As Austin played host to the South by Southwest interactive conference, a marketing agency trying an innovative idea for the gathering found itself the subject of criticism. BBH Labs introduced the idea of so-called homeless hotspots for festival-goers who needed wireless access, hiring 13 homeless volunteers to go to venues and offer wireless services in exchange for donations. Bloggers slammed the program, saying that it took advantage of the homeless, but the sponsoring agency, Front Steps, and the participants seemed satisfied with the outcome.