FOCAS - Michael Eisner vs the web

In a panel discussion with Arianna Huffington, Michael Eisner painted the internet ("Web 2.0, Web 5.0, whatever") as a form of anarchy that not only challenges existing media, but also lowers the quality of content by undercutting existing high-production sources. Choice quote - American media is challenged by "a society of envy and jealousy."

Lou Reed at Web 2.0

Lou Reed at Web 2.0
Originally uploaded by ptufts.

Lou Reed and his band did a short set at Web 2.0 last night. Two songs in he got ticked off at people who were talking. He said, "you wanna talk? It's your twenty minutes. Or, I could turn it up - I could hurt you." Pause. Then, to the crowd "do you want me to hurt you?"

The crowd replied enthusiastically, so he said to his sound guy, "Frank, turn it up." The sound went up. Lou made the request again, and now the sound by the front speaker stack reminded me of my first concert, a Ramones show which left my ears ringing for three days.

The music went loud, the crowd stood up, and the last three songs were great. Reed closed the set with Gravity.

Update: Justinsomnia's blog has a great description of the show. Here's AOL's video of the first song.

Philip Kaplan at Web 2.0

Philip Kaplan at Web 2.0
Originally uploaded by ptufts.

Philip Kaplan of Adbrite at Web 2.0.

This was supposed to be the future

This was supposed to be the future
Originally uploaded by ptufts.

My favorite t-shirt sighting at Web 2.0.

Sponsored sorbet at Web 2.0

sponsored sorbet at Web 2.0
Originally uploaded by ptufts.

At the Web 2.0 conference, even the sorbet is sponsored.