TAM 8 Forumite Scavenger Hunt -- Can You Meet Every JREF Forumite this TAM?

[saganite]

So here are the facts:

Over one hundred people have pre-registered for TAM and announced their attendance on the TAM 8 Roll Call! (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=168335&page=13) thread. Some, we all know. Others, none of us know. Most fall somewhere in the middle.

Every year, a few shy forumites don't get to meet all the people they'd like to. This is unacceptable -- people come to TAM to mingle and meet. This is a great way to make sure every single person is met, greeted and included.

Here's the deal:

Before you leave for TAM, print out the most recent list of attendees from the Roll Call! thread. I'm making the cut-off Tuesday, July 6th, since the majority of attendees will be arriving on Wednesday, July 7th. When I arrive (Thursday afternoon), I will also bring back-up lists with me which you can collect from me at the reception.

Start: the evening of Thursday, July 8th. The beginning of the kick-off reception is the EARLIEST you may begin collecting signatures. Before that point if you meet forumites then you can arrange to go back to collect their signature later, but please don't cheat and collect a bunch of signatures Wednesday night so you can beat everyone else to the punch.

End: Sunday, July 11th at 10am OR when the first person brings me a complete list of signatures.

Oh, you want to know about a prize? Okay fine, here's the prize:

New Line Cinema's 40th Anniversary DVD Collection, including:

- Pink Flamingos
- A Nightmare on Elm Street
- The Player
- The Mask
- Seven
- Austin Powers
- Boogie Nights
- Wag the Dog
- The Wedding Singer
- Rush Hour
- Blow
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
- Elf
- The Notebook
- Wedding Crashers
- Documentary on the history of New Line Cinema

Sealed in its original packaging. These go on eBay for a minimum of $100. It's an awesome prize, people.

I'm not going to be all weird and rule-y about having to check in with me beforehand -- just wait until Thursday evening and then get to collecting. Anyone can participate. And it would be cool if you posted here to let me know you're planning to play, so I can get a rough estimate of how many players to keep track of.

[bumlet5]

I'm in.

[HawaiiBigSis]

I'm in!

[Wowbagger]

Sounds like a great idea for a game! I fully endorse it!

Unfortunately, I probably shouldn't play, because I would have an unfair advantage over most of the other players. But, I might run around with the list, anyway, as an excuse to meet people.

[saganite]

See, I figure while there will be a lot of people that will be easy to find right off the bat, others will be trickier. Not everyone will have their avatar on their badge, and there will be several newcomers whom nobody has met yet, who may be very difficult to find.

Newbies -- you can make things easy on the players by putting your forum name on your badge, or much harder by shielding your identity.

[Cleon]

I predict that xenxabar will win this handily.

[saganite]

Update #1: I've created a checklist that's much prettier and less cumbersome than just printing names out from the internet would be, so it's in your best interest to just find me at the reception (I'll be the blonde wearing a purple top and white jeans, with a freakin' panda avatar on my badge.) Extra bonus: my signature will already be on those particular checklists.

[saganite]

I predict that xenxabar will win this handily.

Xenxabar may or may not be eligible for this hunt, depending on whether or not he can adequately bribe me with homemade beef jerky.

[bumlet5]

Extra bonus: my signature will already be on those particular checklists.

You're way too nice!

Xenxabar may or may not be eligible for this hunt, depending on whether or not he can adequately bribe me with homemade beef jerky.

With this knowledge, I now know what the price for my signature will be for him. :)

[HawaiiBigSis]

With this knowledge, I now know what the price for my signature will be for him. :)
Bacon chocolate tacos?

[SkepticScott]

Thank you for organizing this, Saganite! I won't be competing but I'll be happy to sign checklists.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Thank you for organizing this, Saganite! I won't be competing but I'll be happy to sign checklists.
You may regret that!

[bumlet5]

Mmm... Vosges Bacon Chocolate.

I hope to go home soon. I have some there.

[rustypouch]

Bonus points for however brings my sig!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

(I'll be the smokin' hot blonde wearing a purple top and white jeans, with a freakin' panda avatar on my badge.)

To further clarify for the newbies.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I won't be signing any lists. So no one can win!

[HawaiiBigSis]

I won't be signing any lists. So no one can win!

So we'll just change the rules to be the person with the most signatures wins.

One person will not be allowed to bollix it for everybody. :mad:

[bumlet5]

I won't be signing any lists. So no one can win!

I'll figure out a way. :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Only those who buy me a beer or give me something of value will have their list signed.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Only those who buy me a beer or give me something of value will have their list signed.

Sure. I'll give you something of value... to me... :p

[hcmom]

I predict that xenxabar will win this handily.

Or sgf8...

[Yogzotot]

In theory I am in for the fun of it, but... I assume the DVD collection is Region 1? :-p

[saganite]

So we'll just change the rules to be the person with the most signatures wins.

One person will not be allowed to bollix it for everybody. :mad:

Those are already the rules, just to make sure people like Scrut can't RUIN EVERYONE'S FUN. It's whoever brings me all the sigs first, OR whoever has the most by the cut-off point, 10am Sunday.

[SkepticScott]

You may regret that!LOL! You have an evil plan in mind to make me regret it?

[saganite]

In theory I am in for the fun of it, but... I assume the DVD collection is Region 1? :-p

Unfortunately, yes. Although worst case scenario, you could always just auction it off online. Still a good prize. :)

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I predict that xenxabar will win this handily.
And I will come in on the other end of the spectrum, since I couldn't even remember who xenxabar was last time.

~~ Paul

[KingMerv00]

Wow, Saganite. Look at you organizing a TAM event.

*Sniff* You're all grown up.


Just so the contestants know, Scrut will sign anything as long as you are a woman.

[Horatius]

Just so the contestants know, Scrut will sign anything as long as you are it is a woman.


ftfy.

[Allecher]

Saganite - will Scrut's signature on my <ahem> arm count toward the contest?

[Dicon]

I think extra points should be awarded if the forumite signed it while naked.

[stephenenelson]

Additional incentive: those who find me get chocolate. While supplies last.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Additional incentive: those who find me get chocolate. While supplies last.

Darn! If I had a car, I'd pick you up at the airport!

Oh, wait, that might be before the "official" start of the hunt... :D

[phyz]

Scrut will sign anything as long as you are a woman.


Honestly, he's not even that picky. Even when he's sober.

[bumlet5]

You know, it might be interesting to have a prize for Most Signatures for a First TAMmer. Not sure how the details would be worked out, though...

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

I think we need another prize. Meeting everyone is one thing. Remembering who they are is quite another. Award a prize for being able to state everyone's real name given their forum names.

~~ Paul

[Doubt]

I will do my best to make it a little harder by not having an avatar badge this year.

Or maybe I will sign my name as Scrut.

[kmortis]

I think we need another prize. Meeting everyone is one thing. Remembering who they are is quite another. Award a prize for being able to state everyone's real name given their forum names.

~~ Paul
Does calling you "Paul A. Reallylongname" count?

I'm in. I'll even sign without bribes. I'm more of a eurogamer anymore, so winning alone isn't all that important to me...until the points are tallied. :D

[Hokulele]

I think we need another prize. Meeting everyone is one thing. Remembering who they are is quite another. Award a prize for being able to state everyone's real name given their forum names.

~~ Paul


If you call everyone you meet "Dave", you have a good chance of being correct.

[kmortis]

If you call everyone you meet "Dave", you have a good chance of being correct.
That's right, Dave.

[SkepticScott]

If you call everyone you meet "Dave", you have a good chance of being correct.TAM isn't Dave-Con, or so says the Dave Conspiracy. :D Read Narbonic! http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/narbonic/toc.php

[saganite]

I think we need another prize. Meeting everyone is one thing. Remembering who they are is quite another. Award a prize for being able to state everyone's real name given their forum names.

~~ Paul

But how would you account for the fact that the majority of people have already listed their real name on the Roll Call checklist?

[Yogzotot]

But how would you account for the fact that the majority of people have already listed their real name on the Roll Call checklist?

You mean their alleged real names. I just heard the U.S. has some issues with undercover Russian spies? :D

[RSL's better half]

Or sgf8...

Whoa yeah! I'll bet she'll give anybody a run for the money!

Less than a week now . . . oh boy oh boy oh boy! ("oh man" is already taken)

[hcmom]

Whoa yeah! I'll bet she'll give anybody a run for the money!

Less than a week now . . . oh boy oh boy oh boy! ("oh man" is already taken)

Don't worry, there is plenty of "oh man" to go around!

Oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man!!!!

[AdMan]

In theory I am in for the fun of it, but... I assume the DVD collection is Region 1? :-p

Assuming your player can handle NTSC:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Does calling you "Paul A. Reallylongname" count?
Yes, or you can simply point at my badge. Even I can remember the real names of those forumites whose forum names are their real names. Can I get a prize if I manage to get everyone else's name wrong?

~~ Paul

[bumlet5]

That will be difficult to do, since everyone's badge will have their registration name on it...

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

But how would you account for the fact that the majority of people have already listed their real name on the Roll Call checklist?
No, I mean by heart. Take a list of forum names and fill in the real names. Mass quantities of chocolate to the first person who can do that.

~~ Paul

[saganite]

Now there's a challenge.

[SkepticScott]

Mass quantities of chocolate to the first person who can do that.Would that be Dante's super-dark chocolate? I picked up bars of their milk and dark chocolate today for TAM.

[paperskater]

Hmmm, unforseen downside to having my picture as my avatar. Now I can't be all covert and stuff.

[Cuddles]

I'm in. And while I'm happy to sign things, I doubt anyone will believe it's actually a real signature. Stupid pens. Use a computer dammit!

[SkepticScott]

I'm in. And while I'm happy to sign things, I doubt anyone will believe it's actually a real signature. Stupid pens. Use a computer dammit!Exactly! My PGP key is out there. :)

[Wowbagger]

For those who might be looking for me: My skin is not really green.

At least not most of the time.

[Fitter]

Hmmm, unforseen downside to having my picture as my avatar. Now I can't be all covert and stuff.

Wear the bunny ears, they'll have no idea who you are.

[xinit]

Forumite.... is that something like vegemite?

[xinit]

Hmmm, unforseen downside to having my picture as my avatar. Now I can't be all covert and stuff.

What, you don't have a dark cowl you could wear, lurk in the shadows?

[JamyeJ]

I'm totally in, since I was planning on doing something similar anyway. :)

[Susan Gerbic]

Awesome! How did I miss this thread? Thanks HCMom and RSL's Better Half for PMing me.


Update #1: I've created a checklist that's much prettier and less cumbersome than just printing names out from the internet would be, so it's in your best interest to just find me at the reception (I'll be the blonde wearing a purple top and white jeans, with a freakin' panda avatar on my badge.) Extra bonus: my signature will already be on those particular checklists.

I suppose you are female?

[Susan Gerbic]

I guess I better get my name on the Role Call soon then...

[Miss_Kitt]

Okay, I was planning on meeting everyone I know from the Forum -- plus anyone I've forgotten or not seen stuff from who knows me (it can happen, I guess?) anyway. BUT if people are going to be covert, that will make it harder.

I am NOT interested in the movie collection whatsoever, but I am very interested in collecting new friends and/or getting a face to go with the avatar/name of ones I already feel I know from online.

Getting psyched now, Miss_Kitt

[Horatius]

Forumite.... is that something like vegemite?



No, it's more like Soylent Green

[saganite]

Awesome! How did I miss this thread? Thanks HCMom and RSL's Better Half for PMing me.




I suppose you are female?

I left out that moderately important piece of info -- yes, I am. Looks like we're getting a very good turnout for this hunt. The game will soon be on!

For people who are Twitter-inclined, follow me at heysaganite. Throughout the game, I'll tweet leads such as:

Hunters: Just ran into Wowbagger on the 14th floor.

Or,

Hunters: Look for Hokulele at the west end of the Del Mar bar, spilling beer on Paperskater's bosom and blaming it on the Marquis de Carabas.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Would that be Dante's super-dark chocolate? I picked up bars of their milk and dark chocolate today for TAM.
Did you get bars of the absurdly dark, or just the ordinary dark? If not, I'll get some of the absurdly dark.

~~ Paul

[Yogzotot]

I may even try to get a photo off of every forumite I meet. Way better to have a face-name-forumname-avatar connection to remember people...

(Writing this, I already see this idea going down the drain with increasing alcohol content... "Forgot to tag this photo. Who is this guy?!")

[Patricio Elicer]

This reminds me that I need to get new ink cartridges for my printer, I think I am in too.

[LostAngeles]

MUHAHAHAHA...

See, I ain't registered properly for TAM.

Meanin' I ain't got a name badge.

Maybe I should be a bonus point for the newbies.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Did you get bars of the absurdly dark, or just the ordinary dark? If not, I'll get some of the absurdly dark.

~~ Paul
Oh, absurdly dark definitely needs to be present!

[SkepticScott]

Did you get bars of the absurdly dark, or just the ordinary dark? If not, I'll get some of the absurdly dark.I got the standard dark chocolate (plus milk chocolate). I did not get the absurdly dark chocolate.

The chocolate survived the trip! I had it in an insulated 6-pack container that I refrigerated before packing. I put it in my checked luggage lest some over-zealous (or chocolate-loving) TSA person decided that it couldn't be in my carry-on. The insulation seemed to have worked. :) :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I left out that moderately important piece of info -- yes, I am. Looks like we're getting a very good turnout for this hunt. The game will soon be on!

For people who are Twitter-inclined, follow me at heysaganite. Throughout the game, I'll tweet leads such as:

Hunters: Just ran into Wowbagger on the 14th floor.

Or,

Hunters: Look for Hokulele at the west end of the Del Mar bar, spilling beer on Paperskater's bosom and blaming it on the Marquis de Carabas.

How about:


Hunters: The Central Scrutinizer is holding an empty pint glass. Buy him a refill and he'll sign your card.

[SkepticScott]

The only problem with that is about halfway through the scavenger hunt you'll start signing as "Uri Geller".

[xinit]

The only problem with that is about halfway through the scavenger hunt you'll start signing as "Uri Geller".

Halfway? I was going to start off alternating between Uri and Sylvia.

[Hokulele]

MUHAHAHAHA...

See, I ain't registered properly for TAM.

Meanin' I ain't got a name badge.

Maybe I should be a bonus point for the newbies.


Ditto, but since I will usually be found with Hokulele Mom, they may have a pretty easy time of it when it comes to identifying me.

[rustypouch]

Ditto, but since I will usually be found with Hokulele Mom, they may have a pretty easy time of it when it comes to identifying me.

If they can see your head poking above the table.

[MLynn]

Thank you for organizing this, Saganite! I won't be competing but I'll be happy to sign checklists.
Me too -

[Ziggy66]

For those who might be looking for me: My skin is not really green.

At least not most of the time.

How about 3 AM lying on the floor of the Del Mar?

[SkepticScott]

Or at 3 a.m. lying on the floor of the Del Mar after a bunch of green-paint-toting skeptics have passed by?

[dasmiller]

Or at 3 a.m. lying on the floor of the Del Mar after a bunch of green-paint-toting skeptics have passed by?

Shhhh! You'll ruin the surprise

[TsarBomba]

Being generally lazy, slothful, and antisocial, I have no chance, but I am in for no other reason than for people to seek out my signature.

[dasmiller]

I won't compete, but I'll be easy to find and I'll be happy to sign body parts anything for any attractive women with self-esteem issues for anybody with reasonably good hygiene Oh, who am I trying to fool? anyone.

If you see a guy sitting at a bar, wearing an Hawaiian shirt, there's a good chance it's me.

[JamyeJ]

<--- That's me. And I'm likely to steal Rich's top hat or fez once he's had a few drinks at the Del Mar. :)

[Wowbagger]

How about 3 AM lying on the floor of the Del Mar?I assume this was meant to imply that I would get drunk. But, I don't drink alcohol, so that is unlikely to happen - at least not by my own will.

Or at 3 a.m. lying on the floor of the Del Mar after a bunch of green-paint-toting skeptics have passed by? Although this one is a distinct possibility.

[dang]

My big black ears and button nose will give me away for sure.

The only way I'd win this scavenger hunt is if there was a forum group photo. It would be messy. The photo session would turn into an autograph free-for-all.

[HawaiiBigSis]

My big black ears and button nose will give me away for sure.

The only way I'd win this scavenger hunt is if there was a forum group photo. It would be messy. The photo session would turn into an autograph free-for-all.

I'm figuring bowling will probably be a good place to get a bunch too...

Or the Del Mar bar.

[Hokulele]

Bowling is another good option for snagging a bunch of forumite signatures, especially since most people sign up for lanes based on their screen names, and the lanes are clearly numbered. ;)

[dang]

That's a good idea. I'm really not a bowler, though. Maybe I'll stand up in the auditorium right before a break and shout, "All forum members, please gather here!"

[kmortis]

Bowling is another good option for snagging a bunch of forumite signatures, especially since most people sign up for lanes based on their screen names, and the lanes are clearly numbered. ;)
What if we cleverly disguise our names? Huh? Dibs on sitromk.

[Hokulele]

What if we cleverly disguise our names? Huh? Dibs on sitromk.


I can always put you down as DOC...




*Flees*

[kmortis]

I can always put you down as DOC...




*Flees*
that would be PERFECT!!! Then, everyone would be looking for a raving looney instead of me.

[Hokulele]

That would be PERFECT!!! Then, everyone would be looking for a raving looney instead of me.


Which would prevent them from finding you how, exactly?

[kmortis]

Which would prevent them from finding you how, exactly?
I'm an atheistic raving looney, not a Christian one.

I'lllet you put me down as DOC, if you get put down as kurious kathy....

[Hokulele]

I'm an atheistic raving looney, not a Christian one.

I'lllet you put me down as DOC, if you get put down as kurious kathy....


I'll let you put me down as kurious_kathy (No! Not the vet version of "put down"!) if you get put down as Hawk_one.

[kmortis]

I'll let you put me down as kurious_kathy (No! Not the vet version of "put down"!) if you get put down as Hawk_one.
Why do you hate me so? Isn't DOC bad enough?

Of course, you realize that talking about this in an open channel when the point is to hide our identities ('cause a 30' tall biomech can hide in general population) is probably not the best course of action.

[Hokulele]

Wait, we're public?



Oops.



I'll put you down as Tricky.

[kmortis]

Wait, we're public?



Oops.



I'll put you down as Tricky.
Yes, when you type into that lil' box and hit "Submit Reply" everyone who wants to can read it.



GAH! It just keeps getting worse. I'll take Tricky, you take mayday.

[Hokulele]

Yes, when you type into that lil' box and hit "Submit Reply" everyone who wants to can read it.


Since this assumes that there are people who actually want to read this, I will take my chances.





Fine, you are Darat.

[kmortis]

Since this assumes that there are people who actually want to read this, I will take my chances.
This is what they're using now instead of suspensions. The offending party has to read our banter for the allotted time. Think of a more sadistic Clockwork Orange.








No, I have SOME morals. Besides, if I agreed to Darat. people would be looking for the guy in the Hannibal Lecter getup... Hrm, that has merit. Fine, I'll be Darat, you have to go as Hokulele.

[Hokulele]

This is what they're using now instead of suspensions. The offending party has to read our banter for the allotted time. Think of a more sadistic Clockwork Orange.


More sadistic Clockwork Orange? You mean, the original Charlton Heston Ten Commandments?





Crap!!! My next suggestion was to have you go as Hokulele. Fine, you get to be paperskater.

*Basks in the fantasy of kmo having to deal with hordes of disappointed skepdudes.*

[kmortis]

More sadistic Clockwork Orange? You mean, the original Charlton Heston Ten Commandments?

Worse. Think about it. A week of reading nothing but this exchange. Oh, and motivational posters featuring Darat in a leather teddy. I'm talking things that would make the Marquis de Sade himself go "Um, guys, are you SURE about that? It seems a bit sketchy."





Well, she WAS looking for a way to be incognito. You could put me as paperskater, and her as kmortis. I'd suggest the Marquis for you, but there wouldn't be enough beer bottles around us in the bowling alley to make that believable, and the vodka bottle would just dwarf you.

[Hokulele]

Worse. Think about it. A week of reading nothing but this exchange. Oh, and motivational posters featuring Darat in a leather teddy. I'm talking things that would make the Marquis de Sade himself go "Um, guys, are you SURE about that? It seems a bit sketchy."


I seriously doubt Darat would be able to find a leather teddy that could possibly contain his, his, his...

...administrative privileges.




Dwarf me? Dwarf me!? Fine, you get to be ... Hokulele Mom. Let's see you dwarf that!

[kmortis]

I seriously doubt Darat would be able to find a leather teddy that could possibly contain his, his, his...

...administrative privileges.

Ever hear of a custom tailor? Well, somehow, they managed to find a blind one that works in pink lame.







Wow, you'd have me masquerade as your mom? What malfeasance did she do to you?

How about you go as hammegk? Then no one would want your signature. OR, I could just recite you my poetry all night.

[Hokulele]

Ever hear of a custom tailor? Well, somehow, they managed to find a blind one that works in pink lame.


Do you really not understand the difference between leather and lamé? Really? I mean, other than the fact that lamé can be created to match any dimension...




Right, DavidJayJordan for you, bucko.

[kmortis]

Do you really not understand the difference between leather and lamé? Really? I mean, other than the fact that lamé can be created to match any dimension...

Oh, I understand the difference and that fabric is not leather. It's, as dog as my witness, pink freaking lamé. It reminds me of the "bathing suit" that I had to wear in college during...um, never-mind.





DJJ????? RIGHT! You'll be Amy Wilson.

[Hokulele]

Oh, I understand the difference and that fabric is not leather. It's, as dog as my witness, pink freaking lamé. It reminds me of the "bathing suit" that I had to wear in college during...um, never-mind.


As long as the "bathing suit" covers the "administrative privileges", I have no problem with it. Um, you didn't pack that for Vegas yet, did you?


*Scurries off to make sure digital camera is packed. Purely for blackmail reasons. I mean, I would never deliberately post those to the Internet, would I?*



Amy Wilson!?! You have just been put down as Scrut. Deal with it.

[kmortis]

As long as the "bathing suit" covers the "administrative privileges", I have no problem with it. Um, you didn't pack that for Vegas yet, did you?


*Scurries off to make sure digital camera is packed. Purely for blackmail reasons. I mean, I would never deliberately post those to the Internet, would I?*

I don't have it any more. It was, um, lost in a horrible boating accident. I understand, though, that parts of it can still be seen, or heard rather, by gaining access to the SOSUS net. Now, all I wear are one piece bathing suits made out of baby harp seal skin.


Ooooo! I would put you down ad Hal Bidlak, since you two have about the same level of humor, but I have too much respect for the man to sully his good name with you masquerading as him. So, I'll just list you as Dr Buzzo. Enjoy the solitude that comes with that moniker.

[krelnik]

Awesome idea, saganite, thanks for setting this up!

[AdMan]

This hunt is a great idea.

As it's my first TAM, I'm one of those who knows no one and whom nobody knows, so I don't expect to win, but I am looking forward to meeting everyone.

[HawaiiBigSis]

don't expect to win, but I am looking forward to meeting everyone.
I have the advantage of previously having met five (I think -- rapidly counting on my fingers) other people who will be there, I'm only marginally ahead of you, but that's exactly my goal too!

[saganite]

It's my pleasure! And like I said before, I'll pre-print out a list of names (forum and "real") to give to anyone who didn't bring one with them, so latecomers can join in, too.

[hcmom]

I can always put you down as DOC...




*Flees*

that would be PERFECT!!! Then, everyone would be looking for a raving looney instead of me.

No... then everyone would be avoiding you...

[ejk]

I'm definitely in. Because otherwise I might have 5 free minutes in my schedule, and we can't have that happen, can we?

Though I have to agree, the bragging rights from winning would be far more attractive than the actual prize, kind though it is of Saganite to offer it.

[xenxabar]

Xenxabar may or may not be eligible for this hunt, depending on whether or not he can adequately bribe me with homemade beef jerky.Well, it just so happens that I do have a fresh batch on the way. :D However, I respectfully step down from any competition as it has always been a fun thing for me to do and hope that someone else will have the same joy of meeting so many awesome people from all over the world.

[saganite]

I've come up with a better prize than the DVDs, but I'm not going to tell anyone what it is. Rest assured it's skeptically inclined and much better suited to this crowd.

[saganite]

Well, it just so happens that I do have a fresh batch on the way. :D However, I respectfully step down from any competition as it has always been a fun thing for me to do and hope that someone else will have the same joy of meeting so many awesome people from all over the world.

Whatever you want, dude. JUST KEEP THE JERKY COMING.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I've come up with a better prize than the DVDs, but I'm not going to tell anyone what it is. Rest assured it's skeptically inclined and much better suited to this crowd.

I'll take the DVDs! :)

[HawaiiBigSis]

I think I have to start a list of what I need to see everybody for:

Saganite - list of forum members for treasure hunt
Chris_H - Tim-Tams
xenxabar - beef jerky
Dicon - salted caramels
various members for chocolate...

[The Central Scrutinizer]

xenxabar - beef jerky

I thought he was Bolt Upright. Or was it Crunch Hardtack?


(who will be the first to get the reference, without using Google?)

[stephenenelson]

Just to be a bit clearer, when I say "chocolate" (at least in this case), I ordered this (http://www.recchiuti.com/114.html) and this (http://www.recchiuti.com/129.html), to be delivered to me at the hotel, specifically for purposes of giving out.

[paperskater]

Just to be a bit clearer, when I say "chocolate" (at least in this case), I ordered this (http://www.recchiuti.com/114.html) and this (http://www.recchiuti.com/129.html), to be delivered to me at the hotel, specifically for purposes of giving out.


O.M.G. :jaw-dropp

[hcmom]

O.M.G. :jaw-dropp

What she said.

[bumlet5]

Thirded.

[kmortis]

I might have to double up on my Metformin this trip....

[Sara Kessell]

This sounds like so much fun! (and since I don't know anyone...a challenge!)

[hcmom]

Just to give anyone who doesn't know me a hint: I have bright purple streaks in my hair.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Just to give anyone who doesn't know me a hint: I have bright purple streaks in my hair.

So do I.

[Fitter]

Just to give anyone who doesn't know me a hint: I have bright purple streaks in my hair.

So do I.

No one wants to check your armpits.

[saganite]

All right y'all, I'm calling the checklist officially closed -- Electric Monk came in just under the wire.

The headcount stands at 120 forumites who will be in attendance. Your own personal headcount might be off by one or two -- a lot of people listed their dates/wives/lifelong companions as a plus-one on the roll call and I decided NOT to count those people, because at this point there's no way for me to know for sure how many of them are forum posters and who are not.

If you discover that they are, and you are able to score their signatures too, I'll count them -- BUT I ask that you have them include their forum name next to their siggy as proof that they have posted here in the past.

See everybody Thursday night!

[hcmom]

Just to give anyone who doesn't know me a hint: I have bright purple streaks in my hair.

Just got home from getting re-purpled. It's a bit more than just streaks this time....

[saganite]

Sorry, one last amendment: my final headcount is 124, NOT 120. A few names got by me but I just did one final tally.

[Susan Gerbic]

Saganite ~ Can we get an official time that we can start getting signatures? Thursday night is kinda vague.

And is it the first person that turns in all the signatures that is a winner? That is IF anyone gets all the signatures? Possible there will be a bunch of ties so maybe you should put a time on the papers as you receive them back?

Just thinking out loud.

I will be there Wed night, can't wait to see you all. Old friends and New friends. I'm friendly so don't let me scare you.

[saganite]

Saganite ~ Can we get an official time that we can start getting signatures? Thursday night is kinda vague.

And is it the first person that turns in all the signatures that is a winner? That is IF anyone gets all the signatures? Possible there will be a bunch of ties so maybe you should put a time on the papers as you receive them back?

Just thinking out loud.

I will be there Wed night, can't wait to see you all. Old friends and New friends. I'm friendly so don't let me scare you.

Here's how I laid out the rules in my original post:


Start: the evening of Thursday, July 8th. The beginning of the kick-off reception is the EARLIEST you may begin collecting signatures. Before that point if you meet forumites then you can arrange to go back to collect their signature later, but please don't cheat and collect a bunch of signatures Wednesday night so you can beat everyone else to the punch.

End: Sunday, July 11th at 10am OR when the first person brings me a complete list of signatures.

[rustypouch]

Oh! Is there a special prize for getting Buzzo's sig?

[Bloodtoes]

What a cool idea. Found out about it a bit late thoug as I'm already here.

I'll make it easy to find me. I'm big and wearing one of 3 shirts: "vote yes to the zombie apocalypse," "trololololo" and jesus riding a dinosaur.

Gl!

[zooterkin]

Did this happen? I never managed to find Saganite, and only one person asked me for my autograph on their own list of names. :(

[Horatius]

It happened, but I have no idea who won.

[Patricio Elicer]

Did this happen? I never managed to find Saganite, and only one person asked me for my autograph on their own list of names. :(


I was honored by one forumite requesting my signature. As for myself, although I had committed my participation, I didn't play. Apologies, but I was permanently overloaded with so many activities (and beer)

[saganite]

It happened, but only a couple of people played, to my knowledge. I'm trying to confirm the winner right now by having them send me a tally of the number of signatures they got (I'm pretty sure I know who won already).

We'll try this again next year, but this time I'll organize it earlier on so people can have more time to decide if they want to commit or not. There's always so much going on a TAM that trying to fit in another activity is difficult for everybody. But there was quite a lot of enthusiasm about the hunt (and a lot of people asking me why more people weren't asking them for signatures!), so definitely worth it to try again next year.

[SkepticScott]

Like Patricio, I was honored by one request for my signature. I was so easy to find that I feel practically shunned. :p

[habu]

It would be interesting to see who won and what the number of people found were.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Oh! Is there a special prize for getting Buzzo's sig?

He's not a forumite. :)

[Susan Gerbic]

Okay need help. I have the four pages all scanned in as a PDF and the images look really crisp and clear. But I don't know how to share them here. I tried to upload them to my picasa account and then link to them, but picasa won't allow that.

I suppose I could send them in an email to someone who could do it for me? But then I wouldn't learn how to do it in the future. Can someone tell me how to do it please?

[Horatius]

He's not a forumite. :)



Gerdbonk finally understood why That Guy In The Bar was so weird, after I said, "And that, my friend, was the Buzzo Experience!" :)

[Susan Gerbic]

Gerdbonk finally understood why That Guy In The Bar was so weird, after I said, "And that, my friend, was the Buzzo Experience!" :)

By the last night he was starting to fit in pretty good.

[hcmom]

Did this happen? I never managed to find Saganite, and only one person asked me for my autograph on their own list of names. :(

I wasn't participating, but you are one of the people I never did meet.

At least... I don't THINK I met you...

[zooterkin]

I wasn't participating, but you are one of the people I never did meet.

At least... I don't THINK I met you...

I think I saw you from a distance, but I'm sorry I never got close enough to say hello.

[hcmom]

Y'know... usually there's a thread to post pictures of what we look like, so that we can come closer to recognizing each other, but no one started one this year.

[strimmer]

I was only asked for my signature by sgf8 and looking at her 4 pages of signatures I am sure she won by a solid margin.

I spent the time at the bar at opposite ends of Buzzo. Thanks to phyz for the warming

[kmortis]

I think I saw you from a distance, but I'm sorry I never got close enough to say hello.
It's ok, I sat next to you for all the lectures and somehow managed not to get a pic of you. I got one of your bunny, but not you...oh well. Next year.

[gerdbonk]

Gerdbonk finally understood why That Guy In The Bar was so weird, after I said, "And that, my friend, was the Buzzo Experience!" :)

Actually, when I declared "Aha! It all makes sense now!" I was refering to the universe. I still do not fathom the Buzzo.

However, by means of elementary mind control we easily prevented him from purchasing ice cream, so I do not think he represents an insurmountable danger to the planet.

Also, I was also approached exactly once for my sig. :(

[Susan Gerbic]

I really really really want to post my 4 pages of signatures. But they are PDF. Still haven't heard from someone how to do this.

Did I mention I really really want to post it?

[kmortis]

Hit "Go Advanced" below the quick reply window. Click on the paper clip next to the smiling face. That should bring you to a page where you can upload your file. I know that there are limitations, but a four page pdf should be well below the limit.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Y'know... usually there's a thread to post pictures of what we look like, so that we can come closer to recognizing each other, but no one started one this year.

I usually do so, but I wasn't attending this year and so many people post goofy stuff instead of something recognizable I decided I wouldn't be responsible.

I really really really want to post my 4 pages of signatures. But they are PDF. Still haven't heard from someone how to do this.

Did I mention I really really want to post it?

You can post a .pdf as an attachment as long as it's not larger than 250kb.

[Susan Gerbic]

Hit "Go Advanced" below the quick reply window. Click on the paper clip next to the smiling face. That should bring you to a page where you can upload your file. I know that there are limitations, but a four page pdf should be well below the limit.

OK here is what it said when I tried that...
IMG.pdf:
Your file of 769.9 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 250.0 KB for this filetype.

I just don't understand why everything has to be so complicated. Why can't we all just get along?

[kmortis]

OK here is what it said when I tried that...
IMG.pdf:
Your file of 769.9 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 250.0 KB for this filetype.

I just don't understand why everything has to be so complicated. Why can't we all just get along?

You'll have to break it up then. If you make four PDFs (one for each page) it should come out ok.

[SteveSauerwein]

Is the 769.9 KB for all 4 pages? You could try posting each pages separately.

[Cuddles]

I'm trying to confirm the winner right now by having them send me a tally of the number of signatures they got (I'm pretty sure I know who won already).

We should include NobbyNobbs as an honourary entrant. Or possibly Paperskater who actually did the collecting for him.:)

[HawaiiBigSis]

Like Patricio, I was honored by one request for my signature. I was so easy to find that I feel practically shunned. :p
I'm pretty sure I was your solitary request!

Although I gave up in fairly short order. I was so close to overload anyway, asking for signatures was one more thing I couldn't handle.

And nobody asked me for theirs, except in mutual signing opportunities initiated by me.

As Saganite says, I think the last minuteness of the whole thing contributed to its lack of success...but that doesn't make it a good idea!

[saganite]

And in a shocking come-from-behind victory, we have a longshot winner! The forum member responsible went to the trouble of hand-crafting credit card receipts and substituting them for the real thing at hotel registration, thereby tricking not just every forum member, but EVERY TAM ATTENDEE into signing their name to his list. The winner collected 1300 signatures.

Just kidding.

Sgf8, as originally predicted, won this contest going away -- collecting somewhere between 95-100 signatures. I'm pretty confident she'd have mopped the floor with everyone else had there been 100 entrants, due to her sheer tenacity and enthusiasm. Good job, sgf8!

[Susan Gerbic]

Is the 769.9 KB for all 4 pages? You could try posting each pages separately.

That is per page.

I can email them to someone more smarter than myself if they want to give me their email and then they can reduce the size. I would like to have others count the sig as it is confusing.

[SkepticScott]

Sgf8, as originally predicted, won this contest going away -- collecting somewhere between 95-100 signatures.Congratulations sgf8!!

[saganite]

Okay, you guys have got to check this out.

Here are all the signatures collected by sgf8. It's truly impressive. I think we'll definitely be trying this again next year, with a little tweaking.

(The fourth page appears twice, so although there are five pages included in the image, ignore the last page. Click the image to embiggen.)

http://i.imgur.com/2Ms2W.jpg

[Bloodtoes]

I'm missing from the list! I'm sure I put my name down.. hrm.

[Allecher]

I am sad I was one of the few who sgf8 missed. Hopefully next time I will be more extroverted!

[Horatius]

Okay, you guys have got to check this out.

Here are all the signatures collected by sgf8. It's truly impressive. I think we'll definitely be trying this again next year, with a little tweaking.

(The fourth page appears twice, so although there are five pages included in the image, ignore the last page. Click the image to embiggen.)

http://i.imgur.com/2Ms2W.jpg



I see I was the only one to sign with a cartoon!

[SteveSauerwein]

I think the duplicate 4th page replaced a missing fifth page. I signed the list and my name would have been on the missing fifth page.

[AdMan]

I can only imagine how much those pages with all our autographs can be worth... ;)

[Susan Gerbic]

If I didn't get your signature then you must have been in hiding. Stirling and I were all over the place, paper in hand.

[Phlebas]

If I didn't get your signature then you must have been in hiding. Stirling and I were all over the place, paper in hand.

After you showed me your list, I kept looking for you guys whenever I saw porlob or FriendlyAtheist, but could never hook any of you up.

Looks like you didn't need my help to win, though :)

[Bloodtoes]

I signed some book that paperskater had, though I was pretty loaded on red wine at the time. Please tell me I didn't sign over power of attorney.. I also met someone early on, I'm afraid I don't remember her name, and she had a list which looked eerily similar to that. Was it you? :D I mentioned my forum name but forget what came of it.

[zooterkin]

I think the duplicate 4th page replaced a missing fifth page. I signed the list and my name would have been on the missing fifth page.

I spoke to someone in the bar who had a list, but she never actually asked me to sign it; I was caught by someone else who was on the door for one of the evening events (the Great Tomsoni, possibly), and signed that one. Apologies that things are so blurred I don't remember who the two signature hunters were. My signature would have been on the missing 5th page, if it was there.

[Chris H]

What was the prize? If it was a JREF USB stick, that would be a bit ****.

[SkepticScott]

I signed some book that paperskater hadShe was collecting signatures for NobbyNobbs.

[Bloodtoes]

She was collecting signatures for NobbyNobbs.


Yeah, that's right. Great! :D Glad I found her.