get/together

Wow, this is about a thousand years late, but I wrote it longhand while I was away at third form camp. Feel my pain!!! I got sunburn! And a tree branch hit me in the head! And... I was away from the net for a week. After it had been *down* for two!

Anyway, I'm still sticking this up, possibly as the official minutes, or for posterity. Noone posted saying they hated it (unless you've all filtered me out and are saying so secretly) so I'm going out on a limb and calling it an unmitigated, absolute and total success. It was awesome. Imho.

I am so very very glad that a) china_shop and I both had so much fun at sinpozium that we said in unison, "Let's have a little get__together of our own; b) that the House of Fen all chorused "We'll come!!!"; and c) that I decided to have it at the Manor. I think it helped make it really homey and relaxed. And what on earth is the point of living in a huge house with a projection room if you don't have legions of slashers round to watch stuff with you? I wish you all lived in Wellington.

Anyway...

Day One: Friday

Got home from work, looked around in horror, realised I am, in fact, Hamlet Prince of Denmark, King of Procrastinators. I had neither finished tidying the house, nor even started my Smallville presentation. Nor, and this is the bit that I kept secret all weekend, had I marked the last thirty junior history exams I had to have done by Monday, how *dare* you change the timetable and tell me on *Friday* when I planned this thing months in advance??? Just the thought of them made me want to cry, but I resolutely compartmentalised and forgot about them. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Tidied, vacuumed, made beds. Cursed the vagaries of life which meant the adsl was down on my desktop and I had to use the wireless on my laptop. Surfed around a little, gave up. Made more beds. Planned menus. Made more beds. Figured that was probably enough beds. Was so exhausted by this point I really wanted my own bed. Waited up for the flight in from Sydney. Which was of course late. Wondered if I'd given adequate instructions on how to find the house. Finally heard timid knock on door and opened it to find chirpy, bright eyed Australians. Rudely left them admiring the cityscape and harbour by night from my living room, and went to bed. Sorry about that.

Day Two: Saturday

Got up a whopping four hours later and went upstairs to get lunch started and, ahem, do that pesky presentation. In a strange congruence of luck and slashy karma (certainly not good planning) I found what I needed easily and quickly, and didn't have to face the shame of being the hostess and also the one whose dog ate her homework.

We started with Slash Pictionary. This is, imho, the Best Game Ever. It cracks me up so much. I love Pictionary anyway, but once there are anal probes and aliens and hot guys with experimental hair involved it can't be beat.

Best clues:

Rodney McKay becomes a travelling salesman for anal probes
Lex Luthor gets arrested having sex in the Presidential Limo

Best pictures:

Alexander and House do the wild thing (because I thought Alexander's helmet was a Robin Hood hat and it was very cute)
the one where I thought Fox Mulder's badge was a pizza box, and the letters FBI somehow coalesced into an anal probe

Then we went downstairs and did Fandom Intros. I'm really glad we did this – it's good to know what flist is talking about. Plus I totally got sucked in by a few. *sigh*

hnix showed us the pimp reel for House again. It's so good I have been seduced into watching the damn show. ETA: I have watched to ep 10. Thanks Sin. Love it! Scrubs was just as awesome second time around.

china_shop made us all sing the Due South filk to "A Few of my Favourite Things". It was hysterical, and made me not care that I can't sing.

mab_browne gave an excellent powerpoint on The Sentinel. Artworks, recs, explanations, and some excellent clips. For the first time ever I want to watch the damn show. Was disappointed to hear that all the kissing was from the gag reels, but still. Oh! And she made *fliers*.

I did Smallville. Depressed everyone with "Hurt". Horrified them with "Closer". [From the cheap seats: "Is this porn or snuff?" "Both."] Made them smile with "Gay Bar". Made them laugh hysterically with "I Can Change", "Small Wars" and "Clone Project". Plus 3scoremiles, who is not in fandom was sucked in. All in all I call it a win. God I love my big dumb incredibly gay show.

blademistress gave an amazingly thorough powerpoint, not just on Full Metal Alchemist, but also on anime/manga/hentai etc in general. Lots of useful vocabulary and now I know what's going on. I feel *informed*!

sinden replayed the Atlantis pimp reel, which made more sense to me this time. I must say, McKay does nothing for me, but Sheppard is awesome. ETA: I watched the pilot (thanks, Sin) and have now spent the entire week reading SGA slash when I should have been working. Stick a fork in me, I'm done. I *so* did not need another pathological addiction. ETA2: I've *now* read about a hundred stories. I am *so* hooked it's not funny. You *beeyotch*!!! Lex is stuck in an asylum and really I only care about spiky hair, black marks and lop-sided mouths! She then played the new reel for Supernatural. I like the look of it but I'll wait till it hits NZ.

i_naiad gave a comprehensive intro to the Pop phenomenon. Sad to say I *still* can't tell the difference (between bands *or* between members), but hey, it took all three LotR films for me to distinguish Merry and Pippin, so meh.

Honourable mention to the non-presenters who provided an audience for us egotists:

stickmarionette played us an ep of Le Cameleon. I mean The Pretender. Pretty damn funny in French, and intriguing in English.

vaudevilles played The Drag Kings and Britney as a torch ballad. I'm a little afraid.

meelie brought the Superman/Batman movie just for me. It was awesome. And so gay. I *did* copy it by the way – since I was up at 6am Monday morning before you guys left. ;-p

alasen lapped up the slashy goodness, plus introduced a new con cliche, namely people pretending to be robots. Gotta love it.

sethra2000 just generally revelled in the atmosphere. And apparently enjoyed sleeping on my couch. So yay.

3scoremiles was very confused, somewhat bemused, but also amused. She Doesn't Think Alexander/Hephaistion Is A Fandom. I'm not sure whether to be glad or sorry she missed seeing me draw "Achilles gives Hephaistion a cock ring". I'll get you yet, and your little dog too. [Or perhaps not. Keep the damn dogs away from me. I'm sorry.]

And also big props to my best friend's boyfriend, who showed me how to wire the laptops in to the projector. Thanks H.

Day Three: Sunday

Some awesome discussions. The usual chaotic rabble of people talking over each other and getting too excited to sit still. Good times.

So yeah. That's all folks. Thank you all *so much* for coming, and I hope to see you all again in the not too distant future. EhoF, hope the road trip was good.

Yeehah.

I was going to say something very rude about lj and how it's eating comments, but then I remembered my joy at being back and thought I'd better not tempt fate. Sorry, good buddy.

So.

With regard to the weather...

I tend to view weather forecasts with a great deal of skepticism. It really hasn't been that cold. Though there have been a couple of spectacular rainstorms. I've been wearing a t-shirt all week, and apart from the one time I froze in driving rain at the bus stop, I've been comfortable. Note that I am *not* telling you not to bring jerseys and jackets. I'm just saying it's not Antarctica. And the thermostat inside my house said it was 25 degrees yesterday afternoon. That's internal, not external, temperature, but still.

Gear wise...

Aussies, I'm making up the spare beds for you. You told me you don't mind sharing, and I've taken you at your word. So no equipment required other than what you need for the road trip?

Aucklanders, chances are I have enough blankets to make up the couches as well. But if you want to bring a sleeping bag that'd be cool.

I certainly have enough towels etc for everyone.

Foodwise, china and I are shopping this afternoon, including gluten free spaghetti etc as required. I'm not sure whether to assume you'll be smuggling in cheap plonk a la sinpozium?

Address. I'll email it out this afternoon, and text sethra who'll be on the road. It's an easy bus ride from the Railway Station for those of you coming by bus and train, and a short taxi ride from the airport. There should be no difficulty.

I think that's it for now. No doubt I will remember something else as soon as I hit send.

Ah. Just did.

We think we'll start at 9am on Saturday. Nothing like getting up bright and early and getting into the swing of things. Obviously if you're at the Rail at the crack of dawn, have a coffee then get the first bus up, don't malinger longer than you have to.

Right. Now I do think that's all.

I am still alive, if anyone was wondering. My radio silence is attributable not to lack of enthusiasm, but to the two words I hate most in the English language - computer problems...

That said... Three more sleeps to go.

Naturally that means I haven't shopped, tidied, or finished my presentation. Woohoo!!! Go me.

No, seriously. All is in hand. I'm set.

All I need to know is when you're all arriving.

So let me know asap, and again...

Three more sleeps to go.

Well! It's only a month till get__together, so it's about time I get off my ass and post some of the things I've been promising for ages. I've been holding back because I wanted to say something *witty*. But guess what? It's not happening. Too busy, too tired.

So let's take a cue from Nike, and Just Do It..

First things first:

It's time for formal registration. Not because this is an exam or anything, but because... it's fun. And then it feels real. And then I'll go tidy up the home theatre at Stately Luthor Manor and vacuum the guest rooms, because I know you're all coming. Plus start shopping and menu planning...

So please fill out the Registration Form. Remember, it's *not* an exam. There are no right answers. Some of these things I would just like to know (because you are my luckless prisoners, bwa ha ha ha). Some will help in organising activities. Some are just funny. Some (hopefully) will start to make you excited. Because hey. One month to go!

Secondly, the Fandom Intro template:

Again, this is not a zero sum game. Wanna include something not on the list? Please do. One of these suggestions doesn't apply? Leave it out. Wanna do it all in reverse order standing on your head? Feel free. These are just things I'd really like to know about your fandom, and things I think will be useful for the rest of us to get an inkling about before you start waxing lyrical during forums/discussions. And if we pick up your donated fics and get stuck in. And if we need to buy a clue during Pictionary. And...

Thirdly, technology:

There are *scratches head* three VCRs, three DVDs, and a data projector here. If you've got it, I'm pretty sure we can play it. Don't not bring it and be sorry. There are three computers, all with internet access. The house is looped for wireless if you have a wireless connector on your laptop. Do bring the appropriate cords for your laptop if you want to plug it into anything. I'm using PowerPoint (or, y'know, some such) for my Fandom Intro, because I thought it'd be cool. And also because I'm supposed to master it for work, and Clex Appeal is more fun to practise on than Roman Architecture.

Oh!!! I have the technology to build a man a robotic body to copy from VHS to DVD. So bring blank DVDs as well as blank CDRs if that seems like the sort of thing you'd be interested in...

And finally, I think we're done. For now. Inevitably as soon as I post I will think of something else. Never mind. We have time. Rome wasn't built in a day. [/Bo Jo Kent platitude]

Registration Form:

Please cut and paste into a post of your own to the comm. If you don't have an LJ, cut and paste into a comment to this post. And if you can, please use your default icon.

Preferred first name:

My primary fandom:

My secondary fandom:

OTP forever:

I'm doing the fandom intro for:

Someone else is introing my fandom but I have something else planned/I totally have something else planned too/I intend to just lap up the slashy goodness [delete as applicable]

I'm staying at Stately Luthor Manor/I live here and I'd like to sleep in my own bed/I made my own arrangements [delete as applicable]

My $15 is winging its way to you via paypal/by cheque/I'll pay cash when I arrive [delete as applicable]

Tea/Coffee/Milo [you have the idea by now]

Trim milk/Full fat

Coke/Sprite/(Diet)/Juice

Cornflakes/Rice Bubbles/Weet Bix

White Toast/Brown Toast

Marmite/Vegemite/Jam

I'm a vegetarian/I'm allergic to/I don't/won't eat:

My definition of slash is:

I like slash because:

I discovered slash by:

My bullet proof kink:

My major league squick:

The Fandom Intro Template:

Please let me reiterate one more time. These are things I am interested in hearing. This is not a straight jacket. Mix, match, shake and bake. And obviously don't post anything now, just start working on your pitch. Assuming you haven't already done it. :-D

Fandom (explain the scenario/universe if it's not immediately obvious)

OTP (show us pics, you know you want to)

Other characters as necessary (show us a picture and tell us who they are?)

Evidence of the HoYay (clips, screen caps, quotes, magazine articles, complicated analogies and literary allusions?)

Pathetic attempts by TPTB at HoNay

Fandom specific vocabulary/abbreviations/terminology

The typical fandom cliche

The so fanon it's canon rule

The all time gayest episode ever, the one Mormons would recognise

The mysterious question the answer to which divides the fandom

The massive huge flame war that broke out that one time

The stories/authors you must read before you die

Websites/LJ comms to check out once I've converted you to the true faith

Etc etc etc. Go nuts. One last thought: Please compile a dvd or video of your clips rather than fast forwarding and rewinding madly on the day.

Most of my flist has been talking Katrina all week, and while my sympathy is real, I'd rather think and talk about something fun today. So... Progress report and updates.

1) chinashop and I met for lunch on Saturday and organised a preliminary timetable. It's pretty open really, we're not aiming for German efficiency and precision, but we think we've worked it out quite nicely.

2) damned_colonial is working on assembling a greatest hits package for panfandom vids, which I think is a neat idea. China and I have scheduled a slot for that on the timetable. Some concern has been expressed about people wanting to show other things at different times, or possibly to subgroups rather than the whole gang, and I just wanted to weigh in and say obviously that's not a problem. There are extra dvds and vcrs around the house, and if Sinpoz was anything to go by there'll be a ratio of one laptop to every two people, so I would encourage everyone to bring anything and everything they feel like (limited only by luggage allowances I guess). I know I was disappointed when I got to Sydney and saw how relaxed everything was that I hadn't brought anything with me from home.

3) Fandom intros. I really am very keen to introduce every fandom represented (or at least every *primary* fandom) before we get down to some of the sessions - it does help to have at least a passing knowledge of who everyone is and what's going on I think. Basically if you're the only one who called it in the poll, the floor is yours. On that basis, I'm taking Smallville, China is doing Due South... and I *assume* d_c will do Age of Sail, hnix House, i_naid Popslash (hey, she's the only one who specified it!), stickmarionette Fullmetal Alchemist (and boy do I need that explained)... Which leaves Sinden, Meelie, Alasen and Girlclone to duke it out over SGA. Oh the curse of being flavour of the month. Pull a name out of a hat!!! This is not the same as the pimping session, if anyone is confused. These are ten to fifteen minute intros of who's who, what's what, who's hot, etc. With slides and porn evidence as desired. I'm writing up a template. Not because I'm a control freak, but because I'm having so much fun I just can't help myself. *sigh* If only I used my powers for good.

4) Fifteen Minutes of Fame. Remember when I said everyone got one? You do. So start planning on how to use it and let me know with vague ideas when they start percolating.

5) Subs/Registration. Ah, the serious bit. I'd like to ask everyone who's coming just to sessions for ten dollars, and everyone who's staying over at the Manor for fifteen. This will allow China and I to purchase snacks, drinks, nametags, spot prizes (Ha! There are games!), breakfast foods, etc. Paypal is probably best. Plus this way you have to come!!! There's no escape now...

And I think that's it for this update. I'm heading back downstairs to watch Lois and Clark. Clark is about to realise he married a clone instead of Lois. Mwa ha ha ha.

Ooh! And also. For those who care. My Clark and Lex figures are fornicating on my bedside table. I originally only ordered Lex, and he's been alone and celibate for over a year. But he looked so sad and lonely I caved and ordered Clark for him. They've been hard at it since I opened the courier box this morning. Do *not* ask how I can reconcile my love for Lois with my love for Lex, it's one of the mysteries of the universe. But when it comes to teh sex, I think you know who has my heart.

Bye now. Get planning your evil plots for world domination well I was going to put something innocuous, but there isn't anything. Get planning on your evil plots.