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COMDEX Cancelled Again

An anonymous reader noted that COMDEX has been cancelled for the second year in a row. And meanwhile, thousands of IT professionals rejoice that they won't be again exposed to strange strains of viruses that their immune system can't handle.

134 of 196 comments (clear)

  1. How fitting by -kertrats- · · Score: 3, Funny

    Not to be too cliche, but how fitting that I got the 'Nothing for you to see here' line several times trying to see this story.

    --
    The Braying and Neighing of Barnyard Animals Follows.
    1. Re:How fitting by Tackhead · · Score: 2, Funny
      > Not to be too cliche, but how fitting that I got the 'Nothing for you to see here' line several times trying to see this story.

      What are you trying to imply? That after yet another crippling bombshell hit the COMDEX community, it's official? That COMDEX is dead?

      Who died and made you Netcraft?

      (Oh, wait. That'd be COMDEX. Move along...)

  2. I for one by overshoot · · Score: 3, Funny

    wish to welcome our new CES overlords.

    --
    Lacking <sarcasm> tags, /. substitutes moderation as "Troll."
  3. Oh well by jam244 · · Score: 3, Funny

    See you in 2006

    1. Re:Oh well by turrican · · Score: 1

      Given the current track record... you probably won't!

  4. Regroup again? by lecithin · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Last year I figured that it was a good idea to take a year off.

    This year I wonder if it will ever come back. I also wonder just how many people really don't care.

    --
    It could be worse, it could be Monday.
    1. Re:Regroup again? by eln · · Score: 1

      COMDEX is not the big deal it was, and in its absence, other smaller shows have come in to fill the (much reduced) demand for this kind of tech convention. There is no place in the market for COMDEX anymore.

    2. Re:Regroup again? by Snowdog668 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      That's pretty much what I was thinking. I'd much rather attend a convention that was more focused on a smaller segment of technology.

      Since the bubble burst is there really a need for the huge monstrosity that is COMDEX?

      Add to that the fact that Vegas is wasted on me (see my sig) and I'd much rather go to a small, focused convention that's more local (I'm within an hour or so drive of both Chicago and Milwaukee).

      --
      I wouldn't say I'm a bad gambler but the last time I went to Vegas I even lost a buck on the soda machine.
    3. Re:Regroup again? by rbgaynor · · Score: 1

      Add to that the fact that Vegas is wasted on me...I wouldn't say I'm a bad gambler but the last time I went to Vegas I even lost a buck on the soda machine.

      Wasted? Hardly. It sounds more like you are their ideal target audience.

      --
      "Good things don't end with eum, they end with mania or teria." - H. Simpson
    4. Re:Regroup again? by Thud457 · · Score: 1
      "I wouldn't say I'm a bad gambler but the last time I went to Vegas I even lost a buck on the soda machine."

      Damn, you just gave me a $20 million marketing idea!

      --

      the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

    5. Re:Regroup again? by Snowdog668 · · Score: 1

      Ke-nowhere? Nope, Vernon Hills. 10 minutes from 94. Not quite halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee but close enough.

      --
      I wouldn't say I'm a bad gambler but the last time I went to Vegas I even lost a buck on the soda machine.
    6. Re:Regroup again? by lgw · · Score: 2, Funny

      The vending machines back in college were ... somewhat unreliable. They had signs at one point that read "50 cents a play! You might win a soda!".

      --
      Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
    7. Re:Regroup again? by Snowdog668 · · Score: 1

      Wasted? Hardly. It sounds more like you are their ideal target audience.

      Exactly. If I want to blow some cash gambling with pretty much no chance of winning I can go across the street and buy a lottery ticket. No waiting four hours for a (delayed) flight out of O'Hare. :)

      --
      I wouldn't say I'm a bad gambler but the last time I went to Vegas I even lost a buck on the soda machine.
    8. Re:Regroup again? by tchuladdiass · · Score: 1

      Wow, I'm originally from Zion, still living in the area (Waukegan). Small world.

    9. Re:Regroup again? by JHromadka · · Score: 1
      COMDEX is not the big deal it was, and in its absence, other smaller shows have come in to fill the (much reduced) demand for this kind of tech convention. There is no place in the market for COMDEX anymore.

      Is there a website that tracks all these conferences? Except for the big ones like CES, CeBit, etc, the small ones don't get that much press. I want a site that lists every tech conference, be it Photoshop World or Apple's WWDC.

      --
      "The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved." -- John Ashcroft
    10. Re:Regroup again? by Hank+Scorpio · · Score: 1

      Hey, we're almost neighbors! I work in Libertyville, just next door to Vernon Hills. I live in Chicago, though. Heck of a commute! :)

    11. Re:Regroup again? by saintlupus · · Score: 1

      now-more-famous-than-it-was-thanks-to-"That 70's Show" Kenosha

      Hey, that's not the only reason it's famous.

      --saint
      (Proud owner of a 1977 AMC Matador, built in Kenosha)

    12. Re:Regroup again? by romeo_in_blk_jeans · · Score: 1

      my fiance works in vernon hills. small world.

    13. Re:Regroup again? by Snowdog668 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I'm in Libertyville all the time. Let's see, if you're coming up from the city I assume you work for one of the big companies there. Hmmm USG or VW Finance maybe? Or God-forbid, the Big M? :)

      My wife commuted down to the city for years. She finally got a job up here. A mile and a half from home plus a nice raise. I've got it easy, live in VH, work in Mundelein, a little more than a mile commute. On nice days I walk to work. Not exactly commuting from my bed to the living room like working at home but not too shabby.

      --
      I wouldn't say I'm a bad gambler but the last time I went to Vegas I even lost a buck on the soda machine.
    14. Re:Regroup again? by broward · · Score: 1

      It's not surprising that Comdex has been cancelled twice. History shows that all technology revolutions peak and then mature.

      Comdex meme shows a clear downward trend since the 2000 market crash.

      http://www.realmeme.com/miner/other.php?startup=/m iner/technology/comdexvegasDejanews.png

  5. Guess I'll miss out on Vegas this year too! by drewzhrodague · · Score: 4, Funny

    Jeez, even as an excuse to go to Las Vegas, and it's CANCELLED AGAIN! Bastards!

    --
    Zhrodague.net - I do projects and stuff too.
    1. Re:Guess I'll miss out on Vegas this year too! by Mr.Progressive · · Score: 1

      There's always the Mint 400

      --
      Okay, so a philosopher, a philologist, and a philatelist walk into a bar...
    2. Re:Guess I'll miss out on Vegas this year too! by drew · · Score: 1

      not like there aren't plenty of other excuses to go to vegas. this year, i'm going to my wife to the aia convention in las vegas (aia == american institute of architects, not to be confused with aa, even if it is hard to tell the difference sometimes.)

      i'd rather go to an architect's convention than a computer one anyway.

      --
      If I don't put anything here, will anyone recognize me anymore?
    3. Re:Guess I'll miss out on Vegas this year too! by kisielk · · Score: 1

      Networld+Interop is a pretty good conference I attended a few years ago which is also held in Vegas. http://www.interop.com/. Right at the beginning of May this year.. last time I went, lots of interesting Linux news and companies in attendance.

    4. Re:Guess I'll miss out on Vegas this year too! by SCHecklerX · · Score: 1

      If you really want an excuse to go to vegas, there is always defcon. I've got my room reserved at the Alexis already :)

  6. Why? by qualico · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The story does not say why it was cancelled.
    Same reason as last time?

    1. Re:Why? by eviloverlordx · · Score: 5, Funny

      They were replaced by a small shell script.

      --
      'Loose' is when your pants are three sizes too big. 'Lose' is when you misuse 'loose'.
    2. Re:Why? by Gopal.V · · Score: 3, Informative
      You mean the story's really not a dupe ? ... rushes to RTFA .

      I think it was cancelled due to lack of interest (on the sponsor's side, I think). I don't think there'll be an event left to cancel in 2006 ...

  7. Strange viruses by bazio · · Score: 4, Funny

    Bah, who needs COMDEX to get strange strains of viruses? I'll get mine over the Internet, thank you very much!

    --
    Set the bar high, then bring a tall ladder.
    1. Re:Strange viruses by wideBlueSkies · · Score: 1

      personally, i'd prefer the types of viruses one would get over the internet versus the types you can catch in meatspace.

      but that's just me. :)

      wbs.

      --
      Huh?
  8. Eh... by The-Bus · · Score: 4, Funny

    So what's the point? Is it coming back? Is this going to be a new meme? "Duke Nukem for Longhorn SE to come out at Comdex, now powered by cold fusion... in Japan!"

    --

    Small potatoes make the steak look bigger.

    1. Re:Eh... by menace3society · · Score: 1

      You left out profit schemes, running Linux, Beowulf clusters, BSD dying, iPod Killers, MiniMacs, Soviet Russia, elderly South Koreans, and now maybe even the Israeli army.

    2. Re:Eh... by Beyond_GoodandEvil · · Score: 1

      Don't forget grits, Natalie Portman, supporting OGG, or on teh spoke.

      --
      I laughed at the weak who considered themselves good because they lacked claws.
    3. Re:Eh... by AceCaseOR · · Score: 1

      Oh, and Netcraft (although the "BSD dying" kind of covers that.)

      --
      Zagreus sits inside your head, Zagreus lives among the dead, Zagreus sees you in your bed and eats you in your sleep.
    4. Re:Eh... by irix · · Score: 3, Funny

      It's hot grits and Natalie Portman naked and petrified. And never mind OGG, you really want OOG THE OPEN SOURCE CAVEMAN and The Glorous MEEPT.

      OOG THE CAVEMAN BREAK OPEN SOURCE CD OVER HEAD!
      -- OOG THE OPEN SOURCE CAVEMAN

      We will unite all the divided factions of Linux into one great big divided faction!
      --The Glorious MEEPT

      I wonder if I have been reading /. for too long?

      --

      Do you even know anything about perl? -- AC Replying to Tom Christiansen post.
    5. Re:Eh... by lgw · · Score: 1

      Long enough to remember slashdot before the lameness filter made open-source cavemen extinct. The poor guys, they just couldn't adapt to lower case. :\

      --
      Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
    6. Re:Eh... by ultramk · · Score: 1

      Dude...

      In Korea, only old people try to come up with new memes. -sigh-

      m-

      --
      You catch enchiladas by picking them up behind the head and holding them underwater until they don't kick anymore -VeGas
    7. Re:Eh... by confused+philosopher · · Score: 1

      "I wonder if I have been reading /. for too long?"

      Judging by your low user ID, and reference to a troll *I* don't even recall, you must NOT be new around here.

      Maybe OOG is organizing COMDEX 2006?

      --
      Why slashdot? Why not?
    8. Re:Eh... by 1davo · · Score: 1

      So what's the point? Is it coming back? Is this going to be a new meme? "Duke Nukem for Longhorn SE to come out at Comdex, now powered by cold fusion... in Japan!"

      Thanks, you made my day... After a day full of not invented here and not my job

      I needed some good cynicism not directed at me. >;-) 3rd Monday of the week

  9. "Cancel" is such an ugly word by menace3society · · Score: 3, Funny

    The article about this that I read said that, since going to different ownership in the 90s, COMDEX has gotten smaller and more tightly focused on IT. So don't look at it as being canceled, rather, it's just the natural result of its evolution--becoming the absolute smallest and topic-focused convention it could possibly be.

    1. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by g3000 · · Score: 1

      So don't look at it as being canceled, rather, it's just the natural result of its evolution--becoming the absolute smallest and topic-focused convention it could possibly be.

      "Smallest" as in zero attendees and exhibitors.

    2. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by mmkkbb · · Score: 1

      Did you really have to make that joke MORE obvious?

      --
      -mkb
    3. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by Flashpot · · Score: 1

      exactly what topic could require that much focus?

      --
      That which does not kill her only prolongs my agony.
    4. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by B3ryllium · · Score: 1

      IT Nihilism.

    5. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by menace3society · · Score: 1

      Remember what they say about education--as the years go by, you learn more and more about less and less until you know everything about nothing.

    6. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by nEoN+nOoDlE · · Score: 1

      It wasn't cancelled, it was just outsourced to India.

      --
      Don't trust a bull's horn, a doberman's tooth, a runaway horse or me.
    7. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by operagost · · Score: 1

      Thank you, Captain Oblivious (Captain Obvious is on vacation and spotted us the L-I).

      --

      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    8. Re:"Cancel" is such an ugly word by FuzzyBad-Mofo · · Score: 1

      Comdex isn't dead, it's just pining for the fjords..

  10. it geeks went to comdex ... by Triumph+The+Insult+C · · Score: 2, Funny

    when adultdex was next door/down the street?

    --
    vodka, straight up, thank you!
    1. Re:it geeks went to comdex ... by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 1

      No, they went to both, as the mention about catching viruses in the blurb suggests.

      --
      "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
  11. COMDEX has been replaced. by ARRRLovin · · Score: 2, Funny

    When will they just admit defeat?

    --
    -Randy
  12. Request Failed by Crim-Prof · · Score: 1

    Well had there been a COMDEX then maybe things like this wouldnt happen. http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/defineterm.jht ml?term=comdex&_requestid=508760 Taken from the Yahoo page with a link to techweb. Yahoo is really falling behind.

  13. Why anybody wouldn't have gone anyway ... by Gopal.V · · Score: 3, Informative
    Userfriendly.org explains the lack of attendance , not excluding terrorist threats and security measures

    But yeah, I think I should sing Hey Vendor ! , leave our kids alone ...

  14. Comdex Las Vegas Replaced by ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    COMDEX Bangalore !!!

  15. But in Nevada they get tested by doublem · · Score: 1, Interesting

    won't be again exposed to strange strains of viruses that their immune system can't handle.

    Hold on here.

    In Nevada, the licensed, legal hookers are, by law, tested regularly and use a love glove.

    You're LESS likely to be exposed to strange viruses going to Comdex and taking a cab to the Bunny Ranch that you are going for a local "woman of negotiable virtue"

    I'm so damn close to getting a free ipod [freeipods.com], which I'll fill entierly with CC licensed podcasts and rips of CDS I own.

    --
    "Live Free or Die." Don't like it? Then keep out of the USA
    1. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by winkydink · · Score: 1

      One small problem. There are no "licensed, legal hookers" in Las Vegas. Nevada, yes. Las Vegas, no.

      The BunnyRanch is in Carson City. That's a very long taxi ride.

      --

      "I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismometer." -Ken Kesey

    2. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by k8to · · Score: 1

      I find it kind of hilarious how prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas yet somehow there are over 100 pages of "Escorts" in the phonebook.

      I guess it's a very uhh.. rigidly enforced law.

      --
      -josh
    3. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by mekkab · · Score: 1

      The BunnyRanch is in Carson City. That's a very long taxi ride.

      I was wondering about that. I think its actually cheaper to rent a vehicle and have one designated driver.

      --
      In the future, I would want to not be isolated from my friends in the Space Station.
    4. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by mmkkbb · · Score: 2, Informative

      the chicken ranch is only 2 hours away AND you get a complimentary limo!

      --
      -mkb
    5. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by AceCaseOR · · Score: 1

      Well, Prostitution is illegal in Portland (and, for that matter, the entire state of Oregon, but there's 3 pages of advertisements for them in the "Willamatte Week".

      --
      Zagreus sits inside your head, Zagreus lives among the dead, Zagreus sees you in your bed and eats you in your sleep.
    6. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 2, Funny

      Driver? I don't even know her!

      ~~rimshot~~

      --
      It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
    7. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by Bihtori · · Score: 1

      I think the author was trying to say that having such an international atmosphere in a closed space would cause visitors to be exposed to viruses that their immune system hasn't get used to.

    8. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by doublem · · Score: 1

      Well, all the GOOD entries are friends only, so of course it looks lame to outsiders.

      --
      "Live Free or Die." Don't like it? Then keep out of the USA
    9. Re:But in Nevada they get tested by doublem · · Score: 1

      I have no idea what you're talking about.

      --
      "Live Free or Die." Don't like it? Then keep out of the USA
  16. Outlived its usefulness by crimethinker · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Nowadays, you go to a specialized show, such as Embedded Systems Conference (just got back; it was TEH R0X0RZ), Game Developer's Conference, etc. I've also noticed that larger vendors are becoming enamoured of running their own shows, i.e. WindRiver Developers' Conference, Microsoft PDC, and others. Could this be so that they have your rapt attention, and no competition across the aisle in the exhibit hall?

    I went to Comdex a few times in the mid 90's, and while there were some neat things to see (hardware MPEG decoder cards had just become widely available, with several vendors showing off their various models), it was just too crowded and too unfocused. Wander two aisles over, and instead of multimedia hardware, you were at the cheap PC case makers. Even a few large LED manufacturers set up booths. WTF? I'm sure LED's are important, but how large of an audience can you get at Comdex for a commodity product like LED's?

    It's time to move on, and let Comdex die. I'd insert a "Netcraft confirms it" troll/joke here, but I'm sure somebody's already dedicated an entire post to it.

    -paul

    --
    Pistol caliber is like religion: everyone has their favourite, and theirs is the only right choice.
    1. Re:Outlived its usefulness by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 1

      it was just too crowded and too unfocused. Wander two aisles over, and instead of multimedia hardware, you were at the cheap PC case makers.

      The best stuff I find at trade shows is stuff I wasn't expecting to find.

      --
      My God, it's Full of Source!
      OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
    2. Re:Outlived its usefulness by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 1
      I've also noticed that larger vendors are becoming enamoured of running their own shows,

      Yes, before, they just used to take over an existing show. Like (uhmm...) Microsoft took over (uhmm...) Comdex.

      The happy end : Comdex is gone, Hastalavista, Baby!

  17. Perhaps COMDEX should simply be retired by Ralph+Spoilsport · · Score: 2, Interesting
    and ignored. With other huge mega-events like CES, NAB, NAMM, Siggraph, etc. etc., there's really no purpose to Comdex existing.

    Idea:
    Unless, of course, (shamelss plug for all things /.) they re-align the show to be the Premier Expo of all things FOSS. But given the capitalisation of FOSS, it'll take a lot of bake sales to scare up the scratch to rent something like the Moscone Center for a weekend. And trying to organise such a show would be monstrous - getting FOSS people together is like herding cats.

    But it would give Comdex a raison d'etre, seeing as how it presently has zero purpose to exist.

    RS

    --
    Shoes for Industry. Shoes for the Dead.
    1. Re:Perhaps COMDEX should simply be retired by obender · · Score: 1
      getting FOSS people together is like herding cats

      Not true. FOSS people get together much better than competing companies. At least that's my conclusion from the last FOSDEM.

    2. Re:Perhaps COMDEX should simply be retired by Phroggy · · Score: 2, Informative

      Unless, of course, (shamelss plug for all things /.) they re-align the show to be the Premier Expo of all things FOSS.

      Don't we already have one of those?

      You should come; at the very least, it's undeniable that merlyn throws great parties (no more live animals, though - got in trouble for the alpacas in '03). Lots of vendors giving away free stuff ("free as in lunch"), an open computer lab and WiFi from Apple, 20% discount to convention-goers from Powell's Technical Books, and I'd be surprised if Linus Torvalds didn't at least show up this year (since he lives in town now). Not to mention all the presentations and stuff - the reason you're supposed to come.

      Oh, and don't forget the Perl Foundation auction - in '03, they auctioned off the color scheme of search.cpan.org (over $1000 was paid to keep it the existing blue), Andy Lester ate part of his book (well, not really his book, he just updated it...), and somebody's underwear changed hands... Unfortunately the '04 auction was at the Stonehenge party, so nobody could really hear anything, but '05 should be great.

      --
      $x='S24;r)>63/* h@<5+oZ)32"5cz';$me='phroggy'x$];
      $x=~y+ -xz+\0-Tx+;print$_^chop$me for split'',$x;
  18. Tradeshows just aren't the same by Fox_1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    not since the bubble, man the things that would go on at those IT trade shows. I went to a wireless one in New Orleans that just 'happened' to be scheduled in the middle of Mardi Gras...damn, talk about viruses
    Oh for the world of stock options and big promotional booths for products that didn't exist then and still don't now. To booth babes and bunnys, T-shirts and ice cream. I never won a car or PDA, but I haven't bought a pen in 6 years.

    --
    The rock, the vulture, and the chain
    1. Re:Tradeshows just aren't the same by kurosawdust · · Score: 5, Funny
      I never won a car or PDA, but I haven't bought a pen in 6 years.

      Pfft. Rookie. I took all my promotional schwag and lived in the wilderness for two years armed with only my ruler, LED flashlight, tape measure, solar calculator, collapsable water bottle, twenty t-shirts to use as a tent, one hundred pens for tent stakes, a stress ball, and fifty business-card-sized CDs that I used as shriuken to kill animals for food.

      Needless to say I came back with a rockin beard and a newfound appreciation for being able to take a dump in a recipticle made especially for that purpose.

    2. Re:Tradeshows just aren't the same by russellh · · Score: 1

      I never won a car or PDA, but I haven't bought a pen in 6 years.

      Heh. I once won a Palm III when it was the latest and greatest. That would be.. hmm.. '98?

      --
      must... stay... awake...
    3. Re:Tradeshows just aren't the same by AppyPappy · · Score: 2, Funny

      I wish they would hand out aspirin and Sucrets.

      All I got was a rock.

      --

      If you aren't part of the solution, there is good money to be made prolonging the problem

  19. Maybe a good thing? by Steinfiend · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It might actually be a good thing that this is being cancelled. From the article they state one of the reasons is that the promoters are moving towards smaller, but more targeted shows.

    Comdex comes from a time when consumer grade computing was still in it infancy, so a general cover all everything show was possible, and a good idea. Now, with the field being so huge it's probably better to not try and cover the entire market in one go.

    I want my IT people to have grounding in the entire computer field, but to be very specific to their field in detail. I want my network security people to eat and sleep network security and my hardware people to dream of nothing but hardware.

    1. Re:Maybe a good thing? by qualico · · Score: 1

      Ya but were talkin the land of the BIG.
      Las Vegas should be able to handle the entire industry, no?

    2. Re:Maybe a good thing? by gtrubetskoy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I want my IT people to have grounding in the entire computer field, but to be very specific to their field in detail. I want my network security people to eat and sleep network security and my hardware people to dream of nothing but hardware.

      Spoken like a true PHB!

    3. Re:Maybe a good thing? by Rac3r5 · · Score: 1

      ummm.. what is PHB???

    4. Re:Maybe a good thing? by good-n-nappy · · Score: 1

      In the immortal words of the great Yogi, "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded"

      --
      Never underestimate the power of fiber.
    5. Re:Maybe a good thing? by Knight2K · · Score: 2, Funny

      How did you get in here?

      Somebody call Security! Take that man's geek credentials and escort him to the door!

      --
      ======
      In X-Windows the client serves YOU!
    6. Re:Maybe a good thing? by Rac3r5 · · Score: 1

      lol.. I guess I spent too much time reading SlashDot instead of Dilbert.. :p

  20. Re:Slashdot confirms it... by MightyMartian · · Score: 1

    When the corpse is lying cold and dead on the slab, it's a little late for that prognosis, Doctor.

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  21. Is this the beginning of the end? by b5turbo · · Score: 1

    Sounds like its going through lots and owners and only getting worse as time goes on.

  22. Re:Whatcha talkin 'bout Willis? by El_Servas · · Score: 2, Funny

    Las vegas, hookers, aids: HIV

  23. IN SOVIET RUSSIA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    IN SOVIET RUSSIA, the COM(RA)DEX will cancel YOU!

  24. Las Vegas hated Comdex anyway by wsanders · · Score: 1

    Las Vegas hated Comdex anyway, except for a small number elite enough to hire the top-shelf hookers and hotel suites, most attendees were typical nerds, smart enough to stay away from the slot machines, two-dollar blackjack hackers at best, and crummy tippers. The big hotels generally gouged you on rooms - the year I went to support a big vendor booth I think my employers got charged $375 per night for a $150 per night room.

    --
    Give a man a fish and you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish, and he'll say "WHERE'S MY FISH, YOU IDIOT?"
    1. Re:Las Vegas hated Comdex anyway by iggymanz · · Score: 3, Funny

      you'll be happy to know that to help this situation next year COMDEX will also not be held, but in another city

    2. Re:Las Vegas hated Comdex anyway by SpacePunk · · Score: 1

      Are there that many nerds that know what to do with a hooker?

    3. Re:Las Vegas hated Comdex anyway by AyeRoxor! · · Score: 1

      Online nerds knew what to do with a vagina long before our playboy-only contemporaries!

    4. Re:Las Vegas hated Comdex anyway by PHPhD2B · · Score: 1
      Are there that many nerds that know what to do with a hooker?

      I don't think the hooker cares much as long as she gets paid.

      --
      --I am Sun Tzu of the Borg. Resistance is feudal.
  25. Re:Whatcha talkin 'bout Willis? by wedding · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It's probably a reference to the fact that five days in recirculated air eating too much and drinking too much is never good for your body. I've attended Autodesk University at the MGM Grand for the past five years, and EVERY SINGLE TIME I get sick the week after. Your body just doesn't tolerate that environment well if you're not acclimated.

  26. We already do by crimethinker · · Score: 1
    Haven't you noticed that we already have a sort of "Virtual Comdex"? Instead of waiting until November in Las Vegas, there is a press release about HD-DVD. Sites like /. pick up on it, and we all jump on the website, bringing it to a crawl. This is the electronic equivalent of when some booth or another would have a particularly attractive spokesmodel, and the crowd of men waiting for an autographed poster would block the aisle. I shouldered my way through (rudely) once, but decided to simply go around the next blockage.

    Trade shows have their place, but once internet access became taken-for-granted in the U.S., Comdex never managed to find their niche.

    -paul

    --
    Pistol caliber is like religion: everyone has their favourite, and theirs is the only right choice.
  27. Product life-cycles changed by Ruprecht+the+Monkeyb · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Inevitable, I think. Back in the day, before the dark times, before the Empire, I mean, before the internet, Comdex was one of the few places IT professionals could go to see new hardware, software demonstrations, etc. Because it was so big, companies geared their release schedules so that their new gee-whiz stuff would come out right before or right after Fall Comdex (and to a lesser extent, Spring Comdex).

    Then, along comes the internet, and companies had an easy way to disseminate new product information, software demos, etc., on a year round basis. Companies became less inclined to hold new releases for Comdex, and the show becames less important (and much less useful).

    Of course, marketing it so that it appealed to the PHB's who looked at it as an excuse to spend a week in Vegas further diluted its appeal to the tech crowd.

    Same thing happened to the auto industry -- it used to be that they focused all their energy on the new model year (starting in September, if I remember). Now, although most of the major manufacturers still release new models in the fall, it's become more of a year round effort.

    1. Re:Product life-cycles changed by mborland · · Score: 1
      Same thing happened to the auto industry -- it used to be that they focused all their energy on the new model year (starting in September, if I remember). Now, although most of the major manufacturers still release new models in the fall, it's become more of a year round effort.

      Happened to TV, too. Now the idea of a 'season' for all but the most standard prime time shows is gone.

  28. Postal service by drivinghighway61 · · Score: 1

    We seem so out of COMDEX In this gaudy Slashdot complex

    1. Re:Postal service by th3space · · Score: 1

      That was horrible. If I hadn't burnt out on that song a year and a half ago, I'd hunt you down and kill you, you son of a bitch.

      --
      "How like you to drag your keyboard to a gun fight." - Aaron Bedard (BANE)
  29. The Basic Problem . . . by Ohreally_factor · · Score: 2, Funny

    . . . Isn't that there isn't a need, but that they weren't pushing the hookers and booze angle.

    --
    It's not offtopic, dumbass. It's orthogonal.
    1. Re:The Basic Problem . . . by skuzzlebutt · · Score: 1
      Last year in the local Vegas paper, there was an article discussing the post-mortem effects of no '04 Comdex, and a local analyst said that the only major effects to the economy were complaints from the strippers and prostitutes.

      gotta love Vegas...

      --
      My debut novel AMITY now available: http://jeremydbrooks.c
  30. How long before... by feloneous+cat · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comdex becomes irrelevant?

    10..9..8..7..6..

    Too late, it already is.

    --
    IANAL, but I've seen actors play them on TV
  31. Seriously? Big whoop. by jht · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think last year, some folks were wondering "what's going to happen without COMDEX? Well, the tech world kept on going, products still hit the market, and everything carried on fine without it.

    Like a few people have said, the smaller, more focused shows are doing OK (Linuxworld out here in Boston seemed to be a hit, for instance), but I think the day of the giant "everything for everybody" show is over. N+I is dead for all practical purposes (I used to go to the Atlanta one), Macworld is pretty much down to one (though last years' Boston show was OK), and the only "biggie" left is CES for now.

    Ultimately the Internet and the tech bust killed the trade show, but more importantly the maturity of the market has made the biggest impact. No COMDEX? Big deal.

    --
    -- Josh Turiel
    "2. Do not eat iPod Shuffle."
  32. One Word by Zardus · · Score: 2, Informative
    --
    You can mod your friends, you can mod your nose, but you can't mod your friend's nose.
  33. Their *real* dream... by dark-br · · Score: 2, Funny

    I want my IT people to have grounding in the entire computer field, but to be very specific to their field in detail. I want my network security people to eat and sleep network security and my hardware people to dream of nothing but hardware.

    Network Sec. Guy dream: ZzzzZZzzzZZZ PORN ZzZZZzz
    Hardware Guy dream: ZzzzZZZzzZZ P0rN ZzzZZZZz

    1. Re:Their *real* dream... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      It's spelled "pr0n".

  34. those poor strippers here in vegas by SoccerManUNLV · · Score: 1

    now, yet again, they wont be able to make 2k a night because computer geeks have expense accounts. I can't say that I miss comdex in the least.

  35. I'm assuming that... by frank_adrian314159 · · Score: 1

    ... Netcraft has declared it dead?

    --
    That is all.
  36. I find it ironic... by spirit_fingers · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It wasn't so long ago that all the pundits proclaimed that Apple is dead, but just doesn't know it yet. It's poetic justice that today the Mac is gaining marketshare, COMDEX is dead and MacWorld Expo SF is the Last Man Standing among the big computer shows.

  37. If this keeps up... by suitepotato · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ...coming generations of techs, geeks, nerds, weenies, and middle managers won't ever know what a wonderful experience an industry con can be.

    Despite the downturn in manufacturing slaughtering the industry, Eastec and Westec are still held every year without missing a beat. Similarly, other industries still manage to hold their cons. Why is COMDEX the one to keep failing at this?

    Oh well, we'll have to settle for cherry-picking among the more specialized industry cons and getting sick there.

    --
    If my grammar and spelling are off, I am [distracted/tired/careless] (take your pick)
  38. Bah! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Go to DEFCON instead

  39. Re:Good by Radi-0-head · · Score: 1

    If you can't grasp the fact that you live in a tourist city, maybe you should move.

  40. What's COMDEX? by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 1

    Is that the big MSFT and Blue Dinosaur PR spin machine in Las Vegas?

    Nah, DEFCON is way more fun.

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
  41. Comdex: Stick a fork in it.... by Newer+Guy · · Score: 1

    It's done....

  42. Dude looks like a glavin... by Thud457 · · Score: 1

    That's strange, as Danny Bonaduce can tell you, with hookers, the worst stuff is stuff you're not expecting to find!

    --

    the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  43. COMDEX was outsourced to China by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 1

    along with all the Cisco, Intel, and Big Blue jobs.

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
  44. You also forgot... by dpilot · · Score: 1

    In Soviet Russia, Comdex cancels YOU!

    --
    The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    1. Re:You also forgot... by mbrewthx · · Score: 1

      I'm going to OSCON you insensitive clod!!!!!!

      August 1-5, 2005 - Oregon Convention Center
      Portland, Oregon

      --
      __________ Leave me alone I'm compiling a RPG II program on my S/36...Thanks to metamucil I'm a Regular Meta Moderator
  45. Comdex has been replaced by CES by Animats · · Score: 1

    If it's for the retail channel, it's probably at CES. If it's for business, there are other shows. That's why Comdex is dead.

    1. Re:Comdex has been replaced by CES by abelenky17 · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Last year, when Comdex'04 was canceled, CES'05 grew in size.

      But at CES'05, I heard lots of people complaining abou the size, the lack of focus, and the extreme difficulties involved in walking away from the show with anything useful accomplished.

      Sure, there were lots of cool toys to look at, but it was too hard to filter out the gems, much less find business opportunities among the clutter.

      Now, I suspect that unless CES trims size and improves focus, it will begin to die as well.

      Top 5 Ways to Improve CES

      1. Segment the show clearly. Have specific areas for Audio, Car, Video, Components, Mobile, PC, etc.
      2. Extend the show hours. More events, especially panel discussions, should happen in the evenings.
      3. Codify and enforce a lunch break. Booths should be required to close for 1 hour each day, making the show floor less crowded, and giving much needed rest to booth staffers
      4. Limit booth sizes. Large booths only increase the walking distances involved. This past year, several companies had booths of unprecedented size, sparsely filled with just a few cellphones and TVs.
      5. Use Techology. This is a high-tech show, for cryin'-out-loud. There should be more terminals with better software that help convention goers make customized maps of the booths they want to visit, help them plan a realistic schedule, and track their feedback. Preferably wirelessly.
  46. Now wait by WindBourne · · Score: 1

    They could be a Mac or a Linux user. Have you not seen the multitude of reports from MS, Gartner, the Florida researchers, IDS, etc? They all show that Windows is better than any Apple or Linux.

    --
    I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
  47. AVN? by NAACPsupporter · · Score: 1

    More important question, how is AVN taking this? Will it be cancelled?

    1. Re:AVN? by abelenky17 · · Score: 2, Informative
      Isn't AVN at the CES show, in January?
      Not Comdex, in November.

      As far as I can tell the AVN expo will be January 5-8, coincident with CES 2006.

    2. Re:AVN? by NAACPsupporter · · Score: 1

      I thought there was some porn related show around comdex as well... oh well...

  48. Viruses? by Dirtside · · Score: 1
    And meanwhile, thousands of IT professionals rejoice that they won't be again exposed to strange strains of viruses that their immune system can't handle.
    Wait... are you implying that there's some sort of biological analog to computer viruses, that can be transmitted between people?
    --
    "Destroy science and religion. Science would re-emerge exactly the same; but not religion." - Penn Jillette, paraphrased
  49. Virus threat at COMDEX by Junior+J.+Junior+III · · Score: 1

    I don't get viruses, because my body runs on OS X and everyone knows there's no viruses that affect OS X.

    --
    You see? You see? Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!
  50. Enthusiast show? by slapout · · Score: 1

    Why can't we have a show for tech enthusiasts? It could be where companies show off new stuff and generate public interest. One where the public is invited? It could be held in a different state each year so that everyone gets a chance to go.

    --
    Coder's Stone: The programming language quick ref for iPad
  51. email harvesters must look elsewhere now by Timothy+Chu · · Score: 1

    Comdex Vancouver was the only time I ever gave out my work address. Two years later, I get my first spam message. Now I get about 3 spam a day to that address (address has since changed, so I know it's the same spamlist).

  52. Re:Too bad by pploco · · Score: 1

    Well said. :)

    --
    Gimme that booze you little pumpkin pie hair cutted freak!
  53. Besides... by th3space · · Score: 1

    If you feel an absolute need to mangle a Ben Gibbard line, you'd be better served eschewing Postal Service in this instance, and go for All-Time Quarterback, instead...

    Original song, 'Plans Get Complex', new version, 'Plan No COMDEX' (new last verse lyrics, too lazy to re-write whole song):

    And now I am 26 and your star is fading,
    Plan no more COMDEX, cuz the top stars
    finally stopped showing up.


    You could at least TRY next time...

    --
    "How like you to drag your keyboard to a gun fight." - Aaron Bedard (BANE)
  54. Re:Whatcha talkin 'bout Willis? by northcat · · Score: 1

    Looking at this thread and how much confusion there is about what it mean, it's a bad joke.

  55. Bummer ! by chedrick · · Score: 1

    Wow
    Now I guess I gotta find some other excuse to go to Vegas and hang out at Crazy Horse (a topless bar) for a week.

  56. I hear... by Mad+Ogre · · Score: 1

    I hear that they are waiting for Duke Nukem Forever to come out first before they start it back up.

    --
    MadOgre.com
  57. Go to CeBIT by donnz · · Score: 1

    Just returned from Hannover. - 6000 exhibitors, 600,000 visitors over 7 days. Down from the 1990's but still the biggest ICT&T event in the world. Only problem...it's in sick old man Europe, so the US media seems to have missed it altogether.

    Their loss.

    --
    -- Free software on every PC on every desk
  58. Re:Good by TheCabal · · Score: 1

    If you can't grasp sarcsam, perhaps you should stop reading Slashdot.

  59. And now for a different spin... by divide+overflow · · Score: 1

    > An anonymous reader noted that COMDEX has been cancelled for the second year in a row.

    More to the point, and paraphrasing Chevy Chase's old Saturday Night Live gag about Generalissimo Francisco Franco:

    "This breaking news just in...Comdex is still dead!"