Despite the fact that the South by Southwest annual music, film, and technology festival brings $167 million to Austin, Texas, many small business owners claim that they are actually losing money while the festival takes place.
Ms. Ruth England, the owner of Rogue Running, told the KVUE TV station:
"I read there was a New Yorkers guide to SXSW. They said, 'Go to the East side. It is the hot place in town.' I was like, 'No, not the East side! Please go somewhere else.' They are here to party. They are here to smoke. They are here to drink. They are here to listen to music. They are not here to buy running shoes."
Other Austin natives seem to have negative feelings towards SXSW in general. Many feel as though it brings unwanted attention to their neighborhood and makes the environment very crowded and chaotic, so many choose to go on vacation during the festival.
Resident Karen Writer, commented on her feelings for SXSW:
"I hate crowds, therefore I hate SXSW. Austin's full of half-built condos and too much traffic and SXSW is a circus that takes over the city, making it a lot more fun for visitors than residents."
