On March 11th, Space Squid will be exhibiting at the Ignite/Dorkbot SXSW. What the heck does that mean, and does it involve inappropriate exposure? Good questions and the answers are “Yes, and maybe.” I think some simple definitions are required here.

• Dorkbot = a regular meeting of artists, hackers, designers, and other interested parties who create electronic or otherwise technological art.
• Ignite = “Ignite Austin brings together an inspiring and unexpected blend of thinkers from business, art, technology, government and academia. All with ideas. And all willing to share them.” I’ve never been to an Ignite event, but it seems to be half Barcamp, half Pecha Kucha, and 100% cool.
• SXSW = Austin’s annual music, interactive, and film conference extravaganza. I’m hoping I don’t have to link this one because you should already know how to find it. Google’s pretty good about finding a search term like “SXSW.” Oh… alright. I’ll link this for you guys, just because the way I’m linking it (LMGTFY.com) is worth a few yucks if you haven’t already seen it.
• Inappropriate exposure = Okay, this time I’m really not going to provide a link of any kind.

We might have the new Space Squid bumper stickers and greeting cards by then, although I’d say it’s 50-50 on both. We will be giving away copies of the latest issue of Space Squid, and possibly some issue 8s as well. We believe our issue 9 squidgrrl, Megan, will be in attendance and autographing issues. We will write custom squid haiku for you if you come up and say the secret triggerword “incandescence.”

It’s also rumored that we might trying to bribe organizers so’s to be able to read some short funny fiction at the main mike as well. Look for the Space Squid banner, wrapped around the front of a table.

Check out the mindblowing Ignite SXSW poster by Kris Kotcher. We’re partial to the image of the giant octopus consuming the state capitol while lasing the ozone out of the Texas sky with the nuclear energy bursting out of its eyes:

And here’s the new Space Squid sticker. Art by David Johnston: