Dek on the Startup Bus

March 18th, 2010 § 5 comments § permalink

I haven’t gotten around to writing more about the experience of being on the bus…. it’s been a MAD week. Just got back to home base at Palo Alto, will look at my 1/2 dozen drafts tomorrow and attempt writing something coherent.

So here’s a place holder. That’s me introducing myself to the group.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUQM1k6tTaY]

Hit the StartupBus channel on YouTube for everyone’s intro videos. There are some gems in there. Plus other random funny stuff. ;D

PS: I hereby apologise for subjecting you to the sound of my voice. How come no one told me it’s *that* bad?! Egads!

#sxswbus – Day one

March 10th, 2010 § 0 comments § permalink

(….although it feels like a week has elapsed to be honest)

We met up at 6.30am, set off for the HP HQ, attended an invigorating talk by Phil McKinney, CTO of HP, and then got back on the bus. That’s when we heard everyone’s product ideas and talked about those between us, after which some clear idea winners and teams began to form.

Teams are fully formed now (11.25pm local time) and some progress has been made.

Challenges –

  • Space – or the lack of it. It’s very hard to have group discussions with more than 2-3 people on a bus. Also very hard to juggle the niggly gadget stuff.
  • Movement – Felt the morning sickness the moment I opened my lappie in the morning. We stopped for some anti-motion sickness pills, and it’s been ok since then, cept for the time we were stuck in LA traffic. UGH
  • Personal space – This is one which might be particular to me. Just not used to being around people and noise all the time. I feel like I don’t have any thinking space. Being in the bus is like being in a box. Feels like my brain is too. Let’s face it, it’s hard to take a thinking walk on a moving bus. 🙂
  • Food – As usual, finding it hard to eat healthy on a trip like this, but that’s a minor issue I was prepared for. Have had too much caffeine today. Waaaay too much
  • Energy – Despite the caffeine overload, still so tired. Brain dead. The hope is to get some good sleep tonight. *fingers crossed*

I must say, there was a moment I questioned myself. Felt like running away from the bus. 😛 But then I remembered how much I was enjoying it earlier in the afternoon and felt better. (Not to mention the fact that I have no energy to run anywhere anyways….)

We’re almost at the hotel. YAY! Adios amigos. Bed and sleep beckon.

Oh, and remember, you can keep track of where we are and what’s happening here: http://sxsw2010.thestartupbus.com/

The Startup Bus – the adventure begins

March 9th, 2010 § 2 comments § permalink

So I quit my job in Sydney, spent a month clearing the house and getting my affairs in order, hopped on a plane, and here I am, in freezy San Francisco.

“What’s next?” I hear you ask… Answer: The Startup Bus!

About 30 people will get on a bus tomorrow at 6.30am (d’oh!) and head to Austin, Texas in time for South by Southwest. On the way, we’ll cook up, create and work on a few startups which have to be ready to launch in Austin!

I’m really looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get all startup-y again. And everyone on the bus seems really nice. Got to meet some of the crew at the send off party Atlassian threw us just now. So yes, very excited. Also very very nervous & anxious. Egads!! I have no idea how I’m gonna get any sleep tonight….

So follow @thestartupbus (or me!) on Twitter and keep up with how we go! Will throw in a link to the site once it’s up. Got a glimpse of it just now – it has a lot of cool stuff!

To startups and beyond! </Buzz Lightyear>

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