The Raincity Studios crew is heading south again this year to the geek-tacular spring break conference SxSW Interactive in Austin, Texas. We'll have a trade show booth, make shows at the Studio SX, and of course throw the SxNW party with our pals. More on these topics later, today is to announce the China business panel.

China Business Panel

Last year I moderated a panel called "Blame Canada" and this year I've been selected to moderate another panel. I've assembled an all-star group and planned a choice of topics which I'll get into. But first the details so you get it into your calendar now.

This year's panel is titled: "International Business for Fun, Profit and Revolution - The misconceptions and conundrums about doing web business in China" and the date is Monday, March 16 (time and place TBD).

Here's the gist: There are myriad misconceptions about doing business in China, but with a massive market, talented workbase and intriguing culture, there are also many compelling reasons for entrepreneurs to consider expanding their enterprises to Asia. A panel of experts debate and discuss the pros and cons and answer the practical questions about doing business in China.

The Roster

Panelists:

1. Christine Lu, Founder of The China Business Network & Host, The China Business Show (christinelu twitter)

2. Andrew Lih, a new media researcher and writer based in Beijing, China (fuzheado twitter)

3. Dan Harris, International Lawyer, editor of China Law Blog (danharris twitter)

4. Sage Brennan, Co-Founder, Mobile Monday Shanghai (sagebrennan twitter)

Moderator: me dammit! (Kris Krug - Raincity Studios) (kk twitter)

Vancouver Drupal evangelists and ringleaders (and my Vancouver Drupal Camp co-horts) are brewing up another get together for the Vancouver League of Drupallers. Ariane and Dale have sent out a call for a Vancouver Drupal geek festive social with a purpose - code sprinting for Fearless City.

I interviewed Irwin to learn more about Fearless City's mission, audience, participants, animators, success stories, so stay tuned for more coverage. In brief, they are helping residents and artists in the disadvantaged downtown Eastside of Vancouver gain access to digital storytelling skills and tools and create ways to easily publish and share their creations.

Since, I will be sequestered on a remote island, I have no right to talk about the event, so instead will defer to Ariane's details from Groups.Drupal.org/Vancouver - Christmas Social and Fearless City Code Sprint!!!

Thank you for sharing

Very pleased to see so many smart and engaging personalities co-mingling ideas and energy at Raincity Studios last night for our open conversation about the Olympics and "all of us".

The 48 attendees represented many ages, motivations, backgrounds, and media channels from blogs, pods, newspapers, PR peeps, photographers, and so on. By the end, the conversations were bubbling and gifts exchanged and enthusiasm mounting.

My colleagues and I wanted to set the tone for a productive and inclusive project for anyone to participate in - no matter where they come from physically or philosophically. Scales and Krug's remarks pointed out that we are apolitical, eager, and open for collaboration. I also think the passion for making media, changing the landscape, and being truly welcoming to our international peers came through.

What do you think? It's up to all of us to grab ahold and create something noteworthy. Are you in?

Next steps

- Talk about what this centre might be - write on your blog, with your friends, on your podcast, twitter, facebook, whatever ... but i encourage you to speak and brainstorm publicly about where could it be, what kind of programming, who's invited, how do we manage it, how do we pay for it?

- Tell your friends/colleagues/contacts - this project will require diverse resources from legal advisers to catering connections - spread the word and see who's interested in this experiment.

- Join up - there is a Google Group and a Google Site - confusing? Sure. The Group manages the mailing list and has informal group work space. The Site is more of a Olympic Media resource toolbox. Sign-up. Ping me for collaborator permissions for the Site.

Group: http://groups.google.ca/group/vancouver-2010-alternative-media

Site: http://sites.google.com/site/vancouver2010alternativemedia/

UPDATE: Sign up for the Group with a Google ID and I'll approve your request as soon as possible. Twitter @raincitystudios or email dave (at) raincitystudios (dot) com and i'll add you to the Site as a collaborator - be sure to sign up as a Participant to declare yourself involved. - daveo Monday, Dec. 8, 11:07

- Educate yourself - read the Protecting the Brand and relevant Copyright legislation, subscribe to Olympic-studies blogs and become an expert at something to share with the community.

- Create media - there are heaps of Olympic related stories going on now - both sporting events, venue construction/completion, along with budget boondoggles and contract snafus - write/pod/vlog etc.

- Hang out - the Skype channel didn't really get going as planned last night, but since I made a Vancouver Independent Media public chat, i'll keep the lights on for the banter

As the national broadcaster, the CBC has a special place in hearts of Canadians. Growing up in the USA, there is really no equivalent - PBS is well intentioned but just doesn't have the public mind-share the 'Ceeb garners with important documentaries and top-shelf sports coverage. Now that i think of it, the ability to satirize politics and still gets funding tell me that something like the CBC could never exist back home!!

In conjunction with the BC Library Association's Information Policy Conference, Canadian Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law, Micheal Geist is speaking tonight (Thursday, Oct. 23rd) at Vancouver Public Library at 7PM.

Mr. Geist is also an EFF Pioneer award recipient, serves on the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s Expert Advisory Board and maintains privacyinfo.ca, a leading privacy law resource.