Dragon*Con - Who's Going? [Archive]

Cleon

12th February 2009, 07:53 AM

I've been a DragonCon regular for years, and last year I was on staff for SkepTrack, which was all kinds of awesome.

paperskater, registration cost for DC is much lower than TAM, and it's graded by when you register. You can find the rates here (http://www.dragoncon.org/members.php#DC_Memb). (I strongly recommend against registering onsite; not only is it more expensive, but you will be guaranteed a 4-hour wait in line. And I'm not exaggerating.)

The biggest expense for DC is finding a place to stay; staying in one of the "official" DragonCon hotels is $150-$200/night, and I think thanks to a football game most rooms are already gone. There are nearby "unofficial" hotels that are much cheaper, but be careful when looking; some areas are not places you want to be walking around at night.

12th February 2009, 08:07 AM

The biggest expense for DC is finding a place to stay; staying in one of the "official" DragonCon hotels is $150-$200/night, and I think thanks to a football game most rooms are already gone. There are nearby "unofficial" hotels that are much cheaper, but be careful when looking; some areas are not places you want to be walking around at night.

*stops trying to calculate the 'per hour' price for staying the week...*

Well, can't go there either... Maybe some day, they'll hold a Con or a Skepmeet here in bustling Murphy, NC. We could... um... we could rent... um..

Nevermind. I don't think there's a rentable building large enough in Murphy for such an event. At least, not one that isn't scented vaguely like cattle and horses, with straw on the floor.

Cleon

12th February 2009, 08:39 AM

*stops trying to calculate the 'per hour' price for staying the week...*

Well, lots of people find roommates. And nearby hotels can be had, with a little bargain-hunting, for less than $100 per night.

If you have a sleeping bag, what some people do is cram as many people as possible in a hotel room. It's not exactly comfortable, but there's a shower, and your share only winds up being $30 or so a night.

Well, can't go there either... Maybe some day, they'll hold a Con or a Skepmeet here in bustling Murphy, NC. We could... um... we could rent... um..

Nevermind. I don't think there's a rentable building large enough in Murphy for such an event. At least, not one that isn't scented vaguely like cattle and horses, with straw on the floor.

You're only two hours from here, and less than that from Chattanooga, for that matter. Chattanooga is a huge con town; Chattacon, FantaSciCon, HallowCon, ConNooga...Lots of sci-fi cons there throughout the year, and staying at a hotel in TN is much cheaper than downtown Atlanta. ;)

Seriously, Z...If nothing else, join the Atlanta Skeptics group on Facebook. If there's something you want to come to, post a note and see if anyone can help with transport/rooming/whatever.

12th February 2009, 11:18 AM

But... but... I don't do Facebook. I'm still trying to figure out myspace. Oh, who am I kidding - I'm still trying to figure out why my homesite account isn't working.

I'm soooooo out of touch...

I have ICQ though... :D

Geek Goddess

12th February 2009, 12:36 PM

I am going on the cruise in three weeks, I'm going to TAM, and right now I plan to go to TAM London. I also want to squeeze in a couple weekend trips to various places.

I think I'll put DragonCon off one more year :(

Wowbagger

12th February 2009, 05:27 PM

I will most likely attend. I will give a more definate answer in a month or so. It depends on when a few other things get booked. But, I would really like to attend the whole thing, this time.

I'd like to come, but I don't know how feasible it would be after attending TAM. Can someone give me a price range for attending? It should most-likely be a lot cheaper than TAM.

Membership varies by when you get it. If you order by May 15th, it will be $80. But, it won't go higher than $100 if you wait longer, and that is for all the days. Single day tickets are even lower (but I still recommend going the whole time, if you can).

Hotel prices vary by where you are staying. Some rooms in some places are probably going to be cheaper than the TAM hotel, if money is really tight. And, splitting with roomates is always a good way to cut your cost.

Airfare varies by all sorts of things. It takes place in Atlanta, in September 2009. Go figure it out.

Cheap food is available in the local Peachtree Center food court.

paperskater

13th February 2009, 07:42 AM

Hmmm, this new information is encouraging...

Do you have to dress up for Dragon*Con?

Cleon

13th February 2009, 07:49 AM

Hmmm, this new information is encouraging...

If I can encourage more, let me know. ;)

Do you have to dress up for Dragon*Con?

No. Lots of people do, but lots of people don't. (I never have, though I keep toying with the idea.)

this charming man

13th February 2009, 01:14 PM

I anticipate attending.

The Central Scrutinizer

13th February 2009, 01:19 PM

Do you have to dress up for Dragon*Con?

Yes. You have to dress like a dork who's never had a date.

I don't think you can pull it off. :)

Wowbagger

13th February 2009, 01:40 PM

Do you have to dress up for Dragon*Con? There is no requirement to dress up as anything. It is a very casual event, though. You can pretty much wear any old sloppy thing you want, and no one will care.

Though, some of us like to dress up in costume, anyway:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/1338050279_d5f536eab2.jpg?v=0

Yes. You have to dress like a dork who's never had a date.Well, it is primarily a fantasy convention. I suppose some of us can act as though we never had a date, if that is what the character requires.

The Bad Astronomer

13th February 2009, 07:53 PM

The Central Scrutinizer

13th February 2009, 08:46 PM

Yes. You have to dress like a dork who's never had a date.

Exhibit A. :)

Wowbagger

15th February 2009, 08:05 AM

For those who care: I am preparing a somewhat improved "Version 2" of the costume for this year. (I might even have it available for I-Con.)

Cleon

15th February 2009, 08:17 AM

For those who care: I am preparing a somewhat improved "Version 2" of the costume for this year. (I might even have it available for I-Con.)

Despite that, paperskater, I hope you stll come to town for the con. :D

MattusMaximus

15th February 2009, 08:35 PM

I've been a DragonCon regular for years, and last year I was on staff for SkepTrack, which was all kinds of awesome.

This is good to know. I'm going to be involved in the SkepTrack this year as a speaker. I'm glad that I'll be in one of the more awesome tracks :)

paperskater, registration cost for DC is much lower than TAM, and it's graded by when you register. You can find the rates here (http://www.dragoncon.org/members.php#DC_Memb). (I strongly recommend against registering onsite; not only is it more expensive, but you will be guaranteed a 4-hour wait in line. And I'm not exaggerating.)

Yeah, got my registration out of the way already.

The biggest expense for DC is finding a place to stay; staying in one of the "official" DragonCon hotels is $150-$200/night, and I think thanks to a football game most rooms are already gone. There are nearby "unofficial" hotels that are much cheaper, but be careful when looking; some areas are not places you want to be walking around at night.

Thanks for the tip. I'll be shopping around for a hotel room over the next couple of days. Where will you be staying, Cleon?

MattusMaximus

15th February 2009, 08:37 PM

Well, I'm going! I love D*C, and wouldn't miss it. If you need more convincing, here's the current guest list (http://www.dragoncon.org/dc_guests_list.php).

Looks like I'll be at Comic Con in San Diego, too. Woohoo!

Hey BA, I'll see you there. Are you going to be involved in the science/skeptic teacher discussion at the SkepTrack? That's where, hopefully, I'll be doing my thing. They needed a real life science teacher, and I guess I was the first one to raise my hand :)

Wowbagger

16th February 2009, 08:18 AM

Hey, for what it's worth, my costume will not be the most ridiculous one there. I can guarantee there will be ones that will be far worse than mine, in every laughable respect.

Oh, but there will also be plenty of costumes waaaaaaay better than mine, too! Some of these costumes are quite elaborate and professionally constructed and all that. Check out the photo galleries on D*C's web site, and you'll see some of them.

Don't judge the costume quality of the whole event solely on my own get up.

The Bad Astronomer

16th February 2009, 12:45 PM

MattusMaximus, yeah, I'm sure I'll participate in that. Despite rumors to the contrary, I do have some classroom experience, having taught astronomy at a community college, at the University of Virginia, and having trained hundreds of teachers on the use of the classroom activities I helped develop over six years working with Master Teachers and NASA programs.

Cleon

16th February 2009, 01:41 PM

This is good to know. I'm going to be involved in the SkepTrack this year as a speaker. I'm glad that I'll be in one of the more awesome tracks :)

Oh, quite. And there are quite a few.

But the best part is, the room where SkepTrack programming is concentrated is right next to the Space, Science, podcasting, and robotics tracks--so the awesome is concentrated all around us. :)

Thanks for the tip. I'll be shopping around for a hotel room over the next couple of days. Where will you be staying, Cleon?

Dunno yet. I may just stay at home and drive, which is cheaper, but much less convenient when it comes to partying.

I'll probably make some serious plans in the next few weeks.

paperskater

17th February 2009, 09:10 PM

So, what exactly happens at D*C?

You know, besides the usual debauchery...

MattusMaximus

17th February 2009, 10:48 PM

Awesomeness - at least that's what I hear.

phyz

18th February 2009, 02:24 AM

Yes. You have to dress like a dork who's never had a date.

I am preparing a somewhat improved "Version 2" of the costume for this year.

Exhibit B (pending)

The Central Scrutinizer

18th February 2009, 06:46 AM

So, what exactly happens at D*C?

You know, besides the usual debauchery...

Assuming that is your picture, you'll get hit on by a lot of dorks.

Cleon

18th February 2009, 07:51 AM

So, what exactly happens at D*C?

You know, besides the usual debauchery...

Lots of debauchery.

But really, lots of...Well, everything.

In the programming rooms, there are guest panels, celebrity Q&A, fan discussions on just about everything under the sun, and so on. Elsewhere, there's 24/7 gaming, there are costume contests, concerts, celeb autographs, video showings, "How-To" panels, all sorts of stuff. If you're looking to shop, there are gigantic dealer rooms full of collectibles, games, movies, costumes, swords, props, comics, and so on. If you're into independent comics and webcomics, quite a few artists come and set up booths in the Artists' Alley.

At night, well, things just keep going. And the parties are legendary.

Keep an eye on dragoncon.org to see the list of guests; a schedule of events won't be available until a couple weeks before the con (and even then it may be more theory than fact), but if you check out the pages kept by the various programming tracks you'll see what they have in mind. Also, I don't have a link handy, but previous years' programs are probably available somewhere online.

Contrary to what a certain Scrutinizer will have you believe, the male-female ratio is pretty darn close to 50-50, and the stereotypical unhygenic, socially awkward dork is a tiny, tiny minority. If you stay away from the furries, the filkers, and Scrut, you should be fine.

Wowbagger

18th February 2009, 09:20 AM

If you stay away from the furries, the filkers, and Scrut, you should be fine. Hey, what's wrong with filkers?!!

MattusMaximus

18th February 2009, 09:21 AM

MattusMaximus

18th February 2009, 09:23 AM

Hey, what's wrong with filkers?!!

Imo, nothing - so long as their music is decent. It's the wanna-be's (of which there are far too many at these events) who I find annoying. At least with a good filker you get a measure of musical entertainment.

Did I mention that furries are... odd? :boggled:

The Central Scrutinizer

18th February 2009, 10:45 AM

Contrary to what a certain Scrutinizer will have you believe, the male-female ratio is pretty darn close to 50-50, and the stereotypical unhygenic, socially awkward dork is a tiny, tiny minority. If you stay away from the furries, the filkers, and Scrut, you should be fine.

Just for that, I may have to go. Just to show paperskater what a normal guy is like.

A friend of mine, who is a great web developer, and also a major D&D geek, was once asked by an attractive young lady what would happen if she went to a D&D convention. His reply - "You'll be to most popular person there, but no one will talk to you".

Cleon

18th February 2009, 11:10 AM

Hey, what's wrong with filkers?!!

For starters, they're filkers.

Cleon

18th February 2009, 11:17 AM

Just for that, I may have to go. Just to show paperskater what a normal guy is like.

As a contrast, of course.

A friend of mine, who is a great web developer, and also a major D&D geek, was once asked by an attractive young lady what would happen if she went to a D&D convention. His reply - "You'll be to most popular person there, but no one will talk to you".

For a D&D convention, that might be true.

For DragonCon...Not so much.

Do a Google image search on "DragonCon slave leia." Trust me. ;)

MattusMaximus

18th February 2009, 01:53 PM

Do a Google image search on "DragonCon slave leia." Trust me. ;)

Just did. Dragon*Con's going to be a lot of fun :)

Cleon

18th February 2009, 02:04 PM

Just did. Dragon*Con's going to be a lot of fun :)

Just to underscore the point...I didn't actually do that search myself before suggesting it. Note the confidence level. ;) That's just the very, very small tip of a very, very, very large iceberg.

After about 9 p.m., some costumes aren't much more than body paint.

Scrut's talking smack now, but I predict after his first DragonCon, he'll be back the next year with a "Don't Make Me Roll Initiative" T-shirt or something similarly "dorky." :D

Wowbagger

18th February 2009, 04:22 PM

For starters, they're filkers.

Filkers are probably the most peaceful and friendly members of Dragon*Con around! Much less likely to cause trouble than your average D*C hooligan.

You might find some of their music annoying, perhaps, but no one is forcing you to listen to it! And some of the stuff can be amazingly clever!

Scrut's talking smack now, but I predict after his first DragonCon, he'll be back the next year with a "Don't Make Me Roll Initiative" T-shirt or something similarly "dorky." :D
He would make an awesome Jayne (http://www.google.com/search?q=jayne%20cobb).

paperskater

18th February 2009, 08:32 PM

I had to look up furries and filkers. :o

I wish I was a guy. I'd totally go all out as Ironman! Guys have way better costume options, in my opinion. I can't think of a good costume idea.

The Central Scrutinizer

18th February 2009, 08:34 PM

Filkers are probably the most peaceful and friendly members of Dragon*Con around!

A lump of jello is also quite peaceful.

You might find some of their music annoying, perhaps, but no one is forcing you to listen to it! And some of the stuff can be amazingly clever!

And a lot of it cannot! :)

The Central Scrutinizer

18th February 2009, 08:35 PM

I had to look up furries and filkers. :o

I wish I was a guy. I'd totally go all out as Ironman! Guys have way better costume options, in my opinion. I can't think of a good costume idea.

Irongirl? Without so much iron, please. :)

MattusMaximus

18th February 2009, 09:21 PM

I had to look up furries and filkers. :o

I wish I was a guy. I'd totally go all out as Ironman! Guys have way better costume options, in my opinion. I can't think of a good costume idea.

Red Sonja - that'll be a winner :D

Wowbagger

18th February 2009, 09:30 PM

A lump of jello is also quite peaceful. Yeah, so... What do you have against Jello?

And a lot of it cannot! :)
Ah! But then you admit that a lot of it can!

I can't think of a good costume idea. People with good character are often better off just being themselves, anyway. :)

At least for the first visit. For subsequent ones, you tend to get inspired to be something else, for a little while. I'm sure someone will eventually think of something that suits you!

Cleon

18th February 2009, 09:52 PM

I had to look up furries and filkers. :o

Ooh. Sorry. My bad.

I wish I was a guy. I'd totally go all out as Ironman! Guys have way better costume options, in my opinion. I can't think of a good costume idea.

Google and search flickr for DragonCon costumes. Quite a few people come up with completely original costumes.

The important thing, of course, is that you bring yourself. Costume not required.

MattusMaximus

18th February 2009, 10:24 PM

I think we should encourage an epic "300" style battle of the filkers vs. the furries.

That would be funny to watch :catfight:

Cleon

19th February 2009, 04:59 AM

I think we should encourage an epic "300" style battle of the filkers vs. the furries.

That would be funny to watch :catfight:

Please do not start a civil war at DragonCon.

Wowbagger

19th February 2009, 09:07 PM

I think we should encourage an epic "300" style battle of the filkers vs. the furries. What about the people who are both? What are they supposed to do? Fight themselves?

Actually, that would be kinda amusing.

But, then the furries would probably win, and that would suck.

Please do not start a civil war at DragonCon.Wouldn't be the first time.

Say, I wonder if there will be another Skeptic's vs. True Believers debate, this year. It was a farily popular event. And, there's generally no overlap of group members.

Wowbagger

19th February 2009, 09:41 PM

Incidentally, there are a few others you should try to avoid, as well:

(WARNING: The story is kinda gross.)
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=4040812#post4040812

The Central Scrutinizer

20th February 2009, 06:18 AM

What about the people who are both? What are they supposed to do? Fight themselves?

Why not? I suspect they do a lot of things by themselves, if you get my drift. :)

MattusMaximus

20th February 2009, 08:46 PM

Incidentally, there are a few others you should try to avoid, as well:

(WARNING: The story is kinda gross.)
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=4040812#post4040812

So how long did it take for your bruises and broken bones to heal?

Wowbagger

21st February 2009, 08:33 AM

So how long did it take for your bruises and broken bones to heal? The broken bones didn't take long, at all.

It was all the diseases that really took a long time to shake off.

HeidiHo

23rd February 2009, 01:49 PM

I am not only going, but presenting on Skeptical Parenting.

Although after today, they might take back their invite. My 6 year old is about to get kicked out of Montessori. Peaceful he is not!

Sometimes, I read through these forums, and long for the day when my socially stilted, highly intelligent, defiant child will be an adult who can spend hours and hours debating with strangers on the internet and not pushing kids who say Doctor Who sucks.

Heidi Anderson

Cleon

23rd February 2009, 01:53 PM

I am not only going, but presenting on Skeptical Parenting.

I doubt that. (Sorry.)

Although after today, they might take back their invite. My 6 year old is about to get kicked out of Montessori. Peaceful he is not!

If DragonCon can cope with filkers, I'm sure a raging six-year-old won't be a problem.

Sometimes, I read through these forums, and long for the day when my socially stilted, highly intelligent, defiant child will be an adult who can spend hours and hours debating with strangers on the internet and not pushing kids who say Doctor Who sucks.

Well, if he says "Doctor Who sucks" around these parts, them's fightin' words. ;)

The Central Scrutinizer

23rd February 2009, 01:57 PM

Cleon

23rd February 2009, 02:05 PM

But wait....Dr. Who does suck.

:duck:

Watch it, you.

Phlebas

23rd February 2009, 04:39 PM

But wait....Dr. Who does suck.

:duck:

Solidarity, brotha.

Wowbagger

23rd February 2009, 04:54 PM

If DragonCon can cope with filkers, I'm sure a raging six-year-old won't be a problem. Oh yeah, because we all know how a bunch old, fat men with guitars can really rampage like six-year-olds. :rolleyes:

Well, if he says "Doctor Who sucks" around these parts, them's fightin' words. ;) True dat!!

Although, I still think Torchwood sucks.

Wowbagger

23rd February 2009, 06:43 PM

Cleon, Scrut, and others with discriminating taste: I invite you all to express your vitriol against filk music here:
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=136139

HeidiHo

24th February 2009, 10:26 AM

You misunderstand!!! He pushed a child because that child said Doctor Who sucks. He loves Doctor Who.

And I think they will take away my invite for being a poor parent, not because he will be there.

Although, maybe I could tell him he can come to Dragon Con only if he does not get kicked out of Montessori. If he does well, I will bring him and his nerdling best friend Connor.

Maybe that will work. Is anyone from Doctor Who coming to Dragon Con??

Cleon

24th February 2009, 01:20 PM

Maybe that will work. Is anyone from Doctor Who coming to Dragon Con??

Last year they had some Torchwood people. I don't know who they have lined up this year, but the head of Brit Track is a friend of mine, so I'll drop her a note and ask.

However...There is another local con I'm involved in called Timegate (www.timegatecon.org (http://www.timegatecon.org)). We were going to have Louise Jameson (Leela, from the classic series), but unfortunately she had to cancel.

Instead, we have two other extremely cool Doctor Who guests from the classic series: Mary Tamm, who played the first incarnation of Romana, and Terrance Dicks, who's been a writer for the show since the 60s.

MattusMaximus

25th February 2009, 06:57 PM

Fyi folks, if you plan to attend Dragon*Con, you'd better reserve a room - fast. Even many of the overflow hotels are already booked solid. I did manage to get a room at the Hampton Inn, but I don't know how long that will last.

HeidiHo

27th February 2009, 06:28 PM

I am excited, as my son's best friend's mother is coming to Dragon Con with me. Yay!

Also, is the Skeptrack in the Hilton again? I hope so, because that is where my room is.

Wowbagger

28th February 2009, 06:10 PM

I waited too long to make my official decision to attend!

Looks like all the official hotels are already all sold out.

Before I book something farther away, any chance of rooming with anyone?

skepticality

30th April 2009, 05:51 AM

I am sure you can find a hotel quite close to the con though!

Try the Downtown Atlanta Westin, it is within a short walk of the Hilton where all the Skeptic Track fun will be!

And, they said they might be opening up more hotel rooms in the very near future!

Wowbagger

30th April 2009, 07:28 AM

I am sure you can find a hotel quite close to the con though! I know there are plenty of other hotels in Atlanta.

Last year, our hotel was near the Olympic Park. Perhaps something closer would be better. But, one of the official hotels would be best!

Try the Downtown Atlanta Westin, it is within a short walk of the Hilton where all the Skeptic Track fun will be! I'll give it a shot.

And, they said they might be opening up more hotel rooms in the very near future!Good to know.

MattusMaximus

30th April 2009, 09:49 PM

I waited too long to make my official decision to attend!

Looks like all the official hotels are already all sold out.

Before I book something farther away, any chance of rooming with anyone?

WB, still looking for a roomie? I might be able to hook you up. PM me.

Wowbagger

1st May 2009, 09:35 PM

WB, still looking for a roomie? I might be able to hook you up. PM me.Well... fine. Let's see where this goes....

But, if I have to room with another guy, I hope we get separate beds, at least.

Phlebas

2nd May 2009, 04:41 AM

Well... fine. Let's see where this goes....

That's the spirit! Some of my more memorable dates started out with me saying exactly the same thing.

Wowbagger

2nd May 2009, 08:10 AM

That's the spirit! Some of my more memorable dates started out with me saying exactly the same thing. True. But, that was not with other guys. At least not for me.

skepticality

2nd May 2009, 10:34 AM

I am positive there are completely different conventions for that type of situation Wowbagger, don't worry! :eek:

Wowbagger

2nd May 2009, 12:55 PM

I am positive there are completely different conventions for that type of situation Wowbagger, don't worry! :eek:
I don't need to know about those.

Phlebas

3rd May 2009, 07:50 AM

True. But, that was not with other guys. At least not for me.

Aw, give Mattus a chance. D*C is a magical place.

skepticality

3rd May 2009, 09:02 AM

Yes,

Dragon*Con is something totally different that any other convention or huge gathering of any sort. :)

Reminds me, I have to figure out how we are going to work out where, and details for a big party that Margaret Downey wants to put on this year......

MattusMaximus

3rd May 2009, 06:21 PM

Aw, give Mattus a chance. D*C is a magical place.

Not that magical.

Wowbagger

3rd May 2009, 06:23 PM

Aw, give Mattus a chance. D*C is a magical place.But, he likes the movie Gladiator, and I don't. It would never work.

and details for a big party that Margaret Downey wants to put on this year...... Oh, gawd. It's not gonna be one of those lame-o anti-superstition parties, is it?! With such activities as "Pin the Tail on the Asstrologer", a "Limbo Under A Ladder" contest, and "The Mirror Breaking Ceremony"?!...

...'Cause that sounds like fun! :boxedin:

Chebutykin

3rd May 2009, 11:54 PM

Once again, I shall be there!

arthwollipot

4th May 2009, 12:11 AM

Alas, no. I can just about afford one trip to the USA per... um, lifetime... and TAM has to be my first priority.

Phlebas

4th May 2009, 03:00 AM

Not that magical.

I can see that you two will need to work on some things before you will be anything other than a dysfunctional couple :(

Derek, is there a psychiatric counseling track this year?

arthwollipot

4th May 2009, 09:58 AM

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/aversion_fads.png (http://xkcd.com/471/)

skepticality

4th May 2009, 11:15 AM

Ottle,

I don't think there is a counseling track this year. But, if some nut bags who have been pushing for a new 'Furry' track get their way. I believe we will have to demand that the entire con will need it! ;)

I can see that you two will need to work on some things before you will be anything other than a dysfunctional couple :(

Derek, is there a psychiatric counseling track this year?

Wowbagger

4th May 2009, 11:20 AM

Do y'all think the furries are any worse than those folks who put those leather gas-mask-like things on their face? (I forget what they are called, exactly, and frankly I don't need to look it up, right now.) 'Cause Dragon*Con will probably have a room full of those freaks, as well. On leashes.

Cleon

4th May 2009, 12:04 PM

Wowbagger

4th May 2009, 04:55 PM

You're coming with a leather gas mask on your face, aren't you?Other than briefly considering the idea of building a Combine costume, based on Half-Life 2, NO. (and, to be more fair, that was before I even knew gas-mask-fetish existed)

My point is that there are bigger freaks in the pond than furries.

The Professor

4th May 2009, 06:30 PM

I think that Jim Callahan and I will be there with those other guys who took the secret video's from last year. Several of our friends have asked to come also :)
We have a bunch of great questions to ask the JREF ... can't wait :)

I think someone has a free CD for everyone too!

Cleon

4th May 2009, 06:47 PM

Wowbagger

4th May 2009, 06:57 PM

I think that Jim Callahan and I will be there with those other guys who took the secret video's from last year.
*sigh* There's always a bigger freak.

Wowbagger

4th May 2009, 06:58 PM

...the secret video's from last year.

Oh, and what secret videos? You mean the ones the general public was allowed to watch?

paperskater

4th May 2009, 07:47 PM

Yikes, maybe I should be glad that I can't make it to Dragon*Con this year...

Wowbagger

4th May 2009, 08:12 PM

Damn. I can't believe I just scared off Paperskater. :boxedin:

You know, the freaks at D*C will only be a small percentage, right? You probably pass right by a higher percentage of freaks, in your daily life, and they are much less identifiable!!

So, yes, not everyone at D*C will be as smart or as cool as James Randi, or George Hrab, or Timothy Zahn, or Leonard Nimoy, or some of the writers of MST3K, or all the science and skeptics speakers and experts, or the various anime guests whom I wouldn't recognize, etc.

And, yes, not everything sold by the hundreds of vendors is going to be top-quality.

And, I will concede that D*C is not as arrogant an event to brag about attending, as TAM is, because it is so much less expensive, and still tons of fun to be part of.

But, that doesn't mean everything is going to be less than spectacular! Only some of it!!! Nothing is 100% perfect, you know!

arthwollipot

5th May 2009, 12:03 AM

There you go, Paperskater. Not worth it.

ETA: :D

skepticality

5th May 2009, 05:01 AM

And as of last weekend, with the opening of the new flyway between the Marriott and the Hilton, you only ever have to see the outside when you have to go to the Sheraton!

Which makes me realize why we now all have to go to the Sheraton FIRST since that is where we moved all of the Badge and Guest Registration. ;)

Azrael 5

9th May 2009, 04:38 PM

Can someone explain to a Brit(moi) what Dragon Con actually is?

Wowbagger

9th May 2009, 07:16 PM

Can someone explain to a Brit(moi) what Dragon Con actually is?
I heard someone refer to it as "Mardi Gras for geeks".

It's really just a giant science fiction / fantasy convention, that takes place annually in Atlanta, Georgia (in the USA).

It kinda-sorta melds into one, giant geek festival, when you examine it from afar. Lots of people come in costume, and drink a lot (though, neither is required). And, lots of guests show up: authors, actors from various TV shows and movies (mostly sci-fi, but with the occasional non-sci-fi pop-culture icon tossed in for good measure), comic book artists, etc. There is also a bunch of concerts, mini-parties, and a parade.

And, in the past few years, there has been a growing "real-science" segment in the convention, evidenced by the appearance of James Randi, Michael Shermer, and panels on scientific topics, etc. For this reason, some people are aslo referring to it as "Budget TAM".

Official Web Site: http://www.dragoncon.org/

skepticality

10th May 2009, 05:16 AM

That is a decent run down of it.

For 'extra' I'll toss in some of our standard rantings we do as Directors.

------------------

Dragon*Con is the largest Pop-Culture and Interest convention in North America. It takes place each year over the Labor Day (USA) weekend in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It fully uses the convention space of four of the largest downtown hotels in Atlanta; Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and the Sheraton.

Events at Dragon*Con start on the Friday afternoon and run until the late afternoon on Monday, for pretty much all 24 hours each day.

You can find lots of information at: http://www.dragoncon.org/

------ Official Rant Over -------

I run the Skeptic Track of events. For those who don't know a 'track' at Dragon*Con is basically its own convention. Each track has a Director who finds guests, creates the schedule, and finds a staff to run that track with them. There are now over 40 different tracks at the convention. Now, there are tons more at the convention other than the tracks, there is the main programming, along with all the Art, Movies, Concerts, Gaming, etc, etc, etc... Not to mention the very large Vendors Halls of tons and tons of cool things to purchase.

There are many of the same guests and speakers at Dragon*Con as you would see at TAM, but the setting is far different. D*C has a total 'party' vibe to it, and Dragon*Con attempts to pride itself on being a lot less 'formal' than many other conventions, like the big San Diego Comic-Con that happens each year. So, we try to find big name guests who really don't mind fans walking up to them to talk and just get to know the people they like to watch on TV or in Movies. Also, at TAM you get the added benefit of the entire convention being full of just people who pretty much think the same as you do, which is a bonus for some.

For a fun side note about this year. About 2 months ago two of the Sr. Directors from Dragon*Con just got back from Washington D.C. where they accepted a big national award for the most total units of usable blood donated to the Red Cross by one event ever in history. That record had been held by the San Diego Comic-Con for a while before this past year. I was quite surprised by that. Must mean that there are more people coming to Dragon*Con lately than I thought. :)

Oh, and I can't forget to tell you that the Skeptic Track is surrounded by the Space, Science, EFF, and all the other 'reality' based content at the convention. Dragon*Con gets a lot of high end scientists and NASA folks who come out each year to speak. We usually get some Astronauts and such there each time around as well.

Hope that clears up some details for ya!

MattusMaximus

10th May 2009, 07:46 PM

Damn. I can't believe I just scared off Paperskater. :boxedin:

**Throws nearest heavy object at Wowbagger :mad: **

Cleon

16th September 2009, 12:02 PM

Wowbagger

16th September 2009, 05:48 PM

But, at least Spaceman Spiff was there!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3905470998_f7a226c184.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/9639428@N03/3905470998/)

MattusMaximus

16th September 2009, 06:06 PM

It should come as no surprise that neither Callahan nor Koenig showed up.

Wimps.

That's right, I didn't see them anywhere. We must have scared them both off with all of our "negative" skeptical vibes :rolleyes:

MattusMaximus

16th September 2009, 06:08 PM

But, at least Spaceman Spiff was there!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3905470998_f7a226c184.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/9639428@N03/3905470998/)

This outfit is full of win :D

skepticality

17th September 2009, 04:07 AM

Yep,

No sign of Jim or his henchman from last year. Then again, we didn't have the big debate this year, which seemed to draw them out.

But we DID have some cool events where Joe Nickell, and some others went and spoke at the X-Track due to Graham Watkins being a bit of sour puss and accusing the Skeptics of being 'chicken' and not wanting to debate this year.

He was sadly mis-informed since... the reason me and Leigh had to 'cancel' the Skeptics vs. Believers debate this year was because she couldn't find any more than Graham and Patrick Burns to be on the Believers side. And, Patrick Burns is such a fence sitter that he almost doesn't qualify to be on the believers side.

Gotta love spin.... :rolleyes: