the red headed stepchild of SXSW. in fact, I predict soon interactive and film will merge. Most of the panels I'm going to (like the Morgan Spurlock one I am waiting for right now) are film panels, and most of them are variations on the theme of "what are we gonna do about this internet thing." Perhaps the strongest evidence, however, that interactive is cool is that condoms were included in the Music and Interactive goodie bags, but not the film one. The hangover kid, however, was only in the music bag. I have not had to use it yet.


6. The 8-bit party was really fun last night, and damn what a difference a year makes in the number of people you know. It was a bit out of hand. People everywhere you look. It really is geek spring break.


7. My first panel is at five. It's gonna be kinda lame. Well, maybe. Tough to say. We'll see!


8. Best band of SXSW so far (I know, I know, right?): Until We're Blue or Destroyed. See them if you can!

Tags: sxsw