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For some of us, like Jack and I, it isn't just about getting the credits. The interaction with other preparers as well as live teachers means a lot. I will continue with the two day live seminar in the future because I actually learn something and, as Jack says, two delicious meals. We had over 300 in attendance.

The speakers (teachers) we have always had at Tax Insight are from both the Federal and WI. The will take a certain number of questions during the lesson; which is a real learning experience. Then, as Gail says, they provide contact numbers and websites to further enable questions and research. They are extremely knowledgeable, polite and never condescending. With groups as large as ours, there are preparers from all stages of accomplishment and credential. However, in that room, everyone is equal. Nice!!!

I prefer the live updates as well. I usually attend meetings of our local chapter of EA's, at which I sometimes teach the topic we are reviewing. For me, having to prepare to teach about something is the best way to learn about it. I also have attended the VIrginia Society of Enrolled Agent's conferences, the Virginia NATP chapter's meetings, IRS tax forums, NCPE's seminars on Individual, Non-Profit and Corporate/Partnership, Thomson's seminars,etc. Some speakers are better presenters than others, but most are knowledgeable about the subject they are discussing. And quite often they are willing to answer questions that might come up after the seminar and will provide contact information for that purpose. Plus many times IRS or Va. Department of Taxation employees participate in these educational forums, and I have the opportunity to network with people whose assistance I might one day need. Plus it is fun to get out of the office and associate with other professionals to exchange ideas or just gripe about the ins and outs of the tax business.

It's an interesting talk, KC, but I think this type of filtering exists because most people actually want it. I find that most people would rather be reassured that their beliefs are correct and give considerably less thought to whether they're accurate, especially when it comes to politics. They choose their sources of information based on how it aligns with their political ideology. The result is that they are comfortable, but haven't ever even heard or given serious thought to the other side of the story. The other result is people who take an interest in politics end up moving further to the far left and far right ends of the political spectrum, consequently annoying friends and family on Facebook with constant regurgitation of pundit talking points. I wish political pundits would disappear off the face of the planet so that people can get back to thinking for themselves. That way, anyone too dumb to actually form an opinion of their own would at least shut up. I'm grumpy this morning. Time for another coffee.

I prefer live seminars too. I get a bit from CSTC, both dinner meetings, a full day update class and the Summer Symposium, plus ASWA meetings, and webinars on subjects as I find I need to study the topic. For example, I've done quite a few webinars on same-sex couple tax, FATCA, filing Form 5471, etc. I did go to the CCH Small Firms Conference this year, and also went to the ASTPS Tax Resolution Boot Camp and found both very good. Some years I can afford to do more than others, but for me, live classes beat all other CPE.

You have your wish. No need for the seasonal temp at IRS - you're now the seasonal temp...