I've seen posts questioning the registration fee, accommodations, distances, events, bang for buck and more. And I completely understand. No one wants to commit this amount of time, effort and finances to an event without some assurances that their resources are well spent. Many can only make 1 event a year and you want to do more than just roll the dice.
I have also noticed that most of these questions have come from those who have never been to Spyderfest. Again, very understandable and reasonable.
Being one of the fortunate, I've been to every Spyderfest from the beginning (though I did miss last year). So let me say this, even if Spyderfest 2013 were only as good as the first one (and I use the word 'Only' in a strictly relative context) it would be worth whatever it takes for you to get there. If you can't, then you can't. But if you can, you will not regret it.
For me to describe Spyderfest to someone who has never been there would be like trying to describe the Grand Canyon to someone who has never seen it. And if a person has experienced the Grand Canyon, there really is no need for explanation. Spyderfest is like that.
So, here is my advise to anyone who has never attended a 'Spyderfest Event'. Show up ready to absorb the experience and you'll never have to think twice again about whether you should come or not.
Len has got himself a crew of crazies that never sleep, come up with unthinkable things every year and will infect you with an enthusiasm for the Spyder that you've not realized existed. If nothing else you will marvel at how these seemingly mild mannered, average people pull it off. Maybe there is a phone booth out back that they use or Maybe that's where Len got his name of Pitbull!