The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 3 (of 5)

So Who IS Going To PDC?

I remember there was quite a row about the cost of PDC on Eric Sink's blog a while back. I've seen discussions on other boards about PDC costing too much as well. And yet, PDC is indeed sold out, so there are obviously developers who a) have the money either in their pocket or from their employer to pay for admissions, and b) think that it is a worthwhile event. So I'm wondering - are any denizens of JOS going to attend?

Sadly, I am not. Although I think $2,000 is a small price to pay, I just recently started working again after being unemployed for 6 months - the money to go simply doesn't exist in my bank account. I'm setting aside money each month to go next year, though.

So sound off! Who's going?

Norrick
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I would love to go but:
1. I don't personally have the money
2. My employer won't even buy me an eraser for my white board so I don't think they'd go for this.

:)

shiggins
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I'll be there... when I interviewed for my current position back in May, they put an emphasis on a large training budget, etc... I called them on it, and got in the door :)

Greg Hurlman (www.squaretwo.net)
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I was intending to go, funded by the company, but financial stuff prevented it. Seeing as I don't make much money right now, it just wasn't there in the personal budget.

Brad Wilson (dotnetguy.techieswithcats.com)
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I live in Romania, East Europe.

One of my dreams is to attend the Borland developer's conference.

However, I have calculated that the plane flight + staying at a hotel + attending would total 3 month's worth of my salary, so.. I'm not going, yet.

But, someday I'll surely go!

Mike
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Although conference folks has tried to add value into conferences, there are be those of us who can never benefit much from them. I have benefitted most from authors online and in print who go out of their way to translate their passion for a topic into masterful expositions.

Li-fan Chen
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

"Although conference folks has tried to add value into conferences, there are be those of us who can never benefit much from them. I have benefitted most from authors online and in print who go out of their way to translate their passion for a topic into masterful expositions. "

I have to agree with you there.

And finding some cut-and-paste code in those masterful expositions never hurts either. ;)

Norrick
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I'll be there.

Eric Sink
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

"I'll be there. "

We already know *you'll* be there, Mr. C = G + LT. ;)

Norrick
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Having just 'invested' $1400 for ASP.NET Connections in Palm Springs, CA, I think I will have to wait until next year when Whidbey (VS.NET v2.0) is actually released. This year is panning out to be a bunch of hype that will prove to frustrating to hear, knowing that I have to wait until next year to use all the cool features.

Jason Watts
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

$2000 for be sales pitched to death? put that $2000 in a mutual fund such as money market or some sort of bond and build your future.

It's just the hype, ladies and gents. Been there done that. It's beneficial for someone like Joel to market his products, books, etc. (probably paid by someone else)

As a developer you don't really need to go. I am a developer myself and even though I can afford to participate in such events I won't. I will put my money where it should belong -- investing. Read books if you need to educate/upgrade yourself.

o'my
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

See ya there, Eric.

Ryan LaNeve
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

I would have loved going but can't afford it.

Just me (Sir to you)
Wednesday, October 22, 2003