Old Town New World
A Conference
in Old Town Rock HillFriday, 10/22/2010, All Day!
About the Conference
In Old Town Rock Hill
Come to Old Town Rock Hill for the 2010 Old Town New World Conference.
- Morning: Speakers and presentations
- Lunch: Walk to Old Town restaurants of your choice for lunch and conversation
- Afternoon: Speakers and presentations
- Dinner: Hit the restaurants for dinner and some downtime
- Evening: Then, the Music show begins
Unemployment, Punk Rock & the Knowledge Economy
Unemployment
We have 20% unemployment in Rock Hill, SC. There’s 12% in neighboring Charlotte, NC. Towns, cities, and metro areas all over the nation are faced with high unemployment. Jobs are what is needed, right? Well… what about a population of professionals who are not looking for jobs? People who are looking for gigs, clients, and work - not jobs. Consider the contractors, freelancers, boutique service providers, entrepreneurs in all service categories - financial, legal, health, technology, etc.
Punk Rock
Punk Rock ushered in a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) attitude. Rock n Roll had always been about being a rockstar and getting jettisoned to the top. Punk Rock has been about booking your own shows and carrying your own gear, putting out your own records, and driving around with them in your van. The world of the local music is one of self-organizing principles. The cast of characters are people driven by what they love - some trying to make a living at it, some moonlighting.
The Knowledge Economy
The creative knowledge economy is based on self-organizing principles and looks like a thriving music/arts scene. Among the more creative of these professional skills (internet communications and web design/development) exists an attitude and an approach not unlike the DIY, Punk-Rock-esque musicians and artists of the community - holding shows, creating venues, presenting art, and rockin’ face.