Incremental Blogger

The Mix07 folks wouldn’t let me into the conference to cover ink support in Silverlight (excuses, excuses), but that didn’t stop me. I booted up my UMPC, attached a webcam, and connected up to UStream.tv to record whatever I could–even if I could get no further than the conference hallways.

Here I caught up with Gavin Gear of Microsoft’s Silverlight team, who was kind enough to join me in the hallway, and show me a couple Silverlight applications that illustrated Silverlight’s new inking capabilities.

In the first five minutes of the video Gavin talks through the cool PhotoStack app that Microsoft was showing at the conference. For a simple demo app it had quite a few features including photo annotation, server-side ink recognition, ink searching, a full-screen slideshow mode, and numerous cool transition effects typical of XAML apps. I hope Microosft makes this code public soon. I’m sure there are lots of good ideas for developers inside.

From minutes five to eight, Gavin switches over to work on a blog post. Nothing much interesting here except that you can see we were pretty informal about the recording. He got a phone call during this time too, so for a couple minutes I turned off the sound, although you’ll get a pretty good picture of the floor and our legs in the meantime. Heh.

Then at about 8:15 Gavin starts up again with a demo this time of the Ink Tattoo Studio. It’s a clever simple app that illustrates how to overlay ink on photos in an entertaining way. Unfortunately, after a couple minutes the video hangs, but you’ll get the idea.

If you couldn’t quite make out what’s shown in the video embedded above, you may want to check out a video recorded by the Mix folks which is of much better quality showing Gavin demo Silverlight ink.

Joshua Allen interviews Gavin Gear of Microsoft at Mix07 about Silverlight’s new inking capabilities.

I’m heading down to the conference area to try some video streaming.

Once again, I don’t think the audio is going to work all that well. The EVDO definitely doesn’t. In fact, we’ve had best results using the conference WiFi network. Now that’s a change from what usually happens at a conference.

Here’s the link I’ll try to keep up off and on today.

Kevin Tofel picks up on the impressive Mix07 keynote demo that showed a mobile device running a series of Major League Baseball feeds–all built around Silverlight. The technology combination is a natrual one: Silverlight on mobile devices. I expect as Silverlight matures we’ll see more of this. Kevin appreciates the significance of the technology duo too.

Kevin says: “This situation reminds me of this year’s CES: much of the Vista air left the CES bubble when Apple announced the iPhone….and they weren’t even there. The Silverlight announcement at Mix07 comes before the Apple WWDC and I can’t help but wonder if Apple and other feel like Microsoft must have at CES.”

I had a similar thought at the time and it wasn’t exactly that Apple was getting overshadowed. It was that the news stepped all over MEDC. Others that are attending both conferences thought the same thing. The most common refrain: Everyone at MEDC should have been at the Mix keynote. One strong example of the overlap between the conferences and another reason why the two conferences should have shared resources.

Frank La Vigne reflects on the two simultaneous conferences Mix07 and MEDC:

“Next year, they should combine the two conferences into one big M2 conference, turning two smaller shows into one big one. Or, at the very least, let people wander between the two shows.”

As many of you already know, the Mix07 Conference was sold out this year, leaving many such as myself on the sidelines. This didn’t stop everyone. Several people went to the conference anyway–just in case they could get in. For most everyone I know, this didn’t work too well. But for those that have a strong will, there always seems to be a way–and getting into Mix is no different.

It’s too late for this year, but what follows is a list of 10 ways that you can try to get into Mix next year, just in case the conference sells out again and you’ve exhausted all other avenues at getting in. (All in good humor.)

#10. Blend in. On the surface this approach looks simple. Look like you belong in the conference. Dress like attendees dress. This can be as simple as getting a conference shirt, a hat, a wrist band, a sticker, etc from your future fellow attendees. There are plenty of people that don’t want them. Collect as many as you can and wear them proudly.
#9. Stand out. This takes the opposite approach to #10. Wear something that stands out so much that people will notice but yet takes them out of their defensive mindset–so much so that they don’t question what you’re doing. What’s an example? Dress like Elvis or paint your face a plastic blue. Works best if you bring along your own camera crew. Makes you look more official.
#8. Get a job. This may take a little extra effort, but it could get you in. The idea is, if you can’t beat them, join them. Volunteer or apply for a job in the staff putting on the conference. It’s best to apply for a job near the events you want to attend. This can take some doing.
#7. Safety in numbers. This approach requires some fortuitous timing. Gather up five or six of your friends that are going to the conference, and melt into the middle of the group. Talk away with animated enthusiasm as you pass by the conference security. It works best if your friends are much taller than you.
#6. Look busy. Look like you belong. For example, help out a conference speaker by carrying boxes for them. Do this enough times for enough speakers and security will let you pass by any time. Be sure to smile as you walk by each time.
#5. Watch the Taxi line for those going to the airport. Even if you can’t get into the conference the first day, there’s always day two or three. In some ways its gets easier each day. How? Many reporters, business people, and the like leave the conference early and are willing to give up their pass. Just be careful not to get a pass from someone too famous. You don’t want to wind up having to be Fred Vogelstein or Robert Scoble.
#4. Use the elevators and not the escalators. (AKA don’t follow the crowd.) The security guards can’t watch everywhere. Use the road less traveled.
#3. Make friends with the security guards. Who wouldn’t give their friend a break? So what better idea than to make friends with the people guarding the gate. This works particularly well if you arrive at the conference a day early and buddy up with the security guards while the conference Is being put together.
#2. Hang out with the bloggers. If you can’t get into the conference, go where the action is–or at least where the opinions are–hang out with the bloggers, such as Dave Winer, Robert Scoble, Don Dodge, Dan Farber, Paul Mooney, and lots more. You’re sure to hear more about the latest scoops via this crowd than attending sessions yourself and digging for the latest info.
#1. Leverage osmosis. For those of us that just have to have the conference experience, but yet still can’t get in, the next best thing is to be nearby. Stand in the hallways and wait. It’s really that bad. Besides, the hallways are where the real conference conversations happen anyway. If nothing else, it’s a lot cheaper.

What was everyone talking about at MEDC today? The Venetian Hotel, where MEDC is being held and most of the attendees are staying, is going to shut off the water–all the water–to the hotel rooms from midnight to 4AM.

This is going to be interesting–not just for the MEDC attendees, but particularly for the Mix07 goers. Why? The Mix attendees (which is a Microsoft conference also being held at the Venetian) is having their big party tonight and I imagine that there will be more than one attendee that’s going to fill up with a favorite beverage or two, find their way back to their room late in the night, and then, you know. Flavors of college life are going to return for many. This is going to be fun.

Update: It’s 6AM and still no water. Ooops. Just called the front desk. They say the cold water is supposed to be on and the hot water is to be running in 10 minutes. However, it clearly isn’t. Word is that a major pipe burst whlie they were making their planned repair. I’m not sure what the original repair was supposed to be . This is going to be interesting. Can you say people are going to be extra smelly at Mix07 and MEDC? :-).

What’s even more intereresting to me in all of this is: Where are the bloggers? Did the conversation end after 24 or was that 48 hours? Heh. No news on Twitter either. There’s nothing yet on the Mix news feed too. Yeah, it’s only 6AM, however, does this mean the heavy duty bloggers are already gone? Hmmm. I guess we’ll find out in the next hour or so. Most everyone is up and around by 7AM for the conference.

Update #2: It’s just before 7AM and the water is back on. Whew. I just took a walk around the casino and sure enough there was water down there. I don’t know if they had water all night. The restaurants all appear to be opening on schedule and I passed dozens of the Mix staff walking towards the convention center. There are no big lines of people at the front desk either. I thought I’d see one or two asking what’s going on. Most everyone there seemed to be checking out–including Don Dodge. (Doh! I should have asked Don for his conference pass. Nah, he’s too recognizable. Still the hallway for me it looks like. Heh.) Looks like everything is going to proceed as normal.

Here’s a link to the Silverlight downloads that were announced today at Mix07.

Actually at this time, the link to the Silverlight 1.0 SDK isn’t working for me. It returns an error: “The download you requested is unavailable. If you continue to see this message when trying to access this download, go to the “Search for a Download” area on the Download Center home page. ” A quick check of the MSDN Search doesn’t return a file listing for the SDK either. I’ll keep checking.

The Mix07 keynote is underway and Ray Ozzie is talking about competing programming models–summed up today as Universal Web vs Experience First.

My internet connection is slow where I’m at so no live broadcasting yet. I’m going to try live blogging for now and then move elsewhere and get the video feed up.

Talking about Silverlight: .Net Compact Framework is now ging to be part of Silverlight.

Expression Studio is shipping as of today.

Silverlight Streaming….way to deliver content courtesy of Microsoft

Scott Guthrie is on stage now.

New build of Silverlight is available as a download now. I’ll look for the URL in a bit.

Silverlight build today provides video streaming which is says are 3 to 4 times less expensive to operate.

Netflix on stage talking. They see Silverlight simplifying installation and improving better video delivery.

Scott is back on stage.

Lots of cool .Net support in Silverlight. Time to download! The debugging suppot is the coolest!!! Iron Ruby is coming too, as open source.

Here’s the video I’ve got up for now. Battery is getting low so hopefully this will last.

The main part of the keynote is over. There’s a Q&A sessions now with Ray Ozzie and Guthrie. While it’s going on, I’ll blog some of my impressions so far.

First, maybe it’s just the glow of the moment, but, to me, Microsoft is getting its Mojo back–or at least is on track to do so. The one lacking element is Linux support. I’m sure Microsoft understands how big this small market is in voice, so I hope they fill this hole soon.

What am I seeing that’s so great? A focus on flexibilty balanced with performance. Up till now programming in the browser has been a pain, from the language standpoint, through debugging, and even on the experience end. Silverlight is going in a good direction. As you know I like the declarative nature of XAML and now with a .NET programming alternative and what looks to be top-notch debugging support, I’m extremely excited to give this technology a try. Put simply, Xbap watch out.

Now we are talking about alpha a beta products here too. There’s a GoLive license for Silverlight 1.0, which is good. And Microsoft is planning on releasing Silverlight 1.0 in the summer and then 1.1 “beyond.” Who knows when beyond will be–especially since the 1.1 build is in alpha. Lots of things can change. If Microsoft can keep up its pace, then there’s a good chance that developers like me will use it in projects they’re working on now or are about to. A year or a year and a half is a long, long time into the future for most in the web space, so time is important.

I’m going to head over to the BlogZome to get a good Internet connection so I can download the files. I’m eager to see how it all works out in practice.

As the keynote winds down, here’s my last impression: Microsoft made a mistake in capping off entrance into Mix. The news is too big. Too big. In fact, for me, MEDC now has a pretty big shadow to come out from behind–even with its Robots.

I’m at the airport ready to board my flight to Las Vegas. I’m not sure what I’ll do once I get to the Venetian Hotel where both MIx07 and MEDC are being held. Mix starts Monday and MEDC begins Tuesday. Actually, I couldn’t get into Mix, but since I’m going to be so close I thought I’d try to hang out nearby on Monday and talk with people about their impressions of the keynote, sessions, and the like. I’ll be broadcasting video live using UStream.tv.

We tried live broadcasting (using Stckam) at CES and it went reasonably well, so I’m eager to see how things work out this time. We’ll see. I expect I’ll be spending more time in front of the camera, which I’m typically not comfortable doing, but I’ll give it a go.

I’ll try a test broadcast tonight, just to make sure things are working well. Fingers crossed that I didn’t forget anything. I’ve been double and tripple checking packing list all afternoon. I know there’s something I forgot. What is it? I bet I’ll find out once I try to start broadcasting. Hehe.

I’ll be broadcasting what I can at Mix07 via UStream.tv. (More details later.) Likewise, Robert Scoble is going to be broadcasting wth his hallwaycam. And Dave Winer was at least contemplating broadcasting his session. Anyone else going to be broadcasting via UStream.tv or Stickam?

Makes me wonder: Will there be more live broadcasters at Mix07 than at Web 2.0 Expo last week? Based on this count, I’d say no. It would be cool though if Mix07 led here. Maybe I should bring along a couple extra webcams to hand out to those who want to give it a go. Hmmm. I’ve got a couple XP-only cameras (no integrated mics) and a couple Vista-supported webcams. I’ll add them to my bag. It’s a good idea to have some backup equipment anway.

In terms of knowing who is doing what at Mix, Dave Winer set up a Wiki for those that are attending. It’s a great way to see who’s going. I’ve been following blogsearch.google.com, but Dave’s Wiki has the best information so far. I haven’t added my name to the list. I keep thinking: I’m not really attending the conference. Then again, I’ll be there. Same goes for the blogger room that Microsoft is setting up. Can I drop in? Don’t know. My thought now is I’ll try and if I’m asked to leave, I will.

Dave Winer twitters that he has started a Wiki for those attending Mix07.

As I mentioned yesterday, Channel 9 is asking the community whether they should bump up Wired writer Fred Vogelstein on the Mix07 waitlist so he can get into the sold out conference. The question is whether Fred should go to the top of the list, above let’s say a developer. As of this morning, 60 people have voted. 31 say no, he shouldn’t get in or have special treatment. 29 say, “let him in.”

I voted yes. Fred writes for a major tech-savvy publication and has large audience reach. If Microsoft wants to get the word out far and wide that it’s making a concerted effort to improve online experiences, it would do well to have writers such as Fred attend the conference.

I admire the creativity in trying to get around the sold out problem, but since this is a conference put on by Microsoft to get the word out about Microsoft products, it does seem that there’s more room for creativity. Here’s some other ideas:

* What about an overflow room for the keynote and first-day sessions that are expected to be packed? The first day at a conference is often the most crowded. Isn’t there a way to manage that?
* Jeff Sandquist mentioned that there would be a blogger room at Mix. Is it open to reporters and bloggers that can’t get into Mix?
* There are two customers, myself and Robert Scoble, that are volunteering to be bumped by Fred (although technically I was already bumped off the waitlist, so I don’t really have any skin in the game anymore). What about the Microsoft employees that are willing to give up their pass to let Fred in?
* Microsoft’s Mobile & Embedded Developers Conference overlaps MEDC and is going on in the same hotel. Seems like it should be feasible to balance resources between them.

If none of this works, Fred can do what I’m going to do. Go anyway. Stand in the hallway (or as close as security will let me) and see what happens. Maybe there will be a last minute cancellation. Maybe someone will sleep in after a late night of partying and loan you their pass to get into the keynote. Maybe there will be so many interesting people to meet in the hallway that it’ll make the whole un-event worthwhile in itself. All of these I’ve done in the past at other events. Where there is enough motivation, there’s a way to get it done.

Evidently I’m not the only one that can’t get into Mix07. Wired reporter Fred Vogelstein wants to go and can’t get in either. Jeff Sandquist is trying to help out, with a twist. He’s asking the Channel9 community to vote on whether Micrososft should let Fred into the conference.

I say of course, let him in.

I don’t understand this whole notion of trying to make Mix07 closed, anyway. You’re telling me there isn’t room for one more? Or a dozen? Or a hundred? You’re telling me that Microsoft can’t work with the Venetian to find a bit more space? Or can’t find a bit more budget to bring in people most interested in its message and joining in on the conversation and amplifying it? I’ve seen in the past where Microsoft’s gone out of its way to be inclusive–PDC 2003 was one such event. It was sold out, plus some, but Microsoft pulled it off. I expect Microsoft could do the same now–if it wanted. Does it?

But, hey, Fred if you can’t get into the conference itself look for the Tablet guy standing in the hallway. That’ll be me. We can have our own un-Mixed, unconference. Some of the most interesting conversations happen in the hallways at conferences anyway. With a UStream.tv feed this could be rather interesting. Anyone else not going to Mix? (Yeah, I know the comments are broken on this blog. It needs to get fixed. Hint, hint Layne :-). In the meantime, I’ll keep watching the referrers if you post elsewhere.)

Update: Looks like the unconference is growing. Robert Scoble hasn’t been able to get a Mix07 pass either. This isn’t stopping him, however, from covering the event. Expect to see Robert in the hallway with his video camera broadcasting live on UStream.tv.

Well, it looks like no Mix07 for me. I’ve been bumped from the waitlist and because the event is sold out, I was turned down for a press pass too. I don’t think they really believe I cover the web. It’s not the first time I’ve been told what I don’t do. No matter, I keep moving on.

Why am I interested in Mix? In large part because Tim Sneath, Don Dodge and others from Microsoft are hinting that there will be more announcements at Mix07 concerning Silverlight (formerly named WPF/e). We’ll have to see if these will be announcements about forthcoming products or actual, new product drops that we can get our dev hands into. In the meantime, I’ll post some more about what I’ve been doing with the current Silverlight CTP. Here’s a hint. Silverlight has some issues, but it’s worth the effort for those that target the browser.