Want to help Skytalks be a success? Donate!

[Dallas]

Re: Want to help Skytalks be a success? Donate!

As someone who thinks paying for workshops IS a good idea, I also agree with what they are trying to do - get money to help fund a project. That project is a party (kickass one) and Skytalks. Nothing wrong with that, life is not free (contrary to what the SF downtown bums may think)..sometimes to participate you have to donate to the common good. Anyone can free-load, but how many people step up to volunteer, give cash or such? Hence also the reason I believe Goons are typically allowed into most events - they are volunteers.

Because it's violates my sense of the meritocracy. It's no longer people who got where they are (invited) because they're either cool to hang out with or because someone vetted them, it's someone who says "I've got cash, just let me in". That's not the direction I want defcon to head.

Kallahar

[Whiteb0rd]

Re: Want to help Skytalks be a success? Donate!

Donations are one thing, and donations never have a set amount. But as admission? Segmenting yourself apart from DEFCON as an exclusive party that you have to buy admission to? It's a bit disappointing.

It's been around for years and it's called Blackhat.

Then again you will get a certain kind of crowd with your terms, and I am glad they have a place to go.

I just wish they'd stay there and not clog up the halls and talks at DEFCON.



WB

[astcell]

Re: Want to help Skytalks be a success? Donate!

It's been around for years and it's called Blackhat.

Was Blackhat ever free?

[Whiteb0rd]

Re: Want to help Skytalks be a success? Donate!

Was Blackhat ever free?

No, and that was my point.

BH has always been the paid, sponsored, upscale version of the con. If you preferred the corporate environment, you ponied up and went there.

DC on the other hand was the gritty cheap low budget version of most of the same infosec content with the welcome addition of distractions like pool2girl. In recent years the price of the con has ratcheted up and the scuttlebut was that that was (partly at least) due to the significantly more expensive electronic badges. Inflation and increased costs for a nicer venue have also no doubt played a factor, and a venue where you don't just assume that your footwear is going to stick to the floors in the hallways is a welcome upgrade. I was looking forward to the Rio......

Unfortunately, due to some last minute BS with the employer and a looming strike, I've had to cancel as of today and won't be making it. I had planned to ask some pointy questions about the cost of the con going up again yet the badges being apparently simplified at the same time. I will leave that to others to bring up as a question in the appropriate venue (i.e., not here) should it seem an appropriate topic.

I dislike the idea of corporate sponsorship at DEFCON, particularly if there is a connotation that said sponsorship comes with favors or status. It just tastes wrong.

If you you have gained the respect of your peers in the community, you might find yourself on the stage giving a talk, running a contest, or being offered a goon shirt (and some increased responsibilities). Getting invited to or gaining entry to an invite-only party or other gathering might come along with some of that, but the point is there is some notion of having "earned it".

Having (your personal or the company's) sponsorship check clear is not "earning it" in my not so fucking humble opinion.



WB