>Hi Craig
>
>Based on an unscientific hand count, seems about 20-30% of attendees are first timers. The 375 number seems about right, part of the problem might be that it's in the desert in the middle of the summer (easily over 100 degrees in the afternoon) and it's an expensive venue ($30 for breakfast buffet). Another issue is having the keynote at 8AM, there was no energy in the room at all, the only applause was at the introduction of the speakers.
>
>But on the other hand, I will keep comming as long as the boss is will to send me :)
>
>Bob
>
>>The Fox Wiki is reporting attendance at DevCon to be 375. Could this mean the end of the conference?

Bob;

Well, it is not summer where I live and far from the hottest days you will experience at Palm Springs. Thirty years ago my wife and I would go to Palm Springs during summer break from college around the end of July. Almost everything was shut down. One motel and one restaurant were open.

Palm Springs was in the shape of a simple triangle and took a few minutes to drive around. We got the grand suite for half price, as it was the “off season”. Meals were very reasonable. Temperatures were in the 123 to 125 range. People were very friendly. The tram to San Jacinto was a God save from the hot desert floor. We would go camping at 10,500 feet in the primitive area – only 12 people were allowed at a time and no fires or flame of any type.

The motel had two pools – one regular and one heated. The outside temperature was 125, the regular pool was 117 and the heated pool was 98 degrees! I will never forget that! Any water in excess of 104 will damage human tissue according to my doctor.

Somehow Palm Springs caught on and is now too popular. This drove up the prices and destroyed a fun place to go for those on a budget. Now you have wind generators and wall-to-wall homes. In the early 1970’s you had an open desert floor and a quiet way of life.

Tom