get/together

Exactly one month to go, which I was going to panic about, but apparently the record for lateness goes to 2017 where the big post flurry took place only a fortnight out. Well done, 2017 me!

1) Restating for the record, as announced on twitter and to the mailing list earlier in the year, this year's get/together will, of course, be the weekend of October 5 and 6, with Friday 4 and Monday 7 as always for those who can make it/stick around.

2) Another year, another new fannish platform that didn't really take off. No disrespect to pillowfort, but most of us didn't do more than name squat there. On the other hand, I quite like the mailing list, it's been easy for me to use, so once again I'll be sending out wakeup emails and critical reminders, while continuing to use this livejournal as an information repository/hub. The best way to get up to the minute updates is still, of course, the twitter account. Even if you don't use twitter actively, it's worth checking out the g/t feed for up the minute news.

3) Taking signups as top level comments to the registration post seemed to work last year, so we'll stick with that. As always, open ID or (pseudonymously) signed anonymous comments are fine.

4) Everyone seemed to enjoy late night Saturday, vidshows, pub quiz, and pizza, so unless I get feedback to the contrary in short order, assume we're sticking with that. The pizza delivery went almost perfectly last year, so orders will again be finalised and paid for together with your registration and subs.

5) Subs will almost certainly be the same as last year, ie $33. I'm just waiting on the official invoice.

Expect a bunch of informational posts over the next few days, but if you're an old hand you can also expect not much to have changed. :-)

Well, we're at three weeks out so I think this is officially the latest I've ever left this. Sorry, team! Otoh, I also kinda feel like we're such a well oiled machine by now that we'll get by. *crosses fingers and knocks on wood*

Anyway:

1) I know livejournal is less and less viable as a platform, but I neither want nor have time to think about it now. If you've deleted your journal or for any other reason can't use it, then please feel free to contact me directly by whatever means you prefer and I will make the magic happen. I'm going to direct message or email anyone who I'm not in regular contact with to make sure they're in the loop, and if you have friends who may fall into that category can you please do the same.

2) I'm going to be considerably streamlining signups for longtime attendees, as I feel like we're kinda reinventing the wheel these days. If you're brand new/have attended just once before I'd still like a wee bit more info, just so I can make sure I've got you covered for pub quiz/discussion topics/general icebreakers etc.

3) We've got extended hours this year, by popular request, so for the love of God, Montresor, please don't brick me up in a cellar of having to listen to myself talk forever. Volunteer whatever crazy ideas you may have for presentations, discussions, art/vid/son et lumiere shows, or make suggestions for anything you'd like to see some other poor sucker another talented comrade do. A post for this will be going up very shortly, but feel free to @ me on twitter or otherwise if preferred.

4) Subs will be the same as last year, ie $33. I know that is a stupid sum, but it's a fine line between covering costs and not wanting to make a profit. Hall hireage has gone up slightly, but I think we'll be fine. If there is any change, I will be dumping it in the heating gold coin cup.

5) Unless I hear back from anyone else (if you're the only one who's commented you may be the deciding vote!) then I am just going to make arbitrary decisions on restaurants for dinners. I will be making a food post in fairly short order, and there will still be some wiggle room, but not much, and not for long.

I think that's all for now, which almost certainly means I will think of something else as soon as I hit post.

Right, so, hopefully at least some of you still have notifications turned on. Trying to get all these posts up and coded in between lj crashing, and firefox crashing, and my laptop crashing... The devil's work.

Anyway, if you missed any of these posts when they first went up, or sensibly ignored my placeholders while simultaneously sighing at the fact that I'd missed the very point of notifications... Check them out now.

Registration Form 2014

Three of you haven't registered! Go do that now! jocondite, deepbluemermaid, sethra2000 I'm looking at you.

Subscriptions

Go pay me! I did half the shopping this morning and will do the rest Thursday night.

Venue

Most of you know where to go. If you don't, google maps on your phone is probably better than this, but addresses and some aged maps are here.

Food and Related

Some thoughts about lunch options especially. Check it out so you know what to expect in advance.

Presentations, Primers, and Performances

It's not too late to add yourself. In fact, if you have something to contribute, you should really go do that. I'm going to start working on the timetable tonight/tomorrow.

Timetable Link Goes Here (but has not been pre-coded, so you'll get a new notification!)

Thanks to china_shop for reminding me that time's a'ticking. There'll be more detailed updates shortly, but let's get this ball rolling at least. Go fill out a registration form!

I have to go confirm the venue booking tomorrow, but assume subs will be much the same as always, ie $30. We'll inevitably wind up at the same restaurants as always, aka the only places local that can/will tolerate our numbers and rowdiness.

If you still need to get in on the Brentwood booking then contact Dewey (see comments to previous post) and she *may* be able to squeeze you in. If not, feel free to ask for advice here and I can recommend some hostels.

There'll be a post very soon asking for presentations and ideas for panels. Watch this space.

Heya, me again.

These are a couple of the suggestions/requests we've received as feedback the last couple of years, along with niggles we've thought of ourselves. If you have anything to add, please comment here.

1) Can we move the lunch slots earlier?

We run a split lunch to accommodate the RPS/FPS divide, and the Classic Fandoms Episode Screening. But yes, point taken. I'll be looking at this, and the second slot will certainly not be as late as last year.

2) Can we do anything about noise from the kitchen?

China and I meant to close the galley last year and totally forgot. If we do so again this year, please somebody remind us, or be proactive, *g*.

3) Discussion Etiquette

Most people felt that the panels went well, and I personally thought everyone was great about taking their turn, but one or two people did find it difficult to be heard. I'll wear my teacher hat a bit more aggressively if necessary. Please nobody be offended, we seek the greatest possible good for the greatest possible number. :-) Also, I know it seems silly, but it works -- if I don't hear you, please raise a hand and wave to get my attention.

4) Can we post a hard copy of the timetable so everyone can keep track?

Yes. Easy as pie.

5) What about that pesky light/failure of curtaining?

I'll bring some drawing pins, but maybe locals could bring some dark sheets if ya got 'em?

6) Dear God Wellington is cold!

Yes, yes it is. Keep an eye on the forecast, but please do dress warmly, or at least in layers so you can react to surprises. I'm hoping for a glorious Can't Beat Wellington on a Good Day, but this weekend's been hideous, so... Bring a throw and your slippers if you want to, don't be proud.

Thanks to the increased numbers this year (which of course subsidises/reduces venue hire effectively), I am very pleased to announce that g/t has remained recession-proof. Subs are still the glorious price of twenty dollars only, which covers the venue, some goodie bags (ha ha, which will be a surprise to you all this year, but lol) and snacks and drinks for the weekend.

Because we are looking at bigger numbers, and because I have to pay for the venue in advance, and because China and I are not recession-proof, I will require payment in advance this year, rather than on the day. There are two options, either a) Paypal (which brings us full circle since I opened that account to pay China's and my subs to Sinpoz in the action that kickstarted this crazy whirligig of fun); or b) Direct Credit. My paypal account is, as always, arysteia@yahoo.com. If you need bank account details (not my mortgage account, so don't plan a quick getaway to Brazil) comment here and I will email you. If you could get on that asap please. Thank you, also in advance.

Some housekeeping still outstanding:

We're still missing some arrival times. Can you please comment at the arrivals post. ETA: all done now.

I assume everyone has organised their accommodation by now. If not, I refer you back to the accommodation post. My schoolmarmly listmaking compulsion would like to be able to leave messages etc if necessary, and/or make tentative car pooling arrangements. ETA: all done now.

I think that's it from me for now, but I will be spamming you a bit over the next few days. So sorry. ;-p

Arrival Updates.