All-

consider yourselved on notice, with three years of advance notice.

*
*
*
(dramatic pause)
*
*
*
*
*
WHEREAS, 2008 will be the 50th anniversary of the meddling teenagers showing blatant disrespect for any meaningful time-travel etiquette or ethics whatsoever,

and WHEREAS, the results of said meddling have resulted in fun characters, good stories and loyal fandom,

and WHEREAS, something truly special must be done to mark said approaching anniversary,

and WHEREAS, numerous members of fandom, particularly Legion World of late, have been meeting face-to-face and realizing that most of us are good, decent people worth meeting and having a good time,

and WHEREAS, no one holds it against me for being the exception, ,

and WHEREAS, it's about damn time to have a gathering of ALL of us,

and WHEREAS, six of us representing two nations have already agreed to this,

and WHEREAS, it takes time, and financial and logistical planning to get people from around the globe in one single place,

and WHEREAS, with three years to plan and save, not one can raise a legitimate excuse to the contrary,

and WHEREAS, there are already too many "Whereas"es.

therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that each and every Legion Worlder, past, present and future, is hereby obligated to participate in the ultimate LEGION WORLD'S "50th ANNIVESARY OF THE LEGION" GATHERING in person,

and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that while it is impossible to find a time and place that is everyone's best choice, a dialogue shall begin immediately to weigh the pros and cons of potential locations and times of year,

and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that anyone who wimps out will be tracked down and forced to things so nasty that only Pov could enjoy them.

Let the call go out!!!!

LOL!!!!!!
I could volunteer the "Country Estate" for the Anniversary.

Legion World @ Disney World (or Universal) has a bit of a ring to it.

....or, we could do a cruise!!!

....or meet in Metropolis!!!!

....or in NYC so we can invade the DC offices.

Faraway, GiGi, Bevis, et al will have to kidnap Barry to make sure he makes it.

Wouldn't it better to plan it around San Diego or a Wizardworld?

Metropolis, Illinois! Since they claim to be the home of Superman...

Any good central location so more of us can gather would be great. I don't think we need a con or anything as long as there are enough of us gathering. And three years to plan works out great since I've already promised Caroline we'd go to New Orleans for my 40th next year. I'll need a couple of years to recover from that.

Oklahoma City is about as central as you can get y'know. ...or we could take over Dallas again.
A con would be incredibly cool 'cause then we might <strike>sucker</strike> invite some creators too!

Sounds like a plan. lol, three years notice is good too, i'll probally need that long to get enough cash together.

Oh my God... Could this be another event to prise Star Boy from his Australian hiding place?

Surely not!

Or we could force them down under.

We were talking about this over the weekend, and came up with the idea of a huge LMB/Legion World gathering of as many people as possible (from all over). I'm thinknig like 50 or more!

We figured 3 years would be needed to kind of sort out how to coordinate such an event, but I really think it can be managed. This way, people from all over the US could come, as well as Canada, the UK, Australia and anywhere else that people are! Plus, 3 years just happens to be the Legion's 50th anniversary.

If you think about it then, with a group of about 50 or so fans gathering in the Legion's 50th year, that's a pretty good reason for any creators to come and join us. We could at least *invite* the current team, Paul Levitz, Dave Cockrum (if he could make it), etc. and see who turns up. Kind of like a Legion-centric theme, even though the main point of it (in my mind) would be for as many of us to meet in one place at the same time in person.

The two big questions would be:
1. Where? Which would mean this has to be the place that is most accessable to the most amount of people. Which also means that a lot of the cons might not be good, but we'd have to see. Obviously, 3 years is some time away, but ideas are welcome on how to manage this.

A con also might be overcrowded. If we really could get like 50 people together (or more!), we could rent out a hall or reception area somewhere (or a LMBer could even let us use their huge mansion/estate/ranch!).

2. When? Sometime in 2008 is good, but what seasons are good for everyone else? When are people busy with work, school, travel, etc. and can fit in a few days or long weekend into their schedule?

I think this could be a ton of fun! It'd be like our own Legion World/LMB Con!

I love this idea!
Count me in...and let me know where. Meeting some of the gang in Dallas was the best time I have ever had and it truly rocked.
Long live the Legion...lets party!

oooh...Ill actually b in the US in 2008

CEDAR POINT!!!

CEDAR POINT!!!

CEDAR POINT!!!

Dollywood!!!

LASH's apartment

Metropolis, Illinois occured to some of us, too... but it's a little off the beaten path. Not neccessarily a reason to rul it out, but...

factors to consider and debate:

1. Transportation: air + alternatives. It should be a reasonably direct place for potential international attendees, as well as cross-continental ones. As some may prefer a road or rail trip, we should consider these as additional factors.

2. Economics: It shouldn't be the most expensive place we can find. For instance, while NYC has its pluses if we want creators, it would also be a pricey one. Washington, DC, for another example, I hear hotel prices drop quite low when Congress ain't in session. Also, air travel costs a bit more in the summer.

3. Climate: Obviously, we don't want to gather in a snowy place in winter, nor in the Sun Belt in summer.

4. Centrality. We need a willingness to travel, and should first look at the central US, in fairness to those on both coasts. If we collectively see that a coastal location is preferable, we need to be flexible enough to accept this, even if it's not the coast of our proximity.

5. Time of year. Factors 2 and 3 overlap here, as well as life factors. Who's in school? college? kids on summer vacation? timeshares? who's flexible? who's not? despite added expense, summer may be the best, but let's talk about it.

For an initial batch of suggestions to get ideas flowing, I'll toss out:

A. Chicago: an air (including international), road and rail hub, and fairly centrally located. I admit I have no idea as to local cost-levels. Spring or Fall would probably be best.

B. Las Vegas: less of a hub, but still a busy air center... less central, but usually a cheap and convenient place to fly to. As I understand it, for those who can keep away from the casinoes (Cobie!), it's a fairly cheap place to gather. Anytime but summer would work, I imagine.

C. Memphis. Central, an air and road hub. I'll let those who know it better argue its virtues.

D. Denver. more central than Vegas, but not really a major hub, is it?

E. Orlando. not central at all, but cheap to fly to. Winter and spring would be best?

F. Washington, DC. not central, but certainly enough of a hub. Fall is perfect, but almost any time of year works.

G. ?

Kent, awesome listing of things to consider.

Personally, I think location won't be a problem for me at all. Spring and Fall would be best also, although 2008 is too far for specifics. However, if we could get a date set (not any time soon of course), I'll be sure my schedule is clear.

I'll weigh in on people's suggestions on locations and offer comments after.

Feel the excitement!

Also, if Lash doesn't want to fly, I hereby declare that wherever it is, I will fly down to Memphis and road trip it with Lash in his hot car!

Offer officially on the table!

If we do Denver or Vegas I may be able to help with a couple of rooms with my employee rate.

It's a good idea, Kent, and it's provoked many great ideas already ... but does it have to have the current thread title?

I know it's a niggling point, but I don't like to be reminded of the draft every time I want to read this thread.

As I've noted on other occasions, I loathe conscription to the core of my being, and I don't like having to deal with it here, even in jest. And especially with its imminent return, to provide bodies to be wasted in the sands of the Middle East, when -- not if -- "we" extend the current war to Syria, or Iran, or probably both.

Please consider some other word or words for the thread title.

I'll be honest: I'm more likely going to be able to attend if it's held somewhere east of Tennessee. Mostly because of finances and the amount of time I would be able to take off from work. Plus I'm not a huge fan of flying, so I'd probably drive, so maybe I can join up with the CT/NY travelers and car pool

As far as locations go, Washington DC has always been a "dream vacation" for me, and I wouldn't mind Tennessee either.

I'll add my own preliminary notes:

Las Vegas would be about the practical limit for me, as far as going east. These days I want to avoid any flying (well, that's not under my own power {g}) as much as possible, and that's about the limit of where I can drive easily from L.A.

I plan on an expedition to Chicago and the Midwest in the next two to three years, but that's going to take considerable preparation itself. (Probably including Iowa, for my 30th high-school reunion.)

I strongly suspect that this will end up being focused on some large convention, such as a Wizard World or SDCC, if only to simplify logistics and to allow explaining the expense to Significant Others.

"You're crossing the continent to talk comics? Someplace where you can't even bring back some 'Strangers in Paradise' back issues for my own collection?" ... Wouldn't work, methinks.

There really wouldn't be any explaining this to my Mrs. at all. Ironically, when my friends and I wanted to go somewhere but not tell our parents we used the mythical friend "Steve." Maybe I could try that on the Mrs. and it wouldn't even be a fib this time.

this is such a cool idea !!

i'd be up to going to this MEET-UP !!

and if it's in 2008, it gives us all plenty of time to save up and plan our holidays/work/family etc, so that we can all go !!

New York would be the easiest place for me in the US or Washington, as they are the nearest to the UK ....

Matthew.

I'm game for just about anywhere, but let me extoll the virtue of a place like Orlando.

No need to ask your significant other for permission to be away. Make it a family vacation that THEY can enjoy as well. While we enjoy the camraderie of legiondom, they can enjoy the Kingdom (Magic Kingdom) plus Universal, Sea World, the gorgeous beaches and Cape Canaveral (perhaps even a shuttle launch.)

Transportation is relatively cheap & convenient, even for international travellers and hotels abound so there is an enourmous variety in price range from which to choose.

Also, there is a Con in Orlando, I believe its in early March, which is a beautiful time of year here, and a great time for those up north to get away from the miserable cold weather.

I do realize it's a long trek for those out west and I'm aware that some of our more illustrious members don't fly, so it would be more of an impostion, but I think it is worth seriously discussing.

Not to mention that you can get some bitchin' cheap flights to Orlando.

It's really a good idea, especially since we can all go hang out at Islands of Adventure.

Once again, Cedar Point would be tons of fun. Sandusky, Ohio would be extremely easy for everyone on the east coast, and fairly accessible for the Southerners. Not to mention that we could all stay at Breakers (the Cedar Point resort hotel) for a teeny tiny bit of money.

Maybe it's because I have lived in Memphis for 15 of my 32 years, but I just don't see the thrill. Sorry. I love Memphis, but it's not a place I want to go to have a mini-convention with Legion World. Same with Metropolis. Uhhh... what's there?

If we do this, let's make it someplace fun with lots of different activities for people of different thrill and alcohol levels.

For Caroline and I it has to be within driving distance. No flying for us. We could probably go as far as Dallas but not much farther than that and still be able to get back in less than two weeks.

Well, we could always go to PA and vacation with the Amish

I hear they have their own Wal-Mart now.

Cru your welcome to come to Tennessee anytime!!

Well, count me in if I live to see 2008.

And I am willing to haul anyone who wants to come with.

That works out well, because I could never vacation anywhere that wasn't in buggy distance of a Wal-Mart

I vote Denver.

I'm going to have to travel a fair bit no matter where it is, but i think that either Orlando or Vegas work best for me (cheapest flights).

If we get creators to show, we can have Jim Shooter come and then we can fire him.

Tenz

Heck, if it's 2008, why don't we have 2 conventions, a Legion World West in Vegas and a Legion World East in Orlando?

That way, there's something for everybody!!!

If we went to Florida, we could always hit Disney's Gay Day, since half the LWers are gay anyway

Cobie can be my boyfriend for the day

But, we need EVERYONE to be in the same place!

That's part of the fun!

Grey, Scott and Caroline seem to have the most legitimate transportation limitations, I gather, assuming anyone else can overcome $ transport/time issues with three years' notice and planning.

I guess that leans us toward Vegas, Dallas, Denver... maybe Chicago at the farthest (if Grey's trip aligns, that is)? Vee made an excellent case for Orlando, tho... too bad that seems to rule out G,S and C.

Vegas seems to make the most sense at the moment, as it, too seems to be growing toward family entertainment, so many of Vee's Fla points make sense here, too.

While it is a farther trip for our Brits and mainland Europeans, air connections and fare deals should be decent enough.

While the two-meets idea does sound more convenient, it does rather deflate the point. In a way, we're already doing that this year - San Diego and Boston.

Among Denver's virtues:

--Centrality
--Major airline hub
--Major Amtrak stop
--Six Flags/Waterworld (the largest waterpark in the country)
--Red Rocks Ampitheatre
--A huge zoo
--80 different beers brewed there
--skiing and/or whitewater rafting

You forgot the most important thing.

Mile High Comics!

I think I found my selling point

(In all seriousness, I like that people are weighing in. Anyone reading this thread and worrying that a decision will be made shortly, don't be. I figure there are months to come before any location is set, and I'd like to hear more from a plethora of people).

Remember, I can't go if it's in Canada...

That's your own fault!

One sentence uttered, and banned for life...

HeLLO!

Vegas!

Star Trek Experience!

Stratosphere!

Bellagio!

Avenue Q!

Mamma Mia!

And everything else Vegas is known for...

(Of course Denver would be cool too...)

I agree that Vegas makes the most sense at the moment, but we need to mull over any reasonable suggestion before we decide.

Don't forget about Krave. Brand new club I think you may like Kippers.

But if it's Vegas, we'll never be able to talk about it afterwards! It'll be stuck in Vegas!

We'll just make alt-IDs who can talk about it for us, then.

It's comebacks like that that remind me why I really love this place.

What happens in Vegas...is later used by an alt-ID for blackmail.

If 50 people make it to Vegas, I promise to 'out' an Alt ID on the hour, every hour

That should just about make it through yours, Lardy.

would that be Jigglebod Girl?

I realize that I'm late to the party on this, but considering the fact that this is to celebrate the Legion of Super-Heroes itself, wouldn't this be the most sensble?

It could be our own little Legion Outpost-like invasion. Only this time, Cobie wear's PG's outfit!

I understand the expense involved. At least here in SD, a trip to NY costs $99 each way with Jet Blue and other airlines and I understand it's less the closer you are from here. Not only do we have several members of the board already living in the city and/or nearby, but I think if it's planned far enough in advance and we commit to a large group at the same hotel, we could get a great deal on some rooms.

My 2 cents anyway.

You know, a trip to go and see the powers that be at DC in NYC actually would totally rule.

KP's mentions of Vegas reminded me that for several years, a group of about 10-12 Legion fans who'd met on Usenet did an annual "Legion of Super-Gamblers" gathering in Vegas. Not everyone gambled, but they made the most of cheap buffets, reasonable hotel rates, and attractions such as The Star Trek Experience.

Sidne Gail Ward's Webpages about the LSG trips, with photos, seem to be off line (as is her Web provider), but this went on for several years from the late '90s onward. I tried to make it in 2001, but couldn't, and that's the last I've heard of their trips.

That was also about the time that a Tuesday Legion chat on the DALnet IRC network died out, where Sidne and others had taken part. It helped keep my own interest up for some years.

I think it's particularly desirable that a location a) have some actual connection to comics or the Legion in particular and b) that at least some Legion Worlders be locals.

New York fills both of those especially well. The main concern then becomes the fact that it's inconvenient/unrealistic for certain members to attend.

hey Brian is this sopposed to be me. 'giggle'

Not sure if they still do the Vegas thing, but a lot of that crew still go to Chicago every year.

In terms of travel Washington is easy to get to, Orlando has direct flights from Newcastle so thats perfect. If we go to New York we still might not be able to get the DC people to meet us (the only real attraction in going there I think)

As for any other (central or West coast) then given enough notive gig and I can make it over ok.

I'm not even sure they do tours of the offices anymore.

We should make a note to ask the DC folks at the next con - SD, maybe? - whether or not they would be up for a staged invasion.

Gary, yours isn't "late" 2 cents... it's still early in the game.

ANYONE's suggestions are welcome!

Well, if DC wants any sort of hoopla around LSH's 50th, they'd probably welcome us. I agree with Miner; it's worth someone asking them.

If they're receptive... I guess that narrows the list to either NYC or a major con ala SD or Chicago... is there any way to get Scott, Caroline and Grey on a plane at all? Or train? I know there's difficulties, but how often would something like this come up?

Oh, I could swing a plane or train to Chicago. I just don't like dealing with the thieving, molesting, abusive, search-your-shoes employees of the Reich Security Office. So it'd have to be combined with at least one other reason to travel.

New York may have advantages as to "direct action," but the DC employees may not like it. I know, I know, they should welcome fans, but it's still an invasion.

And New York's hotel rates and local travel costs (unless you use the subway) are very high. Chicago is much more accessible for cars and parking, and has just as good a public transit system. Inner-ring suburbs (such as Skokie or Rosemont) have many hotels and competitive rates.

If I'm free and financially sound, I could go pretty much anywhere. Maui anyone?

I say we rent Alcatraz Island for the weekend & pretend it's Lord Romdur's Castle!

I shotgun the Mordru cap!

DIBS ON THE CONCUBINES!!!!

Dude, it's Alcatraz.

They're all yours.

I saw Barenaked Ladies on Alcatraz back in 2003. Dude, they were all dudes, trust me.

Reminds me of the time when I thought Molly Hatchet was a woman.

AND Alice Cooper.

Just noticed this thread... Sounds like a good idea. However, you have to take into account the fact that some people may come from Europe. Flights are generally cheaper for the east coast than the west coast. Also, for LMB members coming to Europe, choosing a destination in which they could stay for a nice little vacation could be nice (jet lag and prices of flights).

Guess that in that case, New York or Chicago could be the best choices. Vegas could be great as well, even though it's a bit farther.

However, remember that for people from Europe, remember that we're talking flights with a $500-$800 price tag, it's an expensive trip.

Personally, I wouldn't be interested in an event in Orlando or Denver, as I don't see anything of interest to do there if I'm going away for a 10 days trip (which is a minimum if you want to make the most of a trip to the USA). I'd also rather go to a place I've never been, even though I wouldn't mind going to Vegas again...

You can save on accomodation and food almost your entire flight to Vegas if you're smart... says the Australian that's been there once...
However, it was surprisingly easy to note how cheap LV is compared to the rest of the US. If you're willing to avoid silliness with drunken gambling or similar Vegas traps, LV can be a cheap option, and it has the virtues of flights to almost every major hub in the US with amazing regularity, and the airport is a 5 minute taxiride from the Strip rather than a lengthy transfer.

My $.02...
A LegionWorld gathering just wouldn't be right without our own Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl, not to mention Greybird. My inclination would be for someplace that they could get to reasonably easily. Given the hysteria surrounding hotel reservations for this year's SDCC, I would recommend not scheduling our gathering for anytime around the con. SD might be a nice town, but it's hell to get into during the Comicon. Finally, I don't feel like we should center on NYC banking on getting into the DC offices. A group as big as ours is likely to be will be a huge burden on the day-to-day activities of whatever day we show up; plus, how many of the Legion's creators actually work in the DC corporate offices anyway? With all this in mind, and taking into account what others have said on this thread, my vote would be for Vegas.

In general, given that this is the 50th anniversary, I think we should somehow open the gathering up to Legion fandom in general. Let's think of this as a con. Let's look at booking a hotel with conference rooms. Let's invite creators from past and present to speak to us. Let's track down our forefathers in Legion fandom and invite them. We're giving ourselves all this time; let's put it to good use.

I like the idea of having the creators come to this..but will they?? I dont know the ins and outs of cons but will they need to be paid?

I love the idea, DL! A Legion-specific con!

I'd bet if we can make it the weekend before or after San D, we may be able to attract those "on tour," so to speak.

Do we have anyone or know anyone with any sort of con experience to consult with? I've helped on music fests and very small events, but a lot of this would be new terrain for me.

any further thoughts on this meet up !!??

Matthew.

Only that I think it's a great idea and I'm open to any city.

Hope something gets decided..2005 is almost over!

Since it's again Con season, I figured I'd revive this thread to get people thinking again.

Right now, I'm thinking Chicago makes the most sense:

1. It makes more sense to piggy-back onto an existing Con (even if we spill over before/after as well), rather than try to organize our own,

2. San D's probably tooo big to gain any sort of focus, but Chicago is a big enough con that attracts a good slate of guests (hopefully including LSH alumni and current creators), without being as enormous,

3. It already seems LSH-oriented among Klordny and other longstanding LSH groups, from what I've seen, and any LSH 50 should incorporate as many LSH fan groups as possible.

I suggest those of us attending summer cons discuss this with any DC folks and/or LSH creative types we run cross, and keep this thread going as well.

Something else else to consider is New York in February. The American International Toy Fair is in early February (11-14 2007) and The New York Comic Con is at the end of February (23-25 2007). While Toy Fair is closed to public some of us are in that industry and will already be in NYC and DC Direct and whoever gets the animated LSH toy license will have their designs and prototypes in town already. The NYCC is the first A-list con of the year and will be used by many as a place to make announcements and show off new stuff for the first time since before Christmas. DC Comics will be preparing their first panels and have most of their staff available since they are just down the street. NYC will be one of the cheaper arrival points for many of the international flights. Hotels are plentiful and transportation is abundant. By looking at dates between these two events we could let people piggyback on one of both events and make it much easier for industry people to make themselves available for a panel or a preview screening. If DC is going to do anything for the anniversary than having a group like this putting something on would only encourage them and by placing it in their back yard they could participate and gain additional press from the event at a (hopefully) shared cost. By renting a conference room in the hotel along with a block of rooms all costs should be lowered.

A second choice would be Chicago just before or just after Wizard World Chicago (first week of August). WWC has become the largest of the Wizard World tour shows and the place to make any last minute announcements for the upcoming holiday season. Again placing the gathering near a con that DCC and DCD are already attending makes it easier for them to participate if we ask. It is a solid international travel hub and transportation is good but WWC is actually away from most everything else Chi Town has to offer.

For those that are interested in what conventions are available I list as many as I am aware of on the calendar on my site

New York Comic Con
Toy Fair
Wizard World Chicago

Good to see this thread back again.
I'm still all for this idea. I still would prefer Vegas, as it one of the cheapest US destinations to fly to, however wherever we finally decide for location I will be there!!

It'll have to be West Coast base for Caroline and I to even consider it. Any place else would be too far from home and, for now, we are tied to being as close to home as possible at all times.

Techwych makes good points, but several (Scott, Caroline and Greybird - and some of the Aussies) have made it clear that Chicago (and even Chi is a maybe) is as far east as they'd consider.

But the same impasse exists: East, West, Europe and Oz.

I reluctantly put forward an idea I've toyed with, but one that kills a single end-all-be-all unified meet-up: a 'tour' of each major con throughout all of the 2008 season, of which those who can will make several/many of them, and those who can't at least make the 'local' one. For simplicty, I see one in the UK, one in Oz, San D for the west, DragonCon for the south/east, and Chicago for the north/mid-west. As I see it, this would culminate with the last major show of 2008; whichever one that may be.

Fans would meet at these cons, and hopefully socialize for a day or more outside the con as well. Ideally, a video (no, not THAT kind, Pov!) of somekind could be made as a partial record, one to be collected with others and edited into a yearbook of sorts.

To make this happen, each group of locals (local to afformentioned regions, that is) serve as liaisons with the local con. (don't be intimidated. I doubt any of us would do all of these; that's why I suggest we stick to a handful of major shows). If we want to add to the list (Baltimore, Dallas, Toronto, etc) we have to have people ready to focus on those individual sites.

Between the lot of us, we need to look at:

1. identifying and possibly recruitung or lobbying for LSH creatives to attend. This can start as simple as attending this year, introducing yourself and making contact with (or at least getting names of) organizers to follow up with in the future. THe hard part: making contacts among con organizers (socialize! they're fans too).

2. helping to brainstorm, coordinate and organize one or more panels. This could start by inquiring (after the con - they'll have hands full during) about possibilities, and by offering to lend a hand on this. Organizers love pro-active volunteers. The hard part: following up on details (keep it simple; stick to a plan of a few non-grndiouse items that can work).

3. sharing information with fellow liaisons, hopefully with other LSH fan groups, and helping to publicize the event. this is as simple as regular day-to-day fan interaction, on-line, at a CBS or similar circumstances. The hard part: follwoing up on a semi-regular basis.

4. inquiring about floorspace for a simple travelling exhibit that wouldat each show; and a guestbook for each con that would be sent to the grand finale (be it Chicago or elsewhere). If we have enough vols to man such an exhibit, maybe those vols can offer to take pictures, digital or polariod, to send with the exhibit. The hard part: getting details and not balking at prices (getting quotes doesn't mean you're committing to spending anyone's money, let alone yours. Quotes at least give us a starting point to determine what's realistic. Plan B could be hosting a hotel-room reception/party).

I envision this using one standard stall at a con - a front table, plus a wall behind (this could work at a hotel, too). We would design a common logo here on LW, (maybe styled to resemble the banner/title of an issue) and our in-house artists would come up with a 'tapestry' (paper or cloth) to hang on the wall (this -or a reproduction thereof- should be sent to the finale, where we would have a much larger space to exhibit all the accumulated items).

Local people could plan out the table contents, but we may have some common themes as well; a three-panel tabletop display we design, which are locally downloaded and put on foamcore boards.

If others are willing to volunteer to do some basic legwork over this summer and next, I'll volunteer to be the point-person to contact DC; but I don't want to be in a position that we're doing X,Y and Z if we don't have any follow-up at all.

If it's just me and one or two others, then we should concentrate solely on Chicago, IMHO.

It's not a bad idea.

However, I think it may be a little ambitious.

1. How many people can afford to make it to multiple cons during the summer?
2. You're going to have a few people doing a whole lot of work. The 80/20 rule is going to apply here.
3. Splitting the efforts up into multiple cons is going to fracture things. People won't feel the need to go to more than one or two.

However, the concept of having a Legion World booth at a con is great. I like this idea. It would totally give us a place to hang and to gather together, as well as draw newcomers in and possibly have a creator or two do some talking and/or signing.

I think it would be a good idea for those more in the know than I to recap the negatives of doing this at San Diego in 2008, please, because it seems to me like there are huge positives there:

1. It solves the mobility problem for our lonstanding west coasters who can't get east.

2. It's the largest con, and everything we could ever want to do, both as a group and separately, will be there.

3. Those of us who want to hang out before / after the con could do so by having a meet-up in Vegas or LA (as was talked about this year.)

4. If one considers our Aussies and Europeans into the mix, it's about as centrally-located as were going to get.

5. From what I've been hearing, airfare into Vegas is really about as cheap as you can get. We could all fly into Vegas, rent some cars, and drive to SD.

6. I'm hearing that there are some serious hotel issues in SD during the con, but surely there's a way we can get around that. Heck, we have two years to get around that. Could we rent a few beach condos or something? Keep in mind we have 2 YEARS. If the hotel issue is the main deterrent from doing this in San Diego in 2008, we ought to be able to get around that.

7. Nightcrawler lives there, and if any LWer deserves to have this get-together in his hometown, it's him.

I don't know, after hearing the ecstatic reports from SD this year and last year from all of us who were able to make it, it seems to me like it's the very best possibility.

I've been for Chicago all along, but Kippers bullet-point reasoning *is* pretty convincing. San Diego might be the best way to make it work.

I'm all for this--and I will do my best to make it to this, since it really will be the be-all/end-all meet-up! 2 years to get my expenses in order…

If there is one con we all must be at, this is it!

PS – Kent’s idea seems cool, but it wouldn’t have everyone in one place, which is what I’d really hope for.

SDCC would be great. I wish we could get some kind of offical plans from TPTB. Maybe we need to start sending Levitz some snail mail, reminding him that the Legion turns 50 in less than two years and DC better get on the ball to plan something or we'll have an uprising.

I'm still not sold on SDCC. I worry that we'll get lost in the swirl of the con. Plus, the logistical challenges of housing and parking are pretty daunting. Also, while the various creators will likely be there, SDCC is when major company announcements happen, so company talent is likely to be tied up in other activities.
I'd still rather choose a smaller show and get the word out that there'll be a big Legion presence and get some past and current creators interested in coming. Wondercon, in San Francisco, has a reputation for being a good show without the major crush of crowds that SDCC gets.

Mostly I'm just saying let's look at all the available options.

Absolutely. I think we need to pick a site and time soon, though.

But we need to be mindful of any scheduled/planned official festivities. I know there is no way I can go to more than one Con a year and if, in 2008, they have the official Legion 50th Anniversary gathering at one particular Con, that would most likely be the one I'd go to, are plans here not withstanding.

While I'd love for nothing more than for us to have a big gathering, the largest ever, how many Legion anniversaries will TPTB actaully acknowledge? Maybe the 75th assuming comics are still around in 25 years. I'm just not sure I'll be around then.

Well, one thing I know for sure is I will NOT have to have a hysterectomy that will wreck 2008!!! LOL.....

Kippers makes some good points. My fear of SD overwhelming us is greater, having just attended, but...

"1. How many people can afford to make it to multiple cons during the summer?"

no, probably not. my idea was based upon enough regional resisters not willing to go more than 1K miles (if that).

"2. You're going to have a few people doing a whole lot of work. The 80/20 rule is going to apply here."

true. this occured to me after the post.

"3. Splitting the efforts up into multiple cons is going to fracture things. People won't feel the need to go to more than one or two. "

I agree. that's why I was hesitant to suggest it; but I thought it should be discussed sooner rather than later.

"However, the concept of having a Legion World booth at a con is great. I like this idea. It would totally give us a place to hang and to gather together, as well as draw newcomers in and possibly have a creator or two do some talking and/or signing."

I agree. organizationally, this would be the easiest - a sinlge booth, a single con

"I think it would be a good idea for those more in the know than I to recap the negatives of doing this at San Diego in 2008, please, because it seems to me like there are huge positives there:

1. It solves the mobility problem for our lonstanding west coasters who can't get east."

but not our longstanding easterners who won't/can't go west. Unless.... road trip, anyone?

"2. It's the largest con, and everything we could ever want to do, both as a group and separately, will be there."

very true. plenty of family activities in the area, too - the zoo, sea world, historic sites, beaches, etc.

"3. Those of us who want to hang out before / after the con could do so by having a meet-up in Vegas or LA (as was talked about this year.)"

this makes sense - it gives us time together before/after the craziness of the con itself.

"4. If one considers our Aussies and Europeans into the mix, it's about as centrally-located as were going to get."

maybe not for our Euros, but if it's to be anywhere west, SD or LV work as well or better than any.

"5. From what I've been hearing, airfare into Vegas is really about as cheap as you can get. We could all fly into Vegas, rent some cars, and drive to SD."

It works. rooms in LV are also a LOT cheaper.

"6. I'm hearing that there are some serious hotel issues in SD during the con, but surely there's a way we can get around that. Heck, we have two years to get around that. Could we rent a few beach condos or something? Keep in mind we have 2 YEARS. If the hotel issue is the main deterrent from doing this in San Diego in 2008, we ought to be able to get around that."

I've looked into condos; there are some deals. but mostly away from downtown, near the beaches. I didn't mind being on Coronado - we were closer to the Con than many in Old Town or Hotel Circle, but I think some of the others were less satisfied.

"7. Nightcrawler lives there, and if any LWer deserves to have this get-together in his hometown, it's him."

I won't try to answer for him.

"I don't know, after hearing the ecstatic reports from SD this year and last year from all of us who were able to make it, it seems to me like it's the very best possibility."

SD makes a lot of sense.

The negatives:

1. Size. we're going to be a small fish in a biiiig pond. We can overcome part of this by agreeing and booking lodgings well in advance, so we're not spread all over town. While those of us in SD did manage to meet up several times, we didn't hang out as much as Boston or Dallas, as we lacked convenient/central gathering points.

2. lodging expense. SD, at least at con season, is not as cheap as other locales. In this sense, a pre-SD Vegas meet-up would be more budget-friendly, although it potentially divides us into multi-events. other options for the budget traveller: youth hostels, RVs, camping or sharing floorspace. A big enough condo rental could help, too.

3. Chicago. I still present this as a viable alternative; the con is practically walking diatance from the airport (O'Hare), and Chicago has plenty of flight options from all over. Most pro-SD reasons can also apply to Chicago, even if it isn't as big a con, it's still a heavy, as I understand it. Miner would be the best able to compare, tho.

But let's decide soon.

PS I did briefly talk to Paul Levitz about it. he suggested who to talk to. Unless anyone objects, I'll be Liaison Lad with DC.

I went to Chicago Con just befoew Wizard bought it, so take it for what it's worth...

Chicago seems more of a comic convention, where SD is for all kinds of pop culture. Chicago seems more likely to have a comic book related event. IT's located on the edge of the city and is more accessible. No to mention more afforadble.

Just curious- has anyone set up a pre-lim poll? It doesn't have to mean anything but gauge an intial consensus?

I'm equally excited about both Chicago and San Diego. They both have plenty of rollercoasters in the area for me to enjoy. Whee!!!

I'll go for either. I would perfer San Diego just becasue I owuld like to attend comic-con. But Chicago is a great town too.

I'm planning to go to SDCC in '08 'cause I'll be 21 (finally), and I won't be able to go in '07. I could probably get out to Chicago, too, since I'll have graduated by then; however, I don't know what my job situation will be and those sorts of things so... yeah. I can't really commit to more than SDCC.

Personally, I didn't feel overwhelmed by SDCC. Maybe it's because I haven't had a lot of experience with cons of any size, but... I mean, I got to talk to Steve Wacker for at least half an hour, Mike Carlin for longer, pictures with all the 52 guys...

It's just something to think about. It's big and they're busy but there was nothing I wanted to do that I didn't get to and everything I wanted to get, I got. There were a lot of people, yes, and it was tiring but... I really, really enjoyed myself. Personally, I can't wait to go back again.

The SDCC sounds the best for me, esp if some of us do a "pre-meet-up meet-up" in Vegas (Vegas is still my cheapest flight destination).

Hawaii! Well okay so that might be a bit far, but hopefully I'll be done with school and flexible then. Here's something to keep in mind: the folks who put on San Diego Comic-Con always celebrate milestones for comic properties with programming and stuff in their program books (like this year was the Flash, Star Trek, Gumbi, Universal monsters, Dick Tracy, Archie, Captain America, and Space Ghost. I think that more than likely, and especially if we remind them, the Comic-Con folks (as well as DC) would likely celebrate the Legion's 50th birthday.

Well from this faraway viewpoint all I will say is that come hell, highwater or a heart attack I am going to be there. (where ever there is )

Flying into the east coast or even Chicago is pretty easy from the UK. the west coast is a heck of a long trip so I might be looking to meet up with some of the east coasters and rest for a couple of days before heading on out.

I'm starting to save now.

San Diego sounds good to me.

Two years?

That means if I stand in the queue at the passport office now then I might just get served in time to go.

It sounds like we should settle on San Diego, then.

so there are four parts:

1. who all is coming? some of us will obviously offer tentative commitments early on; but with 23.5 months to plan, anything but sudden life changes should make this doable. And if anyone on a low bdget isn't too fussy, we should be able to help ID travel (see #4) and lodging options condusive to attendance for all.

2. where do we all stay, and how much earler/later to we arrive/depart? this time out, gathering in Vegas the prior weekend worked well, but we didnt get to SD til Wednesday... if this is the model to follow, we might plan on some post-con events when we'll literally have the city to ourselves! but if we rent condos, many seem to be a Sun-to-Sat basis, which suggests a pre-con gathering makes more sense; it lets us meet beforehand as well.

3. what sort of booth/events do we host? the more complex, the more we'll need scheduled staffing (although having a convenient on-floor hang-out space shoud make this fairly attractive).

4. what are the side events? Vegas, and/or road trips? A number of road trips may help get everyone there; as some may not want to or be able to fly. I suggest at least two vans/minivans, one originating from the norteast and one from the southeast, picking up our crew en route. If reception is good, a third from the midwest isn't a bad idea.

I'm all for POVERTY CON 2008 before the trip to San Diego (all gatherings in New England are named after Poverty Lad for those that don't know). This way the trip over to San Diego will be filled with goofy stories about "Darden and Cobie were so drunk the other night..."

San Diego sounds like the best place, and I can commit now, b/c I think this will be the coolest thing. I'll either fly over, or go cross country if I can ride shotgun in Lash's kick-ass convertible

Oh, and Kent--you've really become the quarterback for this thing, and you're the man!

I agree. Kent is totally the QB on this one, and he absolutely SPACE-RAWKS for doing it.

1. The other Mr. Prime and I will definitely be coming. Yay!

2. I think a lot of this really does depend on the condo situation, and something to think about on that is what the occupancy limits might be as far as the condos go, which will depend on the real estate companies. Also keeping in mind that they may have restrictions as far as how many unrelated people can share a condo. Still, if we were able to fit 50 people into 7 or so condos, man, that would be sweet.

4. Vegas, Sea World, the zoo, Tijuana, (in LA) Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Magic Mountain, just for a few. And if the condo situation were to not work out, we could fly into Vegas, stay for a couple days, rent cars, and drive to SD. Yay!

S/D or Chicago, either one is okay for me - but I wouldn't rule out other/regional meets. Not just because of the cost, but maybe some people can't get away at that specific time (you never know who's due for the next hysterectomy! ). Poverty Con 2008 - sign me up! I'll bring a video camera to document the goofy stories.

"Liason Lad" - it's so appropriate to have an "LL" name for this job.

Kent's our very own Schvaughn!

Kent's on Pro-Fem?

Caroline and I will be there, by hook or by crook. Unfortunately SDCC is one of the events I can't help with reservations. Most con rates are better than what they'll give us employees during that time at the Marriotts. If I had the money we'd stay at the Marriott that is right next door to the convention center.

As for a booth, I'm up to manning it for whatever period of time. Maybe we should make some overatures to Mr. Levitz to see if there is something we can have printed to give out without causing any licensing issues. At the very least I'd love to give out this bumper sticker that Future created:

Yes I love it "POVERTY CON 2008" is a must do prior to the main event.

Only FC has to promise not to put the video's of Cobie and me doing that dance on your tube.

I can't make any promises for San Diego, but at the very least I would be able to hit Poverty Con.

The problem for me is that I'm poor and single and live in a very cold and oil-sucking environment. Alot of my spare money seems to be going toward winter oil bills lately.

However, I will do what I can to start putting money aside, and we'll see how it goes

Count me in, wherever it may be.

Houston is centrally located and is the hub city of a major airline, so I can pretty much get anywhere from here. I haven't been to a con in ten years (the last was Gaylaxicon in Boston in 1996), so it's way past time! Barring unforseen catastrophe, I'm in.

I'll be there! For at least one full day of the Comic-Con, and for whatever dinners or similar get-together events we have. I fear that more than two days roaming the Comic-Con floors would do me in, as they nearly did in 2004.

I'll probably still not be that flush as to handling hotel costs, unless we do some four-to-a-room coziness ... hmmm! Or the condo idea, which would allow using a kitchen and saving money on at least one meal a day.

By the way ... whatever happened to Future? He did that burst of creative brilliance and silly fun from September to December 2004, and we haven't seen him post since!

(I just saved all the bumper stickers, not just this one. Not letting Photobucket lose 'em!)

Don't know what happened with Future. Maybe school got to be a bit much for him to participate here and he just lost touch. Hopefully that's all it was and one of these days he'll venture back here again. I miss having him around as I'm sure many others do as well.

Glad you saved his collection Grey. That was definitely one of the most original and most fun threads on Bits! Just went through it again earlier today and I still laugh out loud at many of his creations.

I miss Future so much.

Actually, if you go look at the original thread with the bumper stickers I've changed all the links to point to a folder here at LW that I set up for them.

One factor to keep in mind, in regard to San Diego: You'll now pretty much HAVE to buy your memberships (admissions) in advance. If, that is, you want to avoid being disappointed when you get there.

CBR reported that Comic-Con shut down on-line membership sales on Friday and on-site sales on Saturday. Only those who'd pre-registered or had multiple-day passes were admitted.

The prime concern was overcrowding in the Convention Center, though they didn't hit the limits set by the fire marshals. Apparently a half-million square feet of exhibition space still isn't quite enough!

I heard the pre-reg changes this year really helped alleviate past problems. Always a good thing to get registered in advance.

Been thinking about us having a booth still. Along with some kind of little freebie what if we held a raffle? I may have an extra copy of the first Legion Archive. If we could get it signed by a few of the Legion's big names (Levitz, Waid, Kitson, maybe even Mr. Wacker) would that be something anyone would like to do?

He really defined the notion of a 'prominent member' those couple of months. I miss him too. (I know I spelled prominent wrong probably ). I always just kept expecting him to return one day, but jeez...its been a year and a half .

Ordering tickets in advance is a must!

I think step two after the initial ideas is using all means of bribery and trickery to get some of the LWers that have yet to comment on this thread to try and join us. They know who they are I might even have to start mowing lawns cross country if it comes to that...(note - in joke reference to old thread

You know, getting pictures of Waid, Wacker or Kitson in a Legion World T-Shirt would be quite the little feather in our cap...

[Lightning Lad]
{ I heard the pre-reg changes this year really helped alleviate past problems. Always a good thing to get registered in advance. }

Well, no, they didn't alleviate this problem, actually. That was why the Comic-Con staff resisted doing it. They felt they had to turn away hundreds, if not a thousand or more, who had shown up on Saturday with their money and had waited in line for hours to get in.

One of the staffers interviewed in a CBR post-mortem said that they knew that doing this was potentially dangerous, with having advertised the show, and then turning away masses of people who had taken them up on it.

The word-of-mouth hit could snowball, hurting the event, especially if this happens again next year. The problem is that Comic-Con already uses the whole Convention Center, and until it's expanded (which is far from certain), they have little they can do. If the San Diego Padres happen to have a home-stand next year, the problems will only worsen.

As for its being "always a good thing," well, yes, it's preferable, but some of us can't easily set plans for a specific date months in advance. Such as with the vagaries of self-employment: Will you turn down a client who wants a massive new Website put on line during the week of Comic-Con, say?

The currant deal between SDCC and the Padres is for Baseball to be 'away' during SDCC weekend and only have night games during the week. The Padres mgt. feels 'real' people won't come down to the park while 'the nerd heard' is around and want Comic Con out of SD. Negotiations to move the con have been running for at least two years now but no decision has been made. The political power between the 'Move it out's' and the "Expand the Convention Center' are to evenly matched.

Given the size of it already, I predict is has to start spilling over more into the nearby hotels; maybe even the old con center (if it still exists).

The current con center is about 5 blocks long; Saturday's line exceeded the entire length (not even counting the indoor sections).

Pre-reg is a must! just as finding lodgings waaaay in advance are.

Not sure where you get your info Steve but I said pre-reg helped alleviate problems. And it did. Unless you want to call people like Heidi over at The Beat wrong. I didn't say there weren't problems with getting in for people who were not pre-paid or pre-registered. I just said pre-registration helped past issues.

And to answer your question about a website, assuming it was directed at me, the answer would be yes. Since it would be outside of our SLAs for someone to give us short notice to get a website online I could possibly turn away a client. To have it go live the week of the con all of the work would have to be done prior with the most minimal of fine tuning being done the week of go-live. And that kind of stuff I can do remotely.

I was going by commentary posted in several places at CBR (the main site, not the forums) and at least one allusion to it at Newsarama.

What I saw in your mentioning "past problems" was, among them, this same overcrowding problem, which is of long standing, and far from solved. They've bumped up against the fire marshals' limits since at least the 2002 con, the first I attended.

And my Website mention was referring to me, actually, but again I was tripped up by the nonspecific "you" -- sorry about that. In the stricter sense, you've got an employer (or those who use your services within your employer), and I have clients. (Sometimes *sigh*)

My point was that when one doesn't have an employer or, thus, internal clients, it's much harder to turn down substantial work that may come up at the last minute. That can make such a possibility work against committing to a multi-day registration far in advance. Or at least, far enough in advance to be able to get Con-arranged "cheaper" hotel rooms.

Sounds great to me!!!

Sorry Steve. Don't know why I assumed it was about me. Just seems that even my directors at work always refer to me when talking about our webstuff. It didn't even enter my memory you did the same without the Corporate backing. And you are totally right. Most of my clients are all internal customers. Although I keep getting asked to do side jobs too but never one that really takes my time like Brewvies or the CMN golf tournament.

I'll be there, assuming of course that Cobie actually shows up and mows my lawn. In fact, Pagan Lass is even willing to offer him a glass of lemonade.

Unfortunately, it would take an act of God to get me to San Diego in 2008.

I'm not even sure I'm going to be able to make it to the 2006 Baltimore comic con, and that's less than 50 miles away.

If I do make it to Baw'more, maybe I'll get Kitson to sign a copy of Legion #1.

That might be another good thing to raffle. I've got duplicates of each issue of the current Legion (I always buy at least two of each). We could see if Waid and Kitson would sign like a full year or two (I'm thinking maybe the first full story arc) and we could do a raffle for that too. Just trying to think of things that I would love to own myself.

I bet I could get Waid and Wacker to do it. They love me. That or they'll see me and run far, far away...

Bumped to remind everyone:

San Diego 2008 is THE LW gathering to end all gatherings! Whatever your vacation plans this year, keep in mind your obligation to meet the entire gang in July 2008!

And remember: if you're not there, we *will* be talking about you!

I'm still thinking of skipping everything in 2007 and saving as much vacation time as possible so we can have a couple of weeks around SDCC in 2008.

I'll probably be doing the same unless I can get somewhere by car, to save for LMB-Con 2008!

Same here, I'd like to spend more than just a weekend at the big meet, so I'm looking to save up money and time off.

Well given where we are coming from a couple of weeks is a must. But I may need to spread myself around a bit. Maybe crash with some one on the east coast for a day or so R&R after the atlantic crossing before heading for the meet?

I'd been thinking about taking a full week at SD before (the office doesn't want me going out more than that), so this dovetails nicely with my own plans.

We've also discussed on and off renting a van or minivan and driving there and back. With enough interested parties, it could be economical (plus one can hit a few sites en route), but anyone who can only wiggle one week off will of course be better off flying.

or teleport. now that we're wackerless, who do we have to nudge and remind about the 50th anniversary?

Caroline and I will be driving from SLC. Anyone wanting to fly into town and drive with us is welcome.

We should ambush Steve anyway, just to let him know we still care.

As for the Legion anniversary, I'd suggest the current editor.

At San D, Levitz suggested Wacker (still the editor, then) and someone in the PR dept, but I can't recall who.

This soudns very good... I'd love to go to San Diego next time and spend some time hitting things other than the con. ;-)

Lee and I are making tentative plans to crash the party in 2008 too. (We're also planning an after-party up to LA to Knotts Barry Farm, Magic Mountain, and possibly the Disney parks, depending on $$$$.)

I'm still planning on attending. I'm even tempted to check on going cross country on the train (a la Quis.) I've always wanted to do a cross country railroad trip and this might be a great reason for it.

Maybe others in the southern half of the country could jump on board and we can make it a Legion Express Whistlestop!

I've long wanted to take a lengthy railroad trip as well but my schedule just doesn't allow for it.

The Whistlestop's a great idea, though.

Count us in on the after-party Jeffy! We only got to hit the places in SD last time around (the zoo, animal park, etc). We'd love to visit LA and hit Disney or Universal.

Sweet!!!

I'm not sure how it would work for me yet, and likely would not know until closer (i.e. train, drive, or most likely fly).

Other people to inform: Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, Mark Waid, Barry Kitson. Even some other creators (Steve Lightle, etc.).

Many of us would probably like to do other things as a group as well.

We should all post ideas of things to do/places to go to go together as much as desired (while respecting those who'd rather go on their own or as couples, of course).

Unfortunately, the rail trip across the Southern US might have a snag. Amtrak still hasn't fixed the rail link east of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. The Sunset Limited would normally run from Orlando to LA. Currently its eastern terminus is New Orleans. A rail trip from Florida to California would currently have to be via Washington and Chicago.

If the Florida to California line is reinstated, I think that would be really kewl. The Sunset Limited has a stop in Houston, so I'd be glad to hop on there!

I'll head up the amusement park committee.

This is the first time I've seen this thread. I'm intrigued, but I'm skeptical about my availability for this event. We'll see.

I think I can be in.

I actually may go this year. Is there a thread about the 2007 Comicon? I can't seem to find one.

Hopefully you guys can both go! We're trying to make this a 50th Legion Anniversary event, in addition to being a Legion World/LMB event, and it should be a ton of fun.

Especially the part where we hold Paul Levitz ransom until Dr. Mayavale is reintroduced to Legion Continuity!*

<span style="font-size: 8px;">*Tongue in cheek applies here, oh faithful Legion readers working at the FBI!</span>

Next best thing: we can lean on the ComiCon folks to have an all-Gerry Conway LSH panel!

It's time for another reminder:

EVERYBODY remember to start planning for next year!

Have we definitely decided this is going to be in San Deigo in 2008? I thought I remembered that there were some people wanting to go to New York and invade the DC offices?

Either way count us in. If it is San Diego, Jen and her lad can go to town and the zoo and all that sort of stuff, whilst I hang out with the LMB.

We would probably fly to Las Vegas and try to see the Grand Canyon and stuff then if possible and if you guys do the same as last year we could all drive over to SD together.

Darden, you guys are more than welcome to meet us in Vegas and drive out to SD. Right now we are planning on either meeting CJ there or him driving from SLC with us. But I think we'll be able to fit all five of us in our new Proty (2004 Dodge Durango).

I don't think I'll be able to make it. It depends on a few things (like when I'm doing this cruise thingy) but... yeah. I'm still crossing my fingers, but.. yeah.

If I don't make it, I guess I'll just have to do a cross country road trip someday and stop at all of your houses or something.

thanks Scott but with you, caroline, CJ and the three of us (and her lad is over six foot tall) plus all theluggage that might be a tad cosy. but if you think we can do it it could be so much fun. Otherwise I was thinking of hiring a car and setting off as a convoy or somthing.

Quick! Someone get Pov into pants, Cali's coming to visit.

So, when is the San Diego meeting again?

I'll be the first one to admit- I don't take up as much as a six foot tall lad. I've been known to fit in the average size carry on actually.

Lee and I are still tentatively planning on joining!

We chewed over a lot of options; I think everyone agreed San D made the most sense.

We also talked about another Vrgas meet-up prior to heading down; I think it worked very well last year (except for Scott and Caroline and CJ cancelling out of Vegas, of course. life's boomerangs. bah!)

If enough of us are interested/have time, we could also drive coast-to-coast.

SD is usually mid-to-late July. Next year's dates should be announced soon (if they haven't been already).

I'm all for hooking up in Vegas first and roadtripping the rest of the way.

Cali! You'd better go!

It won't be the same without you!

Well, so long as they aren't the Wed - Sunday that centers on July 14th, I should probably be available to attend, and really hope to!

Most likely it would involve flying, as I just don't think I can swing that many days off from work.

DiDio finally confirmed there are plans. Just didn't bother telling us where and when.

woooowwwoooo Suicide Squad, Infinity Inc, Countdown to Mystery!!!! Flash ends with #13?!? what gives? anyway i am looking forward to find out the final fate of Jason Todd in Countdown.

also took a look at JLA #13 - I wonder why Black Adam would be there siding with Dr. Sivana....and is that Validus next to Mongul?? he's supposed to be giant??? Huh?!? confusing and will have to wait til #13 arrives.

But more importantly, sup'mddjr, are you coming to San Diego in 2008?

Kent - thank you for asking me - I have been debating myself on going to SD again this year since I have been gone to La Jolla twice for the business trips. I promised my partner that I would only go to SD two times every year and cannot go for 3rd time. Also, I have not made any reservation yet...I have two friends who are living here in SF and Sacramento who want to go to SD next year - so thought why not wait til next year - perfect timing to celebrate 50th year anniversary. Subsequently, I finally made the decision that I will not be able to attend this year. Would love to go tthere to meet Michael grabios, Jim Drew, Sydne, etc. Sure miss them a lot.

I hope to be there next year. I haven't been since 2003, I think, but since I was there for the Legion's 40th, I'll want to be there for the 50th.

Apparently superboymddjr knows me, but I have to admit that I don't know the name behind the nickname. Sidne Ward goes there every year, and she will be meeting up with me and Jim (plus a number of others) in Las Vegas the weekend of July 5-8 this year for our annual "Legion of Super-Gamblers" (LSG) trip. Next year I hope to have it the weekend before the SDCC so that people can go to both - Vegas from Thursday to Sunday (or later), then Monday and Tuesday for whatever/wherever, and Wednesday to Sunday in San Diego.

Our annual LSG trip is open to all, though of course it's probably too late to make reservations to go with us this year.

Reminder, people - ONE YEAR AWAY!

Thoughts on hotels: Some of us will be willing to pay more to be close to the Con center, while those of us on a budget will be willing to settle for someplace a short hop away. I suggest we try to pin down hotels nice and early - and book before the "official" listings. In '06, we were fairly scattered around town; it made socializing harder than Boston or Dallas gatherings.

Question for MEL, L.E.G.I.O.N.-John, Ravenette, Mechana: how would you rate your hotels last year, as far as price/distance? I know some of us who stayed on Coronado were less than impressed with that locale. To me, Old Town doesn't seem that far, and it's an easy trolley ride to the Con center. While the Holiday Inn and others are closer, too, the Old Town places seemed less expensive, IIRC.

Request for this year's attendees: please post your recommendations/experiences as well.

I'm hoping to get in and get an employee rate at some rooms at the Marriott right next door. At least a better discount that the con rate. If not we're thinking of renting a condo since we are going to be there at least a week.

Have the dates for 2008 been determined yet?

They're not yet posted, Vee, but I just emailed a request for dates.

Scott- I've previously checked out condos on-line; large ones tend to be along the beaches (far from the Con) or else they are amall and expensive downtown. Not telling you ont to go this route, but I do question thier value (for groups at least).

Last year and this, I'm at the Sheraton Suites (mostly because they were one of the only ones I could get). They're quite nice and spacious - there's a separate bedroom and living room with a couch and plenty of floor space. I was going to share the room with my brother and then it turns out my friend Ben and his brother Max needed a place to stay so they'll be with us too.

The hotel is okay for walking to the Gaslamp (5-10 minutes) a little bit farther away from the convention center but as I found last year, the Con shuttles are very convenient to get around.

Oh yeah, I just wrote a blog entry about good places for dessert and hotel hunting for San Diego:
http://www.comics2film.com/b/index....eth&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

Vee (and everyone else):

The Con people got back to me very quickly!

The 2008 dates are:
July 24-27
(Thursday through Sunday, as usual)

That means I'm taking 7/21-8/1 for vacation next year.

Crap! Gotta wait a whole month before I can check employee rates. Only available 11 months out. Totally forgot about that.

Yow! While a bunch of places won't let you reserve/check dates that far in advance, other places downtown are already getting booked solid for the 08 Con already!

Let us know as soon as you guys can what the options are as we may need a bit more time to organise things from the "old country"

we'll have a better crack at hotel listings in August; many places won't even let you check rates more than a year before.

People should put together a ballpark idea of what they want to spend on San D rooms - don't expect cheapness, though. The only rooms in the two-digit range (US dollars) I've seen for this year are many, many miles from the Con.

Those of us who are cheapskates will need to share, or look at youth hostels.

I can't make any promises, especially since this almost never works around the Con, but I can get up to three rooms at my associate rate and can issue a few forms for Friends & Family rates (which generally run cheaper than rack or con). But as I already said, it'll be mid-August before I can even check. The first property I'm thinking of hitting up is our newer one in Gaslamp as I doubt we'll get the convention center adjacent Marriott.

While my current job will easily let me take a room on my own, I would perfer to share.lol more money for comics that way!!!

Side note...I think i'll be flying into vegas first if there's any roadtripers who want to pick me up on the way

If you're booking now before con rates, expect to pay more than $300 per night (I am -- shudder), even for hotels a ways away if they're still on the shuttle route. It's definitely not a bad idea to book ahead of time as a fallback because con rate rooms sell out within minutes, which is why I'm still paying what I am, but at least I'm splitting it.

Yahoo/Travelocity seem to be the best site for comparing July 2008 rates.

The best price downtown looks like the Holiday Inn at $224/night. The Hilton comes in at $325-ish. The two immediately adjacent ot the Con center don't register at all yet.

Hotel Circle or similar distances away (8-12 miles out) bring one down to the 160-190 range... and there are a couple of $125s in the Hotel Circle area out further out into the hinterlands.

With the trolley, almost everything in the Mission Valley area (Hotel Circle) should be quick and easy to get to/from the Convention Center.

...we also have a decent size contingent interested in the Vagas pre-meet.

Is there still interest in an LA-area amusement park pre- or post-Con meet? If so, should it overlap with the Vegas pre-meet, or follow the Con, so people can do both, if they like?

In 2006, Abin, L-John and I travelled from Vegas to San D on Wednesday, arriving just in time for preview night. Town was already packed.

I'd suggest the Vegas-San D road trip be moved to Tuesday in 2008, allowing more time to settle in, and/or see a sight or two en route.

Another option would be to break it up and overnight near Riverside, about 2/3 of the way between the two. This option would allow a later departure from Las Vegas, potential detours ot Joshua Tree and/or Palm Springs (or even LA) on the first part, and Mt. Palomar or the Wild Animal Park on the second part.

Any idea what's public transportation like if I'm still using my 'chair then?

Oh, to be Metron...

Bri, we'll have our car so hopefully we can get you around.

We still want to do a stop in Vegas, probably Tuesday night (leave SLC on Monday). And we still want to play for at least Disneyland after the con. Or take a day off during, whatever work for those wanting to go.

Pov:

http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/wheelchair/index.asp

http://www.accessandiego.org/travelsearch.asp

I'm still not completely sure I'm going; The idea of getting around the Con is just really daunting, to be honest. Never mind the logistics of my travel and stay.

Still all perfectly doable with proper planning... and I know I'll regret it if I don't try. What's the saying... "Hope for the best, plan for the worst"?

(Oh! Thanks for the links, Sean! )

de nada, Bri!

you know we'll do anything we can to make it happen for you, if we have to carry you around ourselves!

The con center can get quite crowded, but I think we've all seen wheelchaired people out and about. There are elevators, and since there are plenty of stairs there is not fierce competiton for elevator space.

whoever has a vehicle could even get you there/back without having to fiddle with pub-tran (especially if you have a transferable handicapped-parking tag.)

I'm sure we'll all respect whatever decision you eventually make, but I repeat: we'll all do our part to make it happen for you.

Even if Bri doesn't have his own parking tag/hanger we have one already (because of Caroline's mom). That should get us there, assuming there aren't a lot of people using them like last time who didn't need to (I swear I even caught a vendor using one for closer access when we were there last).

big-time pet peeve of mine. I had a boss who had a tag because his wife supposedly had a sleeping disorder! She seemed as able as any (she also worked in the office), and he was best described as a likeable prick, if that makes any sense.

Hey, Lee and I are still on-board! He was actually looking at hotels and such yesterday night. I think we want to go hit Disneyland before the con (maybe Wed.) if anyone else is interested!

EDIT: Just read above about the Vegas pre-meet and the LA Amusement park post-meet. Or concurrent pre-meets. Or something. That would work too. Of course, we're probably only up for one major non-con activity, but if others want to go to some of the parks in LA, we're all in, whether it's before or after the con. (We'll be going anyway, but it would be fun to have some company!)

I'm still planning on making the trip as well though I'm not certain about pre or post excursions.

Bri, I'll echo the comments above. Anyhting we can do to make this work for you to join us...count on it! I'm pretty good at blocking out and opening up holes in the front line so the "scatback" can have a wide open field ahead of him!

And if that doesn't work, just run over their toes with the wheels on your 'chair and make 'em apologize to you!

Or we could costume Pov and his (potential) chair as Metron! People would get out o his way in sheer AWE!

I could be his brother-God, Fatron!

That is a totally cool idea, though... have to see what I can cook up.

Especially if I end up with a powerchair in the intervening year... ! My current PT is pushing for one, as it would maneuver better around my trailer than my P.O.S. current, manual wheels. Powered wheels would get me around the convention center better, too...

This is good news! Most likely, I'll be able to come! I would probably fly in on Friday night (or Thursday at the earliest), so all pre-meets and stuff won't work for me. I just don't have enough vacay time...(damn US and its two weeks a year for us 20-somethings!).

Bri, as others said, I'm up for doing whatever it takes to make this as comfortable as possible for all comers!

So I think I should be able to go, and I really hope tons of people plan on coming. I mean--dozens! We need at least over 20. Even if I have to stop in Iowa and force a certain hat-wearing poster to join us.

Jillikers, I want to be where most people are staying. I guess when people start figuring that stuff out, let me know...

I fugure more room rates will become checkable in mid to late August. I plan to have a place reserved by mid-September at the latest.

Based upon prior postings, I have compiled this list of tentative attendees... of course, plans change; I'm not presenting these as any kind of commitment; I just want to shock and awe everyone, in hopes of recruiting even more:

Cobalt Kid (weekend only: (Thurs 24 eve?) Fri 25-Sun 27)
Suddenly Seymour (?)
Nightcrawler (local)
Pov (fingers crossed)
Lightning Lad + Saturn Girl (SLC Mon 21, Vegas Tues 22 and onward; Disney after con (28?))
Kid Prime + Lee Lad (Disney 23 and onward; or Disney/Knotts afterward)
Vee (Con only)
superboymddjr + friends
Michael Grabois + % of LSG (Vegas pre-meet, hopefully, + Con)
Monkey-Eater Lad
Outdoor Miner
Faraway Lad + Gigglebot Girl (Vegas? + SD)
Dedman (Vegas + SD)
CJ Taylor (Vegas + SD)
Rockhopper Lad (train arrival; rules out Vegas unless he gets off at Kingman, AZ… maybe we could pick him up there?)
Blue Battler
Abin Quank
walkingwithcrowds (assuming he’s still interested. Where’s he been?)
Fat Cramer (?)
rtvu2
Stealth (?)
Kent Shakepseare

Um... lost in the crowd, maybe?

Add me to that list. I live in LA and am always up for a trip to Disney, too.

WHAT?!?!?

I'm intending SD - probably wouldn't do Vegas. But I might.

If you go to Vegas, FC, you'll have to change your sig line to "Desert, please"

...so at potentially 20-30 of us, maybe we can nab a group rate somewhere.

I'm planning to attend, though who knows what can happen in a year. The train would have been nice, but it would be more practical to fly. Either way, I would probably pass on Las Vegas.

I've been considering getting a booth for us next year...but I just don't have that kind of cash...

At this years rates (2007), the price for just a table is $850 + CALIFORNIA STATE TEMPORARY SELLERS PERMIT.

even if we're not selling anything?
isn't there a cultural-type table rate? I seem to recall various clubs had tables on the back mezanine areas.

You tell me - PDF File for exhibit registering .

I guess it does say below that you can waive it if you not selling anything. But still...$850! Whew!

well, a small press table is $350. I'll email them after the Con (I'm sure they're very busy right this minute) and ask.

FAN TABLES! I don't think they charge do they? or if they do is it a lot? There's always like the Serenity guys, the Trekkers, the Star Wars, the 501st Legion...

http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_fantables.shtml

But a small press table requires a current copy of your publication. We wouldn't qualify unless we got some of the guys from Klordny to help. If the prices don't change and the discount holds, we may be able to raise $700 by January. Only 70 of us at $10 a head. I'd put up $50 to $100 of it myself by November/December if we decided we really want our own table.

And does this cover preview night? I couldn't tell from the app if it was just preview night or the whole con including Thursday.

Plus we'd definitely want to make sure we had power available which it appears you can't arrange before hand for booths but can for tables.

Sent out an e-mail.

Looking at the list of those who may be there next year, it would be an additional $28 a head (counting couples like Caroline and I as two, so $56 for us) to get a table. I think it would be a great place to have even just to meet and have a place to store stuff.

exactly! and except for the Storm Troopers who go all out on uniforms, none of those groups seem particularly big-budget.

According to the map, fan/club tables are on the Mezzanine Level (below the Ballrooms and above the exhibit hall).

well three of us LWers who are also Klordnyites have expressed interest in going, so it's definitely possible.

that sounds right... it's not on the main floor, of course, but it is not a bad palce to be.

A place to call our own? Do it!

Think how nice it would be to invite Barry, Ronda, Dennis, etc. to stop by for a visit at the LEGION WORLD table!

I am also considering coming. If I can make the money work and rig it so I don't feel like I'm abandoning my wife and kids, I'll be there.

So if I bring some Marvel/Zombie friends, would they be allowed to hang out with us?

Yes. Jess and the guys are more than welcome. Thinking about dragging any others along?

I've got three others, but- well you've seen my friends. We're gonna need a bigger boat...

Well hopefully there'll be less of me so that leaves more room for others.

I'll be bringing a Boom Tube...

I want to get back to Cobie's comment about raiding Iowa for LW'ers...

I'm just remembering Boston and how nice it was to have that one designated table that we made into our Legion World Con HQ and comparing it to the madness that was SD 2006 where just finding each other for lunch or whatever was a major hassle...

Get the fan table Scott, I'll definitely help with the cost.

Not a... Sonic... Boom Tube, I hope?

Agreed. A central, staffed point to coordinate messages, gatherings, updates and changes will be mega-needed, especially if our numbers work out as it appears. Trying to meet at the DC booth, or on the back patio, or places X, Y or Z were a nightmare - as was getting word to people as plans changed and situations arose.

I expect Klordny would be willing to help with donations of our fine publication. And I would be happy to contribute to the cost of the table, whether or not I get there.

We need to do this and let me know how much and when you need it by and I'll chip in our share.

I'd be happy to chip in for a fan table. As much as the dealer or small-press table sounds cool, I'd hate to bump a legitimate, product-selling comic establishment for us. I know there will be plenty of others, but it doesn't seem fair. Just like, as much as I love my partner in a Utilikilt , I think a more comic-related business should have their spot.

Also, we've run into this with APA-LSH. You definitely want to check with Klordny members. We've had issues with people not even wanting their contributions to go into spec copies we send people who are seriously considering membership -- privacy issues and whatnot.

Agreed! What would this con be without Calamity King? We need to start pestering him, since I bet he doesn't check this thread anymore (given its lenghtiness). That goes for others too, like a certain 'most beloved of all posters'!

As for the fan table, I'll definately pitch in!

Good point, seymour.

A table in the small press area would also be a difficult place for all/most of us to garther ant any single time; the mezanine is rarely as crowded as the main floor, and we can alsways spill out onto the back deck.

Plus the mezzanine allows us to look down on all the unwashed masses! Quite appropriate for superior sentinents (as we know Legion fans are)

You can add me to the tentative list. Very tenatative as I am not sure what my financial situation will be like.

I like the idea of a fan table on the mezzanine. It would be better suited for us rather than a table on the floor. If I am there, I'll definitely do my share of monitor duty.

thanks, Quis. Be sure to check out the road-trip discussion going on at the other thread, " July 25th - July 27th, 2008*** "


[edit note: just adding a link ]

I'm up for putting in some time at our own table, and sharing costs as well.
Also I'm good for any other activities before/after con like disneyland.

Okay, let's see if I have this right.

The tentative schedule looks something like this:

July 21-23 Las Vegas Pre-Meet

July 24-27 San Diego Comic Con

July 28-31 Legion World Armies Terrorize Southern California.

Did I miss anything?

August 1 - 2 Funeral for a friend

I'm not expecting all of us to make it...

Just so everybody knows beforehand, I categorically refuse to stand next to Scott's bed with a lightning rod in my hand...

In all fairness, I doubt that Scott would want any of us standing next to his bed, rod in hand...

There are LWers who might not feel inclined to offer him a choice, but we'll make sure their lodgings are in the northern 'burbs of San Diego (say, Barstow).

First of all, the Wednesday preview night is Weds, July 23; some may want to attend. I found the 06 preview night to be more crowded than it was worth (there were no panels/events, so everyone was out on the floor), but it was better to get badges Weds night than Thurs morning, IMHO.

Also, we haven't nailed down whther Disney etc. is an alternate pre-meet or a post-con event, although it seems we're leaning towards the latter.

Does anyone object to planning Disney etc. as a post-Con event?

so tentatively, I'd adjust the schedule as follows:

July 21-22 (Monday and Tuesday; or else 20-22, Sunday to Tuesday) Las Vegas Pre-Meet

July 23 (Wednesday) travel day for most; try to assemble in San D by late afternoon

July 24-27 (Thursday to Sunday) San Diego Comic Con

July 28-31 (Monday to Thursday? Seems like a long post-Con event, but let's discuss it) Legion World Armies Terrorize Southern California.

Whose rod?

As long as it isn't A-Rod.

Actually, no rods. I don't plan on being the first needing resurrection. Not after all the working I've been doing to get in shape for next year.

Amen.

Okay, I know they say this every year and every year SD pulls its head out and makes sure it doesn't happen. But I've but watching some of the coverage on G4 and it seems they take every chance to say how the con is moving (sometimes they say probably moving) to LA next year.

Well I'm not so sure I'd be as gung-ho about going if they did finally move it for next year. Especially to LA. Unless it would be in some suburb or nice outskirt area, I have no interest what so ever in driving to LA let alone in LA.

Ugh. Yeah, I'd probably end up passing if it gets moved to L.A. ...

But we'd be a lot closer to Disneyland!

If it means room to move on the exhibit floor, I'd be game. This year (my first in a few) has been crazy.

If it's any consolation, I haven't heard that in any of the lines I've been sitting it. I did hear some people talking about how the con's contract expires in 2010, just as the convention center finishes an expansion. Is the possibility of them having to shut down parts of the center for this construction the reason they'd have to move?

Well, Kabir and I are both registered for next year here in SD, so I'm going to doubt that they would move it.

Although my friend heard they were moving it to Las Vegas last night. I think these are just made up rumors.

If Top Cow and others are already scheduling and promoting for SD '08, it seems unlikely for a move to happen this year. Surely they would have to let relevant companies know, even if on a confidential basis?

http://topcowblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/san-diego-2008-signing-schedule.html

Maybe politicos can help the cause; surely the Con brings in enough loot to town to fight for? If a concerned SD resident were to call his city councilman and the city tourism department and ask them why they are letting this happen, certainly they'd be keen to either squalsh rumors or fight to prevent a move. we can let them do the heavy lifting for us.

Calls from the rest of us to the SD tourism office could help this effort.

Mark Evanier, who's been attending the SD con forever, periodically addresses the recurrent rumor of it moving to another city. Las Vegas is the city most often mentioned in those rumors. He usually goes over the following reasons that the con won't move out of SD:
1. The city is well aware of how much money the con brings in and would do anything it had to to prevent it moving.
2. Developers in the city are building new hotels in the vicinity of the convention center, spurred primarily by the crowds that come to Comicon.
3. The organizers of the con know that part of the identity of the con is that it's in SD. If it moved to Las Vegas it would not be the biggest show in town by a long shot and they'd rather remain the big fish in the smaller pond.
There are other reasons and for those and just to catch his entertaining writing, I recommend checking out Mark's site at www.newsfromme.com.

Well I'll be going to Comic-Con next year though I'll be there for the Legion get together, and I live in Las Vegas already so tell me when we are getting together and where.

I'm planning on making a Legion Costume for next year too.

I imagine you'd be commuting to hang out with us douring the Vegas visit, TW, but feel free to suggest events/excursions only locals may know about.

I'd bet those who have never been will want to do the Star Trek Experience (and I'm up for doing it again); other than that we have a blank slate at the moment.

Well, I haven't done the Star Trek Experience yet, I am doing it later this month though, but I do know somethings around here, but I am not sure when I leaving for San Diego though because when I went there I want to see a lot more of it besides just the con, but that depends on what happens, but anyways,

I know a lot of the Malls, Parks and Arcades, and shows are.

I know Mystere is good, if you like Cirque De Solei. I know somethings, but I haven't been to a lot of shows here.

LA has a convention center more than big enough for the con, it's true, but it doesn't have the surrounding infrastructure (meaning hotels and restaurants) to make it feasible.

More hotels in SD only relieves part of the problem, though. The other issue is the convention center proper. The con chiefs are doing their best, but the vast number of attendees is still a major issue.

Here's the PDF form that was mailed to me in regards to us obtaining a fan table.

So do we sign up for? To me it looks like it will be one of the $700 tables. Assuming we pay in full by January.

Get this. The closest hotel I can use my employee discount rate during the con is the Marriott Hotel Tijuana. Situated only a convenient 10 miles away from downtown San Diego.

And don't bother selling anything. It looks like an additional headache and all that's really needed is a place to meet, IMO.

(Maybe some of us with extra Legion copies (like me) could bring them as giveaways, something like that.)

Heh -- mention the money and everything gets quiet.

What would you like us to do? Can we send a check? Are we going to skip it at that price? I figure if we're going to get a fan table, we should probably get some promotional stuff to give away, but unfortunately, that would cost even more money.

I'm still willing to chip in for the table. I'm also going to start stocking up on some small stuff, like notepads, sticky pads, etc. that are Legion-y. I'm thinking of having some more stickers made up of the animated logo but don't know if DC would balk at me giving them away. Not like I could afford to have more than 100 or so made anyway.

I decided to start looking for a room since I've always heard that accomodations are tough for this. The hotels around the convention center all show as unavailable already. (I imagine many of them have blocks of rooms held by SDCC but I don't know when those will become available.

I was able to make a reservastion (from Wed 7/23 through Sun 7/27) at the HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO - ON THE BAY, 1355 NORTH HARBOR DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101. Rooms are available starting at $229/night ($219 if you are willing to prepay, which I was not willing to do.) Looks like it's about 1.5 miles from the convention center and it seems to be on a trolly stop which sounds kind of neat (so is the Convention Center)

Figured I would reserve a room and then see what happens with the rooms SDCC makes available. I can always cancel 24 before scheduled arrival.

Well, that really ticks me off. The guy at the desk at the Marriott where I stayed said to check back at the end of August -- 11 months. Now I go to the Web site, and see they're already booked. I should have booked Aug. 1. Aargh!!!!!

Best employee rate is at the Oceanside Residence Inn, 36 miles away for $45 a night. Add a zero to the end and I could stay at the Marriott right next door to the con. No employee discount.

I'm willing to throw in money for a fan table.

Even if I don't actually go, which I have to assume is a possibility given the hotel situation.

Heck yeah! I'll donate, just get in touch.

I'm also good for contributing to paying for the cost of the table.

I'm ready to contribute, who's heading this up?

People who've offered to kick in $$ for a table:

Abin
Seymour
Lightning Lad
Miner
FC
Deddy
Yellow Kid

Anyone else? Then we choose a volunteer to collect the cash (Kent? I PM'd you!) and get this piano moving!

I don't have much money atm (since I'm jobless) but that should be a temporary situation, so I'm willing to see what I can do. I'm also trying to find a friend to crash with because I really don't see myself being able to pay $200-something/night. But, no matter what (summer school, jobs, etc.), I plan on being there. Probably won't take the train again, though.

What is it?

Fan table?

How much?

Why?

I really need to read whole threads. Is there a Schaum's Outline on this one somewhere?

The ultimate meet-up is at the 2008 San Diego Comic Con.

The fan table would be a table we purchase as a group. The cost would be $700 if we pay by January. The purpose is to make contact with other fans and get them to join our site. However, we would also be using it as a base for meeting. San Diego is a big con and meeting up is difficult on the main floor (fan tables are on the mezzanine (sp?) )

Count me in!

I'm realizing this meet-up will be about two months before my wedding next year. I think I'll drop hints in the weeks before that I have cold feet and am running of to California.

RE: the table:

Cramer suggested I tackle this. I am willing to do so, but it'll be a couple days before I can print out the form, let alone mail it.

Eight people (excluding myself for the moment) splitting US$700 is US$87.50 each (or about $90 CDN), all things being equal.

To the best of my knowledge, those of you who have offered to pay have a more reliable stream of income than poor-student I, so my contribution here will be organization, postage and a heart-felt "thank you," if nobody minds.

If someone else doesn't step forward by this weekend, I'll assume it's my ball to run with.

update:
we have a 9th person, someone who is chipping in $50.
If our listed 8 people each paid $80, I'd chip in the difference.

I'm willing to contribute too. Sorry. Just hadn't had the time to take up the cause.

Add me to the list of chippers. Sorry, I thought I had already tossed my proverbial 2 cents in...

Kent, if you don't mind taking up the mantle of organizing it, that would be great. I just don't have the time to do it and would hate us to miss the deadline because of me. Count me in for whatever $$$ we need, full split or more.

Oh, I'll hold you down while she kicks your @$$...!

Why don't you guys just elope to SDCC and have a Legion wedding? We never saw Lu and Chuck's nuptials on-panel, did we?

When I think of Cobie, I picture Chuck...

I'm happy to contribute for the table, too. Let me know when/whom/how to pay!

I'd pitch in too. It'll give me even more incentive to get to the con!

I thought for sure I had offered to contribute as well but I see I omitted it in expressing my enthusiasm for the "idea" of a fan table. I'm in for a full share (or more if needed)

Sean

I thought I had offered to chip in as well Just let me know how and when you want the money?

Updated list:

Abin
Seymour
Lightning Lad
Miner
FC
Deddy
Yellow Kid
Cobie
Faraway
Vee
Director
doublechinner
CJ
Nightcrawler
...and 2 who have contacted me privately.

with 16 people, we are now down to $43.75 apiece!

let's give it another day or two before finalizing the list and price.

I'll chip in something as well.

great! That's 17 of us... if we can reach 20, that'd make a nice, clean $35 per.

three more, three more!

Me!

You know...having a place we can sit, watch the convention shennanigens, pass the time and generally shoot the bull is well worth 35 bucks.

Could someone post a brief summary of what is involved in this ultimate MEET-UP? Sorry if that's high maintenance....

I'm interested, but need more facts, and have little time to read all 21 pages here.

slacker

At this point the meet up will be occurring in San Diego during Comic Con 2008 (July 24th - 27th) decided here more or less.

Kent also was nice to make a preliminary list here .

We decided to grab a fan table about here . Which will cost us $700 and be located near the middle of the Convention above the main floor and below or amongst the panels.

Kent's now taking names to divide up the cost of the table.

Each member will have to figure out their availableness to the event. I'll try to help get information as best I can. (I mostly use the Internet like everyone else. If you want to know how far away something is, let me know.)

Primarily it is just going to the 2008 San Diego Comic Con. Legion World will be getting a fan table so we have a place to meet. (if you've never been to San Diego Comic Con - it is huge) We will probably go out for dinner. Although depending how many are there, we might have to travel a bit to find a restaurant to take us all. (the people from the Boston Wizard World can remember the look on the hostess' face when I said "party of 11") Some people are planning to do more than just the convention, both during the convention and maybe some days before or after.

I think that sums it up. Others can correct me if I made any mistake.

Yeah. I figure I'll allocate a couple of days for the convention, a day for the beach and a day for Tijuana..NOT necessarily in that order.

This one should be easy. Unless it closes, there's a fast-food seafood place just outside the convention center that has tons of outdoor seating. I never saw it fill up. Maybe that's a comment on the food, but at least it should be easy to do. And it's right there by the train for anyone coming and going that way.

Thank you for the summaries. I have to see what arrangements I can make before I commit to this plan.

Who (if Anyone) is planning on meeting in Vegas and then driving to SD?

I can't make a firm commitment to that yet but I want to explore all the options...

I can only do the con. But Bloody Liberty! Abin in Vegas with other LWers? Isn't that kind of like Ocean's 11?

Chuck, we'll be driving through Vegas and will probably stay overnight at least one night. Not sure who yet is committed to driving in with us but at least Caroline and I will be there.

I was wondering when the right time was to spring this on y'all...

Lee got the two of us a great rate at the Waldorf-Astoria for us to go to NYC in June next summer after I graduate. It's also our 5-year anniversary that summer. We're going to go see Spring Awakening, Mary Poppins, Sunday in the Park with George, and (hopefully) Young Frankenstein. We're also planning to go nuts with the shopping and dining (Babbo, for starters.) I've never been to NYC. It's going to be the trip of a lifetime.

It's also going to be, frankly, obscenely expensive.

Unfortunately, this means that SDCC is out.

It's okay, Kippers... You bailed on us in Dallas, too, we're used to disappointment. )

Wow, that sounds like an amazing trip, KP. I wish I could talk my hubby into that much theater. We'd go to New York. He'd see "Spring Awakening," then I'd be on my own for the rest. But I notice "Little Mermaid" isn't on your list. (I'm listening to it now, which made me think of it.)

Anyway, we'll miss you, but have a great time. As much as I'm looking forward to SD, I can't say I'm not insanely jealous.

Pfffffffffft

I guess I'll have to drag my sorry ass back to the home state to see you Jeff. Maybe I'll take Caroline back to see the grandparent's homestead in Gardendale.

That would be cool, we're directly on the other side of town.

So like...without going all the way back through this thread as Im incredibly lazy, Whats actually going on with this? Turns out I can actually afford to go should I so desire it, And Im supposed to be meeting people in New York Next year. Might be cool to meet some Legionworld people

Joeboy, that would be awesome!

Kipper, sorry to hear about your change of plans, but it sounds like it's for a good (enough) reason. But we'll miss you!

Yo, Joeboy! The update so far...

Because a free trip to the con never hurts. CBG is having a contest with the grand prize being a trip for two to next year's con. Enter here daily.

I'm telling y'alls now, we need to take a group photo! I realize we'll rarely be all in the same place at the same time, but the less photoshopping I have to do to put us together, the better.

Wow, I'm a little slow on the ball with this one... but I'd be delighted to hang at the Legion table, and to contribute to it's cost.

I can't 100% confirm that I'll be there as $$$ is a big issue, but I'd love to go, and I'm not above knocking off a convenience store

I'll be your getaway drive Ronda.

And with the diminishing gap between the US and Canadian dollars, you won't have to rob as many places!

Yeah, it's a great time for a Canadian to travel to the US, but a lousy time to be paid in US dollars. I actually lose money in the exchange now.

Maybe I could get paid in plane tickets...

So any idea where we are at with the table? I was reading the last few updates. Do we have a payment date or amount yet?

I'll be making the payment soon, and posting the shares info sometime next week.

We have 19 people. I'll chip in after all to make an even 20, so that's $35 US each. If Canadians want to lord the current exchange rate over us lowly Yanks, I'll let you figure the conversion. If not, I'll use the "extra" to help cover postage and printing, etc.

I have US and Canadian addresses (and bank accounts) these days, so I'll be PMing addresses out over the next few days.

another thought:

Those of you cost-conscious (as am I) can save $ on Con admission by volunteering 3 hrs a day:

http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_vol.shtml

What a great bargain! Thanks for being the organizer. I'll get my check out to you post-haste.

What are the rules about selling things? Can we print up cool Legion World stuff and sell it, or would we have to give it away?

If we want to sell things, we would need to fill out a California Sellers' Permit. I don't recall if that costs extra, or requires us to kick back a portion to the con.

Then there's the question of whether or not we need permission from Time/Warner to sell LSH-related stuff.

I indicated on the application that we would not be selling anything.

Between Con regs, Cali state regs and DC/Time-Warner licensing, we do NOT want to go there.

On the other hand, we can and perhaps should prepare lots of freebies.

This is a good time to start discussing
HOTEL SUGGESTIONS!

It will be to our advantage, socializing-wise, if we can all stay in roughly the same area. Our spread-out-ness of 2006 made it hard to hang as a group after hours the way we did at Dallas or even Boston.

My thoughts: A lot of us will not be able to splurge on the ritzy, expensive downtown places, so I suggest the OLd Town/Hotel Circle area for choices and better prices. THe trolly line runs fairly close, so getting to the Con center is easy enough, and no one has to try to brave the evils of downtown parking at Con time.

In 06, Mechana and Antiquated Computers Lad stayed at the OLd Town Best Western, and enjoyed both the hotel and the surroundings. A 5-10 minute walk to the trolley. Its prices start at $170 per night for a single, or $197 for a room for four.

Here's the hotel:

http://www.bestwestern.com/index.asp?language=en_US&gp=false&tp=false&cp=false

and the location (not the Transit Center/tran station close to I-5, just south of I-8, about 4 blocks NW from the hotel):

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4041+Harney+St,+San+Diego,+CA+92110,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=image

Thoughts, comments and concerns are welcome, of course.

It's a good time to start looking at airfares, too. Just on a lark, I checked the Frontier Airlines (my favorite low-cost carrier) site over the weekend and got a terrific bargain -- more than a hundred dollars less than I paid for this year when booking in January.

As for the hotel, I've got a room booked already, but it's close to the con, so if you're all out there, I may join you. Or, I've got room for roommates.

I booked a double room at the Motel 6 Downtown. It's about the same rate as the Best Western Kent linked for us. It's downtown, so a little closer to the convention center. 'Course, it's all still malleable right now...

Motel 6 Downtown


p.s.- long live Frontier

How about some "goodie bags" for Legion creators that want to drop by and chat?


edit:
Oooh oooh oooh!
I just had a great idea!

How about free copies of the Legion Constitution?

Actually, that's great! Seymour's place, too, is more reasonable than I expected downtown...

So let's forget Old Town for now, and stick to north Downtown! The 5th/6th streets area apparently are still cost-friendly.

Let's book now, before everything fills up!

I just booked at the Motel 6. Good rates!

Earlier in this thread, Vee also mentioned:

the HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO - ON THE BAY, 1355 NORTH HARBOR DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101. Rooms are available starting at $229/night ($219 if you are willing to prepay, which I was not willing to do.) Looks like it's about 1.5 miles from the convention center and it seems to be on a trolly stop which sounds kind of neat (so is the Convention Center)

A couple of my gal pals from LA said they'd go to SDCC with me, so I'm not sure what our accommodations are gonna be. Hopefully they won't flake and I can save some serious dough this time around.

Otherwise, I may have to bum on a friend's/cousin's couch or, like... sleep in my car or something. (I'm super broke this year but very determined to come.) Will let you know where I end up, though!

I finally got a response from the Con folks:

The Con people have not cashed my check, either.

Does anyone know anyone who can get us bumped to the front of the line?
Or if we don't get picked, should we explore alternate means to acquire hang-out space (such as an on-street or space along the harbor promenade permit from the city?
Somehow being off in even the closest hotel (whether tabling or even a conf. room) seems to defeat the purpose.

Anyway, let's keep fingers crossed that January selections go our way... but if they don't, let's consider whether there are any viable alternatives before I send out refunds.

So I'm just curious where everyone's at with the big trip...

I've got a double room booked for the weekend- Wed-Sun.

Kent, are we square with the table?

Cobie, are we still kidnapping EDE? I've got to let Scott and Caroline know to make room in their glove box.

I've got a room booked Wed.-Mon. with two roomies and room for one more. I've got my con registration and plane ticket. All I need is the money to pay for it all.

I was hoping the 50th anniversary would make us shoo ins. I don't know anyone involved in the Con planning.

CJ, I see you on my list of sponsors but I don't see you on my list of received payments. Were you a late mailer?

On my list of not-yet-received:
Abin
Yellow Kid
Cobie
doublechinner
CJ

On my list of paid, or a report of payment en route:
Suddenly Seymour
Lightning Lad
Outdoor Miner
Fat Cramer
Dedman
Faraway Lad
Vee
Director Lad
Nightcrawler
Dr One
Monkey Eater Lad
Mechana
...and both of the anonymous donors that have previously been mentioned.

I need to talk to my lesbians (roommates, that is), but I'm still planning to be there! Like, whoa. Even if I have to stay with my cousin, you will see my friendly fangirl face. That's a threat.

OK,

According to a little card I received from the SD folks, they open their hotel booking on 9AM Pacific Time on Wed., Feb 9th. The number is 1-877-552-6642 or if you go online, www.comic-con.org.

I'm not expecting much, but it's possible that if a bunch of us try it together, one or two of us might come up with something decent in the way of hotel rooms.

To be on the safe side, like others here, I've booked a room from Wed - Mon. Technically, it's for two people, but I'm sure we could get one or two more in there if we needed to. I don't know why I say "we", since I'm the only guy in it right now, but there you go.

It's your hive mind thinking miner...

Whee, my lesbians are in! Dunno anymore details but I'm super psyched.

There's a line to read out-of-context!

But seriously, glad to hear it.

Did anyone catch Jeopardy last night? The Comicon was referred to in a question/answer under the category, "Where In The world Is San Diego?"

So, Cali, are your roommates literally lesbians, or is that just your affectionate name for them? If the former, I guess you have to give a secret knock or something so as not to potentially disturb them if you've been out?

Inquiring minds and all...

They're an actual lesbian couple. And I'm not too worried-- they're very sweet chicks. Considerate. They only want to corrupt me with Phoenix Wright, nothing more.

Actually, I thought it would've been funnier if it was a nickname! For example, I occasionaly refer to my office staff (not to their faces), including one male, as my "bitches". They're perfectly nice people who I can depend on and respect a lot, so the nickname is completely affectionate in intent.

UNCONFIRMED table:

No direct word from the Con folks, nor has my check been cashed yet, but we're on the tentative exhibitor list!

Scroll down:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_exhib_2.shtml#L
We're right next to Lego, alphabetically, at least.

Would have been cool if the "L" they'd used for the section heading was the Legion L...

Still no official confirmation, but they did cash the check today (well, it cleared today).

I think that's a good sign.

I got my 4-day ticket today. Still not sure about accommodations.

I am still a maybe. If I am in, then I will contribute to the table.

I was supposed to go on a cruise but that has just turned into big drama. I may chunk it all and go to comicon if I can find a room and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I can only afford to lose on of those.

Tomorrow is the con-rate hotel booking morning:
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_hotel.shtml

And yay, they've announced Legion's 50th as a con theme!
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_progbk.shtml

I'm gonna try and go Wednesday to Sunday this year...

I'm a bit concerned that it's almost 9 p.m. EST time the night before, and the full list they promise still isn't up.

They seem off in the scheduling this year.

In past years, I would have received an update by now that would list the relevant hotel info.

This year, nada.

Hmm, an hour to go and still no list. Last year, the online reservations stuff was all set up at least a week in advance, you just couldn't actually use it. What's going on?

Good luck, everyone! Even if you don't get a con rate hotel, there are lots (like mine) within easy walking distance that aren't part of the con conglomerate.

I did it! It only took a very frustrating 1.5 hours, but I got a hotel downtown (8 blocks away) for a decent rate. I didn't get my first, second, third, or even fourth choice, but it looks like a nice place, and it has shuttle service to the Con.

All-

A lot of places are already booked solid; while yet others are still open for Wednesdays and weekends - but NOT Thursdays or Fridays.

Be prepared to either hop from one hotel to another, or be 5+ miles away (old town or Coronado, or even further out), or else seek a place not in the official listings.

PS: Great news, Ronda! Both on the room, and that you're coming!

yeah what kent said,..i tried for 3 hours to get a reservation, they took my infor and i waited for it to confirm and it never did. it looked like the site forze. i called travel planners and they said they were booked solid,..so now i'm on the waiting list.

i got in, after a server crash, a substatial wait, and multiple browser windows. i'm going wednesday-sunday (if i can survive it).

Yay! Today I got my mailer from Comic Con advising me that housing reservations go on sale...yesterday.

I got my pass booked and a hotel. I'll be in town the tuesday before the con and leaving the monday after.....at least thats the plan so far.

Hey if anyone needs a roomie PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE!!! let me know? next year i'm gonna play it smart and book the room through the hotel way in advance!!

I hate to say this but I need to face the fact that Caroline and I stand a high probability of not making it this year. Especially now that rooms are way out of our price range. I know we have a few more months and I'll keep working on it but I'm not betting the house (which is the main reason we may not make it).

Nooooooooooooooooooo!

(If Shawn can't make it, you guys can bunk with me! My room has 2 beds.)

aw, man. I really want to meet you guys.

I understand fiscal concerns but PleasePleasePlease do try! An Ultimate LW meet-up wouldn't be the same without you!

It's too bad the "ultimate meet-up" had to happen in San Diego. <btw, not throwing any barbs here, as I know this has been planned forever> If we were ever to have a future "ultimate" meetup at the Heroes Convention in Charlotte I could easily make that one as my mom lives in that area. But that's part of the problem (albeit, one with much more of an upside) with the expansive nature of this fansite.

Maybe, someday, we could plan a "mini-ultimate" in Charlotte involving some of us MMBers who interact a lot. Or maybe I'll fall into some money. For example, I've "known" Cobalt forever but despair that I'll ever actually meet him.

I sure would like to meet you guys, but I just don't have the disposable income for San Diego.

I'd love to see you there Lardy but understand the situation. Charlotte would be a great place to meet. I love that part of the country. So maybe one day.

I've gone ahead and gotten my 4 day pass. Still don't know if it'll be both Caroline and I or just me.

Raelly hoping we get to see you both Scott

How's this for a 180? We'll both be there! I just got a TERRIFIC offer through a friend for a 1 bd/1 ba condo 2 BLOCKS from the con! We need to find someone to check on our babies but now Caroline is excited about going.

And I'm extending an offer to host a barbecue on one night while we are there. This place has a rooftop barbecue area that we can use. Everyone can bring their own meat (or veg), drink and something to share and we can have a Legion World rooftop blowout!

all right!

mega-cool!

It wouldn't be THE ultimate meet-up without you two (and Gary, but he has no excuse for not being there )!

WOOOOHOOOO!

I'm looking for a bridge to sleep under.

Don't worry, I've done it before.

Gina Lola Bridge-a-da.

That was a fun summer.

thats great Scott I'll bring the beer.

OK now we need some help!


We have found and booked a place to stop, (and it seems to have more rooms free if anyone is still looking) Arriving in San Diego on the Wednesday and flying home on the Monday we are staying in the Heritage Park B&B in the old town (www.heritageparkinn.com)

Now as Jennifer is probably going to be a bit of a comic convention widow I am on the lookout for some ideas of things she can do on her own, whilst I am locked away in the con. If anyone is also brining a partner along who would prefer to sightsee rather than go to the con I’m sure we can set up meetings.

In terms of places to eat, again some hints would be welcome.

Still thinking of going to Las Vegas before San Diego for two or three days so if anyone is still planning on doing this maybe we could meet up there as well?

Caroline said she'd stay at the condo but I convinced her to come along and man the table for us. I need to someone to watch my laptop anyway.

But I'm sure she and Jen can do something one of the days. Maybe Caroline can get her hooked on scrapbooking.

As for Vegas, we plan on being there overnight for just one night, Monday. Our condo res starts Tuesday. If we are in town and work it around CJ's arrival I'll gladly be your taxi unless you guys are renting a vehicle. We, as usual, will be making the drive. Much more fun than flying. But I guess that Atlantic stretch would make it kind of hard for you guys.

Faraway: Old Town is a lovely neighborhood and you could easily make a day of seeing it's sites. It has lots of little touristy shops, restaurants, galleries and a museum.

And of course there is the famous zoo, Sea World, the wild animal park, Legoland, the beach. Heck, now I want to blow off the convention!

I'll bring ice cream! Having never done the convention thing, how does it work? Most of the panels and things are done by 5pm? Will there be a Legion World roving party? Will SD quiver at the sound of our celebration?

Only non-chocolate sugar-free (Splenda only) ice cream allowed.

Okay, I finally registered for the con today, and sent a reservation request to the inn where Far and Gigglebot plan to stay.

I plan on flying into SD on the morning of the 23rd and back out on the morning of the 28th.

Unfortunately I'm going to be on a budget this year, so I won't be buying every back issue I can find on sunday, but other than that it looks to be a great vacation.

Chuck



And what do you mean "buying" back issues? I remember you managed to pick up some interesting free samples from the DC booth

Thanks for that Rhonda, Jen is looking at maybe taking a bus trip to Baja California (sp?) to visit some of the markets and eat at once of the coastal villages, your more than welcome to come along with us if you fancy. It does seem a shame to travel all that way and hide in a convention centre dont it.

Golly, Far. If Gina is at loose ends then why not get her to spend a day in Tijuana? Mexico is lots of fun and I've never known a wife that could resist shopping along the tourist strip in a border town.

I'm going to be driving out with a friend (non-LWer)and I think we'll be doing a few things besides the convention while we're there. We should see about arranging a day at the beach too. Why not?

News!

WE HAVE TABLE!

they have yet to assign us a specific spot, but we are DEFINITELY in!

ANYONE who has not yet bought their memberships and is in no rush to do so, PLEASE hold off!

I am going to need helpers for the unpleasant duty of skipping ahead of the main lines and getting on the floor to the table before the rif-, uh, before our fellow fans arrive.

And carting a few boxes may be necessary, too, but we can let Caroline off the hook if you two haven't bought memberships yet.

Ronda has touched upon several good ideas; there is no shortage of things to do in San D.

Both your neighborhood, Old Town ,and downtown are chocked full of great restaurants. I'd be glad to show you some of my favorites.

I have yet to make actual travel arrangements; for all I know I'd be going by bus. In any case, I wouldn't be adverse to a night or two in Vegas.

We can go to the con/around the con in groups, or solo, as appropriate. Generally those staying close to each other tend to travel together; those of us taking the first shift on the table will need to arrive earlier.

At panels, we try ot sit together.

I forget what time them ain floor closes, but there can still be evening programming (usually films; at the nearby hotels, I think). Many times, we will either try to gather everyone for evening socializing, depending on individual schedules.

If we are gonig to try to get everyone together for a meal, we should definitely reserve waaay in advance; I lost track but I'd guess at least 25+ of us are coming.

As massive as our group will be, the sheer enornmity of 100,000 comic fans is not likely to make San D notice us more than othwers, but I'm sure we can strike fear into the hearts of the staffs of several restaurants.

by the way-
nice choice of places, Darden!
it's not the closest, but all the close places are booked.

aside from taxis, you are what I would consider walking distance (actually, a comparable distance to the length of the Con center) from the trolley line, which can take you to the con.

Kent, I have both of our memberships purchased already. Sorry.

just updated the potential attendees list. We're up to the 26-31 range, plus friends:

Me
Yellow Kid and friend
Faraway
Gigglebot
Abin
Cramer
Cobie (for the weekend)
Scott
Caroline
Gary
Dedman
CJ
Mechana
Seymour
Rockhopper
Director Lad
Caliente + friends
Monkey Eater Lad
Outdoor Miner
L.E.G.I.O.N.- John
Vee (last I knew)
Michael Grabois
Superboymddjr + friends
Blue Battler (last I knew)
Blockade Boy???
Joe Boy???
Sketch Lad???
Pov???
Rtvu2???
Walkingwithcrowds??? (said he was interested waaaay back when)
Stealth??? (said she was interested waaaay back when)

Hells yeah! I'm working on a piece for the program, I will try to create/make some kind of giveaway, and I look into ways to decorate the booth a little. Woo hooo!

Unfortunately, circumstances have changed. It's prohibitively expensive for me at the moment. And even if I did have the money, I've developed a fear of travel that I didn't have at the time (is there a medical name for that?) But while I'll miss the 50th Anniversary Meet-Up, I hope to get myself together for a future meet-up sometime in the next few years.

I can't be there, unfortunately. Have to be at the other end of the continent (Halifax) at exactly that time.

Too bad.

Hey Art We had already looked at that, although Jen is a little nervous about doing stuff like that on her own without me. As for shopping, and i would sit down for this if I were you, she hates it. We were in New York and she wouldnt go into Macy's becuase it looked boring.

I knew I loved this woman for a reason

Sean I'm sure we'll be up for meals and drinks and stuff so look forward to it. Once we sort out exact details I'll post stuff here and pm you to let you know what we are doing.

thats what I though and one of the reasons i persuaded Jen to book there, it looks easy enough for her to get into town and the various bits and for me to get to the con. wished i could take you up on the offer of passes to help set up the table and stuff but I think that might be step to far in leaving her alone, so will have to pass.

I'd like to go, but I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to swing it this year or not...

Haven't had a chance to see if I can book a place or not yet... and it sounds like it might be prohibitively expensive now....

I'm gonna try to make it, since at least one of my good friends is gonna be there. The same friend I hung out with at WWCC 07.

I am going to fly out to go. I am going to the Orlando Con next weekend.

This will be the first year I go for both.

I hope to run into Barry Kitson so he can do a sketch for me of Dreamer.

I want to also ask Waid what his long-term plans were for Dreamer and why he "killed" her in the first place.

Well plans continue to develop.
We have now booked rooms at the Luxor, Las Vegas for the 20th 21st and 22 travelling down to San Diego for the 23rd. Rates seemed reasonable as well at $70 per room per night.
Now all we need to do is sort out transfers between the two and flights to the USA.
So Scott if that offer to car share is still on we might need to take you up. Or if any one else’s plans fit in with these dates and they fancy a car share deal let me know.

Funny. I was thinking of the Luxor for us as well but haven't booked it yet. Probably just for the night of the 21st though as our check-in date is the 22nd. Is you check-in in San Diego set for the 23rd? Don't mind you guys hitching from LV but I don't want you to get to SD a day early with no place to stay.

Far, Scott-
I might be up for a night or two in Vegas, and a ride to San D.

The Luxor is very cool. Good choice, Far. It would be my first choice for Vegas hotels, having seen several of them.

I haven't booked my trip, but I may be able to add Vegas (or even Salt Lake City? what do you think, Scott? Caroline?) to my itinerary.

I started to volunteer to carpool on the 23rd, but I'm not sure what time I have to be on the Con floor Wednesday for preview night, and how much set-up we (I) have to do.

Sean, I've booked us into the Luxor for Sunday and Monday. We'll be leaving SLC early Sunday, maybe around 6 AM. So depending on your schedule you are more than welcome to drive with us to Vegas. And, as I said before, we'll be leaving Vegas early Tuesday since our condo check-in is 3:00 PM for Tuesday. I'm not sure if that's too early for you, Darden and Jen. If not, I'm sure we can squeeze the three of you in the back seat. You just have to put up with my XM radio choice which is usually 150 (uncensored comedy).

Proty is getting full.

I should be getting into SD Wednesday morning. Let me know when and where to meet and I can help with the table set up.

Were we planning to have something at the table, or is it just a meeting place? I figure Scott will display his Lightning Lad outfit, and Jen will show off her Duo Damsel duds.

Keep us updated on this. I'm only in LA and planning to take Wednesday off from work altogether (provided I still have a job), so I could probably be around to help out with setup.

I'll also be in town early enough to assist with setup if you want some help

Sean it looks like we wont be travelling to SD until the 23rd (just a bit too awkward to change and add dates and stuff) so if you are in the area and want to car pool let me know and we can see what we can do.

And that goes for anyone else as well.

Between Con requirements and likely set-up time (I can't imagine we'll have a complex set-up), as long as I arrive in San D by mid-afternoon I'd be happy. That would give me time to settle in, rendez-vous with Dedman and Director Lad, and handle set-up without being in a mad rush.

Far, roughly what time were you guys planning to depart Vegas Wednesday morning? If I'm to go along, a late morning departure would not work for me.

Also-
If anyone wants to switch regular Con membership over to an Exhibitor badge, one has to refund their current memberships (I have a phone # for people to call), and I can book extra Exibitor badges by a special form they're sending me.

After my extended stay in the hospital, it's not looking good for me to be able to make it out there this year. If I manage to do so it will be at the last minute and, quite honestly, I doubt there will be tickets available at such a late date. I do have a hotel reservation, which I'll wait to cancel until the last moment but am not buying airline or con tickets at this point.

I was so looking forward to it too

It won't be the same without you Julio. But I can understand the financial pressure.

Sean, we are still leaving on Tuesday morning so you are more than welcome to ride into SD with us, unless Tuesday is too early.

Sean

We cant book into the B&B in SD until 15.00. So If, as I think, its about 300 miles then allowing for me getting lost and stuff thats a four or five hour journey. Working back from that I was thinking of leaving around 9.00/10.00 in the morning. Would that be too late?


Julio I'll miss you. fingers crossed it works out for you. But if not we'll have to have an east coast get together next year and all come to see you. !!!

Scott, as appealing as it would be to have a full day's cushion, San D is a pricier place to add an extra night to. If we were going to have an extremely extravagent display, it'd make sense.

Plus if I go with Far and Gig, I can be navigator, since I know the way.

Far, that timing sounds perfect. Pencil me in (I'll let you know for sure as we get closer to the event).

Vee, I am sorry to hear that. Health does come first. I might be able to get you an Exhibitor badge at the last moment, if you can make it.

Well, I've finalized my plans. I'll be flying into San Diego around noon on the 23rd, and I've reserved a car rental for the stay. No van this time, just a mid-size, with a nav system in case kent is in another car so it seems like we'll have plenty of transportation availabe this time. I count at least three vehicles with the possibility of one or two more, so transportation for away from the con activities shouldn't be a problem.

Julio, get healthy, Smoothie, you're at the top of my list of people I want to get together with in SD, but your health and well being come first.

Which one of you lucky devils is going to let me crash in your room and split the hotel costs for those days?

Married couples--I'll be sleeping between you in your bed.

Cali + friends--I'll be sleeping with you all in your beds

If not, its "Hey Mr. Levitz, I love your Legion run, and guess what? I'm bunking with you buddy! Now tell me again what that whole Magic Wars thing was about... Where's Giff? Is he up? Lets go raid his room!"

I got registered for 5 days - that's a good news - yEAAHHH!!!

But bad news - I am still struggling to find a place to stay...hotels are full. been trying to figure out how to get around...*sigh* so I am still working on it. Yeah I will be alone...costs a lot of money...so had to find the place where I can afford. Will keep you guys posted.

Well Cobie, I've got a double booked, with no roommate yet. You're welcome to crash there. But leave the sheep at home.

Someone needs to start writing this one up in Bits immediately.

Yay! You're the best Ceej! Now I can book my flight as I have somewhere to stay! I'll let you know how that goes and what my flight details look like...

For anyone who doesn't peruse other sections of Legion World...

I've got a shop that will make t-shirts with a Legion crest embroidered on them. I can place an order by the end of April, and we'll have them for the convention. Black tees, a variety of sizes, cost is $16 a shirt.

Anyone interested send me a PM.

I highly recommend people take up CJ on his offer!
It would be way cool, and have a more visible presence as LWers.

And, we'd be easier to spot each other in the crowds/in lines/etc... especially those of you who haven't met any/many of us before - we can recognize each other in a jiffy!

Wasn't there a source for Legionworld.Net gear (including teeshirts) somewhere?

Or am I remembering an elseworlds thingie?

OK, here's a deal for someone (or somefour). Last year, I booked two hotel rooms. I, of course, can only sleep in one and got roommates. That leaves the other one empty.

I'd be happy to transfer ownership of said hotel room to someone. It's a Ramada within easy walking distance (830 6th Avenue if you want to Mapquest it -- not on the official shuttle route but probably very close to a stop). The total will be $2,085.36 for Wednesday-Monday. It's got two queen beds, so room for up to four, which would make it pretty cost effective (for San Diego).

First person to PM me, I'll work on getting the room in your name (and on your credit card) and put you in touch with other people who PM'd me so you can get roommates.

Gigi says thats fine Cobalt.

Seymour, thats an awesome offer and I hope someone takes you up on it! CJ already contacted me via PM, and I'll be rocking out with him.

That is, if I'm not in some alley somewhere with lotus fruit.

So what days are you planning to be there Cobester?

I arrive on that Thursday, but late, around 10:00. So I want all of the old (re: over 26 crowd) to get a nap in early that night, as we're all going to be partying all night long until the wee hours of morning!

Then I'm there all Fri and Sat, but have to return early on Sunday morning (flight is at like 8:00 AM). But I'm glad I get two full days in!

Now we need to get the word out to young Hollywood that I'm setting up the first ever Legion World kissing booth!

Mmmmma-a-a-a-aybe they'll let Lambchop outta the Smithsonian for that...!

This is the kiss that never ends

Cobie and Lambchop, new beeest friends...

You're in luck Cobie. They've got a spot set up for in West Hollywood, great location, lots of action for attention.

Frontier Airlines just sent me notice, round trip tickets to San Diego are a mere $125. Since I'd have to fly out this weekend, I'll get all of San Diego ready for the Legion World invasion.

I just got an email from the Stratosphere in Vegas (where we stayed 2 years ago) for $69 rooms, a free Heinekin mini-keg, plus free access to the tower attractions... but it's only for April/May visits.

If I do go to Vegas and meet up with the gang, I'd rather be at the Luxor anyway... but it was still a tempting deal.

Did they also send you notice that they were the latest to file bankruptcy? Be sure you can get back if they get you there.

D'oh!

San D attendees:

Should we start a list-serve for attendees to share planning info? Dinners, arrivals/departures, hotels, etc, without the whole wide world knowing?

Elitists!

Would the list below be the minimum info?

Cell Phone Number:

Arrival date & time:

Hotel:

Vehicle:

Sharing Arrangements (if any):

Outside the Con interests:

Departure date & time:

that would be an excellent starting point.

later on, we can discuss food preferences, and even how to handle lunch. I myself would prefer to avoid the mass exodus over to 5th Street at lunchtime; I think we could do better by going in on lunch supplies from a supermarket, or even ordering pizzas.

So who gets designated to collect and distribute all the info?

I'm guessing it'll be you, Kent.

Asked and answered Abin?

Pretty Much...

I suggest a raid on the 24-hour grocery store near the convention center.

All-

I can now order exhibitor badges.

Anyone who has been in communication with me, please commit or back out by Friday, May 2(?), so I don't buy more than we need.

and, it looks like we will be on the Mezzanine, as I expected.

Just a reminder to anyone wanting to order a shirt, I need the request by end of next week. I've got orders from:

Abin
Fat Cramer
Faraway Lad
Director Lad

With the recent board problems, I've lost my most recent PMs, which means that I don't have the number to call to cancel my registration in favor of an exhibitor badge and I don't remember who had offered me a hotel room spot. Kent, can you please resend the telephone number and whoever it is I'm staying with, can you drop a line to let me know who I should be keeping in touch with?
Thanks!

PMs are lost too? Damn!

I went through and checked that each of the folders had the same amount of files and such. The data is spread across multiple files in multiple folders to protect your information or I'd be able to help.

I restored whatever I had to the best of my knowledge.


[EDIT: I'm double checking now as I'm finding a few files didn't get uploaded. Maybe one of them contains your PM info.]

Dude--whats that thing comin' outta Ceej's HEAD?!?!?

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I will be going to Comic Con this year. I may be bringing my 14 year old great nephew (if he wants to come and his parents say OK)

Seymour, I PMed you back but now I'm wondering if it was possibly lost with the board problems? Let me know if you never got it!

all right, Quis! good news!

27 LWers slated to attend (possibly 28, but I'm not allowed to tell you who!), plus friends, family members, associated Legion fans (such as Klordnyites), so we're officially a mob!

Seymour, if you haven't seen DL's message above, please note it. I've emailed him, but right at the moment I couldn't find your contact info as hotel guru for our gang of four.

I will definitely be setting up the list-serve by this weekend, and will send out invites to those for whom I already have email addresses. Once I get that far, I'll put forward an invite for other attendees to jump on board.

Updated info: Still having a problem trying to find a place to stay. wow - not easy! *sigh* any suggestions? PM me. thanks.

Well we have finally booked the airplane tickets (gosh they were pricy) So our trip looks a bit like this.

20th July fly to Las Vegas arriving 7.52pm (after a 15 hour three flight journey so we may be a little bit grumpy to start with) We go Newcastle to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Houston then Houston to Las Vegas for three nights in the Luxor in Las Vegas. We are looking forward to meeting Scott and Caroline and the rest of you in Vegas.

Travel to San Diego on the 23rd, and we still need to find a cheap way to travel so Sean (and anyone else who might need it) if that offer of a car share is still on we might just take you up on it.

We are staying in the Heritage Park B&B in the old town (www.heritageparkinn.com) in San Diego with Abin and as we are having a bit of a holiday as well as me visiting the con, may be looking to do a bit of tourist stuff including a trip to Mexico if anyone wants to come along. Gigi is asking if any other wives/Partners are being dragged along to see if they want to get together whilst we are in the con.

Leaving SD on the 28th on the 11.45 am flight and a long 17 hour flight home.

17 hour flight home? You might as well reread the entire Legion run to Gigi in case she didn't get enough of it at the con!

PS - Seymour, still trying to get ahold of the San Diego comic con people about refunding regular tickets. Having very little luck so far though I left a message asking them to call me back.

2 months San Diego - you've been warned!

I expect to be booking transportation in the next 2-3 weeks.

Not sure about Vegas; the good deals seem to have evaporated.

The list-serve is finally created. I invited 12 people thus far, people I already have email addresses for.

Anyone else SD-bound, please send me your emails; this is an invite-only group.

I'm a little sensivite about my conjoined twin syndrome.

ALL PEOPLE-

I have received the official exhibitor rulebooks, and see I have a lot of paperwork deadlines looming with very little lead time, some this week, some next.

If I ask anyone for info PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE respond as quickly as possible.

Thank you.

Request for a volunteer:

Does anyone wanna be our PR person? This person would be official contact for news media, should any take an interest in our little group.

Please let me know by Monday, or we'll do without one. I have to get the form to them by Friday the 13th, and I am not footing the bill for anything but regular mail for the next week's batch of paperwork.

Now that it's getting so close, any ideas what we're going to do for giveaways, signage, etc.? I've got a small print shop near me that's pretty reasonable, but they may need a couple weeks' lead time.

One thing I'd suggest is small stickers people can put on their badges. It's cheaper than buttons. We'd have to have a logo, and, as I think Scott or someone mentioned earlier, we probably should be careful about using actual Legion images.

Any other ideas? Anything already in the works?

Kent, I'm sorry you're getting saddled with so much work for something that started as us just wanting to have an easy meeting space.

I put a threat on Bits looking for volunteers, and got some pledges for materials/freebees, but no one on table design.

I was thinking of bringing a carton of red hot fire balls to give out. We could rename them "Wildfires" or "Sun Boys"

That sounds like fun, Quis.

Anyone mind if I take it upon myself to get the stickers? I don't want to wait til the last minute.

Hey guys,
regret to say but I won't be able to go this year after all.
My fiance and I have decided to buy a house...the speed that things move here in Fort McMurray, we expect to be in a home soon. Actually we are putting in an offer on one tommorrow.
Anyways, the long and the short of it all is I can't justify the expense right now. As much as I want to meet you guys, I'm afraid it'll have to wait to some other convention

PS - Kent, I know why i wasn't getting your emails now. My dedman ID still had my old email addy on it. Something else else is screwed up with the password and i can't access it any more. I've updated my profile, my new addy is there.

Go for it. From what I learned, Legion symbols and characters should be okay to use for freebies. As long as we don't transpose them out of DC context, or use them to promote something without DC's consent.

I'll ditto CJ. Sounds great, Seymour!

I figured it would be a good idea for me to pop in here with my plans too.

The Legion of Super-Gamblers (a group which dates back to the Usenet days) will be in Las Vegas on our 12th annual trip from Thursday July 17 to Sunday July 20, which sounds like it might overlap some of the LWers visits. If anyone is going to be there during our trip, we'd love to have you stop by and hang out, the more the merrier.

I'll be taking a side trip to LA from Monday through Wednesday lunchtime-ish, then I'll drive down to San Diego. I have a room for 5 nights (checking in Wed., checking out Monday morning) at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, about a mile from the convention center and right on the shuttle route (#3 on the purple shuttle route). As much as I'd like the privacy, the rooms are pricier than I'd normally prefer, so if anyone is still looking for a room, I can take in a roommate for half price (which will end up being around $100 a night).

thanks, Michael!
I'm pretty sure others are at or near the same Holiday Inn.

Deddy, as I said on the phone, sorry you can't make it, but congratulations on the developments in real life!

NEWS:

Seymour, Director and Actor are all officially registered for exhibitor badges along with me! With Deddy dropped out, I owe two of you a $6 refund and one of you $25. Unless you're starving for cash, I'll wait until the con itself?

Con's fine, Kent!

As for the stickers: I just got back from the print shop, and they are quite reasonable. And they don't need a whole lot of lead time. They're fairly tiny, just perfect to stick on a badge.

I'm going to hop on Photoshop myself, but if anyone wants to send me art ideas, I'd be glad to mix 'em up or just run yours if it's better. The size is 1 5/8 inches by 7/16 inches (think return address label).

We should get our name and basic URL on there. Anything else is icing!

UPDATED attendee list:

Me
Yellow Kid and friend
Faraway
Gigglebot
Abin
Cramer
Cobie (for the weekend)
Scott
Caroline
Gary
CJ
Mechana
Seymour
Akanipsion
Actor Lad
Rockhopper
Director Lad
Caliente + friends
Monkey Eater Lad
Outdoor Miner
L.E.G.I.O.N.- John
Michael Grabois
Superboymddjr + friends
Blue Battler (last I knew)

feel free to let me know if I've missed anyone.

The following people are not on the meet-up list-serve yet. While you are of course free to opt not to participate, we have begun to discuss dinner plans and the like:

Yellow Kid
Akanipsion
Michael Grabois
Superboymddjr + friends
Blue Battler (last I knew)

so please send me a message if you want to join the list.

You forgot me.

Sadly, I'm not going to be able to make it ...

Oh at least one very good friend of mine is going to be there so he may want to join us.

Count me in. I will be getting there Friday morning and leaving on Sunday.

Welcome to the party rtvu2

Hmmm. Do I have to do anything special to read the list? I haven't been getting any emails to either of my email accounts.

?
I've invited you on both. Did you even receive the invites?
With Quis, OM, Cali and a few others I've had to try multiple accounts.

I'm emailing you about an alt method that worked for CJ.

I've never gotten any invites either. The only PM in my inbox is from 2006.

Michael, I sent you an invite via the web address on your message to me, the houston.rr address.

The invite was from a group called 2958.

you can also seek out the group on your own via groups.yahoo.com and ask for permission to join; then it just waits for me to confirm.

Once plugged in, one can add or wait for new message, or visiting the group site one can review older messages, and use the polls, calendar, photo and database functions to better share info.

I encourage all who are already on the list to make use of those features; currently only 12 have voted in the polls, only 4 on the database, 8 on photos and a handful on the calendar.

Ah, that was the problem. My houston.rr.com address went away 6 months ago, I thought I fixed it everywhere, but apparently I missed one. "2958" doesn't show up in searches, you have to go there manually.

feel free to send me an alternate email address then.

never mind. found one on your omnicom page.

Also-

Whoever wizardimps is, please let me know; I don't approve membership requests through the Yahoo site unless I know who is making the request.

That's me (with my preferred address).

Er, color me non-internet savy, but are there emails and stuff I should be recieving? I haven't gotten any thus far. Perhaps many of you are using my old email address of:

themostlegendaryheroandLMBerofthemall@largemembers.com

I don't see you on the list of members, but I'm sure I sent an invite.

I'll send a new invite to your hotmail account. Look for "2958."

I'm not typing all that.

Heck, I'm not even copy-and-pasting all that.

once you're a member, you can choose to recive messages as they come, or in daily digests, or you can go to the Yahoo! Groups site for 2958 and participate in the extra features: the polls, calendar, photos and database, and to catch up on messages posted before you joined.

I wonder what mall Cobie is talking about?

And you'll know what to call me in San Diego.

...if he answers his cell phone this time!

I worked on some sticker ideas this morning. What do you all think? Would we get in trouble for the "L"?

I like the first and fifth stick the best

I like one and three best.

Some help here please guys.

First up does anyone know of any NHL shops in either Las Vegas close to the strip or San Diego that are close to the convention centre so Jen can go shopping for her lad.

Secondly anyone know what the tourist rates sterling to dollars are over there, As we were wondering if it’s better to exchange here or there.

There are no NHL shops in San Diego that I know of...we don't have a NHL team unfortunately (I used to love hockey).

And I'm unsure of the exchange rate, sorry.

Seymour...I'm with Quis. The first and fifth look the best. And I believe (although not a lawyer) that this is fine with DC/Warner as long as you don't intend to sell the merchandise.

Faraway Lad,

Neither Las Vegas nor San Diego have a NHL team. I am sure there are pro shops in both places, but would not know if they carry NHL items.

As for the exchange, has the rate been fluxuating much? You can go to the various web sites of the different banks and see what they have as their rate. If there is not much difference, you might as well do the exchange over there. At the very least, do a small exchange over there so you have some pocket money for when you arrive.

I just did a quick look at two banks, Bank of America & Wells Fargo. Bank of America had a rate of 2.09 US dollar per pound & Wells Fargo had 2.0787 US Dollars per pound. Also different banks will charge different fees for doing the exchange. Personally, I think you should just shop for the best rate and fee in your area and do the exchange before you leave.

There's an ESPN Zone in Vegas, they would have a variety of sports gear. But since the hockey season is over, I don't know how well stocked they will be.

I know nothing of the NHL and little about exchange rates, but I remember when I went to London several years ago, I was able to use my bank's ATM card at ATMs over there, and I got whatever the rate was that day.

Quis probably has a good idea -- get some cash over there, but check with you bank or credit card company to see if you can get cash at the ATM in a pinch.

I know the last two times I went, I took a certain amount of cash with me and swore that would be it, but there were so many cool comics.

Same here, worked all over Europe. Very convenient AND when I compared my bank statements (on-line) to see what exchange rate I obtained, the rate was generally better than if I had walked into the bank or currency exchange and swapped cash or traveler's checks.

I don't even exchange at home anymore. I just hit the first ATM I see at the destination airport.


ETRADE account might be worth opening to get their ATM card. They reemburse any fees charged by the ATM, which can add a couple percent to the exchange rate. I didn't believe it but then purposely used my ETRADE card at my bank then went on-line to check. Sure enough, my bank charged a fee and ETRADE reembursed it. I was so tickled I went and did it again.

Credit card purchases generally received an even better rate than if I had exchanged then paid in cash. Very puzzling was a notice I received last winter of a settled lawsuit against MasterCard for over-charging on exchange purchases. They were refunding money for any overseas purchases.

I also favor using ATMs rather than exchanges. Home banks tend to offer decent exchange rates these days, and it avoids the lines and commissions of exchanges.

When I change at home, I usually regret it.

I do recall sports paraphenalia shops in Vegas. Even without a home team, Vegas offers every souvenir available, it seems.

No problems on the "L" unless we try to sell them.


I like #2 the least. I prefer 3 and 5.

I like 3 and 5, but be careful about printing too close to the edge. The starfield feels fancier.

As for hockey shopping, I'm thinking one of the multitude of malls in Vegas (there are A LOT) should have like a Sportsmart, Sports Authority, or other big box sports store. Google it for Las Vegas, Nevada. Also Niketown stores might have some hockey stuff. Or maybe you could order stuff online and have it delivered to your US hotels? Is that weird?