Comments on: Focus Seminar UK Event 2008 – In Review (Part One)

By: Matt Garrett

Matt Garrett — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:16:50 +0000

Hi Dave,

was good to see you there, although briefly, next time ya gotta hang around for some beers…

I was there mostly to hang around in the bar and chat with friends/jv partners, so it was kinda unfortunate that the 2 presentations I did go in to were the two that featured what appeared tobe (imho) “crocodile tears”…

I also preferred the more “informal” feel of last years event where it was a lot easier to hang out with the “guru’s” for a beer and a chat. Bring back Puddy I say!

I somehow endedup winning one of the coins and whilst I do appreciate it, I honestly have no idea what I’m going to do with it, as it’s not really my “cup of tea”…

cheers,
Matt Garrett
p.s. Dave, just sent you an email about a plugin you might find useful on this blog…

By: Fruity Plugins

Fruity Plugins — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:52:53 +0000

Has happened to the best of us…

By: Jerry Holliday

Jerry Holliday — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:33:40 +0000

Hi Allen,

likewise! – I left my folder in the hotel room, so all my contact cards/secret notes are lost – for now – (yours included !

Jerry

By: Fruity Plugins

Fruity Plugins — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:15:37 +0000

Good to meet you too Jerry. For the record, we paid a LOT less booking online, through Late Rooms (I think). All the best, Allen

By: Jerry Holliday

Jerry Holliday — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:43:21 +0000

Hi David,

Spot on write up and it was good to meet you there! I totally agree the slickness of the operation had its downside losing something from previous years, as you say, and I felt a certain gap between the speakers (apart from Alex of course) and everyone else for after hours networking. Last year I felt more at ease to chat to the ‘big dogs’ so to speak.

I think the hotel was cheaper through the website than the focus block booking code, but I may be mistaken.

Jerry

By: Fruity Plugins

Fruity Plugins — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:27:54 +0000

Re crying: I agree. When Mark cried I thought it was genuine, then it was quickly followed by another presenter using the same strategy. Seed of doubt then swiftly planted. It was at about that stage I started to play ‘presentation formula bingo’ and I’m happy to share that if of interest. All the best, Allen

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:10:17 +0000

Hotel nice yet very expensive – agreed.
Slick presentation – agreed.

One thing I would be interested to know is what you thought of the two speakers who started crying during their presentations. I found it very uncomfortable and I got a funny feeling that it was planned…

By: Duncan Ritson-Elliott

Duncan Ritson-Elliott — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:06:03 +0000

“It seems to me that tourists often find British history and the monarchy far more interesting than do the average citizen.”

Very true. I wasn’t upset to win the Queen Elizabeth commemorative coin (my daughter is very proudly going to be taking it to school next week), but I would have been over the moon to win one of the Presenter’s packages which they gave out at the end – especially those from Mark Anastasi, Glen Dietzl or Tim Brocklhurst.

By: Fruity Plugins

Fruity Plugins — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:21:52 +0000

HI,

Very good review. I agree with your very keen observations (and the fact that I didn’t win on my lottery ticket doesn’t influence that decision…).

Looking forward to part two…all the best, Allen