Why I Won’t Be Going to ASW

As I browse my handy dandy Google Reader (rss reader if you didn’t know), I can’t help but see the surge of Affiliate Summit West references. Of course this is one of the biggest affiliate conventions out there (ok it is the biggest) and I’m a stooge for not going. Now after speaking to a few people on some online forums it’s evident that I am not alone. So now without further delay I would like to share my reasoning for NOT going.

1. PRICE – The price is a killer for me right now. Anyone who goes will tell you to eat the price and that it’s worth it, but unfortunately I can’t take that chance right now. ASW had early registration full passes available 3 months ago for $879. Even that price is out of my range. The price is pretty much 2x that cost now if you register at the event. Other levels of access were available significantly cheaper but I still saw the next problem even if I got a cheapo pass.
2. TRAVEL – It’s on the West Coast and I live in Massachusetts!! Flight alone would’ve ran me up in the $600+ range never mind hotel/food/etc.
3. I’M A NEWBIE – With current affiliate income not even reaching $100 a month yet could I seriously be of any value to anyone there?
4. I LOST SHOE’S CONTEST – I obviously didn’t win Shoe Money’s double down offer, (screw you Lyndon!).

So those are the basic reasons why I will not be attending. Why not share your own reasons. I am planning to take some time off from work to attend Affiliate Summit East in August in NY but once again time will tell. Is anyone going to be sponsoring any contests for that? Cmon you know you want to!