My notes were pretty accurate, I thought, but hey, if someone has an audio transcript for comparison, I'd welcome it.

I'm sure most of the audience thought the talks were interesting, maybe even great. That worries me, as it wasn't good, factually, emotionally, organisationally.

@Amelita: you're not alone! Even some of the Slow Food representatives last week were talking about cooking slowly as being what Slow Food meant (when interviewed on telly).

@sticky: I feel you paint Slow Food's Melbourne presence as far meeker and underpowered than it is. It has no lack of motivated, intelligent people who have been involved for an extended period. Having an opinion about a movement doesn't require one to be involved in the movement — external commentary can sometimes be equally or more constructive. I am not a movement person and do not feel that an interest in the goals carries an implicit obligation to join up and carry the flag.

Out of criticism of a volunteer group, one must ask the question of how you can assist. I myself am discussing with Slow Food Melbourne the prospect of a clearer brand strategy with better PR and Marketing. I have also put it to them that I can assist with sourcing targeted sponsorship with sympathetic and symbiotoc industry wishing to engage in ethical causes. I will be doing this pro-bono. I re-iterate, I urge others to also volunteer their skills.

Back to the Festival, you may have been more satisfied by the talks on saturday afternoon where there was an interesting session on the trials of one visionary couple who over the last forty years have been returning farmland in Hamilton to a natural and sustainable structure. This was followed by an educational discussion on sustainable aquaculture and responsible consumption of seafood & fish. Both sessions were MC'd with aplomb by Richard Cornish.