It does sound like a sencible idea to have some satalite LANs, especialy across the ocean, but the main drawback I see is that a lot of people would refrain from trying to find a way to the main event, if there was a satalite near them. That would still decrease attendance to the main event.
Also, I think that we're just going to have the grit our teeth and admitt that most of the highschool students who would like to come to the LAN, will simply have to wait until they are old enough to have control over their own lives before they can attend. It's sad, but we just wont be able to find a time/place that can make everyone's parents happy. If I was still a teenager, I wouldn't have been able to just up and go to detroit like that (and for good reason).
Also true-- unless the satellites that we acknowledge as "officially" impacting attendance are used to form teams, and not done at same time or close to, say three-four months before is what I was thinking. Think about the teams, how many of them were EACH centered around folks who lived in same area, knew each other at least some away from Short-Media?? If a group of folks who know each other and maybe have one parent willing to travel with them were to want to come, how would that affect younger teens abilities to come??? At that point, could they pool travelling??? Small van, team goes and travels together??? Some ideas.... To think about....
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Straight_ManGeeky, in my own wayNaples, FLIcrontian
Having satellite LANs would reduce the impact of a central LAN.
OR, make it better for all who came, by most of teh attendees havign proven skill to get selected locally to go in first place....
If we allow for an ad-hoc team or two, that would let folks who many know are good but do not know others in enough quantity to form a team, to come. Valid point Thrax, in theory it could if we are nto careful in setting up the aux LANs, but if it works right it could get better players there and set up a situation where a parent might be willing to travel in company with a group that all wanted to go so much that they talked a parent into helping get them there.
Fourth, re: going to Cincy - I'd rather use my own machine than a "rented" system. I'm sure that most attendees would feel this way.
I'd just like to clarify that the venue I was referring to merely offers PCs for rent, as a convenience to those who are flying in (or people with crappy PCs or space constraints in the car) - it's not mandatory. Those who wanted to would still be able to use their own PCs at this place.
I'd just like to clarify that the venue I was referring to merely offers PCs for rent, as a convenience to those who are flying in (or people with crappy PCs or space constraints in the car) - it's not mandatory. Those who wanted to would still be able to use their own PCs at this place.
I can just see... a coin machine next to each terminal.... "Please insert $1.00 for 5 minutes of Computer use."
We could all run around with pockets full of quarters!!!!
No really... The idea of renting a PC for those that are flying in... good idea as long as they are good PC's (and Fold).
For me it doesn't matter where the main event is, if I know ahead of time then I will be there rain or shine DeeBee's was great, we had some issues, but we know more of what we are getting into so the next would be smoothly.
The next lan I am flying, so someone be prepared to pick me and Ego up from the airport
...and set up a situation where a parent might be willing to travel in company with a group that all wanted to go so much that they talked a parent into helping get them there.
Has there been any consideration given to just stating that anyone attending the LAN must be 18 years of age or older? I guess I'm curious as to what the drawbacks would be, if any, by doing this.
Well there's no technical reason why under-18 couldn't attend, but CB is right. We can't plan the LAN based on what people's parents want or when high school gets out. It's like I said back on page 1 - we just settle on a date and if people can't make it, there's always the next one.
As a matter of liability, even last time, people under the age of 18 were required to sign waivers. I almost had to sign one, but the LAN was postponed thus alleviating the problem.
OR, make it better for all who came, by most of teh attendees havign proven skill to get selected locally to go in first place....
If we allow for an ad-hoc team or two, that would let folks who many know are good but do not know others in enough quantity to form a team, to come. Valid point Thrax, in theory it could if we are nto careful in setting up the aux LANs, but if it works right it could get better players there and set up a situation where a parent might be willing to travel in company with a group that all wanted to go so much that they talked a parent into helping get them there.
There's no proving of skill. Or local selections. What are you talking about? Setting up auxiliary LANs to bring better players? WTF?
OR, make it better for all who came, by most of teh attendees havign proven skill to get selected locally to go in first place....
If we allow for an ad-hoc team or two, that would let folks who many know are good but do not know others in enough quantity to form a team, to come. Valid point Thrax, in theory it could if we are nto careful in setting up the aux LANs, but if it works right it could get better players there and set up a situation where a parent might be willing to travel in company with a group that all wanted to go so much that they talked a parent into helping get them there.
proven skill to get selected??!?!?!....dude, this is a lan party, not studio54. Besides, if selection is based on skill, I won't even be able to make it...
Uhhhhh yeah, this is more of a social gathering. It's certainly not a competition. We just find out the best venue for the most of us to get together at one time so we can all hang out. I think the gaming is secondary...
the lans my clan has generally once a year (well one for those over 18 and a second for those over 21 so I am only ever elegable for one) have turned purely social. The PC's have stayed home ever since the first one, everyone just gets together and hangs out for a few days. I think last time they hit the beach one day, toured a aircraft plant/ship yard one day and then just hung out the 3rd day.
OMG if we do it in Michigan next time you have to take me to the FORD plant Brian, pretty..pretty please.
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BlackHawkBible music connoisseurThere's no place like 127.0.0.1Icrontian
edited May 2004
My $0.02 - If the planning can be fully done and not a day before the actual lan (:p), I think Deebe's would still be a good place to do it. Only thing is that the A/C and net connection would have to be worked out and plan the power well. It's free and I'm already used to the airports (;D). Maybe we could work something out with the internet connetion. Talk with the ISP and maybe temporarily increase the speed for a few days.
As for the seperate lan parties, we aren't that big of a community. I doubt more than 10-15 people would go. If we can agree on a location now, I don't think distance would be that much of a problem since there's enough time to save some $$$ for airfare. My flight was $358 w/ tax. One word of advice would be to go non-stop. It's a b!tch to wait 7hrs in a terminal
My $0.02 - If the planning can be fully done and not a day before the actual lan (:p), I think Deebe's would still be a good place to do it. Only thing is that the A/C and net connection would have to be worked out and plan the power well. It's free and I'm already used to the airports (;D). Maybe we could work something out with the internet connetion. Talk with the ISP and maybe temporarily increase the speed for a few days.
As for the seperate lan parties, we aren't that big of a community. I doubt more than 10-15 people would go. If we can agree on a location now, I don't think distance would be that much of a problem since there's enough time to save some $$$ for airfare. My flight was $358 w/ tax. One word of advice would be to go non-stop. It's a b!tch to wait 7hrs in a terminal
Hey VOE... If they host it in Chicago, you're welcome to stay at Chez OConnor... I promise not to poison you like your last host
Ocomik
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BlackHawkBible music connoisseurThere's no place like 127.0.0.1Icrontian
What about multiple LANs? I see the flaw in having more than one at one time but what if you could set up smaller ones for those of us who live on the east/west coast. (I mean the events falling on different dates. Is that at all possible?)
Even IF we could get some kinda carpool plan set up to go from south Florida, I doubt I could go. I've never been out of state without my parents before, I doubt they'd let me go.
Being able to rent out a monitor would be a great idea. Carrying 21" is a PITA. I have enough trouble carrying around my own 19". Getting the damned thing out of the back seat of a cramped minivan sucks, after all the effort spent getting the thing in. The conditions for one LAN me and my friend regularly attend... (see sig) I wouldn't risk it if I went flying.
And one more thing. I'll bet the turnout for the next LAN will be much greater. Many people who didn't go (myself included) prolly took a look at the picture thread, and came up with a different opinion about going or not. I'm sure that thread and word of mouth (from those who did go) will change some people's minds. You guys got that covered?
Hey guys, I'm interested in the next LAN, the last one sounded great . Now I'm a little older & will be going to school in Illinois. As someone pretty distant (till August) from the central US I gotta agree with QCH's point, that you can't judge the best location from who came to the last one. But the short-medians around here (MD) are few and far between, so it's not like the middle of the east coast would be worth looking into at all.
Who knows where I might be in the summertime next year but a second opportunity for SM LAN is exciting!
I've advocated a central location that would provide an opportunity for the most members to travel (which means driving) to a LAN location to enjoy the get together. It is social and about the gaming at the same time. Detroit and Chicago are hardly central locations although they provide those members in Ohio/Michigan/Illinois convenient access. However, a large contigent of the members live in the 'ol south. I was even amazed by the poll numbers recently of those that live in the south. Even so, I wouldn't advocate moving the event to the south where the most members live (or at least from what it appears from the poll). A good compromise can be reached that would present the least amount of burden to all members and not place it on those that live far. I think the Cincinnati idea is worth exploring although I'd like to see what could be done with Louisville. Having the infrastructure/place at a good price is a must as well as having a dedicated host or group that is willing to put in the time and know-how to pull it off successfully. Right now Detroit has all of these (minus central location) going for it from what I can tell. I think we owe it to ourselves to keep exploring our options at this point as the next LAN is quite a long time away. Planning everything in advance and coming to a consensus is key to the next successful LAN IMO. I believe having satellite LAN's would somewhat cheapen a big LAN and I agree with the post above that there wouldn't be that many members to support regional LAN's although it would make perfect sense for those in Europe/UK to hold one. I say we keep exploring our options in the meantime and see if anything surfaces that would be compelling enough to move it from Motor City. If it doesn't, keep what is working for right now.
KF
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Straight_ManGeeky, in my own wayNaples, FLIcrontian
edited May 2004
Agreed. I would add this, it was the number of southerners that led me to think of a team approach, a group with a planned common goal is more likely to win over at least one kid's parents. And pooling long travel with larger groups is cheaper than small groups, for gas and such-- that is why car pools work, why boy Scouts travel often in van sized groups, why church youth groups travel in van size groups, and down here, why basketball teams travel in vans many times, and like that-- gear plus pooling and an adult driving 90% of the time. So a southern US regional, team-forming, LAN for those who live closer to each other in the South, might also make sense.
0
Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
edited May 2004
You know, I just thought of something. Yes, it was going to be a smartass response. No, it's probably not feasible. But, you know what? I like the idea anyhow.
I'm thinking Vegas.
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BlackHawkBible music connoisseurThere's no place like 127.0.0.1Icrontian
edited May 2004
What would be the point if alot of the people attending can't even enter a casino?
I'm all for a Southern LAN (where's our smiley with the stars & bars? ). Although if it was held in the deep deep south it'd be just as far for me. You know (nudge) Oklahoma is pretty central, as far as states go (nudge).
The thing is we have a year to prepare, so if you want to attend the next lan, start saving money now. Put aside $20 a week or so and by the time for the lan if you have to FLY, etc..you will have the money to do so with. That is what I am going to do atleast. If you really want to go then no matter where it is, you will be there.
Agreed. I would add this, it was the number of southerners that led me to think of a team approach, a group with a planned common goal is more likely to win over at least one kid's parents.
[Original Comment Removed]
I don't think we should be targeting one specific group of people in which to try and work the LAN scheduling around. If minors (with their parents permission) can attend then great but it should not be the primary focus.
Personally I see the LAN as an adult* activity, at least from a participant perspective. That's just my opinion and it is only that. If I'm being short-sighted let me know.
Ocomik
*By minor I'm referring to someone who's at least 17 or older. I NOT referring to the legal definition.
1) The location should be on a major flyway route. The more direct flights from various points the better.
2) The chosen LAN host city should have a resident network specialist(s) who can prepare the location ready for the players to walk in, plug in and play.
3) A budget should be set in advance and that budget has to cover a range of items not including food. EG space rental, monitors, power tie-ins etc.
4) Ultimately the LAN date should be set for an off-season time to avoid the peak accommodation and flight rates. It matters not that it is in warm weather as who goes outside anyway? After the pictures I saw...none of you have tans except for those who's tans are in the genes.
Most of you are in school so what's the easiest way to get a month to work in? Set up two polls. One poll is choice 1 where the selection is one of the 12 months and the second poll is choice two of the 12 months. Whichever month receives the most votes is the one to work towards.
I know PRIIME is invaluable with what it takes to procure things for a LAN. He also dumped personal money into it too...
I'd Like PRIME to post a synopsis of what he had to organize, get, steal, beg, borrow to make this happen...a checklist if you will.
THEN we can consider what city east or west coast. My vote is an all inclusive beach resort in Mexico...I can sit in a pool bar with a laptop and gunyou guys down. lol.
It matters not that it is in warm weather as who goes outside anyway? After the pictures I saw...none of you have tans except for those who's tans are in the genes.
It does if your in Detroit in January trying to catch a few zzz's out in the car between sessions as well as those of us who will be driving to this thing. Sorry!
Yah...I'm in Vancouver...forgot about that..."cold" is 60 F. lol. We just worry about the rain in winter.
Okay...I'll be overly organized about this and set up a poll for May to October in two week time slices and that way we can get the general time period that works best for the majority.
Comments
Also true-- unless the satellites that we acknowledge as "officially" impacting attendance are used to form teams, and not done at same time or close to, say three-four months before is what I was thinking. Think about the teams, how many of them were EACH centered around folks who lived in same area, knew each other at least some away from Short-Media?? If a group of folks who know each other and maybe have one parent willing to travel with them were to want to come, how would that affect younger teens abilities to come??? At that point, could they pool travelling??? Small van, team goes and travels together??? Some ideas.... To think about....
OR, make it better for all who came, by most of teh attendees havign proven skill to get selected locally to go in first place....
If we allow for an ad-hoc team or two, that would let folks who many know are good but do not know others in enough quantity to form a team, to come. Valid point Thrax, in theory it could if we are nto careful in setting up the aux LANs, but if it works right it could get better players there and set up a situation where a parent might be willing to travel in company with a group that all wanted to go so much that they talked a parent into helping get them there.
I'd just like to clarify that the venue I was referring to merely offers PCs for rent, as a convenience to those who are flying in (or people with crappy PCs or space constraints in the car) - it's not mandatory. Those who wanted to would still be able to use their own PCs at this place.
I can just see... a coin machine next to each terminal.... "Please insert $1.00 for 5 minutes of Computer use."
We could all run around with pockets full of quarters!!!!
No really... The idea of renting a PC for those that are flying in... good idea as long as they are good PC's (and Fold).
-qch
The next lan I am flying, so someone be prepared to pick me and Ego up from the airport
However, if a decent monitor were available I'd gladly rent that, rather than risk having my 21" Nokia at the mercy of the baggage handlers.
Has there been any consideration given to just stating that anyone attending the LAN must be 18 years of age or older? I guess I'm curious as to what the drawbacks would be, if any, by doing this.
Ocomik
www.ocomik.net
www.ocomik.net/blog/index.html
Not FOLDING, YET?
There's no proving of skill. Or local selections. What are you talking about? Setting up auxiliary LANs to bring better players? WTF?
proven skill to get selected??!?!?!....dude, this is a lan party, not studio54. Besides, if selection is based on skill, I won't even be able to make it...
As for the seperate lan parties, we aren't that big of a community. I doubt more than 10-15 people would go. If we can agree on a location now, I don't think distance would be that much of a problem since there's enough time to save some $$$ for airfare. My flight was $358 w/ tax. One word of advice would be to go non-stop. It's a b!tch to wait 7hrs in a terminal
Hey VOE... If they host it in Chicago, you're welcome to stay at Chez OConnor... I promise not to poison you like your last host
Ocomik
Even IF we could get some kinda carpool plan set up to go from south Florida, I doubt I could go. I've never been out of state without my parents before, I doubt they'd let me go.
Being able to rent out a monitor would be a great idea. Carrying 21" is a PITA. I have enough trouble carrying around my own 19". Getting the damned thing out of the back seat of a cramped minivan sucks, after all the effort spent getting the thing in. The conditions for one LAN me and my friend regularly attend... (see sig) I wouldn't risk it if I went flying.
And one more thing. I'll bet the turnout for the next LAN will be much greater. Many people who didn't go (myself included) prolly took a look at the picture thread, and came up with a different opinion about going or not. I'm sure that thread and word of mouth (from those who did go) will change some people's minds. You guys got that covered?
-Rick
Who knows where I might be in the summertime next year but a second opportunity for SM LAN is exciting!
KF
I'm thinking Vegas.
[Original Comment Removed]
I don't think we should be targeting one specific group of people in which to try and work the LAN scheduling around. If minors (with their parents permission) can attend then great but it should not be the primary focus.
Personally I see the LAN as an adult* activity, at least from a participant perspective. That's just my opinion and it is only that. If I'm being short-sighted let me know.
Ocomik
*By minor I'm referring to someone who's at least 17 or older. I NOT referring to the legal definition.
1) The location should be on a major flyway route. The more direct flights from various points the better.
2) The chosen LAN host city should have a resident network specialist(s) who can prepare the location ready for the players to walk in, plug in and play.
3) A budget should be set in advance and that budget has to cover a range of items not including food. EG space rental, monitors, power tie-ins etc.
4) Ultimately the LAN date should be set for an off-season time to avoid the peak accommodation and flight rates. It matters not that it is in warm weather as who goes outside anyway? After the pictures I saw...none of you have tans except for those who's tans are in the genes.
Most of you are in school so what's the easiest way to get a month to work in? Set up two polls. One poll is choice 1 where the selection is one of the 12 months and the second poll is choice two of the 12 months. Whichever month receives the most votes is the one to work towards.
I know PRIIME is invaluable with what it takes to procure things for a LAN. He also dumped personal money into it too...
I'd Like PRIME to post a synopsis of what he had to organize, get, steal, beg, borrow to make this happen...a checklist if you will.
THEN we can consider what city east or west coast. My vote is an all inclusive beach resort in Mexico...I can sit in a pool bar with a laptop and gunyou guys down. lol.
j/k about the resort.
It does if your in Detroit in January trying to catch a few zzz's out in the car between sessions as well as those of us who will be driving to this thing. Sorry!
Okay...I'll be overly organized about this and set up a poll for May to October in two week time slices and that way we can get the general time period that works best for the majority.
Step two would be to decide a good city.