Off and on, over the past year or so, the topic has come up on a few different threads that the time is ripe for a massive Legion World get-together (similar to the one held in San Diego in 2008). Obviously, in order to make something like this a reality, there are quite a few things that have to be planned out well in advance and, for that reason, the discussion has always suggested that if we were to have the greatest chance of success - and the largest turn out - we would need a year or more to get our ducks in a row.
Considering that 2013 is the tenth anniversary of Legion World, there is no time like the present to kick this off right.
While there has been a little bit of preliminary planning among a few us, all of the major details (location, timing... you know... little things like that) are as yet undecided. The one thing that everyone agrees on, though, is that the single factor that will make this get together the biggest and the best yet is...
YOU!
That's right... we need your thoughts, your suggestions, but above all, your attendence.
Admit it... you've always wanted to party down with the coolest bunch of message board posters in all known space, and now is your chance to make it happen!
********************************
In the talks we've had thus far, we've decided that the best way to start off would be to firm up the actual location where this get together would take place, then begin nailing down the dates that would work best for the largest number of people.
So far, the location ideas that have been suggested are:
- Orlando, Florida - Washington, DC - Metropolis, Illinois - Charlotte, North Carolina
...but what do we know? Maybe you've got the perfect place in mind that hasn't even occured to us. If so, chime in and let us know. After about a week or so, I'll gather up all the locations and put them up for a vote and we'll be one step closer to the most massive Legion World gathering ever staged.
So what do you think, Legion Worlders? Sound off...
[ April 03, 2012, 08:17 AM: Message edited by: Exnihil ]
Posted by Fanfic Lady on :
If it's in Orlando, FL, I can definitely make it. (Barring any last minute crisis, of course -- God forbid.)
If it's in Washington, DC, or Charlotte, NC, put me down as a "maybe."
If it's in Metropolis, IL, then I'm afraid I'll have to wait for the next gathering.
Posted by Sarcasm Kid on :
No NYC?
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil: Maybe you've got the perfect place in mind that hasn't even occured to us. If so, chime in and let us know.
quote:Originally posted by Sarcasm Kid: No NYC?
So... I'm assuming we've got an addition to the list, Sarky? Posted by Blacula on :
Perth, Western Australia?
Posted by He Who Wanders on :
I'm not beholden to the idea of meeting at a comics convention, but, assuming others are or that some want a con as an alternative to SDCC, there's the Chicago Comics Con, to be held August 8-11, 2013.
I attended the Chicago con back in 2004. It was a huge media event, with a lot of comics professionals attending, though not as large as SDCC, according to friends who have been to both.
Posted by rickshaw1 on :
I know that the idea is to get everyone together in one place, but financial reasons may put the bite on that. Perhaps, instead of one big con, we might do say... four regionals?
I could probably do Charlotte, and if my settlement comes through any time soon, maybe something along the lines of Orlando. San Diego is not very likely for a po'boy like me, though.
and given that internet access and laptops are omnipresnet, perhaps we could link up with our very on....
OMNICON!
Just a thought anyway.
Posted by Director Lad on :
If certain plans that I have come to fruition, summer will likely be the best time for me to meet with folks. Location would be less of an issue for me. It's been said that meeting on the US east coast may make it easier for our European friends to make the trip. Gathering at a location with additional attractions, like Orlando, might increase their incentive to join us.
I do like the idea of meeting up at a convention, though, like HWW, I'm not married to the idea. It helps to give us something to do during the day that feeds into our collective obsession.
Posted by cleome45 on :
I'll be turning to crime so I can raise the funds to attend!
[ETA- Okay, not really. BUT, if I find any extra coins on the street, I'm hoarding them for this trip, and not sharing them with mr_cleome or the cats!]
[ March 19, 2012, 07:21 PM: Message edited by: cleome45 ]
Posted by Dev - Em on :
If it was in Chicago, I might be able to make it. Otherwise funds make things very difficult.
Posted by rickshaw1 on :
Okay, hero con in Charlotte is June 22-24. Carol, Sam and I are gonna try to make it this year.
Can anyone else? We can do a day, so if you want to get together, we should all pick a day we can make it work. thoughts?
Posted by Dev - Em on :
I'll be at Motor City Con May 18 - 20.
Probably the 19th or 20th. Not sure yet. I know Suddenly Seymour will be there...
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil:
...but what do we know? Maybe you've got the perfect place in mind that hasn't even occured to us. If so, chime in and let us know.
So what do you think, Legion Worlders? Sound off...
Manila, Philippines?
Heck, I'm not picky. Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur work for me, too.
Seriously though, I'll start saving up. If we decide on a final date early then maybe I can get cheap tickets.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
I live in the Cincinnati area. I have never met even one Legion Worlder, but I would really like to. If the gathering is held anywhere east of the Mississippi, I can say I would almost certainly be there. That is to say, if I can drive it in a day, I will be there. (This excludes family events and such that always intervene.)
If we are going to pick a location that I can't go to anyway, I vote for the Seychelles.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
I originally thought that maybe the middle of the US would be best, but I suppose we need to:
1) find out all who are really interested 2) find out where everyone lives, and start plotting points to get the maximum possible attendance
Better plans, anyone?
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
quote:Originally posted by lancesrealm:
If we are going to pick a location that I can't go to anyway, I vote for the Seychelles.
I really want to go to Easter Island!
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
I am for a big meet-up. I'd rather do it without a con, but am willing to go to a con to meet Legion Worlders.
As for place, I was hoping for the Isle of St Helena.
Boston, obviously, would work best for me, but don't bother putting it in the running.
Of the places suggested, New York is best for me. Washington & Chicago are good. Orlando & Charlotte are slightly less desirable. I am partial to the East Coast. Metropolis, IL sounds good, but I don't think it would be good. I would suggest Memphis as a good spot if we don't do a con. It seems to be halfway between north & south and not on the coast so western people could also reach it.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
I'm def in for a meet up! Location isn't too big a deal for if we can get enough attendees to justify the 'once every few years cost'.
Ideally, I'll fly into Memphis, hang with Lash, and drive to it with him! And kidnap Eryk on the way...and bring him to Easter Island? Anita Cocktail should join us.
The east coast is nice for our European contingent if they are interested. I know Faraway Lad expressed an interest.
Probably would be good if there was something going on in the background to do, I guess. I'm not big on theme park rides personally, but I sure do love sitting on barstools.
If we did this, I'd prob do a Thursday - Sunday deal. Someome had mentioned (I think Ex) loosely assuming that time period with various people deciding to arrive earlier or stay later at their preference.
Posted by Probability Pete on :
I'll hang. whoop whoop what? def con what. does Lash know BBQ?
Posted by Probability Pete on :
MOP
Posted by Probability Pete on :
I SWEAR. he better know bbq.Memphis. big up lol
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
when this was first tossed around last year, Orlando seemed to the the top pic. But I'm with Cobie; amusement parks hold little appeal for me. And the the best times to go to Florida don't really work for my schedule. If we went to Florida, I'd prefer the Keys.
Or any interesting coastal area, for that matter, Florida or elsewhere.
I like the idea of Chicago because it is an interesting city and I've spent very little time there. Con time or no, I'd be up for it. And it shouldn't be too bad for our Euro peeps; ORD is a major hub for x-atlantic flights, and is relatively central enough for us west-coasters too.
I've no prob with Memphis. Never been there. Would like to at some point.
Metropolis IL might be a bit too far off of travel routes. And is there really anything to do there, besides the Superman 'museum'?
I love both Washington and New York (and Boston). no probs with either.
I don't know much about Charlotte, and my only experience there is being stranded by Greyhound for four-five hours one night. I vaguely recall Miner saying some decent things about the con there, but I'm not really a con enthusiast anymore. I'd have to be sold more about Charlotte to be interested.
just brainstorming these next few. Don't consider these additions to the list unless someone else expresses enthusiasm:
I'm tempted to suggest New Orleans, but any time I'd be free to go there looks too bloody hot (and, if rep stands, humid).
Niagara Falls might be of interest as well. Those bringing families along will find plenty for them to do, although the better features are on the Canadian side, and anyone without required ID would be limited. And someone will have to keep Cobie away from the Roulette tables. For some, this could be combined to a Toronto visit.
that's my two cents.
I'm very likely in for a meet-up from May (maybe late April) to early September. the rest of the year, probably not (but it's too soon to say for sure. My schedule varies from semester to semester, so a long weekend some terms is quite doable).
Posted by Probability Pete on :
Wilmington.DE or Newark.NJ. if you pick newark we can hang in funny sunny Montclair nj
Manhattan is my favorite city on Earth but be aware it's crazy expensive. Not sure a NYC meet up *not* in Manhattan would be tits.
Not sold on Metropolis, IL either.
New Orleans is awesome but crazy humid and hot from May-Sept.
Key West would be so awesome, and Lady Cobalt would demand she join us.
D.C. is dope. But also humid and swampy in the summer.
Austen, TX is top shelf party central at honest man prices.
Nashville? Heard mad flavor.
Now I'm just listing cities. I'll stop.
Posted by Probability Pete on :
if it ain't here. gotta be Memphis.
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Kent Shakespeare: when this was first tossed around last year, Orlando seemed to the the top pic. But I'm with Cobie; amusement parks hold little appeal for me. And the the best times to go to Florida don't really work for my schedule. If we went to Florida, I'd prefer the Keys.
Or any interesting coastal area, for that matter, Florida or elsewhere.
Well, cool, then.
Since we're getting a flood of input, I guess I'll throw in my own ideal spot into the mix, as well. Like Kent, I'm partial to the coast, anywhere along VA or the Carolinas.
Ocean, beer, and bunch of buddies... sounds like a dream vaycay to me.
Posted by Probability Pete on :
i got good bbq for you lash tho. wood pit.; great brisket. then round the corner by the firehouse, soul food at ma dears
Posted by Probability Pete on :
montclair, new jersey. mentioned on "Mad Men"
Posted by Legion Tracker on :
quote:Originally posted by rickshaw1: Okay, hero con in Charlotte is June 22-24. Carol, Sam and I are gonna try to make it this year.
Can anyone else? We can do a day, so if you want to get together, we should all pick a day we can make it work. thoughts?
Rick, my sister lives in Charlotte so I might get to this one too.
Charlotte is an attractive, laid-back city. It has lots of art, the NASCAR Museum, and Carowinds amusement park, among other fun attractions.
Atlanta and Chicago are convenient cities for folks who will be flying. Doesn't every U.S. flight go to one or the other?
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
If we were to do Metropolis, Illinois, it would have to be during the Superman Celebration, which is held in June.
I also have little interest in theme parks. I am certainly not wedded to the idea of a con. I'd rather meet up in a large city.
Of course, Austin is close to me, as is New Orleans, but I'd rather fly into a place where I won't need to drive. I really don't like to drive--which explains how I've lived in Houston for 13 1/2 years and have never made it to Austin.
Washington, DC, would probably be my first choice, all things being equal.
Posted by Director Lad on :
I went to a wedding in Austin in July once. Unless we're all interested in melting, I think I'd recommend against a gathering there in the summer.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Texas in the summertime is best spent indoors in the air conditioning. Posted by Exnihil on :
I'm so happy this thread is picking up steam.
Like I said, I'll put up the "Location" voting poll up next week, probably Monday afternoon. Looking over all the suggestions thus far, it looks like there are three categories of suggestions:
A. Locations with multiple nods of interest (these are the ones I'm currently intending on putting into the poll):
- Boston, Mass - New York City - Chicago, Illinois - Metropolis, Illinois - Washington, DC - Memphis, Tennessee - Carolina Coast (Outer Banks?) - Charlotte, North Carolina - Orlando, Florida - Florida Keys
B. Locations with either a single nod of interest or discussion that seems to eliminate them as viable (if anyone disagrees and would like any of them "promoted" to poll inclusion, let me know):
- Newark, New Jersey - Montclair, New Jersey - Wilmington, Delaware - New Orleans, Louisiana - Nashville, Tennessee - Austin, Texas - Niagara Falls (personally, I think this one is funny because I imagine Canadian LWers on one side, Americans on the other, looking across at each other like some sort of Multiverse crossover. )
C. Locations that I'm assuming are just jokey (although I would totally be down for any of them if the lottery thing ever comes through):
- Perth, Western Australia - Manilla, Philippines - Bangkok - Singapore - Kuala Lumpur - Seychelles - Easter Island - Isle of St. Helen
Look about right? Any group shifting required?
And, like I said, feel free to throw out any other ideas not mentioned yet.
Posted by Director Lad on :
I think I'd bump Metropolis IL down to list B, but otherwise I think that's an accurate assessment.
Posted by rickshaw1 on :
Well, I hadn't thought of it since it doesn't host a con that's notable (I think there's a show, but it's in the fetus stage) but there's Myrtle Beach.
Costal breezes, vacation resort... but unless you loaded, you'd probably need to stay inland some miles.
It's not the crazy town place, but there's clubs and entertainment.
Just a thought.
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
Ooh, I love Chicago. I wouldn't mind meeting there. Memphis would be fun, too.
Orlando could be great, but there are lots of people with kids or who are educators, and any time good for them is going to be busy and/or hellish hot.
Like Rocky said, Metropolis would be a trip for the Superman Celebration in June since it's so far off the beaten path.
I just had one other crazy thought. There's a resort town in Western Michigan called Saugatuck that's not a bad drive from Chicago if people would want to fly in there and carpool. There's a great downtown and lovely beaches and stuff like that. It's a good place if you want to bring a family. And there's a great B&B called the Kirby House where if we know far enough in advance, we could probably rent the whole place for a weekend. (That would probably go for many of the B&Bs there, but I've only ever stayed at Kirby House.)
Posted by Legion Tracker on :
quote:Originally posted by Rockhopper Lad: Of course, Austin is close to me, as is New Orleans, but I'd rather fly into a place where I won't need to drive. I really don't like to drive--which explains how I've lived in Houston for 13 1/2 years and have never made it to Austin.
Austin, while hot in the summer like anywhere in the U.S. South will be, is known for having lots of great music and food, which would be a fine backdrop for just hanging out. It's been quite a while since I've been there, but I loved the place.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
quote:Originally posted by rickshaw1: Well, I hadn't thought of it since it doesn't host a con that's notable (I think there's a show, but it's in the fetus stage) but there's Myrtle Beach.
Costal breezes, vacation resort... but unless you loaded, you'd probably need to stay inland some miles.
It's not the crazy town place, but there's clubs and entertainment.
Just a thought.
I've heard good things about MB, but if its as pricey as you say, it might not be the best coastal locale.
no harm in tossing it around for discussion, though.
Posted by Exnihil on :
OK, for the "voting list" for Monday, based on the last couple comments, I'm going to drop Metropolis, Illinois, add Austin, TX, and sub out Myrtle Beach for the more general "Carolina Coast" giving us ten finalists:
- Boston, Mass - New York City - Chicago, Illinois - Washington, DC - Memphis, Tennessee - Charlotte, North Carolina - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - Austin, Texas - Orlando, Florida - Florida Keys
... unless there are any other suggestions over tomorrow.
So... if Memphis winds up winning... are we all just crashing at Lash's house? I call the couch!
Posted by Exnihil on :
Voting will run through next Monday evening... so, if you at all think you might be interested in getting together next year, hie thee on over and have your voice heard.
Posted by MLLASH's *glare* on :
I've missed this thread 'til now, somehow... of course, Memphis is ideal for me and YES I know good BBQ places to eat as well as all other types of food! Also I love taking friends to my awesome comics shop (just ask Quis or Povvins).
We're only about 30 minutes away from the fab casinos of Tunica, MS too, if you're feeling like something along those lines!
Posted by MLLASH's *glare* on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil:
So... if Memphis winds up winning... are we all just crashing at Lash's house? I call the couch!
I have TWO sleep-worthy fat loveseat couches and TONS of floorspace for any who don't mind a sleeping bag on top of blankets! Heck, let's build a space-fort! Posted by lancesrealm on :
I voted, and I am really looking forward to this. Anyone have any idea on about when this might take place? I am assuming sometime over the summer, and we are just talking about a weekend perhaps? Or were you guys thinking longer?
Posted by MLLASH's *glare* on :
You can all move in as far as I'm concerned! (bring money)
Posted by lancesrealm on :
I actually might be able to help out here a little. I work for Marriot, so I can get a "friends and family" rate for a gathering. The rates vary from hotel to hotel, and if a hotel is booked up, they might decline to participate. (Why rent a room for a cheap rate when they can rent if for full price?)
Still, the possibility exists for cheaper than usual hotel rates if we stay at a Marriot property.
Posted by Shining Son on :
NYC is great for me, I live in Midtown Manhattan.
I love the idea of Disney because I would go there anyway.
Washington DC I've also wanted to get back to and it's not that long a trip.
I guess to commit to anywhere else I'd be more comfortable having actually met some of you first. Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
well, Rhino and Cobie should be easy to meet, then. Get started! I've met 40+ of us. We're a good gang.
Posted by Director Lad on :
When I met up with the Legion World crew at SDCC in 2008, I had never met any before and I was sharing a hotel room with three of them! It turned out great. Everyone I've met from the board has been great.
Posted by Exnihil on :
The first time I roomed with a Legion Worlder was in NY in 2009. Mrs. Nihil was very concerned that I was going to be traveling to share a hotel room with somebody I never met, and literally demanded that when I get there I put Quislet on the phone to assure her that he wasn't an axe murderer.
Thankfully, he lied and told her he wasn't. Otherwise I never would have found out how cool axe murderers can be when they're off the clock.
Posted by Raging Bull on :
Oddly enough, despite being a fairly private person, I've met tons of LWers (and some people from the LMBP/original DC boards who never made it over to LW). I think I held the record for most LWers met for a number of years.
Nearly all of those meet-ups were enjoyable -- but there was the one time that Cobie and I crashed at Pov's after the Boston meet-up... Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
There's a very slim chance I'll be able to go. I'm wondering if I should still vote, given how close the poll is getting.
I'd actually want something on the West Coast since it'd be the cheapest to get to from the SE Asia...
Posted by lancesrealm on :
*sigh* ya gonna keep whining about this, IB? *snicker* Fine, let's move the thing to the Philippines. Ok, Ex, make a new poll for cities in southeast Asia.
Everybody ok with that? Maybe then I can buy ya that beer, and you can show me those olives that come in a box.
Actually, IB, I am in a way really sorry that Legion World is a global community. It means that many people just won't be able to make it.
For the record, I forgot to switch my keyboard before I started typing, and I typed:
*ышпр* нф пщттф лууз црштштп фищгер ерш
before I realized I had my keybord on Cyrillic mapping. Maybe we could throw St. Petersburg on the list too, huh?
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
If any of my comments DID make it seem like I'd want everyone to come all the way here to SE Asia, then I'm sorry.
I really have been considering which city on the poll would be easiest for me to reach. after all, isn't that why we're having the poll? Everyone has to vote for the city which would make the most sense for them.
Or maybe I'm coming across as flaky. But then, if I cast the deciding vote and turns out I can't manage to go, that'd be worse wouldn't it?
Or maybe I'm overthinking. I'll just keep quiet then.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
No, IB, I was kidding! Just pulling your leg!
*sigh* I have gotta learn to think before I post. Really sorry if I upset you.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
I also tried to send you a pm apologizing profusely, IB, but your mailbox is full.
*sigh*
I'm goin' back to bed...
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
IB,
I think it would be OK for you to vote. If your primary location is pick, it might give you more incentive to get over here.
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
quote:Originally posted by lancesrealm: I also tried to send you a pm apologizing profusely, IB, but your mailbox is full.
*sigh*
I'm goin' back to bed...
Hi lance,
Really sorry about that. Hope you didn't get too upset I really apreciate your attempts to apologize, all accepted by the way. Hey, how are you? I'll clean out my PM box and we can tlak about beer and olives again.
quote:Originally posted by Quislet, Esq: IB,
I think it would be OK for you to vote. If your primary location is pick, it might give you more incentive to get over here.
Quis, thanks. That's a good point and it would certainly make it easier for me.
Anywho, sorry for being kinda flaky. I dunno if it's a cultural thing - I'm usual the "organizer" for my friends over here at home and you would NOT believe what a pain it is!
I've learned never to organize anything that requires a headcount more than two hours before. You always get people going "I'll try", "I'll catch up" - I once had a bud who was gonna try and catch up to a party that ended at 12 midnight. We called him up 11:30 and he was just about to get in the shower. And he lives a half hour's drive away.
I'm rambling, aren't I? Posted by Exnihil on :
Attention folks, the location poll for the 2013 Legion World Gathering has concluded:
Check out the above link for the specific vote breakdown but, suffice to say, if you are a fan of art, architecture, jazz, deep dish pizza, and arsonist cows, you're going to love how things played out. Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Yay!
Should the name of this thread be changed to reflect the decision?
Posted by Exnihil on :
just bumped for a new page
Posted by MLLASH's back on :
Alls I know is, I want some pizza.
Posted by Exnihil on :
^^^Done and done.
So... Chi-town.
With our destination decided, the next question is: When?
There is sooooo much to do in Chicago... from Jazz Fests, to shopping at Navy Pier, to some of the greastest museums in America, to sporting events, to the most modern American architecture, to eating pancreas... there is literally something for everyone.
That being said, how do we want this trip to take form? Is it just a series of overlapping journeys where everyone explores the city at their leisure and we just gather for a big bash one day... or is it centered around a specific event?
The discussion of those questions might help us to best decide the timeframe that we want to target, so... let the discussion begin. Posted by lancesrealm on :
Is it too early to start planing car-pooling and hotel roommates?
Posted by Dave Hackett on :
I know some people are eager to avoid the convention scene, but I'll put it out there that if we plan around C2E2 or even the Wizard one(does that still exist?), AND let DC know what we're doing this, they could send us swag, or even a creator or two since they're already in town. PR for them, fun for us.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
My fear is that the Con may make location relatively pointless. A con is a con.
I was one of the ones who put Chicago as my first choice. The con, as i understand, is way off in the outer burbs; if we fall into the event horizon of the con, we'll likely, as a group, never get into Chicago itself.
Posted by Exnihil on :
The other concern I'd raise about going in Con-season is both the availability and premium rates of hotels. Perhaps better off-peak?
quote:Originally posted by lancesrealm: Is it too early to start planing car-pooling and hotel roommates?
I call bunking with My Whee Fem.
What's that? ... she is? ... really? Huh.
What about Lolita? Her too?
... Vivianne?
... Everyday Girl?
Is anyone here a real person?
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
A few ideas:
It might be better to be off-peak season wise for major events. Mainly, to keep costs down for people.
Should we start considering a hotel where we could all stay at? Lance and Scott have connections (both at Marriot, I think), so maybe a Marriot Courtyard or something? Or do others have better ideas?
Pizza: both Uno (the original) and Duex (even better) are classics. Chicago is one of the best food cities in the US, and runs the gambit from super fancy places to good eats for regular folks.
Season: Chicago is a cold ass place from November - March, so keep that in mind.
I'm easy. What I really like to do in a city is walk around, eat and drink (coffee and then alcohol, though I'm down for a good lemonade). If there is a spot people want to check out, I'm in, whether its the Pier or a Museum. A festival could really be the Tits. I think a hotel serving as 'home base' would be ideal.
A big question is: now that Chicago is looking as the destination, is everyone still committed to going? I promise I will take care of all of who are afraid of big cities. I'll be like the strait Stefan from SNL weekend update. Posted by Power Boy on :
Do they serve alcohol in this ... what do you call it .. Ch..Hicago ? Or should I bring my own ?
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Also, Chicago is definitely a taxi city. So people flying in don't need to rent cars IMO.
Posted by Fanfic Lady on :
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: A big question is: now that Chicago is looking as the destination, is everyone still committed to going?
Cobie, thanks for broaching that delicate topic. I was afraid I was going to have to do it myself when I saw which city had won.
I would LOVE to meet you all, and I had always wanted to visit Chicago one day -- I even have roots in Illinois (my maternal grandfather was from a small town there.) But right now, money and distance are big issues for me, and I'm all the way down in South Florida.
I'll do my best to make it, but I can't promise anything right now.
Ex, please put me down as a "maybe."
Posted by Calm Yo Tits on :
I'm staying with Cobie.
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Jeepers! If I manage to come, we're totes acting out scenes from 30s gangster movies!
Or at least that Star Trek episode about that planet based on 30s gangster movies!
Posted by Director Lad on :
Sweet! I haven't been to Chicago in years. I have friends there that I rarely get to see, so this'll be great. I have family in Wisconsin too, so I can really make a trip of it.
In terms of timing, I'll reiterate that if the gathering is in August or so, I should be able to make it. Any other time of year is going to be tough for me for the next 18 months or so.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
Anyone have a way to get in touch with Loser?
Posted by Fanfic Lady on :
Good news. I looked at a map (something I should have done before I posted before) and discovered that Chicago is, relatively speaking, not really that much farther away than my first choice, Washington D.C.
Money is still an issue, though.
We shall see. I'm still a "maybe," but a more optimistic "maybe."
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Yay!
I think if we can hammer out some hotel details, like group rates, people sharing rooms, etc, we can maybe make this as financially 'smart' as possible. So we should all work on that too.
Director Lad mentions August--and that works for me so far. The only potential conflict would be a wedding I have to attend next summer but hopefully that's in another month. The one month of the year that def does NOT work for me is July.
We're all pretty tight around here: if there is an aspect of this that you're having trouble figuring out / getting comfortable with, let us know. We can all come up with a solution!
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
quote:Originally posted by Dev - Em: Anyone have a way to get in touch with Loser?
I'll check for email addresses, but maybe he can be emailed through the board? He actually might come, as he's made met up with us before!
We should also make sure CJ, Cali, Monkey Eater, Actor Lad, Faraway, etc all know! Facebook shall be our ally! Stu just found out and he's in! I suspect others will do the same.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Chicago seems to have gangster-themed tours and even a museum. EDE should be happy. I'm up for those, too.
August is no prob for me, especially mid to late august.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
Chicago works so well for me on several levels. It's close enough that if I cannot get together enough for an overnight, I can make it there and back in one day...I've done longer trips.
Posted by Abin Quank on :
I'm in. I just need to know when.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
I can probably swing it. My sister lives in the suburbs of Chicago, so I can visit with her before or after.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
Ex, I was gonna call bunking with your Whee fem, but since tone-of-voice doesn't convey in posts, I won't even mention it. Not a word. I am the soul of forbearance. (You do know I am kidding, right? Although maybe she has a cute friend with low self-esteem? ha ha!)
As for car-pooling, I am in the Cincinnati area. If anyone wants to drive together, whether you are passing through here, or are between here and Chicago, let me know.
I think everyone in the same hotel would be best, if possible. I will start checking out Marriot properties in Chicago. Is there any particular part of Chicago we want to stay in?
Cobie, I also love walking around cities and just seeing what there is to see!
Anybody wanna be bunkies, btw?
Actually, before I start checking on rates, can we get an idea of who will be going to this? And are we talking basically a weekend stay?
Also, I am curious - who is planning on going, and what is the likelihood that you will go? I am 90% sure I will be going, btw. Chicago is maybe 6 hrs driving time.
To sum up, I basically need some general idea of location, and an approximate head count. I hope to see lots of you there!
Posted by Lard Lad on :
Boy, would I love to make this, but I'm doubtful it would work for me. We'll see, but the chances are pretty low.
If not, I'll be eager to hear how things went...
Posted by Exnihil on :
^Nonsense!
12 years is far too long to have gone by without you having ever "gathered".
I hereby make the promise that if you can get the time off for whatever dates we decide upon, I will personally make my way down there and drive you up myself!
Posted by Shining Son on :
When I last posted to this thread I had somehow missed earlier in the thread that there was a poll, and somehow neglected to subscribe to the thread (damn I wish that were automatic on LW), so once again I'm just catching up.
Else NYC would have tied for first place. Ah well.
For me the big commitment is still going to new city to spend time with people, none of whom I've met yet. It's a lot of unknowns. Hell, it's only unknowns. I'm shy and careful. And I don't drink, which would normally mitigate those last two, I'm told.
It's not that I don't expect y'all to be a great bunch, but that doesn't guarantee social chemistry or common interests in city-exploring. Or overlapping tastes in dance music.
So I'll have to hear more about the timing and other plans, and read up on Chicago itself.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
I'm about 90% certain.
@lance: I'd prefer downtown, myself.
I'm sure many of us are willing to bunk.
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
Shining Son: I know just how you feel. I was a bundle of nerves going to San Diego for the big LW meet-up a few years ago. I'm generally shy and careful, too. I roomed with three guys I'd never met beyond this board, and the whole trip was a blast.
I still haven't met a lot of people in this thread (which is the whole point of doing this meet-up), but if they're half as awesome as the ones I have met, this trip will be a success.
I don't drink, either, but it's not a big deal. Just get a Coke. And Chicago is smoke-free in its restaurants and bars, so there's not that to worry about.
I'm game for just about any time of year, though I know the city will be pretty full and hotel rates might be higher the last weekend of May (International Mr. Leather, which may be a reason to do it that weekend for some of us ).
Posted by Exnihil on :
OK, so... timing.
After a few days of discussion, it seems as though there are enough folks who are either:
- Committed regardless of timing - Committed dependent on timing or - Interested but not committed, pending additional factors
to say that we should continue on with formal planning.
Of the date suggestions that have been thrown out thus far, there appears to be a bit of a bias toward the month of August, 2013.
Looking at the average temperature chart, it seems (surprise!) that August is hot, but not unbearably so. Additionally, many available activites are inside, so... AC, or if you are a beach type, the beaches are open all the way through Labor Day as another way to beat the heat.
Taking a look at the calendar, there are 5 weekends in August, 2013 (I'm making the assumption that we would want to structure this around a weekend, overlapping on either side based on the needs/flexibility of the individuals involved) so the generic date options in question would be:
8/3-8/4 8/10-8/11 8/17-8/18 8/24-8/25 8/31-9/1
The final weekend above is Labor Day weekend, which has both built in benefits and detriments:
- That weekend has the built in Monday holiday, so extra buffer day for travel - Holiday means greater range of activities/options (that weekend is also jazz fest) - But it also meens greater crowds and possible premium hotel rates
So... specific thoughts?
Is there a month other than August that you prefer, or, if August is your preference, do any of those weekends jump out as being preferable over the others?
[ April 05, 2012, 07:49 AM: Message edited by: Exnihil ]
Posted by Power Boy on :
August or Early September is good for me. About the best without knowing my schedule then.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
Many people do family things over Labor Day weekend - I would think we should avoid that weekend. Also, the traffic will be worse and we likely won't get as good a rate on a hotel.
Any thoughts from others?
Posted by Shining Son on :
I fall into the "interested but not committed" category, and timing is almost not an issue for me.
I think Kent suggested I meet Cobie and Rhino. I believe Rhino's in Jersey, but have no idea where Cobie is.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
I'd also avoid Labor Day weekend (good idea though, Ex! )
September, October and November are also great months (August works for me too), but I guess that depends on other's schedules. July is the only 'def not' month for me.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
quote:Originally posted by Shining Son: I fall into the "interested but not committed" category, and timing is almost not an issue for me.
I think Kent suggested I meet Cobie and Rhino. I believe Rhino's in Jersey, but have no idea where Cobie is.
I live in Connecticut, SS, and Rhino is based in NYC.
I def suggest you try the Chicago meet-up! But in the meantime, there is some talk about a smaller NY meet-up sometime soon. The only issue is that weekend are VERY tough for me.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
quote:Originally posted by Suddenly Seymour: Shining Son: I know just how you feel. I was a bundle of nerves going to San Diego for the big LW meet-up a few years ago. I'm generally shy and careful, too. I roomed with three guys I'd never met beyond this board, and the whole trip was a blast.
I'll ditto that. I flew to Dallas to meet/room with the very first LWers I'd ever met - in one of the first such meet-ups we'd ever attempted. I'd also lost my only credit card en route; I was completely dependent upon rooming with then-strangers. You know what? It was a blast. We've got quite a good crowd here.
quote:Originally posted by Suddenly Seymour: I don't drink, either, but it's not a big deal. Just get a Coke. And Chicago is smoke-free in its restaurants and bars, so there's not that to worry about.
There are a number of LWers who do not drink, and several of which seem quite committed to the gathering. I myself am not nearly the drinker I sometimes joke around to be. It's hardly the barrier to being one of the gang.
[ April 05, 2012, 02:02 PM: Message edited by: Kent Shakespeare ]
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil: OK, so... timing.
After a few days of discussion, it seems as though there are enough folks who are either:
- Committed regardless of timing - Committed dependent on timing or - Interested but not committed, pending additional factors
to say that we should continue on with formal planning.
Of the date suggestions that have been thrown out thus far, there appears to be a bit of a bias toward the month of August, 2013.
Looking at the average temperature chart, it seems (surprise!) that August is hot, but not unbearably so. Additionally, many available activites are inside, so... AC, or if you are a beach type, the beaches are open all the way through Labor Day as another way to beat the heat.
Taking a look at the calendar, there are 5 weekends in August, 2013 (I'm making the assumption that we would want to structure this around a weekend, overlapping on either side based on the needs/flexibility of the individuals involved) so the generic date options in question would be:
8/3-8/4 8/10-8/11 8/17-8/18 8/24-8/25 8/31-9/1
The final weekend above is Labor Day weekend, which has both built in benefits and detriments:
- That weekend has the built in Monday holiday, so extra buffer day for travel - Holiday means greater range of activities/options (that weekend is also jazz fest) - But it also meens greater crowds and possible premium hotel rates
So... specific thoughts?
Is there a month other than August that you prefer, or, if August is your preference, do any of those weekends jump out as being preferable over the others?
Labor Day weekend is the worst of the lot for me. It's likely be the most expensive for lodgings, flying, and car rental (if anyone is planing such) too (except for Enterprise from a small off-the-beaten-track locale; they often offer good all-weekend deals from places that would not ordinarily have holiday weekend demand).
We may want to pick hotel locations as close to Lake Michigan as possible, in the event of high heat levels. A decent hotel should have AC anyway, but being near the lake will be more bearable outside than inland.
Posted by MLLASH's back on :
I'd say it is wiser to avoid a Holiday weekend and a holiday MONTH. Scheduling the LMB get-together the same month of a major holiday is sure to mean many people cannot afford both weekends (assuming they have holiday weekend plans).
But whatever is fine with me. I am actually 100% commited to this meet-up RULING OUT ANY health concerns with my elderly grandparents. They must come first no matter what.
When we went to Dallas, a couple of folks ended up on the couch in the room Scott (Lightning Lad) reserved for me, no biggie, share and share alike.
However-- as outgoing as I may seem, I am actually a nervous bundle of crazy at things like this, and MOST DEFINITELY will require a bar nearby to ease my jangled nerves and make me bearable to be around. I am sure Cobie can be convinced to join me at one.
I have previously met Quis and Pov and know I would feel instantly at ease with them though. It *does* help to know someone beforehand. I do tend to wander off on my own though.
And whoever drives there with me will become either my best friend forever or my most hated of enemies. There will be no in-between
LASTLY... while straight bars are fine with me, I *must* check out a gay bar in Chicago so I certainly hope there's some homos going!!! I WANT RHINO TO GO!!
REALLY LASTLY... I cannot go to a strange city without visiting a comic shop there!!
PS/ PIZZA.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
I will move heaven and earth to be there if Lashie is going. Posted by Dev - Em on :
...or anyone else that I haven't met yet.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
Well, I am pretty poor, so I will likely be bringing my own beer. And cigarettes, which are cheaper in Kentucky than anywhere else that I know of.
Already quite eager for this to happen.
Also, just curious - is this an exclusively male gathering? Any of our prominent female posters gonna be there?
Maybe I need to get an interlac tshirt made for this event...hmm..maybe I should have some made up and sell them. Would be a cool momento to have, I think.
Posted by Shining Son on :
I know going on a grand adventure and meeting all new people can be a blast, but it's still a big risk for me for me, because through nobody's fault I just may not click with the folks, the city, the food, or the activities. This is a case where all four are unfamiliar. And everything else for that matter. For me, it's like walking through the Stargate without a MALP checking things first.
I just wish I had a little more certainty on at least one factor before paying for planes and hotels with the economy and the massage business the way it's been the last few years. At the moment, I don't have much "oh what the hell" money, so it just puts all the more pressure on having a good time, which makes it harder to just have a good time.
So the numbers will count for something in this decision as the estimates start coming in.
Also, I need to go at least a few more months without a friendship mishap. The last couple of years haven't done much for my faith in people.
On the other hand, I'm telling you all this so I must trust and like this group at least a little bit. Maybe it's just easier to be with strangers right now, even with the risk.
--- Responding to some smaller points, in case anyone's interested in reading YET MORE about me:
Maybe people read something else into it, but me not drinking is not at all something I worry about, I just meant if I DID drink it would counteract some of the "shy and careful", or so I've heard. It also supposedly makes things fun that you might not ordinarily think so, which seems like a good backup to have if your intent is to enjoy yourself.
And the only reason I don't drink is I haven't found anything I like the taste of and never noticed any effect, so there's not much point in alcohol without either of those.
(I'll skip the coke too, as I'm trying to get back to a six-pack. Of the abs kind. My shirt's off most of the summer.)
Posted by lancesrealm on :
Shining, the only thing I have to say is, you would be meeting a bunch of people with whom you know you have something in common - that is, the Legion. If you can come, I hope you do. I would love to meet you. Even if you don't drink, you can buy me a beer. (ha ha)
Hey, are we going to do dramatic readings of classic Legion stories? Play Legion trivial pursuit? Or - dare I say it - Survivor Chicago? Every hour someone is voted out of the hotel? Could even Ex be planning something that dastardly?
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Even though I'm not the shy type and my day to day job includes meetings all kinds of new people for the first time, I have to admit whenever I meet new online people, I also feel a bit of nerves beforehand. I don't think I'll ever get over the 'weirdness' of meeting message board people in real life, even though every experience I've ever had has been 100% fantastic.
Subsequently, like Lash, a stop-in at the local bar / pub / watering hole for a drink would be quite welcome to shake out any anxiety! Plus, I like drinking anyway. (But I don't care if others don't drink--to each their own!)
Also, I def think we should hit up a comic book store! Once we pick where we're staying, someone needs to find one stat!
Then we should look for Dr. Mayavale style hats.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
If I had to guess, I suspect there is a lot of shyness among members of this board. I'm very good at pretending I'm not shy, but I'm actually very nervous around people, even people I've known a long time.
Having said that, in '08 I went in feet first and roomed in San Diego with Kent, Seymour and Director Lad, none of whom I had met in person before, and we had a great time.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Lance, the idea of being voted out of the hotel is not helping!
Posted by Exnihil on :
Don't worry Shiney, you're part of the alliance... no blind siding... I swear. Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
quote:Originally posted by Dev - Em: ...or anyone else that I haven't met yet.
Oh, so I guess my being there would not tempt you. Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
I definitely like August for a time period. And that seems to rule out a Chicago con. Once we actually get a set date, we can then look for various things to do/see. I would say that people do not have to do everything that is planned. Some hang time should also be factored in.
I think it would be good for people to be in the same hotel. It makes meeting up and even just hanging out easier. But I would not make staying at the same hotel a requirement. I'd definitely be looking to share a room. If I can survive sharing a room with Exnihil, I can share a room with anybody.
lancesrealm, I don't think we are limiting it to just men. We do have a tentative from Fanfic Lady. Another thing to put out here is bringing significant others and/or kids. Although I have neither to bring with me, I think it is perfectly fine to have the significant others and/or kids to come along. I would say that it is especially true given that we won't be doing a con.
Because of my finances and employment situation (unemployed), I can't commit at this time. Once I do get a job, I should be able to be there. And despite being shy and feeling a little awkward in social situations, I want to be there.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
You were just fine when you met that bald guy at the airport.
Hope you can make it. Not enough time to hang out last time.
Posted by Calm Yo Tits on :
quote:Originally posted by Shining Son: I fall into the "interested but not committed" category, and timing is almost not an issue for me.
I think Kent suggested I meet Cobie and Rhino. I believe Rhino's in Jersey, but have no idea where Cobie is.
Qurrrrl!!!! Forget those hoes... you need to meet ME!
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Anyway... my uncertainty issue is over and dealt with. Barring anything unforeseeable, I am definitely in! There is a chance late August would be better than early August, but it might be okay either way.
Posted by Exnihil on :
OK, to recap the discussed possible dates (and add some additional info I found out about August 2013 in Chicago):
- I feel like some good points have been made to take Labor Day weekend out of contention (8/31-9/2), leaving us the following weekends (buffered on either side dependent on individual needs):
8/3 - 8/4 8/10 - 8/11 8/17 - 8/18 8/24 - 8/25
- Two other things to note (as folks have expressed concern about premium hotel rates/availability/crowds during large events):
The 8/3 weekend is the same weekend as Lollapalooza - which is in Grant Park, about 20 miles south, but I would imagine there is a lot of lodging overflow...
...and the 8/10 weekend is the Wizard World Comic Convention (I didn't even know that was still a thing!) I believe general sentiment was to avoid comic conventions, but feel free to speak up if you feel differently.
So, if folks agree that the above two weekends are also unadvisable, it looks as though the universe might be helping us along to decide the date, leaving us with either the weekend of 8/17 or 8/24.
I don't know if you guys would like to "poll" the options, or if you'd like to just suss it out through discussion here.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Suss first, poll later. That way people can vote based on considerations others bring up that they might not have thought of themselves yet.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
ditto what Shiny said.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Well, then... get to sussin', youse! Posted by Shining Son on :
The idea of discussion before votes may be my biggest contribution, I don't really have any long-term conflicts or concerns to bring up at this point. I don't have family to spend holiday weekends with and I work for myself so timing isn't generally a problem.
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
I should be good for any of those, so no suss or sass from me.
Though I'm not necessarily opposed to a con, Wizard World is a ways north of the city, and if there aren't enough people with cars, it would be difficult to enjoy Chicago proper.
And as we think blocks of hotel rooms and whatnot, I'd suggest throwing Friday night in if trying to get a group rate. I know I'd probably try to come in Friday so I could have all day Saturday to hang out with youse guys.
Posted by Shining Son on :
I'd definitely want to spend at least two nights, if only because I wouldn't want to fly two days in a row. If it's worth traveling that far, then it's worth staying more than 48 hours.
However that could be a subgroup that those of us coming a tad early can arrange.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
among 10 people, that's $37 .50 a night. if we have more than 10 (as we hopefully will), they have other units for rent in the same building.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Wow, if that's anywhere near where we'd want to be, that's a good price. Unless Chicago's just way cheaper that I thought.
Posted by Shining Son on :
While I'm in this thread I might as well also mention how I feel about comic cons. Which is "eh".
I think it's a fine idea for this group to meet at a comic con, but the con would more likely be the focus rather than the group. Anyone who wants to be at a comic con at all wants to do many of the things on the program there, and I imagine it's hard to do both that and spending any significant time with a group.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
it looks like a good area to be, and way better of a value than the hotels I've been looking at.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Cool find, Kent. That looks to be about a mile from Navy Pier, so really quite close to the city center.
And... hopefully... Lincoln Park has absolutely nothing to do with:
among 10 people, that's $37 .50 a night. if we have more than 10 (as we hopefully will), they have other units for rent in the same building.
I like the looks of this!!
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
The site has a number of options. I posted that as an example because it can accomodate 10.
As much as we will likely want to sample local cuisine, it'd be nice to have the option to do brekkie and/or lunch in our own kitchens, if/when we so choose, or have a fridge to bring home leftovers, too.
I've no problem splurging on a nice dinner or brunch, but that doesn't mean very meal has to be such.
Posted by SharkLad on :
That's a really cool option!
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
That does sound like it would be ideal. It would be better than having us all spread out at different hotels. We could even spend an evening in just talking and/or watching videos (the Legioon cartoon)
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
quote:Originally posted by Shining Son: While I'm in this thread I might as well also mention how I feel about comic cons. Which is "eh".
I think it's a fine idea for this group to meet at a comic con, but the con would more likely be the focus rather than the group. Anyone who wants to be at a comic con at all wants to do many of the things on the program there, and I imagine it's hard to do both that and spending any significant time with a group.
Even though I prefer not to have the meetup at a con, I was at San Diego in 2008 with the big meetup there. We went to many panels together. The thing was, we (that is Nightcrawler) did have a table at the con that served as a central meeting place. People came and went as they wanted to, but there was always someone at the table. And at the end of the day we were all (mostly) together so as to make plans for the evening.
I would be going just to meet up with people, so a con would not make me want to go more.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
I just want to meet as many of you as possible. Spending money on a con seems a little counter productive for those on a tighter budget.
Posted by MLLASH's back on :
I am officially in LOVE with the idea of a mass marathon viewing of the Legion cartoon with you all!
Posted by Shining Son on :
Yeah, I hope someone comes who has them on DVD. Or their laptop, which apparently connects to an HDTV now (that's right, we're in the 21st century).
Though I suspect minithons of 1 season each might be enough for one day.
Posted by Dave Hackett on :
"Sleeps 10" doesn't necessarily mean 10 beds though does it? (Assuming most of us will want to at least start the evening in our own beds.)
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
No, not 10 beds. But even th same suite divided. Up among the number of beds is still a bargain vs hotels.
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
This sounds like an awesome idea. What's the cancellation policy? Could we just book a couple now and sort out the details later?
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
Well GiGi pointed me in the direction of this thread.
I would love to do this. but as everyone else has said money is the crucial issue. If I can scrape the funds together I would come. Also, flying across the Atlantic for a one or two night meet is a bit of an extravagance so I would probably be looking to spend a week over there. (A good excuse to have a look at some war of 1812 sites perhaps)
put me down as interested but not firm (ooooh er missus) Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
quote:Originally posted by Quislet, Esq: That does sound like it would be ideal. It would be better than having us all spread out at different hotels. We could even spend an evening in just talking and/or watching videos (the Legioon cartoon)
For added fun, we (heh, if I can go ) can do our own cooking for some meals. Pasta or fried rice, for example, are both easy/quick to make and very filling.
Posted by Raging Bull on :
quote:Originally posted by Kent Shakespeare: No, not 10 beds. But even th same suite divided. Up among the number of beds is still a bargain vs hotels.
That particular suite has five beds. Even with a five-person occupancy, the rate is still only $75/night, which isn't dirt cheap, but is quite reasonable for nice urban accommodations.
quote:Originally posted by Faraway Lad: I would love to do this. but as everyone else has said money is the crucial issue. If I can scrape the funds together I would come.
Well, if you sold all your costumes uniforms on eBay, they would probably fetch a pretty penny!
(By the way, I saw some Hostess Fruit Pies at the store today and immediately thought of you. I almost bought a lemon pie in your honor, but then looked at the nutrition information label and quickly changed my mind...)
quote:Originally posted by Faraway Lad: put me down as interested but not firm (ooooh er missus)
Put me down as firm but not interested.
quote:Originally posted by Invisible Brainiac: For added fun, we (heh, if I can go ) can do our own cooking for some meals. Pasta or fried rice, for example, are both easy/quick to make and very filling.
The thought of tasty Filipino food is making my mouth water. I wish I still lived within walking distance of Jollibee! I haven't had a Palabok Fiesta in a long time...
Posted by Dave Hackett on :
Well, I think Morrisoncon is becoming less and less of a possibility for me this year, which means I can instead save up for this next year. Move me to the probable column.
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
Non-drinker, no-drugs, fat-free vegan female (that's me, BTW ) wishes to attend but can not commit absolutely at this early date.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Cramey, if you join us - I swear:
Every... single... last drop of coffee you desire... is on me.
Dave - were you really considering going to Morrisoncon? I have to admit... it did sound intriguing. Kinda pricey and a little bizarre in its concept (similar to Morrison, himself, I guess)... but intriguing.
Posted by Dave Hackett on :
I was indeed. The airfare broke me in the end though. There were no available flights using my Aeroplan points, and even the cheapest flights put the trip into just too high a range for a two day event, however exclusive it may have been.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
It does sound intriguing. If I were reading as many comics (esp his) as I was in the 90s, I'd be considering it myself.
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
quote:Originally posted by Fat Cramer: Non-drinker, no-drugs, fat-free vegan female
Oh, NO!!!! People with the above traits usually hate me!! Well, I'm a-getting my hug anyway, so prep yourself!!
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
quote:Originally posted by lowercase mllash:
quote:Originally posted by Fat Cramer: Non-drinker, no-drugs, fat-free vegan female
Oh, NO!!!! People with the above traits usually hate me!! Well, I'm a-getting my hug anyway, so prep yourself!!
Bah! I'm just your soul-opposite (or maybe I could be Bizarro Lash?). I could never hate you!
Exy, you make that offer decaf or a kale smoothie and I'm there.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
My current work schedule requires me to work weekends, so there is just no way (barring winning the lottery) that I am going to be able to attend. *sniffle*
Posted by Shining Son on :
We are talking a year from now, hopefully you might be able to trade a shift by then, or even have some vacation time available?
Posted by lancesrealm on :
Oh - I thought it was this August. Sorry. Well, in that case, I should be able to go.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Hey Exnihil, do we have a running tally of the definites, the maybes, and can't-afford-its?
Posted by Shining Son on :
among 10 people, that's $37 .50 a night. if we have more than 10 (as we hopefully will), they have other units for rent in the same building.
BTW did some checking up on the apartment Kent found, and there's a $25 per person per night surcharge for every person above 4, so for 10 people it would actually be $525 a night. Now at $53 per person that's still a great deal, but obviously the extra 14 bucks a night adds up quickly and it's not an amount anyone would want to be surprised by, so just posting it here.
Also there's taxes and such, and we need to keep the three-night minimum in mind. I wouldn't go to Chicago for less than three nights, but some of you who can drive there might be considering a shorter trip, so we need to know who's staying for how long.
I'm sorry, the stage manager side of me just decided to come out today. But there is only a year to go, time to start looking at logistics. Posted by Exnihil on :
Bump for new page.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Bump for new page.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Sorry for the delay in response in response, Shiney.
As this past weekend was the San Diego ComicCon, I figured the planning discussions for that should probably take center stage for a bit.
That being said, though, your investigation into Chicago lodging couldn't have come at a more coincidental time:
did some checking up on the apartment Kent found, and there's a $25 per person per night surcharge for every person above 4, so for 10 people it would actually be $525 a night...
... there is only a year to go, time to start looking at logistics.
I just found out this morning that I have to take a day trip to Chicago this coming Saturday.
I'm going to have a bit of time on my hands, so I was thinking - as Kent's suggestion does seem very viable - that I could take a swing by the place, ask a few questions, and ask to see the rooms so we could get an idea about actual size. ("Sleeps ten" could mean a lot of different things.)
I also noticed a note on that site which said:
"For larger groups, consider one of our other units within the same building"
... so I'll see what those other options are.
I'll scout the place out this Saturday and report back with my findings probably next Monday.
quote:Originally posted by Shining Son: ... do we have a running tally of the definites, the maybes, and can't-afford-its?
I think it still might be a little far out (over a year away) to have that finalized. The only person I would feel comfortable saying is a definite... is me.
(Hey, if nobody shows - I got the place to myself! Naked Time! )
I took a quick scan over this thread, though, and, at first glance, it looks like about 22 people have expressed interest - but a lot can change over the next year and I wouldn't want to speak to anyone's commitment before we have a solid plan.
Like I say, I'll get the details on the lodge this weekend, and then, with that in mind, we can work toward finalizing the date over the next month or so.
Based on what those logistics show, I think we should probably start looking for an actual commitment from people maybe starting around the turn of the year (probably after the holidays).
Sound good, everybody?
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil: The only person I would feel comfortable saying is a definite... is me.
(Hey, if nobody shows - I got the place to myself! Naked Time! )
Feel free to have naked time even if I am there.
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Quislet, Esq:
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil: The only person I would feel comfortable saying is a definite... is me.
(Hey, if nobody shows - I got the place to myself! Naked Time! )
Feel free to have naked time even if I am there.
...there's a $25 per night surcharge... wait... what... drat, that should have been a PM. Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
Sounds like a plan, Ex. That'll work out great. I hope it's not a dump.
As for three nights, I'd be up for that. It could very well still be cheaper than two nights anywhere else we wind up.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Oh I know it's nowhere near finalized, that's why I considered it just a running tally of where people stand so far. I had an idea that would require such data.
Now with this group, if you promise naked time I think you can be assured you won't be alone.
I'm pretty sure by "sleeps 10" it meant two in each of the four bedrooms and two on the sofa bed in the living room.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
You da man, Ex!
Barring any unforeseen life dramas, I am reasonably definite.
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
Put me down as reasonably definite also. At this point it appears like I will get there via "mega-bus" so I may need help escaping from/to the bus station? Will we be downtown? Oh there's so many things I don't know! A cocktail will soothe my jangled nerves...
Posted by Dev - Em on :
I'm a reasonably definite as well.
Worst case for me is that I get there really early one day and head home that night. I've done the drive before and while tough, I can hack it if I cannot afford an overnight.
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by lowercase mllash: Will we be downtown?
I'm heading into Chicago tomorrow and I'll be checking out the proposed lodge site. A quick google mapping shows:
... that it's about 2 miles as the crow flies from Navy Pier (which is pretty much dead center north to south of all the "cool stuff" - Sears Tower, Art Institute, etc.)
My wife and I took a trip to Chicago about ten years back. I think we stayed right around the same area, and not once did we wind up taking a taxi or anything, we just wandered on foot. So, depending what anyone wanted to do, I think it's fairly well located.
You bring up a good point about vehicles, though - I do have to scout out the parking situation.
I don't know how many cars we'd be looking at but I, at least, would be making a road trip out of it (by way of Louisville to see a buddy... you know who you are ) so, at a bare minimum there would be at least one vehicle for ferrying.
So, like I say - I'll get the lay of the land tomorrow and have a lot more detail on Monday.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Okey-doke...
I did a little weekend reconnaissance of the proposed lodging (called the North Side Suites) and here's the skinny:
1. Location:
Though the building is fairly close to Lincoln Park, it is actually classified as being in the neighborhood called, "Old Town". It is on the corner of Sedgwick and Eugenie streets in a very quiet neighborhood (it's across the street from a playground). If I had to describe what I think the neighborhood most looks like I'd say, "Sesame Street" - that sort of series of adjacent brownstones, but very clean.
It is a block away from North Ave - which is a main drag - and walking around a two block radius from there, I saw quite a few restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores - so sort of a mid-level city street (that is to say, not downtown, but bordering).
Although I was correct in saying that this was the area my wife and I had lodged, I think I might be overstating the "walkability" to the downtown area. It is not so much the distance (as stated before, about two miles to Navy Pier) but more the constraints of weather. I think my wife and I had gone in late October, so it was quite a bit cooler. When I was there Saturday it was about 85 degrees and, strolling around the neighborhood, it definitely felt it. Add on another month (if we are talking mid-August) and I don't think anybody's going to be wanting to do a two mile city hike.
That being said, this location is just two blocks from a Metro stop and right on a bus line. Add the fact I was planning on having a vehicle, anyway, and I think transport to the tourist sites is not a problem. Speaking of vehicles, that brings us to:
2. Parking
On street parking, in plain view of all of the suites. I had no problem parking right in front of the building at about 4PM on a Saturday. As I mentioned before, the playground across the street seems to open up quite a few spots, as there is an entire corner of non-residential space.
3. Set up and Ameneties
So, what it is is basically a 4 story apartment suite. There are 4 units, the previous discussed "sleeps ten", and then 3 other "sleeps six".
All of them have cable and wifi, and there is a shared laundry room. All of them have full kitchens and outdoor patios with grills. The individual suites vary on the number and size of the beds, so here are the individual breakdowns (Q = queen, D = Double, SS= Pull-out Sofa) along with the specific web pages:
So, overall, max capacity of 28. If we wind up deciding that this is the place for us, dependant on how many folks wind up commiting - and what their comfort level with sharing a room - it will likely behoove us to get multiple suites.
Obviously, if there is a female contingent (I know FC and Fanfie had mentioned they were possibilities) I would suggest either unit 2 or 3 specifically for them.
Sheep are not allowed (Sorry, Cobie).
4. Planning Schedule
So I spoke with the Management regarding reservations, and he said that booking for next August wouldn't open up until this coming November.
All four suites were currently occupied when I was there this past weekend. I actually ran into a family who was currently booked - A mother, father and two kids, on their way back from shopping. I chatted with the father for a bit and he said he was very satisfied with the lodging - remarking that it was quiet and very clean.
The Management said that although this month was fully booked, next month had several open weeks. I don't know if that is predictive for next August - but I imagine it would likely be a similar situation.
5. Next Steps
So, as I say, this was just an intial forray into one possibilty. Since we have about three months before intial bookings even begin for August, I figure we should open up the discussion again about whether this is the route we'd like to go.
It does seem conveniently located - close enough to downtown while still maintaining a nice separation, and very reasonably priced for the ameneties when divided across multiple people. Dependant upon personal preferences, the downside is the sort of "shared living" for a few days with other people, but, of course, moving in this direction is no preclusion to anyone opting out of the group plan and just getting their own hotel.
So...
You all have the floor, what are your thoughts?
[ July 23, 2012, 09:24 AM: Message edited by: Exnihil ]
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
I personally think it sounds pretty much as close to ideal for a group like us as anything will ever get.
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
From my experiences in Dallas and San Diego, it is better to have everyone in the same building.
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
Yeah, me in a strange city, I wanna be around people I know or at least know OF. Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
I want to be in the party room.
Posted by Power Boy on :
Roomies!
I'll bring the reality tv crew ... ha!
Hopefully, I can make it, A weekend sounds reasonable though.
Those places look really nice!
Posted by Power Boy on :
Will Cobie circa 2004 ... make an appearance ? Posted by Exnihil on :
Just carrying this over from the previous page:
Originally posted by Exnihil:
Okey-doke...
I did a little weekend reconnaissance of the proposed lodging (called the North Side Suites) and here's the skinny:
1. Location:
Though the building is fairly close to Lincoln Park, it is actually classified as being in the neighborhood called, "Old Town". It is on the corner of Sedgwick and Eugenie streets in a very quiet neighborhood (it's across the street from a playground). If I had to describe what I think the neighborhood most looks like I'd say, "Sesame Street" - that sort of series of adjacent brownstones, but very clean.
It is a block away from North Ave - which is a main drag - and walking around a two block radius from there, I saw quite a few restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores - so sort of a mid-level city street (that is to say, not downtown, but bordering).
Although I was correct in saying that this was the area my wife and I had lodged, I think I might be overstating the "walkability" to the downtown area. It is not so much the distance (as stated before, about two miles to Navy Pier) but more the constraints of weather. I think my wife and I had gone in late October, so it was quite a bit cooler. When I was there Saturday it was about 85 degrees and, strolling around the neighborhood, it definitely felt it. Add on another month (if we are talking mid-August) and I don't think anybody's going to be wanting to do a two mile city hike.
That being said, this location is just two blocks from a Metro stop and right on a bus line. Add the fact I was planning on having a vehicle, anyway, and I think transport to the tourist sites is not a problem. Speaking of vehicles, that brings us to:
2. Parking
On street parking, in plain view of all of the suites. I had no problem parking right in front of the building at about 4PM on a Saturday. As I mentioned before, the playground across the street seems to open up quite a few spots, as there is an entire corner of non-residential space.
3. Set up and Ameneties
So, what it is is basically a 4 story apartment suite. There are 4 units, the previous discussed "sleeps ten", and then 3 other "sleeps six".
All of them have cable and wifi, and there is a shared laundry room. All of them have full kitchens and outdoor patios with grills. The individual suites vary on the number and size of the beds, so here are the individual breakdowns (Q = queen, D = Double, SS= Pull-out Sofa) along with the specific web pages:
So, overall, max capacity of 28. If we wind up deciding that this is the place for us, dependant on how many folks wind up commiting - and what their comfort level with sharing a room - it will likely behoove us to get multiple suites.
Obviously, if there is a female contingent (I know FC and Fanfie had mentioned they were possibilities) I would suggest either unit 2 or 3 specifically for them.
Sheep are not allowed (Sorry, Cobie).
4. Planning Schedule
So I spoke with the Management regarding reservations, and he said that booking for next August wouldn't open up until this coming November.
All four suites were currently occupied when I was there this past weekend. I actually ran into a family who was currently booked - A mother, father and two kids, on their way back from shopping. I chatted with the father for a bit and he said he was very satisfied with the lodging - remarking that it was quiet and very clean.
The Management said that although this month was fully booked, next month had several open weeks. I don't know if that is predictive for next August - but I imagine it would likely be a similar situation.
5. Next Steps
So, as I say, this was just an intial forray into one possibilty. Since we have about three months before intial bookings even begin for August, I figure we should open up the discussion again about whether this is the route we'd like to go.
It does seem conveniently located - close enough to downtown while still maintaining a nice separation, and very reasonably priced for the ameneties when divided across multiple people. Dependant upon personal preferences, the downside is the sort of "shared living" for a few days with other people, but, of course, moving in this direction is no preclusion to anyone opting out of the group plan and just getting their own hotel.
So...
You all have the floor, what are your thoughts?
Posted by Shining Son on :
I like it, and at this time, short of actually having dates and committing to them, I plan to be there.
Have we started talking about how many nights yet? I would like to arrive on a Thurs to spend at least three nights, though I can find another place for the first night if we don't all want to spend that much time in Chicago.
For me, I don't want to fly anywhere for only two nights. If it's someplace I've already been to and all the kinks are worked out fine, but otherwise two nights is essentially one day, with one day arriving and the other departing.
[ July 24, 2012, 12:50 AM: Message edited by: Shining Son ]
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
I'm down with 3 nights... of course most of it depends on the mysterious "mega-bus" I keep being told about...
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Three is a resonable number. I might consider longer, as well.
Even if most people wind up deciding on three nights and we rent all four units, there is nothing to stop a handful of us who might want to make a week of it from renting one of those units for a longer bit.
I for one want to hit the Darcy McNickle library, but i do not imagine everyone does, or that it would be part of meet-up time.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Hey Lash, Boys Town is just 2 miles north of the apartment, so at least one drink has to be there.
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
quote:Originally posted by Kent Shakespeare: I for one want to hit the Darcy McNickle library, but i do not imagine everyone does, or that it would be part of meet-up time.
I thought the reason we picked Chicago was because of the Darcy McNickle Library. Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
3-4 nights sounds just right.
Posted by Shining Son on :
I googled it but can't say I understand the attraction to the D'arcy McNickle Library for this group as a whole. Did I miss something comic, Legion, or future-related there? Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
No. That's why i said it probably Wouldn't hold group sppeal.
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
And I was teasing Kent
Posted by Shining Son on :
Ah. Well stranger things have happened so I had to ask.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
No worries. Internet communiction is all about the disconnect between a writer's intentions and how it is interpreted!
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
This place looks amazing, and three nights would give us the chance to sample some local cuisine but also cook in-house to save money. Did you happen to see what kind of cooking utensils (pots, pans, roasters, etc.) are there?
If we have enough people to rent out the whole place, it should be a total blast.
Posted by Blockade Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Suddenly Seymour: This place looks amazing, and three nights would give us the chance to sample some local cuisine
This place is really close. A couple streets over on N Halstead.
I like it a lot. Not exactly inexpensive though.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
It is in line with many places that have that sort of menu. Even cheaper than some.
Posted by Shining Son on :
A few months back I'd gotten it into my head to make a graphic for this shindig, and tonight I got it into my head to actually post the draft.
So, if I can figure out how to use photobucket by the time I hit the Post button, here it is!
Posted by Shining Son on :
Now I opened just a basic free photobucket account so I'm sure some of you will get "bandwidth exceeded" images instead at some point, but I bet you can click this link that takes you directly to photobucket.com, where they will probably show you an ad, but at least let you see the graphic.
Failing that, maybe you can go there and search for "ShiningSon" with no spaces.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Very nice!
Posted by Exnihil on :
Very cool, Shiney. I dig it!
OK... so it's August, and we've got a hair over a year now to get our shi... er... stuff... together to make this happen.
Thus far we've determined the location and general timeframe:
Chicago - with what seems to be a consensus toward trying to book the North Side Suites (with as many suites as our final count will dictate) - during one of two timeframes in August (total days still under discussion) which would contain either the weekend of 8/17 or 8/24 (arrived at by eliminating the August weekends containing Lollapalooza and Wizard World, both of which would likely represent constraints for lodging).
So...
As I mentioned a page back, August reservations open up this coming November for those suites, so I think the time is right to nail down the targeted weekend (while still leaving discussion open for how many days total).
So, between the weekend of the 17th and the weekend of the 24th... are there any overwhelming preferences?
Should we poll it?
Posted by Shining Son on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil: Very cool, Shiney. I dig it!
On the photobucket site linked above there's another version with some Legiony colors. I'd like to know which people prefer and if there are any other suggestions for colors.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Re: the date, I'm going to GenCon this year, and if our area is successful, chances are next year too, and it's currently scheduled for August 15-18, 2013. So it looks like the only choice for me might be 8/24. Though if it IS 8/24 I can just come up from Indianapolis and be very very early.
Posted by Exnihil on :
OK. That's one vote in favor of the 24th weekend over the 15th.
Does anyone else have any preference - or is it basically 6 of one, half dozen of the other when we're talking about dates so close to one another?
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil: OK. That's one vote in favor of the 24th weekend over the 15th.
Does anyone else have any preference - or is it basically 6 of one, half dozen of the other when we're talking about dates so close to one another?
That is to say, "24th over 17th"
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Either currently seem okay to me.
There is an outside chance the 24th might not be feasable, buti won't know that until late Winter.
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
Whichever week the megabus doesn't crash and kill everyone!!! *glares at recent news article*
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
As is well-documented, I am far too pretty to die.
Posted by Viridis Lament on :
quote:Originally posted by lowercase mllash: As is well-documented, I am far too pretty to die.
But...think of the beautiful zombie you'd be!!
Anyways, either date works for me and Desdemonia
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
But with his brains, he'd have to eat his own!
Posted by Dev - Em on :
Kind of far out to really know, but I cannot see an issue with either weekend.
Posted by Language Arts Dave on :
As a former resident, i wanted to add that Chicago has a World Class public transportation system. There's an El stop basically around the corner from these Suites and where the train doesn't go the Clark St. Bus will get you there from the Loop ( downtown) to Evanston. You can actually take the Blue line From the airport downtown and change for a ride to the neighborhood we're talking about. boystown, Wrigley, and the Art institute are all easy trips. And , Second City is right there at North Ave. and Wells.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Cool. I'm glad to hear this!
Posted by Shining Son on :
Hey folks, the First Exposure Playtest Hall at GenCon this year was in fact very very successful, so barring any disasters or sickness in my life I will be at GenCon 2013 in Indianapolis on Aug 15-18.
I feel kinda pressured being the only one to vote for a date for the LW Gathering though. Even if everyone else truly is available both weekends, if it's on the weekend of the 24th solely because of me, and it rains, or god forbid I can't make it after all, I'd feel icky to put it mildly.
My vote isn't even hard and fast anyway. I'm really not averse to starting off at GenCon and finishing the weekend in Chicago. That will mean less than a week away from home for both trips which is not a bad thing money-wise, but if they're not the same weekend then I'd probably come into Chicago from Indianapolis on Sunday or Monday and spend the week there (rather than flying home for three days to get back on a plane so soon), which will give me time to not feel rushed and acclimate to Chicago a bit on my own.
In that case I hope some others will get in earlier in the week too. I don't need more than two nights to myself!
If we go with weekend of the 24th I would be happy to handle checking into the suite and being the welcoming person.
Posted by Shining Son on :
By which I simply mean to say: will someone else please vote!?!?!
Oh all right, if we can't book the rooms till November anyway I guess the vote doesn't need to be done before then...
And BTW, speaking of Chicago, I know someone giving away his ticket to the World Science Fiction Convention happening there this coming weekend, so check here and post reply there or PM me ASAP if you can use it.
Posted by Exnihil on :
I wouldn't fret the date too much, Shiney. The general feel - I think - is that most people who are planning on coming would be OK with either weekend, the 17th or the 24th, so unless there is a major objection, I'm thinking the 24th... as that puts a little more space between the summer holidays and the end of the season. I know Kent said he might have a conflict then, so we'll still play that by ear at this point.
As you said, the management said November before they start taking reservations for next August, but I might touch base with him again around late September just to make sure the situation hasn't changed.
The approach I've been thinking I'll take is - since we are giving so much advance notice - to see what both the downpayment and refund policies are. That way, I could see if I could reserve all four of the suites at the earliest date I could. This would give people more time to decide whether they actually want to commit to coming.
Ideally, we'll have a big turnout and the four suites would be warranted. The worst case scenario is that far fewer people decide to come and I wind up having to cancel one or more of the reservations and eat the cost on the downpayment. I'm not too worried in either case, although - in the latter scenario - Ex will be drinking for free that weekend. Posted by Shining Son on :
Now how are we going to get the folks who cancel to pay for your drinks?
I mean, it's not the fault of those of us who are THERE, right? Posted by Exnihil on :
Shush, you... stop thwarting my master plan. I was all set to add in a "stuffed olive tax" in the fine print of the receipts and just hope no one noticed. Posted by Dev - Em on :
I see how it's gonna be. Better save up to buy Ex a drink. Which I owe him anyway.
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
I will be happy to buy Exnihil a drink in Chicago. The drink I choose to buy for him is a 12 ounce Diet Coke.
Posted by Exnihil on :
OK, guys... an update:
So, I spoke again with the Management of the North Side Suites (see Here for the previously discussed details).
I inquired about deposit and refund policy, and it looks like things are going to work out really well, both for myself and anyone interested in attending.
Basically, normally they look for a 50% deposit, but since I told him I would be looking to reserve this November for August 2013, he said that since I'm getting in so early, they'd only ask for a one night per suite deposit.
Additionally, their cancellation policy is as follows: Upon cancellation, deposit is forfeit unless the suite is subsequently rebooked prior to the date of reservation, in which case the deposit is either refunded or applied against the balance.
Given that this past year, every single weekend in August was booked - provided we can begin finalizing our headcount sometime around early spring - that's a gamble I'm more than willing to take.
So, long story short, here's what I think we should do:
1. Come November, I can go ahead and book all four suites (I was thinking Wednesday Aug 21st - Sunday Aug 25th - although if there are any other strong opinions on the range, please voice them).
2. From that point through like April-ish, we can begin getting firmer commitments from folks. Once we pass 10 people confirmed, done deal, we've built up the safe-guard against full out cancellation.
3. As that number increases we'll then have a better idea of how many suites we actually need and, if necessary, can begin cancelling by like May, and then hedge the bets that the cancelled suites will be rebooked (I am very confident they would be).
This plan, I think, allows us to have the maximum flexibility for the longest amount of time, protects me personally from any major financial loss, and gives everyone the longest amount of time to actually decide whether they are coming.
Sound good?
Posted by Shining Son on :
Sounds good to me. And we'll be in the somewhat unusual position of being there anyway, and actually knowing whether the other suites were re-booked or not.
Not that anyone in the hospitality industry would lie, of course.
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
Ex, how much would my share of the deposit be? If I go ahead and send it to you, I am that much less likely to talk myself out of going Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by lowercase mllash: Ex, how much would my share of the deposit be?
Heck, if you want to send me money, Lash, I won't complain, but there's no need this early.
I hadn't gotten as far as figuring out the best way to divvy costs yet. For the initial deposit, I was just going to pay it myself, then figure out all the "settle up" bits later.
Since the suites themselves are different prices, one idea that I did have which I thought was probably the most fair, and wouldn't penalize any person for winding up in a more expensive one as opposed to less, was to propose that instead of basing the per individual cost on room, we should probably do it as an overall pro-rated cost per night.
So like, say for an easy example... 16 people wind up coming, of which 10 want to stay four nights, and 6 want to stay 2 . First off, we could cancel the other two 6 man suites and just have one 6 and one 10. The 10 we would rent for 4 nights, the 6 for 2 nights.
In that scenario, for two nights we would divide the total cost of both suites across 16 people, and for the other two nights, the cost of one suite would be divided across 10 people.
That's just one idea, but we can suss all that out over the next six months or so.
quote:Originally posted by lowercase mllash: I am that much less likely to talk myself out of going
Bah! Oh, yes... I said, "Bah".
If you don't come who am I supposed to smoke with as I lounge around in my towel?
(He said... carefully laying out his Lash-bait )
Posted by lowercase mllash on :
GASP! You bring the ashtray, I'll bring the towels! *plans to "forget" towels* Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
Wow Ex, that is an AMAZING plan you have there. As someone who usually ends up making plans for the groups of friends I drag along to wherever, I am very impressed.
(Blaze would be too, since he has the same problems - that's why we prefer to travel together and alone )
Posted by Shining Son on :
quote:Originally posted by lowercase mllash: GASP! You bring the ashtray, I'll bring the towels! *plans to "forget" towels*
Fortunately for Lash, Chicago guest houses don't provide towels.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Sounds excellent, Exxy! I know I told you i would getback to you on some info, and despite some delayes, i still will... Soon. If you. Hve not heard back from me by Sunday, feel free to pester me.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Cool, no rush, brother. Looking at what I've got coming up in the next few weeks, it looks like I'll probably be looking to place the intial reservations on November 9th.
Posted by Everyday Girl on :
Ohmygod! Mr Ex-Nyquil if you need help pestering Mr Shakeyrear, text me. I'm like aces at pestering people!
Posted by Fanfic Lady on :
It is my sad duty to officially announce that, due to recurring financial issues, I won't be able to go the the 2013 LW Gathering.
But I'll raise a non-alcoholic beverage to everybody who does make it.
Have fun, Legion Worlders.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Aww... sorry to hear that, Fanfie. I understand completely but, you know, it's still a ways off yet, so who knows what might change over the next ten months?
And Everyday Girl, you can put those guns back in your holsters, as Kent just let me know his potential conflict cleared up so our targeted dates totally work for him.
So... to recap the plan here:
1. Next Friday, November 9th, I'm going to be placing the reservations for the four suites at Northside (one of which sleeps 10, the other three which sleep 6 each) for the date range of Wednesday Aug 21st - Sunday Aug 25th, 2013.
2. From then through the end of April, people can start to committing as to whether they are definitely coming.
3. By that point I'd like to have a pretty firm idea of our final count, so we can figure out how much of the space we actually need (and for how long) and what days/rooms can be cancelled.
4. I'm proposing that the lodging cost per person be determined as a pro-rated per night cost. Each day would be that night's total divided by how many people are staying that night. We can figure out the best way for folks to pay when the time comes, it'll all work out.
Things to begin thinking about if you are planning on coming (assuming you are staying at the suites - I know a couple people, like Dev, mentioned they'd probably just drive in for a day):
- How many days, and which ones, within that window would you be looking to stay?
- What is your degree of comfort with sharing a room, and is there a particular other Legion Worlder that you want as a roomie?
- Will you be coming solo, or are you bringing a spouse/friend? (I know for instance that Viridis had mentioned that he and Disdemona might be coming, so obviously they would share a single room).
- Are there any special considerations to take into account (examples - not wanting to be in a suite with smokers, or a suite where there might be drinking going on)?
- Or anything else - I'm sure there are a thousand considerations, I'll do my best to make sure any concerns are addressed well in advance.
So there we have it... let the fun begin! Posted by mechana on :
Hey guys! A couple of quick questions re: the gathering. These may have been answered already, but I hope you'll forgive me for not reading all 15 pages of the thread!
I see that you are booking a suite hotel. Would you happen to know if there is a regular hotel nearby where I could stay for just a night or two, but still be close enough to make socializing easy? (I would likely be bringing a friend and I snore like a bandsaw, so sharing a room is not really an option.)
No worries if this not an easy question. I can certainly do some research online, I just thought I'd check to see if anyone else was in the same boat and had checked out the situation.
Thanks!
Posted by Viridis Lament on :
I am definitely going, as well as Disdemona and Superbaby!!
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by mechana: Hey guys! A couple of quick questions re: the gathering. These may have been answered already, but I hope you'll forgive me for not reading all 15 pages of the thread!
I see that you are booking a suite hotel. Would you happen to know if there is a regular hotel nearby where I could stay for just a night or two, but still be close enough to make socializing easy? (I would likely be bringing a friend and I snore like a bandsaw, so sharing a room is not really an option.)
No worries if this not an easy question. I can certainly do some research online, I just thought I'd check to see if anyone else was in the same boat and had checked out the situation.
Thanks!
Hiya, mechana...
OK, I did a quick Google maps search, so this is by no means comprehensive, but it looks like there are quite a few options in the same general neighborhood as the North Side suites:
If you see where the "A" is on that map, the suites we are targeting are on the opposite side of that same block, at Eugenie and Sedgewick streets.
I feel you on the snoring front. I've been told I sound like peak time at the lumber yard (although strangely, the time I roomed with Shark Lad in SD he didn't hear a thing... hmmm... if he's going, I call Sharky as my Chicago roomie!)
Posted by Conjure Lass on :
*think think*
I could easily take a train up to Chicago for a day or two. Someone would have to explain how I'd get to the hotel from the station though since i'd be coming on my own!
Granted, I know i'm kind of new and people might be a bit uncomfortable rooming with me. I'd understand completely if that were the case.
Posted by Shining Son on :
I've been here over a year and I doubt anyone thinks of me as terribly new anymore, but nobody's met me in person yet, let alone shared a room with me. I'm sure that's the case for many coming so it's a risk all around.
I suppose that if the snorers are aware that they snore, that'll help with picking roommates who aren't bothered by it.
Similarly, I'm a late-night reader, late riser, so I'm best with someone who doesn't need absolute darkness to sleep, and who doesn't feel everyone in the room needs to be awake at dawn just because they are.
If bedrooms have vcr's or dvd players, I guess roommates should be assigned according to what one wants to watch after going to bed. (I was thinking someone might have the LSH animated series, but it occurs to me there might be enough call for a late-night gay porn room with this crowd...)
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Conjure Lass: Granted, I know i'm kind of new and people might be a bit uncomfortable rooming with me. I'd understand completely if that were the case.
The more the merrier I say!
I can't speak for everyone, but I would think the "newness" factor isn't that much of a concern at all. (every gathering is someone's first and, shoot, by the time next August rolls around, you'll be a vet, anyway. )
The one thing you should probably be aware of though - given that folks' screen names don't always correspond to their actual gender - is who else is also female in this thread, if that is a factor in your lodging plans.
Other females who have expressed interest in possibly coming so far are:
Disdemona (confirmed - Viridis Lament's wife) Gigglebot Girl (Faraway Lad's wife) Fat Cramer mechana and Fanfic Lady (who, given her post above, is probably out.)
Posted by Conjure Lass on :
HAHA. I've roomed with guys before at anime conventions and things, so no worries. As long as they're not uncomfortable with it, I'm cool. We're all grown ups.
Truthfully, I'm cool with just about everything. Late risers, smokers, early risers, drinkers, none of that matters to me. All i care about is that whomever I room with doesn't wreck the place and/or behave in a manner that would get us thrown out.
XD So, I think you can count me in. It would be a nice, relatively inexpensive little vacation for me next year! Posted by Shining Son on :
Some folks' bodies don't always correspond with their actual gender!
I've roomed with people of both genders so you can put me down on the list of those for whom that's not a factor. Unless we do the gay porn room.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
I also don't mind sharing a room with just about anyone. (Though I'm not all that interested in the gay porn room )
I'm unsure at this point if it'll be just be riding solo or if I'm bringing Lady Cobalt. I probably won't know until the Spring. I'm not big on planning things out in advance. Posted by Exnihil on :
OK... tomorrow is a big day for planning.
I'll be placing the reservation for the four suites at Northside (one of which sleeps 10, the other three which sleep 6 each) for the date range of Wednesday Aug 21st - Sunday Aug 25th, 2013.
As I mentioned before, my plan is to hold on to this full reservation until about the end of April, at which point I'll cancel any extra space and/or time we don't need.
From now until then, you guys can make up your minds about whether you'll be coming or not. Based upon the discussions - in this thread and elsewhere - below is my preliminary list based upon expressed degree of interest and perceived likelihood of attendance at this point.
Some of this may have changed once the location was nailed down as Chicago, so apologies in advance if I've misrepresented anyone's current status or misread your intent (or if I've missed anyone entirely). Please feel free to provide corrections and updates as your status changes:
Look about right as a first pass?
Posted by Conjure Lass on :
Looks right to me! You can put (solo) by me as well! I'll be coming alone. Posted by Power Boy on :
I am indeed a possible. I would love to come but I just don't have any clue of my commitments at that time.
Posted by Power Boy on :
Lard Lad however ... must go.
Posted by Power Boy on :
It is my royal leadership decree. One of the few actual powers that comes with Legionworld.net leadership!!!!
"Make it so!"
Posted by Shining Son on :
I know it's months away but I'd love to know if it's a "no politics" gathering. I'm sure I'll still be tired of hearing anything political, and I'd rather not know if someone voted against my rights in any event.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
quote:Originally posted by Dev - Em: I say the only politics allowed, are The Politics of Dancing!
I dance outstandingly bad, but I'll concur with this!
Posted by Shining Son on :
Okay, who's in charge of searching out the dance clubs?
Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
You need to move me down to Possible
Posted by Dev - Em on :
quote:Originally posted by Conjure Lass:
quote:Originally posted by Dev - Em: I say the only politics allowed, are The Politics of Dancing!
I dance outstandingly bad, but I'll concur with this!
I guarantee that you would be better than I.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
Someone needs to contact Loser Lad.
Posted by My Whee Fem on :
I think Abin has an old phone number for him somewhere.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
quote:Originally posted by Shining Son: I know it's months away but I'd love to know if it's a "no politics" gathering. I'm sure I'll still be tired of hearing anything political, and I'd rather not know if someone voted against my rights in any event.
I think by then election fever should be out of most people's systems. Even so, I cannot recall many poli discussions at prior LW meet-ups.
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Quislet, Esq: You need to move me down to Possible
This is about that crack I made in the "Yo, Cobie" thread, isn't it, Quis? Posted by Quislet, Esq on :
What crack is that? I'll have to check it out.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Just teasing you, Quis. Like I said, the "status" of everyone there was just my best guess at trying to read through the lines of 17 pages of this thread + PMs, so there were bound to be a few misplacements.
Anyway... adjusted list:
...and an update that the reservations... have been made!
Shit just got real!
[ November 09, 2012, 02:04 PM: Message edited by: Exnihil ]
Posted by Exnihil on :
Oh... and somebody had asked further up thread about pots and pans and stuff like that.
Yeah, they're all fully furnished with "domestic-y" type things. Linens, and blankets and all that are also provided.
One other thing that I did find out, though, was that there is a limit on parking to just four vehicles. I don't think that's a huge deal because I imagine most people would be flying in/taking the train, etc.
I'm actually road-tripping it, though, so I'll be able to act as "shuttle guy" if needed.
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
Argh -- I won't know for sure until Feb. 14 if I can get approval. It shouldn't be a problem since there's only one person ahead of me in seniority, but it'll drive me crazy not knowing.
And I'm the one who asked about pots and pans, so good to know. I imagine we'll want to cook in for some meals to save money.
But how can they sleep so many people and have only four parking spots? I'll be driving in since I'm just coming from Detroit. Cross my fingers!
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Suddenly Seymour: But how can they sleep so many people and have only four parking spots? I'll be driving in since I'm just coming from Detroit. Cross my fingers!
They said it's one per suite... but don't worry, it's all on street anyway. When I was out there in July scoping it out there were plenty of spots.
What they don't know... Posted by Shining Son on :
I'm presuming it's either real close to additional parking or it's such a "downtown" area with mass transit that most don't come there by car.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Just click on the "Street View" and spin it around. That playground opens up tons of parking.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
quote:Originally posted by Suddenly Seymour: Argh -- I won't know for sure until Feb. 14 if I can get approval. It shouldn't be a problem since there's only one person ahead of me in seniority, but it'll drive me crazy not knowing.
And I'm the one who asked about pots and pans, so good to know. I imagine we'll want to cook in for some meals to save money.
But how can they sleep so many people and have only four parking spots? I'll be driving in since I'm just coming from Detroit. Cross my fingers!
How many nights are you staying SS?
I may be willing to pool...kinda depends though.
Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
Right now, I'm planning on the whole shebang.
Posted by Dev - Em on :
That's how many nights?
...and what nights?
Posted by Power Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Exnihil:
Just click on the "Street View" and spin it around. That playground opens up tons of parking.
... Twin Anchors looks like a good time !!!
Posted by Dev - Em on :
I have no idea where in this thread the actual info is.
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by Dev - Em: That's how many nights?
...and what nights?
Wednesday Aug 21st - Sunday Aug 25th, 2013
4 nights, departing Sunday
Posted by Dev - Em on :
Thanks Ex.
Posted by Conjure Lass on :
OMGOSH. I'm a really good cook/baker! I would absolutely LOVE to cook one night. Love, love, love.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Looks like there will be more than one "SS" there.
Posted by MLLASH on :
You can put SOLO by me, ain't nobody slowing my Chicago roll!
Posted by Shining Son on :
What exactly does solo mean on this chart?
Posted by Dev - Em on :
No significant other.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Sonny, best I figure it means you are flying solo at the event, and not bringing a husband/wife/child/boyfriend/girlfriend!
Posted by MLLASH on :
quote:Originally posted by Dev - Em: No significant other.
Don't let Mrs. -Em hear that. Ha, Ha, Ha!
Posted by Exnihil on :
quote:Originally posted by MLLASH: Sonny, best I figure it means you are flying solo at the event, and not bringing a husband/wife/child/boyfriend/girlfriend!
Yep. Just me being "slangy" I guess.
But, yeah, as much as I'd love y'all to meet Mrs. Nihil - I'll be flying solo on this one, too.
We talked about it, but the vibe seemed more "reunion-y" and I know I'd fight tooth and nail if I had to hang out with a bunch of her friends. Posted by Shining Son on :
Well if such things are being recorded, I'm arriving solo.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
I'm planning on attending. Life could throw a curve ball, but I'm pretty sure I'll be there.
My sister lives in nearby Lisle, so I may stay a few days after to see her.
Posted by Shining Son on :
I'll be coming to town early, if you want to visit your sister before the weekend, yet also have an emergency escape. Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
quote:Originally posted by Conjure Lass: OMGOSH. I'm a really good cook/baker! I would absolutely LOVE to cook one night. Love, love, love.
It just so happens that I'm a fantastic eater / customer! Posted by Conjure Lass on :
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid:
quote:Originally posted by Conjure Lass: OMGOSH. I'm a really good cook/baker! I would absolutely LOVE to cook one night. Love, love, love.
It just so happens that I'm a fantastic eater / customer!
HAHA! I love a man (or anyone for that matter) who can eat. Makes me feel appreciated! XD
Posted by Shining Son on :
Make sure I'm along for the supermarket run. Don't know why I love supermarkets but I do.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
I ditto the cooking idea. I love to cook, too, and it'll be nice to have a place to do that for/with each other.
That will also help make this a bit more cost-effective. We can prioritize the eating-out for when it really counts.
Posted by Exnihil on :
Just bumping for a fresh page, please ignore.
Posted by Exnihil on :
OK... here is the updated attendance list with some added detail about who will need what sort of lodging space, and for how long.
Rocky has been bumped up to the "Very Likely" block, and Chicagoland native gal, Emily Sivana, has been added to the "Possible" block pending her post grad plans:
If your line is missing any info, don't feel any pressure - like I said, we should probably finalize by April - but if you do know, feel free to provide it at your convenience.
Posted by Viridis Lament on :
Seeing those two names in pink makes me sad.
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
Sorry guys, but Blaze and I have to be moved down to unlikely. I'm part of a major project that's unlikely to end until July/August 2013 budget-wise... we'll have to see as well.
Posted by Exnihilo on :
No problem, Ibby... I sort of figured you guys were long shots given the distance, but since you had expressed interest I didn't want to make any assumptions until I heard it from you directly.
Posted by Director Lad on :
Keep me in the "Possible" category, but it's really going to depend on my post-graduate-school finances and job prospects.
Posted by lancesrealm on :
You can move me up to the very likely category. It will depend a little on finances, but I just got a better job so I think everything should be cool for me to be there.
Any idea what the "cost per day per person" will be on the rooms?
Posted by Power Boy on :
If only I could actually fly at super speeds. Or had a working Mother Box to teleport me there.
Posted by Shining Son on :
Yay for Lance's better job!
Posted by lancesrealm on :
Thanks SS! I am now operations manager for a couple of radio stations here in Cincinnati. The pay is mediocre, but they offer very nice insurance with no out-of-pocket, so that's good. Plus, I like the job better than anything else I have done in the past year.
I was planning on driving to Chicago, but the company has some deal that would allow me to get airline tickets cheap.
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)![[Shudder]](graemlins/shudder.gif)
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) wishes to attend but can not commit absolutely at this early date.
![[Fat Cramer]](graemlins/FatCramer.gif)
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budget-wise... we'll have to see as well.