SXSW Ruin Counter
5 posts in this series
Tracking the annual corporate colonization of Austin's weirdest week.
"It used to be about the music. Now it's about the lanyard."
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Latest Posts
Every entry in the SXSW Ruin Counter collection, newest first.
The SXSW Corporate Takeover Tracker: Block by Block, Brand by Brand
We mapped every corporate activation zone in downtown Austin during SXSW. It took three days and most of our will to live.
The SXSW Free Stuff Quality Index: A Decline Measured in Koozies
The free stuff used to be good. Then it was fine. Now it's a QR code printed on a napkin.
The SXSW Porta-Potty Census: What 1,200 Plastic Toilets Say About Late Capitalism
We counted the porta-potties so you don't have to. The findings are damning and poorly ventilated.
The SXSW Local Survival Guide: Or, How to Live in Your Own City for Two Weeks
A tactical guide for Austinites who want to survive SXSW by doing the only sane thing: avoiding it completely.
SXSW Badge Price Timeline: A Brief History of Financial Ruin
From $50 wristbands to $1,900 platinum passes — a love story between Austin and your empty wallet.
Explore Another Series
Follow a different branch of the complaint tree when you’re done here.
Condos of Shame
Documenting the luxury boxes replacing everything you loved.
"Where your favorite taco truck used to be."
Things That Used to Cost $3
A eulogy for affordable Austin, one price tag at a time.
"Adjusting for inflation and broken dreams."
Tech Bro of the Week
Satirical profiles of the disruptors disrupting your neighborhood.
"Move fast and break rent prices."
Comedic Austin nostalgia satire. We remember when this town was weird for free.
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Disclaimer
This is satire. We love Austin — even the parts we complain about. All characters are fictional composites. No tech bros were harmed in the making of this website.
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