I like the idea of having it at DeeBee's again, but I'm still weird about the upstairs down stairs thing, but that is just me. But DeeBee's was very good to us.
The only other place I thought about was like in a room of a hotel or something like that, a big room with outlets everywhere and all. I don't know what the price would be on something like this, but I'm sure if we get a set number of people going, we can work out the reg. fee and all to make it work. As far as the prizes go we could do the same thing. I don't know about the rest of you, but I wouldn't mind putting in money for all of this.
I like DeeBees, but the "No outside food and drink" rule pissed me off totally. I understand the idea, I do.. It just didn't bode well with me.
Would the owner be amenable to having attendees pay a fee to have this rule waived? Free rent for the room(s) would be too much to ask; maybe a $20 (or whatever) surcharge for a special sticker on your name tag allowing outside food.
Personally, it wouldn't bother me to live with the rule as it is. Just an idea to throw in the mix...
I don't think canning the outside food/drink rule is possible. At any rate, I thought that the folks that planned this event did a phenomenal job, especially considering that they'd never planned a LAN party before. There were a few things I'd have done differently, but that's what next year's for. The reason I put forward Cincy as a possible venue was mainly to take the strain off of the crew (particularly prime!) that planned this event, not because I had any problem with it (the network, in particular, was very well executed (thanks to mondi's constant vigilance, no doubt)). Brian, if you're comfortable (heh!) taking on the workload of basically being THE central dude again, I'd love to make the trip up to Detroit again next year.
0
Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
edited May 2004
The no outside food/drink rule is a little absurd. I realize that the guy is hosting the thing for free, and that he needs to make some money off it, but I'm not paying $1 for a soda when I can get a 24 pack for like $5. It's just not realistic.
The no outside food/drink thing is not at all absurd. He has a business to run, and his electric bill is going to go through the roof for this month. It's his only way of making money off of us. It's totally fair, and I completely support the idea.
0
Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
edited May 2004
The no outside food/drink thing is not at all absurd. He has a business to run, and his electric bill is going to go through the roof for this month. It's his only way of making money off of us. It's totally fair, and I completely support the idea.
I understand that, and like I said, I agree that he has to be able to cover his expenses.
However, I'm not interested in dropping $100 or whatever on food, either.
It wasn't a lock-in.. People could go out and eat/drink whatever they wanted (and we did)... He just wanted to make sure that nobody brought any food or drinks in (even though people were sneaking in MOUNTAIN DEW... ahem)
0
Geeky1University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
edited May 2004
Ah. Not ideal, but not exactly anything to complain about, either, in that case.
"Ballroom" to accommodate 50 players...Let's say that's...just a guesstimate...$2000...
That's probably a little low for three days with 24 hour access. Assuming 40 people attend that's another $50 apiece - on top of the other fees. If they know we're bringing 40 computers it could be even more (to cover the electric bill). Add in the fact that if it's a hotel conference room they would probably stipulate that a certain number of hotel rooms would have to be sold to attendees as part of the deal and it suddenly becomes a very expensive weekend. Figure what you would spend on food in any case and that $50+ would cover a substantial part (or all) of the restaurant markup.
Hell, you'd pay $4.50 for a watered-down lukewarm coke at a ballgame. :bawling:
Brian put his heart and soul (and then some) into making a seriously fun, friendly and top class event.. ( I wasn't able to attend ), got a good venue and worked damn hard
I know from many, many convo's how hard he worked on it with his team of planners and I think (for whats it's worth) that as it is his baby.. it should continue to be so. Why try to fix what isn't broken when DA MAN has all the resources to hand?
We all have our goals and I think Earl Ambrozy ESQ. will steer the planning great once a date is decided and that it should be left to him to do as he did a great job this time round.. it can only get better
The no outside food/drink rule is a little absurd. I realize that the guy is hosting the thing for free, and that he needs to make some money off it, but I'm not paying $1 for a soda when I can get a 24 pack for like $5. It's just not realistic.
My capitalist (assumption made) friend you have to understand that their needs to be an upside for the owner of DeeBee's. I'm pretty sure if he waives the no food/drink rule than we will have to pay a fee of some sort, which is only appropriate.
In the overall scheme of things DeeBees really bent over backwards to make sure that we were satisified. From my naive perspective at the time, when we started experiencing power problems I figured the owner would just tell us we were out of luck. No Way... He opened up other parts of the building so we could tap power from there.
During one of my visits up to the deli I mentioned in passing that the honey mustard they were serving was really good. As I was heading out to make my way back home to Chicago, one of the employees handed me a slip of paper with the brand of honey mustard listed on it. Now for someone who preaches customer service to my employee's, this really impressed me and showed me that going the extra mile was just the norm for the DeeBees staff.
As for the no outside food rule, I'm fine with it. I'm also open to contributing some dollars if we wish to ask to have it waived to cover any fees that DeeBees will need to charge. Either way I'm sure I'll be eating there because the food was so good!
You make some good points there ocomik. They went so far in allowing us to tap power, that they offered to let us drill through the floor to tap power from upstairs!
My only regret was that I didn't get any food from Deebe's. I bought a few drinks (3), but no food. It looks like I'll get the opportunity to remedy that next year!
I'd be all for a small cover charge (say, $5 above the normal $20) so we could get free fountan drinks. Those who pay the extra bit would get a special sticker on their nametag (like someone else already mentioned) and wouldn't have to worry about paying for fountan drinks for the duration of the LAN.
If enough of us paid this, we could buy our own freakin bag of the syrup!
I'd be all for a small cover charge (say, $5 above the normal $20) so we could get free fountan drinks. Those who pay the extra bit would get a special sticker on their nametag (like someone else already mentioned) and wouldn't have to worry about paying for fountan drinks for the duration of the LAN.
If enough of us paid this, we could buy our own freakin bag of the syrup!
I though prime tried that but it didn't work this time? Anyway, I think $5 would not be enough to make it worth their while. Maybe if we only got one cup and had refills or something. But even so, if they can make $1 per fountain drink off of somebody, or $5 for the whole weekend... what would you rather do? (again, from a business standpoint as ocomik pointed out)
Brian put his heart and soul (and then some) into making a seriously fun, friendly and top class event.. ( I wasn't able to attend ), got a good venue and worked damn hard ...
Ditto...
Instead of trying to make this thing into LANWAR... Let's focus our energies on how we can assist the SM crew to make this event better...
If there's anything that I've learned over the years, it is that $$$ play a huge role in assuring the success/failure of an event. It would be my suggestion that we create a SM LAN fund that participants can donate to. I know for me personally that $20 dollars made me feel like I was robbing Brian. I'm not wealthy but I would have happily paid 3 to 4 times that just to attend the event.
Well.... I apologize if I stepped on toes but I thought the idea of moving the LAN was OPEN. Various people have offered different locations and I even mentioned having a bidding process for different locations.
I may not have setup a LAN before but I do have experience with organizing events. My father is the membership director for the chamber of commerce and he REALLY knows how to setup an event.
Ocomik, my father, and I are working on venues that will incorporate discounted hotel rates, free convention hall, unlimited access to the room, possibly a banquet for Friday night. We were looking into having event sponsors (small logos on t-shirts) so we can get things as cheap as possible.
What we need is a venue that is setup for power and space. Each person that shows up to the LAN takes up the space of 2 so a convention room or hotel reception room that can hold 120 people is what we need. Going with a place like that, we can get table and chairs thrown in. Most places in the Chicago area are willing to work out deals to get the rooms booked. You add a sponsor or 2 at $500 each... we get some prizes and some food, the sponsors get their name and logo on a t-shirt and a banner....
Brain spent money out of his pocket to make SM LAN'04 a great party. Could things have gone better, yes. Was this due to lack of heart or funds... NO. This was the first year at this place, the first time organizing... I feel bad that Brain had to do so much and I want to help out by making next years easier on the Detroit staff. ALWAYS having the LAN in Detroit will alienate some people. Moving the LAN between a few nicely organized places will allow more people through out the country (and Canada) to experience the LAN. I didn't think the SM LAN was a PRIME only event. If that was the case, the point should have been addressed a week ago when the subject of next years LAN was started.
If the owners, staff, and members feel that the LAN is better left to the Detroit crew... fine. PUT IT IN BLACK AND WHITE and I'll drop what I'm doing. Either way, I'm planning on being at the LAN next year.
-qch
BTW... busted up my shoulder last night and I am on meds right now... so give me a break if this ticks someone off....
If we get some corporate sponsorship, that would be cool... I wouldn't mind having AMD pay for our T-shirts (and put an AMD logo on them) next year so Brian doesn't have to pay for them.
I think that's a great idea. If we could get some hardware/software companies on-side.. that would go along way towards helping pay for the event. The only problem I can see, if that we're not a huge Lan... corporates might even equate this to a clan gathering. If you guys do get serious about sponsership, we need to start promoting and marketing the event. This is a list of sponserships for a Lan held locally in Ottawa, http://www.lpbasylum.com/sponsors.php
I'd recommend contacting them and drilling them for info.
In any case.. I think $50 US is a fair reg fee. Nice round number, equally divisible. I actually spent around 5 times that in food, lodging, gas and crack cocaine.
//edit I think we should establish some door prize rules..
You're disqualified if;
You own 5 or more computers.
You didn't register by the closing date.
You have a fop
You wear obscenely loud t-shirts.
You own everyone at UTK4-DM.
You mention "8 Mile Road".
You walk around with tin-foil on your head.
You're related to SM Staff/Lan organizers or Brian Ambrozy.
These are preliminary of course, just throwing them up there for discussion.
Ocomik, my father, and I are working on venues that will incorporate discounted hotel rates, free convention hall, unlimited access to the room, possibly a banquet for Friday night. We were looking into having event sponsors (small logos on t-shirts) so we can get things as cheap as possible.
I know it was discussed but I don't believe I'm actively working on anything. Sure it doesn't hurt to think about alternative venues and possibly get an idea what these venues might cost but the reality is NO ONE has tapped Chicago as the place for the next SM LAN. I don't want to give anyone the perception that WE are planning some rogue SM LAN.
Brain spent money out of his pocket to make SM LAN'04 a great party. Could things have gone better, yes. Was this due to lack of heart or funds... NO. This was the first year at this place, the first time organizing... I feel bad that Brain had to do so much and I want to help out by making next years easier on the Detroit staff. ALWAYS having the LAN in Detroit will alienate some people. Moving the LAN between a few nicely organized places will allow more people through out the country (and Canada) to experience the LAN. I didn't think the SM LAN was a PRIME only event. If that was the case, the point should have been addressed a week ago when the subject of next years LAN was started.
If the owners, staff, and members feel that the LAN is better left to the Detroit crew... fine. PUT IT IN BLACK AND WHITE and I'll drop what I'm doing. Either way, I'm planning on being at the LAN next year.
There is definately differences of opinions on whether the Detroit location alienates people. For me it worked in Detroit the first time and I feel that it will easily work there again. Let's not get the cart before the horse.
#107 This thread
Brian Quote: "Well as I said earlier in the thread, if I'm heading it up, it's in Detroit.. There's no way I can successfully plan LAN 05 if it's in a different city.
I think this is pretty black and white. The event is known as the SM LAN and Brian is one of the principals of SM.
I hope I'm not sending missed signals here but my basic message is that I'm interested in supporting the SM LAN "NO MATTER" where it is held. If it's in Chicago, I'm here to help, In Detroit, I'm here to help, Puerto Rico, ... You get my drift.
MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT THIS THREAD WILL CAUSE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO DECIDE TO NOT DO THE SM LAN BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE ACTIVE DIALOGUE. I DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN!!!
For the time being I'm out of this thread. All of my specific feelings re: this issue can be found within this thread. I will happily go along with whatever Brian decides is the best location for the SM LAN.
Q - Sorry to hear about your shoulder - No hard feelings.
Comments
The only other place I thought about was like in a room of a hotel or something like that, a big room with outlets everywhere and all. I don't know what the price would be on something like this, but I'm sure if we get a set number of people going, we can work out the reg. fee and all to make it work. As far as the prizes go we could do the same thing. I don't know about the rest of you, but I wouldn't mind putting in money for all of this.
I like the sponsors idea also, that would work.
Hmmm...how about this as our official symbol. (Ha...let's see how clever you guys are at figuring where this symbol comes from.)
Hmmm...how about this as our official symbol. (Ha...let's see how clever you guys are at figuring where this symbol comes from.)
Personally, it wouldn't bother me to live with the rule as it is. Just an idea to throw in the mix...
Prof got the reference.
It's not just you.
I understand that, and like I said, I agree that he has to be able to cover his expenses.
However, I'm not interested in dropping $100 or whatever on food, either.
Hell, you'd pay $4.50 for a watered-down lukewarm coke at a ballgame. :bawling:
====> VOTE HERE <====
Brian put his heart and soul (and then some) into making a seriously fun, friendly and top class event.. ( I wasn't able to attend
I know from many, many convo's how hard he worked on it with his team of planners and I think (for whats it's worth) that as it is his baby.. it should continue to be so. Why try to fix what isn't broken when DA MAN has all the resources to hand?
We all have our goals and I think Earl Ambrozy ESQ. will steer the planning great once a date is decided and that it should be left to him to do as he did a great job this time round.. it can only get better
I tried to say it a while back but Dan said it better.
My capitalist (assumption made) friend you have to understand that their needs to be an upside for the owner of DeeBee's. I'm pretty sure if he waives the no food/drink rule than we will have to pay a fee of some sort, which is only appropriate.
In the overall scheme of things DeeBees really bent over backwards to make sure that we were satisified. From my naive perspective at the time, when we started experiencing power problems I figured the owner would just tell us we were out of luck. No Way... He opened up other parts of the building so we could tap power from there.
During one of my visits up to the deli I mentioned in passing that the honey mustard they were serving was really good. As I was heading out to make my way back home to Chicago, one of the employees handed me a slip of paper with the brand of honey mustard listed on it. Now for someone who preaches customer service to my employee's, this really impressed me and showed me that going the extra mile was just the norm for the DeeBees staff.
As for the no outside food rule, I'm fine with it. I'm also open to contributing some dollars if we wish to ask to have it waived to cover any fees that DeeBees will need to charge. Either way I'm sure I'll be eating there because the food was so good!
Ocomik
www.ocomik.net
My only regret was that I didn't get any food from Deebe's. I bought a few drinks (3), but no food. It looks like I'll get the opportunity to remedy that next year!
If enough of us paid this, we could buy our own freakin bag of the syrup!
I though prime tried that but it didn't work this time? Anyway, I think $5 would not be enough to make it worth their while. Maybe if we only got one cup and had refills or something. But even so, if they can make $1 per fountain drink off of somebody, or $5 for the whole weekend... what would you rather do? (again, from a business standpoint as ocomik pointed out)
Ditto...
Instead of trying to make this thing into LANWAR... Let's focus our energies on how we can assist the SM crew to make this event better...
If there's anything that I've learned over the years, it is that $$$ play a huge role in assuring the success/failure of an event. It would be my suggestion that we create a SM LAN fund that participants can donate to. I know for me personally that $20 dollars made me feel like I was robbing Brian. I'm not wealthy but I would have happily paid 3 to 4 times that just to attend the event.
Ocomik
www.ocomik.net
www.ocomik.net/blog/index.html
P.S. Is there anyway to turn off the smileys on the right side of the screen? It makes me feel like I'm goofing off when I should be working!
I may not have setup a LAN before but I do have experience with organizing events. My father is the membership director for the chamber of commerce and he REALLY knows how to setup an event.
Ocomik, my father, and I are working on venues that will incorporate discounted hotel rates, free convention hall, unlimited access to the room, possibly a banquet for Friday night. We were looking into having event sponsors (small logos on t-shirts) so we can get things as cheap as possible.
What we need is a venue that is setup for power and space. Each person that shows up to the LAN takes up the space of 2 so a convention room or hotel reception room that can hold 120 people is what we need. Going with a place like that, we can get table and chairs thrown in. Most places in the Chicago area are willing to work out deals to get the rooms booked. You add a sponsor or 2 at $500 each... we get some prizes and some food, the sponsors get their name and logo on a t-shirt and a banner....
Brain spent money out of his pocket to make SM LAN'04 a great party. Could things have gone better, yes. Was this due to lack of heart or funds... NO. This was the first year at this place, the first time organizing... I feel bad that Brain had to do so much and I want to help out by making next years easier on the Detroit staff. ALWAYS having the LAN in Detroit will alienate some people. Moving the LAN between a few nicely organized places will allow more people through out the country (and Canada) to experience the LAN. I didn't think the SM LAN was a PRIME only event. If that was the case, the point should have been addressed a week ago when the subject of next years LAN was started.
If the owners, staff, and members feel that the LAN is better left to the Detroit crew... fine. PUT IT IN BLACK AND WHITE and I'll drop what I'm doing. Either way, I'm planning on being at the LAN next year.
-qch
BTW... busted up my shoulder last night and I am on meds right now... so give me a break if this ticks someone off....
I'd recommend contacting them and drilling them for info.
In any case.. I think $50 US is a fair reg fee. Nice round number, equally divisible. I actually spent around 5 times that in food, lodging, gas and crack cocaine.
//edit I think we should establish some door prize rules..
You're disqualified if;
You own 5 or more computers.
You didn't register by the closing date.
You have a fop
You wear obscenely loud t-shirts.
You own everyone at UTK4-DM.
You mention "8 Mile Road".
You walk around with tin-foil on your head.
You're related to SM Staff/Lan organizers or Brian Ambrozy.
These are preliminary of course, just throwing them up there for discussion.
#107 This thread
Brian Quote: "Well as I said earlier in the thread, if I'm heading it up, it's in Detroit.. There's no way I can successfully plan LAN 05 if it's in a different city.
I think this is pretty black and white. The event is known as the SM LAN and Brian is one of the principals of SM.
I hope I'm not sending missed signals here but my basic message is that I'm interested in supporting the SM LAN "NO MATTER" where it is held. If it's in Chicago, I'm here to help, In Detroit, I'm here to help, Puerto Rico, ... You get my drift.
MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT THIS THREAD WILL CAUSE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO DECIDE TO NOT DO THE SM LAN BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE ACTIVE DIALOGUE. I DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN!!!
For the time being I'm out of this thread. All of my specific feelings re: this issue can be found within this thread. I will happily go along with whatever Brian decides is the best location for the SM LAN.
Q - Sorry to hear about your shoulder - No hard feelings.
Ocomik