Word. I never learned ASM but was always fascinated by it. I kinda understood some programs, and learned how to do some basic useless ones through peaking at other source codes. Most of the ASM source codes I had were for viruses though. Still, the coding in some was absolutely fascinating. The graphics demos I had which came with a source were really kinda beyond my understanding at the time. But, it was cool as hell to compile them down and see how little space and memory they took up, and what they did. Something I wish I'd always gotten into but, at the same time, with anything visual I'm pretty much all thumbs anyways. ;) But, when it comes to pure "techno," I think the demo scene is pretty much the pinnacle of tying everything together where, aside from the end product, the audio and the source code are works of art on their own. Makes a lot of the snobbery displayed by people using shit like Cubase or all hardware just to make dance music seem pre-school. ;)

Anyways, think about Breakpoint if you can do it. The Gathering happens during the week beforehand but, from what I've read, has turned more into a massive lan party than a demo competition. Either way, I'll likely check out both. They seem to have the same spirit of "rave" that is so gone from where I am now which should make it that much more fun.