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SXSW Announces a Couple Hundred More Showcasing Bands for 2010 [Lots of Austin Bands in the Mix]
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In the midst of the usual band rumors, keynote speaker announcements, and day party secrecy comes the SXSW 2007 Volunteer Call at the Hilton. Vital components in the smooth functioning of the festival, ordinary lay-people have long done the tasks that make SXSW an annual success. And for those of us too broke to afford the platinum badge, and perhaps too clever in realizing how useless the wristband is, the Volunteer Badge is a sure-shot way to get into that one show you cannot miss. Maybe two.
Participants have a choice between the Conference Crew, and the Music Production Crew before picking their niche within those teams. Returning volunteers are expected at 12:30pm while newbies start their process at 3:30pm. But everyone is encouraged to create their record in advance on the SXSW website. Once completed, simply print and sign the Volunteer Agreement form, and you’re on your way to the Hilton.
SXSW Volunteer Call
Sunday, January 21
Hilton Hotel [Map]
Austin Grand Ballroom, 6th Fl.
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Is it just me, or does this whole SXSW volunteer thing bug anyone else?
This conference, in addition to getting tremendous tax breaks from the city, makes a shitload of money. It also burdens city resources and makes life a tad unbearable for city dwellers who don't participate.
I know it bolsters the local economy in a pretty big way, but couldn't they take it a step further and actually hire some folks for the work, thus contributing real and direct dollars to the local economy?
Hmmmm... please elaborate on these tremendous tax breaks that they get. Can you be specific? Have they always gotten them?
SXSW makes a very small amount of money. They have generally always been a labour of love, compared to ACL epecially. Most major festivals of this kind could not be put on without volunteers. I don't see much of a problem with asking people to volunteer for a perk of considerable monetary value. It's YOUR choice. Do or do not and shit like that. Though it brings in HUGE money for the economy and it's pretty damn cool to say we live in Austin where SXSW is held. But maybe that's just me.
Don't kid yourself...SXSW makes millions of dollars on their little festival. Bands get screwed, volunteers get treated like shit and all they get for their effort is a t-shirt and maybe some Salt Lick Bar-B-Que. Well worth their time. Listen, you are better off buying a wristband than volunteering. Hell, you are better off buying single admission to venues or even going to the free daytime parties that all venues hold than volunteering for SXSW. If you think you are going to get to see any shows or films by volunteering, think again!
Maybe someone had a really bad experience as a volunteer - but I didn't - I actually had a great time. Just arrange your volunteer schedule cleverly and you're able to see a lot. It's well past the volunteer call now but I'm pretty stoked about my free badge that I'll be getting for checking other peoples badges as they walk in a theater