SXSW Commercialization: Why It’s Time to Stop Complaining

Is it too late? During SXSW, yes.

Take a stroll along any major thoroughfare in Austin, Texas, during the two-week mega-festival known as South by Southwest, and you’ll realize it’s nearly impossible to turn around without being confronted by some form of advertisement.

A ten-minute pedicab ride through downtown brings more impressions than a walk down a supermarket aisle. There’s the Oreo logo on the back of the driver’s back, the fleet of brand-new Chevys parked near the Hilton, the trucks wr...