We don’t know why these quotes didn’t make it into the official program, but Ponzi spent hours combing through registrant responses to pull out the most interesting ones. Seems a pity not to share them. We start with the question: What are the reasons you registered for Gnomedex 6.0?

• “Network with people on the leading edge of building and thinking about web-based products.” – Rakesh Agrawal
• “To raise my consciousness” – Kelly Amsbry
• “To Learn more about the community.” – Dennis Backus
• “Went last year and loved it” – Matthew Ballou
• “New job role focused on Web 2.0 and Edge related architecture” – Atanu Banerjee
• “I’ve been in the past, and I can’t stop myself.” – Darren Barefoot
• “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” – Jeff Barr
• “I had a great time at last year’s event and I’m sure this year will be even better.” – Scott Beale
• “As I read and watched the blog coverage of last year’s Gnomedex 2005 event, I concluded that rather that observing this conference from afar, I wanted to participate in it. Attending for me isn’t about watching the speakers, but rather to join the conversations with other technology enthusiast sincerely and seriously engaged in discussion about internet publishing and digital media.” David Beisel
• “To see and be seen, to learn about what others are doing in the social space.” – Ofer Ben Shachar
• “Interested in meeting people, learning about latest trends, and covering the event for the newspaper and blog.” – Todd Bishop
• “New to Seattle – getting hip to the scene” -Todd Blanchard
• “Because last year’s gnomedex was the best conference I have ever attended” Sean Bohan
• “Because it has consistently been the best conference every year I’ve attended.” – Jack Brewster
• “Interested in technology & gadgets. I’m an early adoptor. Follow a lot of the presentors blogs & podcasts.” -John Brown
• “Mostly want to meet interesting people and cutting edge thinkers who are exploring new business models in tech and web related mass markets.” – Erick Brownstein
• “Missed last years event – looking forward to networking, conversations and Seattle” – Fergus Burns
• “Feel the pulse of the supergeeks” – Matt Calder
• “Still bummed I missed 2005″ – Brian Cantoni
• “Looks like a kick ass event. I want to learn what other smart people are doing to push the limits of rich internet UIs. Would like show off some AJAX Spreadsheet stuff we’ve been working on:)” – Andre Charland
• “Last year was the best conference I’ve been to in year’s and expect this one to equal or surpass.” – Mark Chernesky
• “My CTO has attended Gnomedex in the past, as well as this year, and he’s told me that Gnomedex is a great opportunity to get a different perspective on product management and get a true sense of how to be more user-centric.” – Brad Clark
• “To make connections, deepen my understanding of the technology” – Raines Cohen
• “I’ve been an observer of the conversation for some time and want to participate in person.” – Gregory Cohn
• “The question is, why wouldn’t I register for this year’s Gnomedex. Come on …” – Paul Colligan
• “Great experience last year; amazing group of people” – Thomas Conrad
• “Loved Gnomedex 5″ – Jay Cross
• “I’m very interested in the latest in new media” – Erin Crumpacker
• “Gain insight in blogs, social networking, semantic web, and media concepts and their application in our ventures.” – Ann Echols
• “To meet people, connect, and learn from their experiences. Also to share my own.” – Andru Edwards
• “To network with leading thinkers and doers” – Tom Eng
• “To get immersed in digital culture” – Richard Engelberg
• “We are active in promoting the Web 2.0 movement and in fostering easy ways for the publishing revolution to take place. Last year was a great learning experience for us and a great networking opportunity.” – Fred Fabro
• “The People.” – John Federico
• “Maybe I’ll get to actually meet Chris’s dad this year.” – Brad Feld
• “I heard Chris will be serving a delectible melon jello mold.” – Duane Fields
• “I’ve attended for the the past two years, and with each one, my brain comes away packed with awesome ideas and possibilities.” – Thomas Foss
• “Learn about current topics, mingle with experts on various subjects” – Shannon Fowler
• ” Went last year, loved it, need to go again.” – Ann Frost
• “Chris Prillo and his support for last years efforts in getting my podcasts off the ground.” – John Furrier
• “In previous years, the conference has provided a very valuable glimpse into the emerging trend in technology.” – Ticia Gerber
• “Heard good things about it” – Thomas Gieselmann
• “Last year’s Gnomedex was incredible.” – Matthew Gifford
• “Because of last year. :)” – Kathy Gill
• “I learned a tremendous amount at previous Gnomedexes.” – Aryeh Goretsky
• “Everyone who has gone to a previous Gnomedex has loved it.” – Jim Gottlieb
• “So many great things happened at last years, I couldn’t miss out.” – Jacob Gower
• “This was the best event of last year. I expect it will be again in 2006!” – John Hartman
• “Had a blast last year, want to make sure I get in the main room this year…” – Chris Heuer
• “Cause everybody else is going” – Johnathan Hill
• “To keep in touch with the communtity and gain knowledge from those with more experience.” – Russell Holliman
• “It is shameful that I’ve missed it in the past.” – David Hornik
• “Gotta go, can’t miss this, show of the year – and the only one I go to on my own time, by the way.” – Greg Hughes
• “You Rock. I want to hang with you and Ponzi (shamelessly pandering for blog citation I am said Scott in Yoda Speak)” – Scott Johnson
• “I’m a return attendee, I’ve been to every one. I’m Miss Gnomedex 2001.” – Christine Juhnke
• “Cause it’s cool” – Steve Kafka
• “To see the gnome. . . oh yeah, to show peeps our cool shiz” – Travis Kalanick
• “Uh, last year ROCKED. ;-)” – Michael Kaltschnee
• “Because its my job to be on the height of technological coolness.” – Ethan Kaplan
• “It’s the event of the year!” – Doug Kaye
• “Networking opportunities, chance to hang out with old friends.” – Scott Kingery
• “I don’t like being alone.” – Erik Lagerway
• “Networking with community movers and shakers” – Michael Lehman
• “To better understand the power of blogs, podcasts, cross promotion, and how business can use these tools to enhance their online presence and profitability (ultimately).” – Earl Lininger
• “Last year’s Gnomedex was fantastic.” – Seth Long
• “because I am still kicking myself for missing Gnomedex 5.0″ – Alberto Lopez
• “Meet interesting folks with similar interests and learn about the latest technology.” – Andrew McDonald
• “Research for my book.” – Scott Mace
• “Because I’ve been to Gnomedex several times in the past and cannot wait for this year!” – Michael Marusin
• “signed up because first and foremost I would like to meet and interact with like minded people. The studio exec side of me loves working in Hollywood alongside some of the most successful content producers in the world but the tech side of me has had problems connecting with smart and influential geeks down here in LA.” – Peter Mauro
• “I had a blast at last year’s Gnomedex. Met lots of great people, and developed a couple of ongoing working relationships. How could I miss this year’s?” – Stuart Maxwell
• “My annual geek-fix.” – Perry Mays
• “I need a vacation that comes with wifi.” – Thomas Novak
• “I was there last year and wouldn’t miss it for anything. And Chris’ mom and dad. ;)” – Kevin O’Keefe
• “For where our company is going, we need to be here. The future of online properties will be in these rooms.” – Michael OLeary
• “Desire to get first hand knowledge of some of the newest technology. (I am tired of editors doing it for me!!!!)” – Michael Pinkowski
• “To meet the best and the brightest in new media” – Ron Ploof
• “To bask in the buzz, feed from the assembled intellects and network like crazy.” – Ivan Pope
• “I’ve been to all but one, I can’t stop now. It’s the highlight of my year.” – Josh Quarles
• “To MEET people, LEARN and have FUN!” – Ricardo Rabago
• “I’ve been to GD3 and GD5, I expect the same benefits from GD6, and then some. I’m the CTO of a non-tech company, and my company has sent me both years, so they kinda get blogging. Oh, and I’m a geek. Oh, and I have a crush on Ponzi. Oh, that was a joke. :)” – Mitch Ratcliffe
• “It’s my meaning in life.” – Eric Rice
• “All the coverage I’ve read is about stuff I love to do in my spare time and that I’m passionate about.” -Eric Richards
• “it’s the best” – Ammoe Rodkins
• “To network with industry experts and leaders, stay aware of industry directions, have fun, make friends, blog etc” – Shawn Rogers
• “Company interest.” – Daniel Rosen
• “Met Chris and Ponzi at Moosecamp in Vancouver earlier this year. Heard so many good things about the previous Gnomedex’s. Don’t want to miss this one.” – Robert Sanzalone
• “It’s THE place to connect with top bloggers from around the country and learn about what the future holds, from the business and personal aspect of blogging, podcasting and all things publishing.” – Sue Schmitz
• “I attended and spoke at last year’s Gnomedex and I met people and learned things that have had a big effect on our company.” – Chris Sloop
• “To keep on top of developments in the industry.” – Stephanie Smallwood
• “I want to see what’s up with the thought leadership.” – Joseph Stacy
• “I want to see how my vision for computer mediated constructive social change meshes with the experiences of the great minds in these fields.” – Brian Sullivan
• “Because I am excited and thrilled to be amongst the leading thought leaders on the planet.” – William Valenti
• “I enjoyed learning from new media luminaries.” – John Wall
• “Stay abreast of emerging technology trends. Meet people who are making things happen in the tech universe.” – Bryan Zug

(2) What did you hope to gain from Gnomedex 6.0?

• “Insights and relationships” – Joseph Allaire
• “An opportunity to participate in one of the best tech conversations of the year.” – Christy Andrade
• “Hang out with a cool group of people who have big brains” – Troy Angrignon
• “Friends, hallway demoing, knowledge, good times” – Geoffrey Arone
• “I hope to gain new insights from others’ thinking and from conversations about online publishing and internet technology that can help me generate more astute blog posts and make better investment-related decisions. More importantly, I want to share in the excitement and collective wisdom that the attendees together will generate in the real-time discussions about new and innovative topics in the space.” – David Beisel
• “new contacts” – Matthew Bookspan
• “Catch the latest trends, gadgets, meet interesting people.” – John Brown
• “Networking and connections. Getting exposed to cool new ideas.” -Erick Brownstein
• “More collaberation on leading edge ideas” – HM Carlson
• “Broader network of local and national technologists and visibility into current and future trends.” – Joe Caropepe
• “I hope to gain a better understanding of how I can shape my product management group into a user-focused team, and still balance the revenue goals set by the business owners.” – Brad Clark
• “While my interests are more about learning, knowledge, etc., I believe the ideas and technologies that will be preseted at Gnomedex will have a powerful influence on my interests.” – Donald Clark
• “Enlightment, hanging out with smart geeks and learning new things” – Jeff Clavier
• “At least one “aha” moment.” – Gregory Cohn
• “Connect with the industry influencers.” – Clay Cook
• “Continued information and discussion on technology and the future.” – Mike Dacre
• “To experience a ‘real’ blogging conference & learn from the best in preparation for a Digital Citizen Indaba I am coordinating in South Africa later this year” – Colin Daniels
• “New contacts, learn new things, meet folks, mash up the web!” – Brian Dear
• “Meet people, expand my mind.” – Jeff Eder
• “Meet people changing the world” – Richard Engelberg
• “New and continued relationships with influencers and early adopters. And a picture with Chris.” – John Federico
• “Lots and lots of links – and meaningful introductions to people who I think will have valuable, credible insight into the product areas on which I’m focused.” – Duane Fields
• “Wisdom” – Gregory Galant
• “The conversation with a smart and interesting group of people is enough… the rest is icing.” – Jeremy Garcia
• “Meet the right people, and learn about bleeding edge tech.” – Richard Giles
• “Learning about and finding interest in things I didn’t even know I was interested in.” – Jim Gottlieb
• “Meet people I would otherwise not have the opportunity to meet. Hopefully lots of cool geeky tech stuff – hands on, too.” – Greg Hughes
• “More interaction with others. A chance to see & Talk to Chris & Ponzi again.” – Christine Juhnke
• “Meet new people in the RSS space and be introduced to lots of new ideas.” – Niall Kennedy
• “Looking forward to seeing and hearing the latest trends from the trend makers directly.” – Scott Kingery
• “Meet smart people and find out about great technology.” – Christopher Knopick
• “See what’s next in technology. Great place to network and meet people.” – Stuart Kreitzer
• “meet the blogging community, network, and gain an appreciation for the types of business models that are being explored.” – Anthony Kuschak
• “World peace.” – Erik Lagerway
• “World changing insight. – Barring that, trading ideas with interesting people.” – Ho John Lee
• “1. Understand the nuances of blogging from other bloggers. 2. Get a closer look at the impact that blogging is having on industry. 3. Learn about new trends in blogging.” – Rebecca Levine
• “Catch up with some old friends, and meet some new people with interesting perspectives on where things are headed.” – David Marks
• “Meet some interesting people. Hear the latest in tech.” – Perry Mays
• “Another kick in the pants to get moving in new technological directions.” – Derek Miller
• “Better connections with others working on the same product genres; better understanding of where the future of online content is going.” – Michael OLeary
• “knowledge, wisdom, transcendence, but I’ll settle for some networking” – Neil Rafer
• “Many frequent flier miles, a few new friends, and some great ideas.” – Mitch Ratcliffe
• “Cool t-shirts.” – Kristin Redlinger
• “Networking, and picking on Chris” – Greg Reinacker
• “More smartness.” – Eric Rice
• “I’m in the middle of a career change – I see this as one aspect of recharging myself to charge in a new direction.” – Eric Richards
• “Networking, knowledge of emerging trends” – Annie Rodkins
• “How to use blogging in a wiki atmosphere.” – Daniel Rosen
• “Networking opportunity. Find out what’s going on and who’s doing what – blogging, podcasting, technology in general.” – Robert Sanzalone
• “Meet interesting people doing interesting work. Maybe network a bit, but mostly spend time around brilliant people on the cutting edge of Internet development.” – Morgan Schweers
• “Keep abreast of the bleeding edge of blogging” – Robert Silver
• “A good 360 view of the current landscape.” – Joseph Stacy
• “professional networking opportunities and a sense of what’s coming down the pipeline from the small, highly innovative companies.” – Dave Taylor
• “Learning as much as possible about the leading edge trends as they relate to digital media and the internet.” – William Valenti
• “Further insight into movement in the syndication community.” – Kyle VonHaden
• “Want to stay on top of cutting edge dev, esp with respect to rss/podcasting” – Dermot Waters

Wisdom of Crowds

As recorded by Leo Notenboom, great quotes (taken quite out of context) from Gnomedex 6.0. Some of these may be paraphrased:

• “Geeks shouldn’t name things.” (Kathy Gill)
• “That’s a bad opinion to have.” (Mike Arrington)
• “Don’t use my own facts against me.” (Mike Arrington)
• “I’m only hosting the conference, I have no idea what’s going on.” (Chris Pirillo)
• “Everyone is a store.” (???)
• “Nobody wants to put their balls into one vice.” (Marc Canter, to which someone else commented, “I prefer to split mine between at least two.”)
• “Someone is going to get a pair of my underwear.” (Chris Pirillo)
• “It’s all crap.” (Steve Gillmor)
• “This software has never been touched by venture capital hands – that’s why we don’t have blue balls.” (Marc Canter on People Aggregator, referencing swag given by BlueDot.us.)
• “We don’t need to be 800lb gorilla’s, we can be 100 8lb Orangutans” (Darren Barefoot)
• “The elder community has a lot to offer – as they retire, what else are they going to do?” (???)

There was also a classic remark given by Halley Suitt to the male-laden GIllmor Gang who was referencing giving bl*wjobs… something along the lines of: “Excuse me, but which one of you is most qualified to talk about giving bl*wjobs?” And then there was the unforgettable statement made by a casual observer, Janet Pantoja, basically suggesting that everybody drop the ego-trumping and actually do something to improve the world. Come to think of it, the more intelligent statements made at Gnomedex were by women. Do you have any favorite Gnomedex 6.0 quotes?

Conference Quotes