Given my entrepreneurial background, I was shocked at the open exchange of ideas in Sanibel. Most projects I've worked on have had non-disclosures. Most of my colleagues hold their cards close to the chest.

My amazement reached its peak on the demos & posters night as I walked from station to station, hearing one breakthrough after the next. "This is way too easy," I thought. Given adequate funding, I could probably turn at least six of those projects into lucrative ventures. If you're doubtful, call me up. I'll rattle off the how and who, brainstorming market, branding, and sales potential. This is what I'm good at. It's how my brain works.

A few times while listening to a demonstrator give their pitch, I began to sense real potential, and would end by asking, "What do you what do get from it?" Each time they answered, "I want to get my phD." I'm not joking. Here they were, sitting on something that could make a ton of money, and they just wanted a piece of paper and the reputation that went with it.

"I've got to make a phone call," I might have said, as I ran out the door. I felt a bit like Steve Jobs on his tour of Xerox Parc. Here are these diamonds lying right on the floor, and people keep walking past them.

But that's just my point of view, given my background, given my particular goals and dreams. A whole lotta things have to go right before a good idea can bring in the big bucks. It requires both the Steve Jobs types and the Steve Wozniak types. One without the other doesn't get very far.

But whatever your inclination, I implore you: remember what's possible. Incredible things may someday spring from the projects we heard about at the Sundial. I mean, what the hell, it's been known to happen. (see bottom)