SXSW Interactive Announces First Keynote Speakers, Panels
Christopher Poole, the twentysomething founder of the Internet message board 4chan, nailed down one of the keynote spots. Poole, known online as "moot", founded 4chan as a teenager and has watched it become one of the most popular (and controversial) sites on the Web. From hacking Sarah Palin's email account to disruptive pranks on Justin Bieber, 4chan has made an undeniable impact on mainstream culture.
Philanthrophy will likely be the topic at hand in the keynote by TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie. A Texas native, Mycoskie's company gained attention by donating a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair they sell.
Bruce Sterling has been given the closing keynote spot. Sterling, a futurist and science fiction author, speaks each year at SXSWi and his entertaining, far-ranging talks have been well-attended.
Festival organizers also released the names of 200 panels, which make up about one-third of the final programming list. The inital list includes presentations from David Carr of the New York Times, author Steven Berlin Johnson, and an interview with tech pioneer Tim O'Reilly.
