- Not because PDC is sold out (if I was going, I would've bought my seat a while ago!)
- Not because all the stuff Microsoft will unveil will be made available publicly when the products actually get to market (which will be years away in some cases)
- Not because it's in California
- Not because of the price tag ($2,000 + air + food + hotel + other expenses) or because my company's training budget can't squeeze this one in . . . for the right set of circumstances, I would pay my own way!
You won't see me at the PDC because I'll be in the Howl At The Moon adventure race that takes me out of town starting the 23rd of October; I should be back to work Tuesday the 28th, and while I could catch some PDC action from that point, I'm choosing to pass and rely on the strength of the blogging, magazine, book, and more local presentation communities (such as WeProgram.Net) to keep me abreast of what I need to know.
I think the thing I'll miss the most is the fun and excitement of seeing the features and developing paradigm shifts first hand . . . but I'll know that in the years to come, when I look back, I'll be glad I took my money and time and busted my butt trekking, paddling, and biking through the Florida wilderness instead of sitting in a conference hall with hundreds of other computer professionals. My career revolves around software, but not quite my entire life!
To those that go to the PDC, have a great time and I'm sure you'll see a great show! To the rest of us, WeProgram.Net will be adding a “PDC Tracking” section to document and share all the cool PDC stuff that develops.
'Nuff said; I'm scheduled for a 100 minute training run in a few minutes (with backpack) . . .
Happy .Netting!