TAM 9 Volunteers needed [Archive]

SkepticScott

8th March 2011, 07:25 AM

Hi everyone,
The schedule for TAM9 hasn't been posted yet, but we'll need help nevertheless. Each year we have a fantastic group of volunteers who help assemble the packets, and staff the registration booth and merchandise tables. If you've attended a TAM you've seen them. One handed you your registration packet or helped you at the merchandise table. Randi, Phil, or Hal asked them to stand so you could thank them. They are the heroes of TAM.

Every year I have enough volunteers so that no one has to help for more than about 3 hours. No one has ever missed any part of TAM. When the speakers begin, you will be seated in the audience. You will get a “Volunteer” t-shirt for your help, and all volunteers are invited to a free volunteer-only lunch on Wednesday, 13 July.

I work the schedule around your plans and wishes. Some people only want to assemble packets, others can't work at the end of each day because they have plans. I've learned to be flexible.

If you are interested in volunteering at TAM9, or just want to learn more before you decide, please contact me via PM or email me at scott at randi period org.

Several people have already volunteered, and I'll email them tonight.

MLynn

8th March 2011, 08:07 AM

Hey, Scott - weren't we just workin' TAM8? If I can confirm my going to TAM9, I could volunteer again at registration, merchandise, or even guard a "sacred hat" :)
I'll let you know asap.

bumlet5

8th March 2011, 12:25 PM

I'm in. I don't remember what day I'm coming into town, but I'll keep you updated.

Geek Goddess

8th March 2011, 04:27 PM

Me. If they ever post the registration.

Allecher

8th March 2011, 06:04 PM

I sure hope I can help again this year. I was a great way for me to meet folks when I was a First Tammer!

Hindmost

8th March 2011, 06:51 PM

Add lola and me.

glenn

BrianEngler

9th March 2011, 07:06 AM

Count me in. I'll probably arrive Tuesday but no firm plans or flights yet.

zooterkin

10th March 2011, 03:46 AM

I haven't booked anything yet, but as soon as I do, I'll also send a PM confirming I want to be a volunteer.

Wowbagger

10th March 2011, 06:32 PM

You can put me on the list, as usual, if you haven't already. I think I can pretty much handle whatever jobs you want.

But, in addition to not missing any part of TAM, I also want to make sure I get a job that does NOT involve getting permanently maimed or blinded.

Some agonizing torture is acceptable, as long as it does not cause serious permanent damage.

UNLoVedRebel

11th March 2011, 02:34 AM

If I volunteer, can I get in TAM for free?

Horatius

11th March 2011, 04:07 AM

I also want to make sure I get a job that does NOT involve getting permanently maimed or blinded.

It's this sort of half-hearted commitment that makes TAM such a disaster every year!

CriticalThanking

11th March 2011, 09:05 AM

If I volunteer, can I get in TAM for free?Unless the policy has changed, no. Everyone who goes in pays (or got a scholarship). Some of the above also volunteer.

CT

The Central Scrutinizer

11th March 2011, 12:45 PM

If I volunteer, can I get in TAM for free?

Sure

xinit

14th March 2011, 11:19 AM

I also want to make sure I get a job that does NOT involve getting permanently maimed or blinded.

There goes the Wowbagger Guillotine Routine we had planned to keep the people in the registration line amused.

Always thinking about yourself, Wowbagger. Tsk tsk.

:)

Horatius

14th March 2011, 12:01 PM

There goes the Wowbagger Guillotine Routine we had planned to keep the people in the registration line amused.

Always thinking about yourself, Wowbagger. Tsk tsk.

:)

Hey, he didn't say anything about being killed, so you're still good to go!

hcmom

14th March 2011, 01:00 PM

Hey, he didn't say anything about being killed, so you're still good to go!

Yeah, but that only works once.

kmortis

14th March 2011, 02:06 PM

Yeah, but that only works once.

Um...Penn and Teller ARE going to be in attendance this year. I think you forget who you're talking about...

Wowbagger

14th March 2011, 02:21 PM

Yeah, but that only works once.
I am immortal. It won't work at all.

NoisyAstronomer

14th March 2011, 07:07 PM

1st TAM! Assuming I can find a way to afford registration (or hopefully win a scholarship) I would like to volunteer for something that a n00b could do, whatever that is.

EEEEE!!!!

hcmom

14th March 2011, 07:47 PM

1st TAM! Assuming I can find a way to afford registration (or hopefully win a scholarship) I would like to volunteer for something that a n00b could do, whatever that is.

EEEEE!!!!

Don't worry, there are very special jobs for n00bs... :D

bumlet5

14th March 2011, 07:55 PM

Don't worry, there are very special jobs for n00bs... :D

Verrrrry Special. ;):D

The Central Scrutinizer

14th March 2011, 08:15 PM

Don't worry, there are very special jobs for n00bs... :D

Buying me beer.

bumlet5

14th March 2011, 08:39 PM

Buying me beer.

I thought that was for everyone, not just n00bs.

20vturbo

14th March 2011, 08:46 PM

I can help! :)

dasmiller

14th March 2011, 09:51 PM

About those special jobs for n00bs . . . are there any that don't leave permanent marks?

hcmom

14th March 2011, 10:46 PM

About those special jobs for n00bs . . . are there any that don't leave permanent marks?

Physical, or emotional?

NoisyAstronomer

15th March 2011, 08:45 AM

Will we need therapy afterwards?

NoisyAstronomer

15th March 2011, 08:46 AM

Buying me beer.

Official TAM beer wench?

The Central Scrutinizer

15th March 2011, 08:48 AM

Official TAM beer wench?

The title is yours! :)

bumlet5

15th March 2011, 09:25 AM

The title is yours! :)

Does she have to wear the St Pauly Girl uniform?

The Central Scrutinizer

15th March 2011, 09:27 AM

Does she have to wear the St Pauly Girl uniform?

Of course!!!

hcmom

15th March 2011, 09:27 AM

Will we need therapy afterwards?

It probably wouldn't be effective enough to be worth spending money on.

bumlet5

15th March 2011, 09:28 AM

Of course!!!

Too bad for her. That sucker itches.

kmortis

15th March 2011, 11:06 AM

Too bad for her. That sucker itches.

Damn, and I was looking forward to your reprisal of the role, bumlet.

MLynn

15th March 2011, 11:28 AM

1st TAM! Assuming I can find a way to afford registration (or hopefully win a scholarship) I would like to volunteer for something that a n00b could do, whatever that is.

EEEEE!!!!

You'll do fine as a volunteer - it's a good way to meet a lot of the people, and questions are always welcome. I hope to see you there...:D

MLynn

15th March 2011, 11:29 AM

Official TAM beer wench?
It's ok to be skeptical of The Scrut. Really (naughty Scrutty...)

Piggy

15th March 2011, 11:39 AM

Well, just got notice that they finally opened registration. I should be able to get everything squared away tonight. Plan to arrive Tuesday evening, leave Monday.

hcmom

15th March 2011, 01:50 PM

It's ok to be skeptical of The Scrut. Really (naughty Scrutty...)

It's recommended that you also be very cautious around him.

SkepticScott

15th March 2011, 06:09 PM

I haven't booked anything yet, but as soon as I do, I'll also send a PM confirming I want to be a volunteer.Thanks Zooterkin!

You can put me on the list, as usual, if you haven't already. I think I can pretty much handle whatever jobs you want. Thanks Wowbagger!

But, in addition to not missing any part of TAM, I also want to make sure I get a job that does NOT involve getting permanently maimed or blinded.So temporary is OK? What's your definition of "temporary"?

If I volunteer, can I get in TAM for free?Sadly, no. I pay full-price myself. But volunteers will get a free lunch on Wednesday.

1st TAM! Assuming I can find a way to afford registration (or hopefully win a scholarship) I would like to volunteer for something that a n00b could do, whatever that is.Thanks NoisyAstronomer! No prior experience (or attendance) is necessary to help.

hcmom

15th March 2011, 07:07 PM

Notice how SkepticScott carefully tiptoed around mentioning the special jobs for the n00bs? That's because they are THAT special!

Piggy

15th March 2011, 07:08 PM

Notice how SkepticScott carefully tiptoed around mentioning the special jobs for the n00bs? That's because they are THAT special!

They'll be even specialer when I get through with them, I garontee.

SkepticScott

15th March 2011, 07:24 PM

hcmom,
The first rule of coordinating volunteers is "don't scare off the volunteers". :D

JennaMarie

15th March 2011, 07:25 PM

I'd like to volunteer, assuming I can work out finances to get there.

I just successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver this evening. I assume that may be handy.

NoisyAstronomer

15th March 2011, 10:44 PM

Too bad for her. That sucker itches.

Hrmmm... looks like I'll have to sew a liner in it or something. Though, I fear that I am not "wenchy" enough for the task.

I'd like to volunteer, assuming I can work out finances to get there.

I just successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver this evening. I assume that may be handy.

Yet another reason why you rock :-)

xinit

16th March 2011, 07:33 AM

But volunteers will get a free lunch on Wednesday.

That's right... forgot about the lunch. I MIGHT squeak another day in so that I can attend that. Will adjust hotel reservation when the next sale comes up :)

xinit

16th March 2011, 07:35 AM

Hrmmm... looks like I'll have to sew a liner in it or something. Though, I fear that I am not "wenchy" enough for the task.

I don't think the itchy is anything that could be fixed with a liner. It may only be fixed with fire.

The Central Scrutinizer

16th March 2011, 07:42 AM

That's right... forgot about the lunch. I MIGHT squeak another day in so that I can attend that. Will adjust hotel reservation when the next sale comes up :)

You really aren't missing much. The food at the buffet is not all that good.

zooterkin

16th March 2011, 07:53 AM

You really aren't missing much. The food at the buffet is not all that good.

I didn't go for the food (though it was free), but to meet the other fresh meat volunteers and JREF staff, but I know that's old hat for you. :)

SkepticScott

16th March 2011, 08:17 AM

I think Zooterkin has it right. It's not the food, it's the company.

Disraeli Ears

16th March 2011, 08:53 AM

Official TAM beer wench?

Having been to TAM last year and experienced this myself, cute girls (and since I know you IRL, I know you qualify :D) never have to bring beer/drinks to anyone...beer/drinks will be brought to you.

Kil

16th March 2011, 09:11 AM

If I make it there, count me in. I've been a volunteer, I believe it's been, the last three TAM's. I never really knew what the hell I was doing, but it felt good doing it!

zooterkin

16th March 2011, 09:34 AM

I think Zooterkin has it right. It's not the food, it's the company.

And if Scrut is not there, so much the better...

Tamazon

16th March 2011, 11:57 AM

Of course you can add me to your list Scott.

I'll be arriving early so can help with whatever is needed in the way of set up as well. I tried to help with the package assembly last year but all you overachievers beat me to it.

SkepticScott

16th March 2011, 12:13 PM

Thanks Tamazon! If we're not going to personalize the folders again this year, I'll make sure I have fewer people on each shift since it's a lot easier making generic folders.

Allecher

16th March 2011, 03:43 PM

Make sure that Kil and I work a shift together, if possible. We were selling tickets at the door of the talent show and I think we got that one guy to pay twice. :whistling

NoisyAstronomer

17th March 2011, 05:03 AM

Having been to TAM last year and experienced this myself, cute girls (and since I know you IRL, I know you qualify :D) never have to bring beer/drinks to anyone...beer/drinks will be brought to you.

WIN!

Hmmm... I guess the more we work to get women into skepticism, the less of that we'll each see. I can live with that trade-off. ;)

Davidlpf

17th March 2011, 06:11 AM

Official TAM beer wench?

Make mine a Keith's or a Moosehead.
(Don't worry there is 99.9999999999% chance of me not coming.)

xinit

18th March 2011, 09:08 AM

Make mine a Keith's or a Moosehead.
(Don't worry there is 99.9999999999% chance of me not coming.)

Keep in mind that this is Las Vegas. Assuming that they even have those, it'll be "import" priced. If that 0.0000000001% rolls up, make sure to buy your own at duty free... :)

Davidlpf

21st March 2011, 05:10 AM

Keep in mind that this is Las Vegas. Assuming that they even have those, it'll be "import" priced. If that 0.0000000001% rolls up, make sure to buy your own at duty free... :)

They're even hard too find outside the maritimes. Plus the last time I had a drink was over a decade ago. The beer I have in the house is leftover from last summer using them for slug traps for the garden.

Piggy

22nd March 2011, 12:54 PM

Crap! The water heater blew out. New heater plus expansion tank plus installation was several hundred bucks, and the only source was my vacation money. (Yeah, I was a slacker and hadn't made my resos and registrations yet.)

So you can take me off the list of volunteers, I'm afraid, cause I can't make it this year.

Hopefully next.

Y'all enjoy.

SkepticScott

22nd March 2011, 03:07 PM

I'm sorry to hear that Piggy. I hope you'll be able to make TAM 10.

Jas

23rd March 2011, 10:14 PM

Sign me up for volunteering again.

kmortis

24th March 2011, 11:38 AM

Scott,
I have to bow out. Please take me off the volunteer list. Sorry.

Kil

25th March 2011, 01:54 PM

Okay. It's official now. I'm going. Go ahead and put me on the volunteer list.

Kil

25th March 2011, 02:02 PM

Make sure that Kil and I work a shift together, if possible. We were selling tickets at the door of the talent show and I think we got that one guy to pay twice. :whistlingHa! Did we? We had one guy running down the hall to get his money because we were almost out of tickets. Didn't tell him that we would let him in without a ticket if he had the money. (Maybe we didn't think of that at the time?) Bad bad bad... I still remember him running up to the door panting.

Jeff looked shocked when I gave him the money and told him that there was more money than we had tickets for.

Come to think of it, we had a lot of fun out in the hall...

SkepticScott

27th March 2011, 03:27 PM

Come to think of it, we had a lot of fun out in the hall...Shhh, if you don't keep that quiet everyone will want to be working, and no one will be in the talent show. :D

The Central Scrutinizer

27th March 2011, 04:34 PM

Shhh, if you don't keep that quiet everyone will want to be working, and no one will be in the talent show. :D

I don't see a talent show listed this year. I guess they (correctly) figured out there was very little talent.

SkepticScott

27th March 2011, 04:35 PM

I don't see one listed either, but I didn't let that spoil a jest.

hcmom

27th March 2011, 09:17 PM

Bah, who needs talent if we can just have a show?

The Central Scrutinizer

28th March 2011, 11:47 AM

Bah, who needs talent if we can just have a show?

It was fun, in a Gong Show kind of way.

Calculon

29th March 2011, 10:22 AM

I am officially going now, so will be volunteering for any time before or after TAM9. I am driving, so my schedule is flexible.

I was reading up the thread where there was talk about beer wenches.
I personally only drink tequila, and will be bringing my own supply.

MLynn

29th March 2011, 12:02 PM

I've confirmed my attendance, so Scott, as usual I will check in Thursday pm and be available Friday & Saturday. There are a few speakers I don't want to miss, tho. :)

SkepticScott

29th March 2011, 12:10 PM

Thanks Calculon and MLynn!

AdMan

29th March 2011, 12:10 PM

I am officially going now

<snip>

Congrats! :)

xinit

30th March 2011, 01:13 PM

I don't see a talent show listed this year. I guess they (correctly) figured out there was very little talent.

I think Rebecca didn't like the competition, so now the entire talent show is hers?

The Central Scrutinizer

30th March 2011, 02:18 PM

I think Rebecca didn't like the competition, so now the entire talent show is hers?

Now I hate her even more. :)

paperskater

30th March 2011, 02:34 PM

The Central Scrutinizer

30th March 2011, 02:35 PM

Scott, it appears that I am most likely going to be unable to attend TAM this year. If that situation changes, I will let you know ASAP. In the meantime, I'll have to withdraw my name from the volunteer pool.

:(

Hooray!!!!

Oh...wait... :mad:

Eos of the Eons

30th March 2011, 02:50 PM

I of course will submit myself to volunteering where needed!

SkepticScott

31st March 2011, 07:37 PM

Oh...wait... :mad:Exactly :cry1

SkepticScott

31st March 2011, 07:40 PM

I of course will submit myself to volunteering where needed!Thank you, Eos! :)

nowoo

1st April 2011, 11:47 AM

Please count me in for making registration packets or whatever. I'll be arriving on Tuesday.

Wowbagger

1st April 2011, 12:38 PM

Forget about me, for now. I have better things to do, for myself, than to serve the needs of this selfish, elitist bunch!! :mad:

Ed Baehr

1st April 2011, 05:22 PM

Wowbagger

2nd April 2011, 12:43 AM

Oh, hell! I guess I really should follow through with my commitment to volunteer, at this thing. Expect me to be there, after all! :)

SkepticScott

3rd April 2011, 03:18 PM

There are a few speakers I don't want to miss, tho. :)I make sure no one misses any speakers. If you ever have, please yell at me because I wasn't doing my job.

It's also good to see that Wowbagger was only suffering from a 24-hour case of insanity. He's back to normal until next year. :D

BrianEngler

4th April 2011, 04:23 AM

It's also good to see that Wowbagger was only suffering from a 24-hour case of insanity. He's back to normal until next year. :D
But how can we be sure the past 24 hours was the insane part? :eek:

kmortis

4th April 2011, 08:25 AM

But how can we be sure the past 24 hours was the insane part? :eek:

They were, it's part of his "charm".

juryjone

6th April 2011, 08:39 PM

I did the volunteering thing at 6 & 7 (wasn't able to make 8). Third time's a charm! Arriving Wednesday, if you're still needing some help.

Ruth E

6th April 2011, 09:05 PM

If you're still after volunteers, let us know.

I'm happy to help (and I can also cajole the very shy @evildeece into helping).

We arrive at the hotel on the 13th July (but will be in Vegas from the 11th July).

Jono

10th April 2011, 12:19 PM

I would've helped out, gladly, had I been in the neighbourhood.

xinit

11th April 2011, 01:01 PM

It's also good to see that Wowbagger was only suffering from a 24-hour case of insanity. He's back to normal until next year. :D

The trouble is that I think he keeps re-infecting himself, and the 24 hour clock keeps starting over... :D

MummRa

11th April 2011, 01:53 PM

xinit

12th April 2011, 07:04 AM

I'm not getting into town until Thursday afternoon, but I'll be happy to give a few hours to the cause.

It's my first TAM, so if that precludes me from helping with some things, that's cool. I just want to help out any way I can.

It's traditional for the new people at TAM to do all the bits with heavy lifting and beer-buying and coffee-fetching. Just giving you a heads up.

There are no secrets; not even any about XENU or 33rd order skepticism.

hcmom

12th April 2011, 07:34 AM

It's traditional for the new people at TAM to do all the bits with heavy lifting and beer-buying and coffee-fetching. Just giving you a heads up.

There are no secrets; not even any about XENU or 33rd order skepticism.

Hehehe... cute euphemisms...

bumlet5

12th April 2011, 12:16 PM

It's traditional for the new people at TAM to do all the bits with heavy lifting and beer-buying and coffee-fetching. Just giving you a heads up.

Everyone's had to do it as a n00b.

There are no secrets; not even any about XENU or 33rd order skepticism.

:whistling

Ziggy66

12th April 2011, 04:16 PM

I'm all booked and registered for TAM9, Yeay! I can volunteer again. My flight doesn't arrive until noon on Wednesday so I'll miss the lunch. I'm available anytime after that.

Mark

SkepticScott

19th April 2011, 07:42 PM

I would've helped out, gladly, had I been in the neighbourhood.Thanks Juno!

Everyone, shhhh! you'll scare off the new people if you tell them about having to carry those 2-ton crates of books. :p

Cethis

20th April 2011, 04:06 PM

I'll help out on Wednesday, and this year I'll be able to make the volunteer lunch!

MummRa

23rd April 2011, 08:51 PM

though I can only carry 1 and 3-ton crates of books. Twos are strictly off-limits.

And I'm getting in Wednesday now, so gimme them lunch details. You gonna be taxing my Popeye-like muscles, better be feeding me in gratitude!

SkepticScott

30th April 2011, 12:33 PM

I think I have more than enough volunteers now. Thank you to everyone who has replied, and you should be getting an email shortly.

TheZebu

25th May 2011, 12:22 PM

I think I have more than enough volunteers now. Thank you to everyone who has replied, and you should be getting an email shortly.

Let me know if you need anymore volunteers, I am very interested in helping out. :)

Kil

20th June 2011, 02:15 PM

So. Just wondering. Is there going to be lunch or dinner get together for volunteers?

SkepticScott

20th June 2011, 02:16 PM

So. Just wondering. Is there going to be lunch or dinner get together for volunteers?I asked D.J. It might be Wednesday evening, but I'm not sure yet.

xinit

20th June 2011, 06:56 PM

Wednesday evening wouldn't be ideal... already forming other plans for that evening...

hcmom

21st June 2011, 01:39 PM

Wednesday evening wouldn't be ideal... already forming other plans for that evening...

There isn't any ideal evening. It's going to be pretty much impossible to find a time when it would be good for everyone.

zooterkin

21st June 2011, 02:19 PM

Indeed; if there is going to be a meal for the volunteers, the sooner it is announced the better, so people don't book things that will clash.

xinit

22nd June 2011, 09:31 AM

There isn't any ideal evening. It's going to be pretty much impossible to find a time when it would be good for everyone.

The JREF is an organization loaded with magicians; I'm pretty sure that they can make it happen.