Journalists like nothing better than a good race and in the mud wrestling match. No, I’m not talking about the Olympics. I’m talking about TechCrunch versus Demo conferences which both take place at the same time and claim to represent the best of the new startups. Demo has the longetivity, but TechCrunch has the brash young upstart chops. The New York Times has a decent roundup on the controversy. I’ve attended Demo in the past, but
did not make it to TechCrunch. The ability to pick a winner company based on a short presentation where you don’t get to use the product is mighty limited. If you remember that these events are just that, events meant to entertain and make some money for those holding the events, you will be much better off. It is all a bit like the auto shows where you get to see really nice concept cars but don’t get to drive them down the street. Feel free to judge the events on their showmanship, but don’t believe that either are really designed to present products and services that will win in the marketplace.