The Alt Channel
By now, you have all probably heard of the Altitude Design Summit. You may have also harboured dreams of going someday, whether you live Stateside or not. What you are, perhaps, unaware of is the fact that you can attend - after a fashion.
On the Alt Channel, for a suprisingly low fee, you can learn the tricks of the trade from your favourite bloggers and some of the most talented creatives in the business. Did I also mention that you could take said classes in your pyjamas (or any attire, for that matter) if you so wish? No? How remiss of me! It all sounds too good to be true but this is happening in homes across the world, as we "speak".
/Image from Altitude Summit/
I myself have had the pleasure and privilege of taking three classes - and counting. I have learned about business cards from Laurie Smithwick, how to use my blog as my portfolio from Melanie Blodgett and DSLR basics from Justin Hackworth.
/Image by Heather Nan Photography/
Tonight, I shall again be tuning in to Laurie Smithwick (this time, for her site design tips) and I am really looking forward to it. The "class" is based on the traditional format - you can "raise your hand" at the click of a mouse, for example. There the similarity ends, however.
/Images by Karen Walrond (left) and You Are My Fave (right)/
The atmosphere is abuzz with activity as students are allowed to chat and exchange "notes" throughout. As you can imagine, it is all very fast-paced and fun; rather like school but with only the best bits. To avail yourself of the full experience, I would recommend that you make sure you have a good wi-fi connection or at least go somewhere that does. I used my PC for the first two lessons and my iPad for the third and the latter was immeasurably better.
You can book your place here. It will be just like old times.
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Reader Comments (9)
Having only been blogging for a year, I think my delusions of getting to go to Alt Summit for real are a little far-fetched. But this seems like a fun idea! I love how collaborative blogging is, and it's one of the few hobbies/professions where the masters genuinely want to share their inside secrets with people who are starting out or are curious. It's pretty magical! I love technology, too. You can be anywhere in the world and take an interactive class with other students is so fascinating.
Love this post! Today has been my 6th class with AltSummit, and the $15/class has been money that is well spent! The information and ideas learned in the classes are things I would have spent HOURS looking around on the internet for. In the past 4 years I've tried about three times to start blogging as an outlet for my feelings and creativity, and this is my 4th time trying again - so the Alt classes couldn't have began at a better time!
Thanks for sharing this, very useful! I have been thinking of taking a few classes my self and it´s always great to hear what others think!
Chi, have I lost the plot? Didn't we just talk about this and I said I would look into it and then you told me M had found out the times are in the evening (UK).. you've already been on 3 classes? Wow, I've been so snowed under with it all.
Sounds amazing. Interesting you found the iPad to be more conducive to this. I will use my iMac or iPad in this case.
Lovely write up. Thank you for sharing and alerting me...:)
@Erin: Isn't the 21st the best century ever?
I was under the impression that anyone could purchase a ticket for Alt. You should definitely look into it - it would be such an amazing networking opportunity for you. Take Lauren and Theresa - road trip!!! :D
@Nichole: Good to "see" you here!
I started this blog after taking Holly Becker's e-course (Blogging Your Way) four months ago and that was the best start I could have had.
She covers everything Alt does (more or less) but in much greater depth. There'll be another in the spring if you're interested! :)
@Helena: You're welcome! Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Thanks for stopping by! :)
@Tina: Four actually! All the classes will be repeated next month so don't worry. It's been very well received so I think it's going to be an ongoing affair.
I would give a mouthful of teeth to go to alt. I'm totally pushing that angle for next year. Come on, let's all go! But these classes look awesome, and twitter tells me that you liked this one too. I need to pay better attention and catch one soon.
I did catch word that Alt Summit was going to offer online courses. So glad you did a review because now I'm all inspired. Like Lauren, my hope is to attend the real thing next year. Start saving your pennies ladies. I would love to meet all of you in person someday and I can't think of a more inspiring venue.
I absolutely must do this, it looks great!
@Lauren: Your offer of "a mouthful of teeth" had me in absolute stitches! :D
Wouldn't it be great if we could all hang out at Alt sometime in the near future?
@Theresa: So glad to have inspired you! :)
Most of the classes are 10/11a.m. Pacific Time, though - not sure if that works for you ..........
Last I heard, they were looking into providing more evening classes.
@Annie: Doesn't it? Come on - I'll save you a seat! :D