Calling All Legion Worlders:


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...

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.

No NYC?

So... I'm assuming we've got an addition to the list, Sarky?

Perth, Western Australia?

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.

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.

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.

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!]

If it was in Chicago, I might be able to make it. Otherwise funds make things very difficult.

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?

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...

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.

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.

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?

I really want to go to Easter Island!

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.

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.

I'll hang.
whoop whoop what?
def con what. does Lash know BBQ?

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).

Wilmington.DE or Newark.NJ.
if you pick newark we can hang in funny sunny Montclair nj

http://www.baristanet.com/

I'm with Kent on all the locations be mentions.

Chicago is fantastic.

Memphis would be hella kewl.

Heard Charlotte is terrific.

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.

if it ain't here. gotta be Memphis.

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.

montclair, new jersey. mentioned on "Mad Men"

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?

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.

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.

Texas in the summertime is best spent indoors in the air conditioning.

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.

I think I'd bump Metropolis IL down to list B, but otherwise I think that's an accurate assessment.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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!

All right, everyone...

Our location poll is now up:

Here

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.

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!

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!

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?

You can all move in as far as I'm concerned! (bring money)

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.

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.

well, Rhino and Cobie should be easy to meet, then. Get started! I've met 40+ of us. We're a good gang.

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.

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.

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...

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...

*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?

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.

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.

I also tried to send you a pm apologizing profusely, IB, but your mailbox is full.

*sigh*

I'm goin' back to bed...

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.

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.


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?

Attention folks, the location poll for the 2013 Legion World Gathering has concluded:

HERE


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.

Yay!

Should the name of this thread be changed to reflect the decision?

just bumped for a new page

Alls I know is, I want some pizza.

^^^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.

Is it too early to start planing car-pooling and hotel roommates?

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.

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.

The other concern I'd raise about going in Con-season is both the availability and premium rates of hotels. Perhaps better off-peak?

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?

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.

Do they serve alcohol in this ... what do you call it .. Ch..Hicago ? Or should I bring my own ?

Also, Chicago is definitely a taxi city. So people flying in don't need to rent cars IMO.

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."

I'm staying with Cobie.

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!

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.

Anyone have a way to get in touch with Loser?

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."

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!

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.

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.

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.

I'm in. I just need to know when.

I can probably swing it. My sister lives in the suburbs of Chicago, so I can visit with her before or after.

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!

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...

^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!

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.

I'm about 90% certain.

@lance: I'd prefer downtown, myself.

I'm sure many of us are willing to bunk.

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 ).

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?

August or Early September is good for me. About the best without knowing my schedule then.

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?

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I will move heaven and earth to be there if Lashie is going.

...or anyone else that I haven't met yet.

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.

<blink>Warning, whiny personal info ahead, feel free to skip this post.</blink>

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.)

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?

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.

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.

Lance, the idea of being voted out of the hotel is not helping!

Don't worry Shiney, you're part of the alliance... no blind siding... I swear.

Oh, so I guess my being there would not tempt you.

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.

Lash, it does seem that Chicago has a couple of comic book shops http://chicago.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-comic-book-shops-in-chicago/

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.

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.

Qurrrrl!!!! Forget those hoes... you need to meet ME!

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.

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.

Suss first, poll later. That way people can vote based on considerations others bring up that they might not have thought of themselves yet.

ditto what Shiny said.

Well, then... get to sussin', youse!

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.

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.

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.

rather than hotels, consider: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p235477

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.

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.

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.

it looks like a good area to be, and way better of a value than the hotels I've been looking at.

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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yw1Tgj9-VU&ob=av2e

I like the looks of this!!

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.

That's a really cool option!

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)

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.

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.

I am officially in LOVE with the idea of a mass marathon viewing of the Legion cartoon with you all!

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.

"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.)

No, not 10 beds. But even th same suite divided. Up among the number of beds is still a bargain vs hotels.

This sounds like an awesome idea. What's the cancellation policy? Could we just book a couple now and sort out the details later?

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)

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.

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.

Well, if you sold all your <strike>costumes</strike> 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...)

Put me down as firm but not interested.

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...

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.

Non-drinker, no-drugs, fat-free vegan female (that's me, BTW :rolleyes: ) wishes to attend but can not commit absolutely at this early date.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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*

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?

Oh - I thought it was this August. Sorry. Well, in that case, I should be able to go.

Hey Exnihil, do we have a running tally of the definites, the maybes, and can't-afford-its?

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.

Bump for new page.

Bump for new page.

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:

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.


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?

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.

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.

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.

You da man, Ex!

Barring any unforeseen life dramas, I am reasonably definite.

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...

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.

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.

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:


OT11-1r - 700 sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-1r.asp

1Q, 1D, SS

Max Occupancy 6


OT11-2- 900 sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-2.asp

2Q, SS

Max Occupancy 6


OT11-3- 1200 sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-3.asp

2Q, SS

Max Occupancy 6


OT11-1f- 1700sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-1f.asp

3Q, 1D, SS

Max Occupancy 10


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?

I personally think it sounds pretty much as close to ideal for a group like us as anything will ever get.

From my experiences in Dallas and San Diego, it is better to have everyone in the same building.

Yeah, me in a strange city, I wanna be around people I know or at least know OF.

I want to be in the party room.

Roomies!

I'll bring the reality tv crew ... ha!


Hopefully, I can make it, A weekend sounds reasonable though.

Those places look really nice!

Will Cobie circa 2004 ... make an appearance ?

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:


OT11-1r - 700 sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-1r.asp

1Q, 1D, SS

Max Occupancy 6


OT11-2- 900 sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-2.asp

2Q, SS

Max Occupancy 6


OT11-3- 1200 sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-3.asp

2Q, SS

Max Occupancy 6


OT11-1f- 1700sq

http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/Old-Town-Accommodations2/ot11-1f.asp

3Q, 1D, SS

Max Occupancy 10


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?

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.

I'm down with 3 nights... of course most of it depends on the mysterious "mega-bus" I keep being told about...

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.

Hey Lash, Boys Town is just 2 miles north of the apartment, so at least one drink has to be there.

I thought the reason we picked Chicago was because of the Darcy McNickle Library.

3-4 nights sounds just right.

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?

No. That's why i said it probably Wouldn't hold group sppeal.

And I was teasing Kent

Ah. Well stranger things have happened so I had to ask.

No worries. Internet communiction is all about the disconnect between a writer's intentions and how it is interpreted!

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.

This place is really close. A couple streets over on N Halstead.

http://www.toast-chicago.com/menu.html

I like it a lot. Not exactly inexpensive though.

It is in line with many places that have that sort of menu. Even cheaper than some.

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!

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.

Very nice!

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?

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.

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.

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"

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.

Whichever week the megabus doesn't crash and kill everyone!!! *glares at recent news article*

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

But with his brains, he'd have to eat his own!

Kind of far out to really know, but I cannot see an issue with either weekend.

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.

Cool. I'm glad to hear this!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

I see how it's gonna be. Better save up to buy Ex a drink. Which I owe him anyway.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.


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 )

GASP! You bring the ashtray, I'll bring the towels! *plans to "forget" towels*

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 )

Fortunately for Lash, Chicago guest houses don't provide towels.

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.

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.

Ohmygod! Mr Ex-Nyquil if you need help pestering Mr Shakeyrear, text me. I'm like aces at pestering people!

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.

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!

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!

I am definitely going, as well as Disdemona and Superbaby!!

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:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&a...mp;um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

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!)

*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.

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...)

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.)

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!

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.

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.

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?

Looks right to me! You can put (solo) by me as well! I'll be coming alone.

I am indeed a possible. I would love to come but I just don't have any clue of my commitments at that time.

Lard Lad however ... must go.

It is my royal leadership decree. One of the few actual powers that comes with Legionworld.net leadership!!!!

"Make it so!"

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 say the only politics allowed, are The Politics of Dancing!

I dance outstandingly bad, but I'll concur with this!

Okay, who's in charge of searching out the dance clubs?

You need to move me down to Possible

I guarantee that you would be better than I.

Someone needs to contact Loser Lad.

I think Abin has an old phone number for him somewhere.

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.

This is about that crack I made in the "Yo, Cobie" thread, isn't it, Quis?

What crack is that? I'll have to check it out.

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!

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.

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!

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...

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.

Here, if you want to scope it out:

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=N+Se...;ie=UTF-8& hl=en&sa=N&tab=wl

Just click on the "Street View" and spin it around. That playground opens up tons of parking.

How many nights are you staying SS?

I may be willing to pool...kinda depends though.

Right now, I'm planning on the whole shebang.

That's how many nights?

...and what nights?

... Twin Anchors looks like a good time !!!

I have no idea where in this thread the actual info is.

Wednesday Aug 21st - Sunday Aug 25th, 2013

4 nights, departing Sunday

Thanks Ex.

OMGOSH. I'm a really good cook/baker! I would absolutely LOVE to cook one night. Love, love, love.

Looks like there will be more than one "SS" there.

You can put SOLO by me, ain't nobody slowing my Chicago roll!

What exactly does solo mean on this chart?

No significant other.

Sonny, best I figure it means you are flying solo at the event, and not bringing a husband/wife/child/boyfriend/girlfriend!

Don't let Mrs. -Em hear that. Ha, Ha, Ha!

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.

Well if such things are being recorded, I'm arriving solo.

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.

I'll be coming to town early, if you want to visit your sister before the weekend, yet also have an emergency escape.

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

Make sure I'm along for the supermarket run. Don't know why I love supermarkets but I do.

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.

Just bumping for a fresh page, please ignore.

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.

Seeing those two names in pink makes me sad.

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.

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.

Keep me in the "Possible" category, but it's really going to depend on my post-graduate-school finances and job prospects.

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?

If only I could actually fly at super speeds. Or had a working Mother Box to teleport me there.

Yay for Lance's better job!

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.

Really looking forward to this!

just a bump for a new page... updated info to follow

All righty... new year, new board... time for a new update on things:



Since last we spoke, there's been a couple shifts out of the "yellow' section (as would be expected as we get closer). Lance is now a likely. Ibby and Blaze are unfortunately unlikely, as is Peebs (unless I'm misreading your comment above, in which case just let me know).

So, at this writing, we're looking something like this:




We've got about another four months (around the end of April/beginning of May) until, if possible, I'd like to have a good idea of the lodging count.

Obviously there's always some flexibility if you decide you can't make it - or suddenly realize you can - but that time frame is when I'd like to like to know about how many folks are planning on staying at the suites, and for how long - so I know which portion of the reservation may be cancelled if necessary.


And that... ties directly into this:




Right now that's a bit of a sliding scale - dependent upon how many folks wind up lodging here.

To recap:


There are 4 suites (1 sleeps 10, the others 6 each). The prices per night for each are, respectively : $450, $375, $350, and $325 for a maximum total of $1500 a night.

I say maximum, because obviously fewer people means fewer suites required,and therefore a price shift.

I had previously proposed that individual cost be pro-rated as an equally divided portion of the whole, regardless of the actual cost of a specific suite. That seems most fair, and - thus far - there haven't been any objections to that, so...


Let's assume a best case scenario... the maximum number of folks show up needing a place to stay... 28 people. So, 1500 by 28 people means $53 a night per.

Worst case is... everybody blows it off and I'm all alone in a suite (having cancelled the other three). I'd wind up paying $325 a night (and eating ramen noodles )

The reality will likely wind up being (just a gut feel here) about 15 - 20 people.

I would say a good ballpark figure - regardless of turnout - would be about $50 - $75 per person, per night. I'm additionally thinking of something (which may or may not materialize, so I'll hold off on that) which may drive that down by about $20.


So, for everyone, if you are considering coming out for this gathering of fun and friends, start weighing the options over the first quarter of this year or so and just let me know if you need a room, and for how many days. Thanks.

Not sure how I got on the "possible" list? Sounds like fun. I'd like to meet the folks, give'em a chance to punch me in the nose, whatever but for me, it'd be a day trip type thing most likely as those are work days for me, start of the new school year.

Chicago is a great place to visit. I'd imagine even more so with this crowd.

Yes, I have hopes the crowd is as good in person.

Here's to it being more like Legion World and less like Real World. (Actually I wouldn't mind if the apartment were like the ones on the MTV show.)

And btw, eating ramen noodles in your own private suite sounds pretty cool. Plus of course you can be naked.

(First post on new board!)

Folks, it looks like I'm going to have to be bumped down to "possible". I don't know if I'll be able to swing it this year. I'd love to see everyone, but I'm not sure it will happen.

Aww, that's a bummer, Rocky. I was looking forward to meeting you again (in the hopes that you'd actually, ya know, remember me this time. )

Hope you're able to swing it, just let me know if things shape up.

It doesn't really matter because we wouldn't have needed lodging anyways, but it is highly unlikely we will attending

OK, well now I'm just getting a complex.

Thanks for letting me know, though.


As I say above, guys... if anyone does have a firmer idea of their plans, about end of April/beginning of May we should probably finalize the count so I may cancel any unneeded reservations.

Seems like all I hear about Chicago is how terrible the crime is there. I'm sure you guys have checked out the part of town your place will be in for safety, right?

It's going be a day trip for me as I live 4 hours away. Cannot really afford an overnighter. No lodging required.

I will be there bright and early though on Saturday...okay, maybe not that early, but well before noon.

Well, I am a definite barring something distrastrouly unforseen. I even have a free airline ticket, so I am ok on traveling costs. I am planning on arriving sometime on Thursday. The only hitch is....

the airline only flies on weekdays. I can get a flight out Monday morning, but that means I need a cheap hotel, or a bus ticket back, or I just stay up all night in Chicago until my flight leaves.

Anyway, count me in.

Ex, should I bring a check, or do you want cash?

You guys might want to consider lodging in a nearby suburb if cost becomes an issue. There is easily availiable transportation to Chicago; and there is also things to do in the suburbs. We could go to Woodfield Mall, Arlington Race Track, Chicago Botanical Gardens, to name a few places.

I am still very probably, but will firm that up in the near future.

I'm still on! I'll probably need lodging for at least three days, though I'm not sure which three. Lol

I have requested the time off, and am still planning on arriving sometimes Thursday. I am stuck in Chicago until Monday morning, and then I will fly back and (maybe) go to work.

Looking forward to it!

I'm on for all four nights, as this NYC boy will be coming from GenCon in Indianapolis, ending the Sunday before. So I'll prob stay on in Indy another night or so, make my way leisurely up to Chicago, and find somewhere to stay till y'all get there.

Anyone else coming in early?

(POST NUMBER 777!)

OK, update time!

After a round of some follow up PM's, our gathering is starting to take a clearer shape.

If I've accidentally misrepresented anything below just let me know and I'll correct it (admittedly, a couple folks haven't as yet responded, but I figured I had enough new info to warrant an update):



So, a few more interested folks have had to unfortunately either bow out or be considered unlikely (Dave, Eryk, Faraway + Gigglebot, Huey, and LT).

But a few more have made their attendance plans a bit clearer.

- In for the whole shebang so far are me, Lance, Seymour and Shiney.
- Abin, Cobie and Sharky are in, but as yet unconfirmed on dates (and Abin might have his own accommodations in town).
- Conjure Lass is in for 3 days, but not sure which (I've assumed the middle two as given and left "?" on either side).
- Fat Cramer is in for Thurs, Fri, Sat.
- Dev and Blockade Boy stated they are up for a day trip, (I've made a Sat assumption, BB, because that's when it looks like the largest overlap)
- Mechana and friend are lodging offsite
- Kent is ever coy

In the "Possible" block, I've left:

- Director Lad and Emily, both pending post-grad situations
- Kenaustin, who's confirming some scheduling things
- Quis and Rocky who asked in-thread to stay "possible"
- Lash and Viridis, who I'm going to leave in this block for the time being
- and Raging Bull... who was super-interested, but - as is his wont - has been missing in action for months. If anyone (Abin or Lardy?) knows where he hides, maybe rattle a chain and tell him I was asking.


So that's what I've got so far.

As I say... still got another couple months before the final commitment on the place is due, so feel free to move up or down on the scale as necessary, or to provide more details as you have them.

Additionally, if your name is nowhere on this chart - that's only because I've included only those folks who - at one point or another - have chimed in. If you're not shown above, but want in... by all means - sound off, Legion Worlder! The more the merrier.


As a side note, I got a really sweet "Map-Easy" map of Chicago that I'll be scanning in and posting some images from over the weekend to spark some activity ideas. Chigago is an amazing city with sooooo much to do, that honestly... four days might seem like not nearly enough.

OK, map time:


First up, to get an overall feel of the location, here is a high level shore map:

(For all images, just click to enlarge)



For a rule of thumb, if you want to consider the dotted square to be the downtown area, our suites are located just north of that in the "Old Town" area. For fans of "Sin City"... no, it's nothing like that "Old Town".

Next a zoom in on that downtown area (and about as comprehensive guide to the sights, stores and eateries as you're likely to find in one place... I love Mapeasy Maps!)



Next, a further zoom into the heart of the downtown tourist area, the so-called "Miracle Mile":



and finally, when needed, a guide to the Chicago Transit system:



Our suites are just a block away from the "Sedgwick" station.



So, take some time to peruse these images and ask any questions you might have. I'll do my best to get clarification on anything that seems unclear.

One correction, Ex. I am planning on arriving on Thursday, and will not need lodging Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, I need to take myself off the "Possible" list. Due to a variety of factors, I won't have the finances available to make the trip. At this point, San Diego is at the outside of my resources, really only possible because I can drive there instead of spending money for airfare. I definitely can't do both, and SD is just easier for me. I'm sad that I'll miss out on the fun; SD 2008 was a real blast and I really wish I could get together with everyone again.

No prob, Sudro... Have fun in San Diego!

I think I'm going to have to knock myself down to two days. I don't have enough vacation time to do everything I want this year! XD!

That being said, I'm going to need lodging for the 21st and the 22nd. I'll leave on the 23rd for home. I'm going to be coming up by train. Does anyone want to come greet me at the station so I don't freak out? XD!!

Yeah, no probs. I think there are going to be a couple people w/vehicles (myself included) so I can ferry you up. We can work out the times and such once everything falls into place.

Awesome! I mean, I don't MIND taking the public transport to where we're all staying, but I'd rather not if I don't have to. XD

I guess Ex'll be there waiting for you holding one of those cards, and it'll say "Conjure Lass".

I WOULD EXPECT NOTHING LESS. I want people to be looking at that card wearing their best WTF face.

Looks like I'm back in but will be coming alone. Desdemonia said that due to the crazy amount of work I'm doing to go and have a crazy good time.

Also I have all of August booked and confirmed off by my Supervisor so if anyone is planning on arriving a few days early or staying a few days late (or both) I'm up for that too.

w00T!

Ahhhh, this is fortunate! I was actually thinking about trying to come up later on Tuesday! What did you have in mind?

@CL - no idea, never been to Chicago before...now that I am going for sure I need to do some research to see what's there that I'll find interesting (is there a museum of horror art that serves tequila lol)

Um, if there is a museum of horror that serves tequila I am definitely in!

Well when you get your research done, let me know! My normal days off are Tue,Wed,Thur, so it would be nice to be able to come up on Tuesday afternoon/night and actually HAVE the 21st and 22nd to enjoy everyone's company! I don't want to have to travel all day on Wednesday and miss out on any fun.

As for the tequila. I think a place like that might be BYOB. XD

I'll be in on Mon or Tue, possibly as early as Sun night if Indianapolis isn't at all interesting once GenCon shuts down.

Time to start looking up retro dance nights.

Tequila

I do vaguely remember a bar on Rush (?) called "Man Versus Margarita." Emm, as I recall, it was the jagermeister that won.

Fortunately my cousin, all 110lbs of her could drink like a fish, got me back to my hotel suite.

I think I can be moved down to "unlikely" at this point. I just don't see it happening this year. Sorry, gang.

I am fairly confident of attending, barring a killer job offer out of the blue (even then I can manage a weekend, one hopes).

I am confident enough to commit to $.

apologies for the long delay in my reply.

You can now bump me down to the very unlikely category. I will be in the midst of divorce proceedings, which means I will have commitments on my time as well as my cash flow. If this changes, I will let you know (Crap, I even had free air fare....)

I am not completely ruling it out, but it just doesn't seem like something I dare make a priority at this time.

Damn, but yeah, as things go, divorce takes precedence. Sorry the situation continued to devolve. But glad it will be resolved (hopefully well.)

OK, everyone... decision time:


- Since the last update in March, I feel like perhaps the reality of planning something of this scale began to set in with folks. For a variety of reasons, over the next two months up until now, quite a few people who had initially expressed interest in getting this gathering together have had to, reluctantly, drop out.

- Since the last "chart post," unfortunately, we've additionally lost Cobie, Lash, Lance, Director Lad, Sharky, Rocky and Quis.

- There are still a handful of people who are still "in"... but - if I were to be 100% honest - I sort of feel that we've crossed below the numerical threshold where the spirit of trying to make this thing happen becomes a bit of a diminishing return.

- Certainly, from a financial standpoint - regarding lodging - we have now dipped to the point where the lodging requirement doesn't even justify one of the reserved suites, much less the four that are reserved.

- To be clear, I don't blame anybody for this project going south. I know from the level of excitement that was present throughout the planning that most folks would have loved to do this... it just seems that a variety of real life concerns have wound up working against it for the majority.

C'est la vie... c'est la stupid, stupid vie.


In any case... given the large amount of people who have had to remove themselves from the event... I think that I'd like to (with a heavy heart) propose cancelling it at this time. Before making that official, though, I did want to put it out for discussion among those still involved, in case the prevailing opinion still held otherwise.

What are your thoughts?

Truthfully I think cancelling for now is a good idea seeing as a lot of us have life obligations that cannot be avoided. It sucks that so many people can't come, but maybe next year everything will work out better! I'd like to see a gathering where everyone has the opportunity to go so we all get to meet one another.

Not to mention, at this point the financial part (the cost of staying) is getting more expensive than I had originally planned for. I don't know if I can swing that considering i'm going back to school in the fall.

*SAD* We're going to have to do something SUPER SPECIAL next year. *SAD SAD SAD*

Sad Son now.

I don't see how next year could possibly be any different. X-0 did everything he could, advance planning, research, site inspection, reservations, updates and cheerleading, and it was excellent.

How many are left who do want to go?

I am so sorry - didn't mean to be the straw that broke the camel's back. On the plus side, my circumstances are exceptional, and I doubt if I will be going through another divorce in 2014. (I sure hope not anyway!) If ya wanna tentively plan something for then, I am certainly going to do everything I can to be there.

In all honesty, I was sooo looking forward to this. But, in order to get equal time with my kids, there are certain obligations I have to make.

I don't see how I can weigh in on whether to cancel or continue, since my attendance is so unlikely. I do want to say that if any of you ever get close to Cincy, I would love to do lunch or something.

No need to be sorry Lance, it doesn't matter who the last straw happened to be by accident of timing. It's the aggregate that's the problem. There just wasn't enough mass to withstand the inevitable attrition.

At least for the Suites. But it looks like I'm going to go to Chicago anyway because when else am I going to be that close to it? Plus I've already invested 20 bucks in a Chicago Transit Card.

If THAT wasn't an act of optimism I don't know what is.

And speaking of the excellence that is Exnihil, what were you doing in Egypt? Assuming that was literal in the Shoutbox and not some pun I didn't understand.

What Shiney said, Lance. Please don't think it was any one thing that made me suggest canceling; it was just gradually watching the numbers slide to a point where it just no longer seemed to add up.



Nope, not a pun, Shiney... rather a long delayed promise to my best friend who had moved there following our time in the army to become an English professor. In the ensuing decade, he had amassed himself a career, a wife, and two children, so - since I was suddenly in a position to make good on my promise - I figured it was high time to check up on the lad.

Mrs Nihil and I had a wonderful time in sunny Africa... not the least of which was giving an answer to a question that my buddy posed to us on our last day there... something he'd been waiting 8 years to ask. Long story short... upon our return, Mrs. Nihil and I are now the proud god-parents of two little girls.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww shucks. You'll be the best god-parents!

Well it is disapointing but understandable.

I was really looking forward to meeting everyone, but there is always another time and place. On the upside this will free some of my vacation time, maybe I'll take my girlie girl to visit her grandparents instead.
Ex...thanks for putting so much time and effort into making this work, to bad it didn't pan out. Congrats on being a god-parent too!!
Lance...don't feel bad, like everyone else who dropped out the circumstances are beyond your control and more important to attend to
Conjure Lass....I'm holding you to the promise of tasty baked goods for whenever we meet

I'm not signing up for it not panning out yet.

If I'm still in the country, we can hang out together.

I am disappointed that this will be cancelled, but maybe another year will turn out better. You just have to be careful so this doesn't get cancelled multiple years in a row or else it may never happen.

Well, I can't honestly say I'm worth staying in the country for.

Well, this is certainly a bummer. If it's down to the point where even a single suite is cost-prohibitive, that's a pretty low number. I understand if canceling is the way to go.

I've still got the days blocked off at work, so I'm flexible no matter what the final decision. If we don't do it, I'll just have a nice staycation.

Yeah, Seymour, I wouldn't necessarily say "cost prohibitive" - because I think that's probably a sliding scale depending on who you ask - but more just too much space.

Based on the initial rush of interest, and subsequent discussion, I reserved one "sleeps ten" suite and three "sleeps six". By the time I suggested canceling yesterday, we were down to only four people requiring lodging (with a fifth unconfirmed), and not all of those for the full time.

So, like I said a few posts back, please don't take my suggestion as the end all, be all of the plan. Although I've been the de facto point person on this, this is by, no means, my thing alone.


To that end, if you guys are still intending to gather with a smaller group, and think that you might still want to utilize one of the suites, please let me know and I can see if I can arrange some sort of transfer. But I would have to make that call fairly soon, because I am coming up on my "lose the deposit" window.

well, that is sad. I am tempted to be one of the last die-hards, as I have other Chi-area friends I planned to see as well. But that does not seem to justify keeping the suite/s.

If some alt plans take shape, I may well join in, but it seems like we could plan a regular hotel rather than the suites.

Thanks, Exxy, for such excellent organization work. Too bad it did not pan out.

Well alt plans require the people who will be there or still want to be to say something now.

As for me, as mentioned, I may never have another chance to see Chicago, or any of you, and I'll be just a few hours' bus ride south of it the weekend before.

If I never see Chicago or meet any of you in person, that's not all that big a deal, but I can't just say, oh what the hell, maybe next year.

I'll officially bow out - I'm still on the iffy list with health issues.

Part of the draw for me was getting the big group together. The suite would also have given us a kitchen (to save money on eating out). It pains me to say it, but at this point, it's probably best to just call it.

Maybe we can try again next year or, if we know it'll be a smaller group, go ahead and plan around C2E2 or the other con. (Is it still Wizard World?)

Well, there you are. Each of the folks who might have wanted to use the reservation have now chimed in, and the consensus is clear. I'll just go ahead and cancel that this morning.



So... yeah.

Incredible bummer that what started with a veritable avalanche of interest should come to such an ignoble close, but (shrug) what're gonna do? That's just life sometimes.

Thanks to everyone who had considered making this a reality over this past year. Having talked to so many of you one on one over the process, I know first-hand how much excitement the idea generated... but how also how many real-life concerns stood in the way for so many.

To that end, I wish you all the best with your individual situations and my thoughts are with you.



All that being said, though... I have decided - to make up for the all the leg work I put in on this that wound up not panning out - that each and every one of you now owes me a drink...

(tilts fedora)... and I aim to collect.


(New thread coming soon with some more insane BS... stayed tuned for "Exnihil: 100 Toothpicks" )

well, it bears saying again: Exxy, you did a phenomenal job at planning.

I will definitely buy you that drink when I come east, whether in our hometown area, your current area, NYC, or someplace else where we both happen to wander.

Ditto. Thanks so much for making such a tremendous effort. If you're ever Detroit way, look me up!

I'm sorry it didn't work out, too, Ex.

I realized a couple of months ago that it was not likely that I would be able to attend for financial and job-related reasons. I'm still hoping to make it to a LW gathering someday.

As everyone else said, great job with the planning, its too bad it didn't pan out.

And buy you a drink?
a drink?
a?

Naw, when we finally meet you'll need to be carried from the bar

Not much I can add to what everyone else has said.

We'll all get together. I guess this just wasn't the time.

Thanks, Ex! And, yes, any time you find yourself in Houston, I will show you what a margarita is supposed to taste like.

Well, I hardly look on your works and despair...

Maybe it just wasn't in our stars at this point. You developed a good plan and template for any other potential gathering.

I could mail you your drink. Just let me know what you'd like.

Martinis ....

I am bummed to see this cancelled. I totally understand and applaud Ex for all his efforts.

I had still planned on coming out for the day, even though I am going through a very difficult time right now. It would have been a nice escape for a day.

Gonna have to just bug Eric again and get brunch or something soon then.

Awww. I'm sorry you guys couldn't get together. Chi town was never a doable thing for me, but I know all of you wanted to.

Sorry it didn't work out, and sorry to give some false hope for my attendance early on. Things changed on me relatively quickly and I had to make a decision. Hope this gets done another year.

Virtual Chicago party?

Well I'll actually be there, so I don't know if it would count as virtual for me. Plus I'm way behind in tech and don't have webcam.

Aw, Ex & Everyone:

Obviously, this means you're all fated to come and visit ME. Especially now that there's a brewpub AND a deli just a few blocks from chez_cleome. (Well, the deli hasn't opened yet, but I have a strong premonition that it will be fabulous.)

Yeah Exnihil, get crackin' on this Oregon trip.

Oregon, eh? I hear it's lovely this time of year.

Yeah, if you like mud it is.

Also, Portland now joins Wichita in KS as the only major U.S. city to (again!) eschew fluoridating its water. Let's hear it for making sure that poor kids grow up with rotten teeth! Woooo!



Seriously, I mostly love it here, but some days...

I actually might be in Oregon for at last part of the summer. Hmm....

Don't be afraid, Kent. I bought fluoridated mouthwash. Also, we can sneak across the border to Vancouver with empty bottles if necessary. My better half has some contacts over there... [cue suspenseful music]

ah, yes. The 'other' Vancouver.

btw, cleome, unless you have changed emails since last summer, you should have one a new one from me awaiting you.

B-but, I thought Pinot noir flowed from the tap in Oregon!

Only in Eugene.

I wouldn't take eschewing fluoride as a sign that they want kids teeth to rot. At some point I think it's going to be banned altogether so Portland is just ahead of its time.

Portland is worth visiting, no matter which side of the flouride divide you deride.