TAM9 registration open

[AdMan]

TAM 9 From Outer Space registration open (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-news/1243-tam-2011-registration-now-open.html).

And a new site:

http://www.amazingmeeting.com/

[The Mutha]

Woot! The Dolly and I are registered for our first TAM! Can't wait...

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Geez, is everyone registering at once? It's a pig-dog.

~~ Paul

[Beerina]

TAM 9 From Outer Space registration open (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-news/1243-tam-2011-registration-now-open.html).

It would be nice to attend one for once. But first, find a job...



BTW, that link does not mention the date.


ETA: And yes, I found the date elsewhere. My point was that that page does not have the date.

[zooterkin]

It would be nice to attend one for once. But first, find a job...



BTW, that link does not mention the date.


ETA: And yes, I found the date elsewhere. My point was that that page does not have the date.

Do you not get the red box at the top left of the page, headed "SAVE THE DATE!", which has the dates for TAM9?

[DiskoVilante]

The site is down right now.

[AdMan]

The site is down right now.


I think it's back up.

It's been up and down all day. Guess they are getting a lot of traffic.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

That's one hell of a line up!

[The Mutha]

Okay, now that we're registered, I'm getting a trifle confused as to what the registration entails. The Dolly and I are both JREF Members and she's also a student. Based on the registration form, I'm assuming that the optional workshops and the evening entertainments that have a price next to them are not included with our registration. Am I missing where there is an explanation of what the various registrations include?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Okay, now that we're registered, I'm getting a trifle confused as to what the registration entails. The Dolly and I are both JREF Members and she's also a student. Based on the registration form, I'm assuming that the optional workshops and the evening entertainments that have a price next to them are not included with our registration. Am I missing where there is an explanation of what the various registrations include?

The registration gets you into the actual conference. The lectures. The ones that start at 8:00 am Friday and end at noon on Sunday. It also gets you into the Opening reception (basically a happy hour) on Thur night.

[xinit]

@Mutha - your base registration includes nothing else that's listed on the order form, unless you're going VIP. Register for a student and a member, and then any of the parties or workshop passes you want. In previous years, you could add the optional items later

[xinit]

I can't WAIT until late in July when we find out how everyone thinks that the opening reception was screwed up this time.

[The Mutha]

So what does the registration include?

Sorry, didn't see Scrut's explanation. Somebody in chat a few months ago said the registration included breakfast and lunch, so I guess that was not true?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

So what does the registration include?

Sorry, didn't see Scrut's explanation. Somebody in chat a few months ago said the registration included breakfast and lunch, so I guess that was not true?

Yes, breakfast & lunch are included. generally nothing special - donuts, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salad, etc.

[xinit]

Lunch buffet, some beverages and light snacks (well, big greasy cookies... if that's light) are provided with basic admission during the main sessions at least. Thought you were asking specifically what you needed to register for.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I can't WAIT until late in July when we find out how everyone thinks that the opening reception was screwed up this time.

After last years debacle, a person in a position to make changes assured me that would not happen again.

[Horatius]

So what does the registration include?

Sorry, didn't see Scrut's explanation. Somebody in chat a few months ago said the registration included breakfast and lunch, so I guess that was not true?



No, the breakfast and lunches are included, they probably just don't mention that anywhere.

At least, they've been included at all the TAMs I've been to. I don't think they'd change that without warning us.

[xinit]

No, the breakfast and lunches are included, they probably just don't mention that anywhere.

There were breakfasts last year? Somehow I'm not remembering that... unless that's the cookies and coffees?

[Davidlpf]

Shouldn't there be discount for spending time with DrBuzz0. I would say about 2000 an hour payed up front.;)

[AdMan]

There were breakfasts last year? Somehow I'm not remembering that... unless that's the cookies and coffees?


They did have continental breakfasts last year.

This year:

Registration includes admission to all four days of TAM, including the opening reception on Thursday night, the main program Friday and Saturday and Sunday, and the live Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge event Sunday evening. Registration also includes a conference t-shirt and souvenir program; continental breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; catered lunch on Friday and Saturday; and coffee/snack breaks during the conference. TAM registration does not include add-on workshops or evening shows, which are additional.

https://secure3.convio.net/jref/site/Ticketing?view=Tickets&id=100061

[The Mutha]

Ah, thanks for clearing up my confusion!

[xinit]

They did have continental breakfasts last year.

Right! Just clicked... and now remember the high fructose with fruit mixed in... er 'yogurt' and the fruit platters.

[Wowbagger]

It would be a good idea for them to emphasize what, exactly, is included with what.

Am I to assume that the "The TAM Experience (All inclusive conference package with VIP seating)", for $1000, includes everything except the VIP luncheon (which also costs $1000)?

What, exactly, are VIP seats? Are they merely closer to the stage? Do the VIPs get any other special treatments?

To be honest, I do NOT think I will go for the "TAM Experience", as a matter of protest, because I philosophically object to there being a caste system of attendees*.
I would rather see everyone share equal opportunity to fight for the good seats in the arena*. And, for $650 I get to have everything except the special seats. (If my assumptions and my math are correct.)

But, it is not about the money. I might still splurge on the $1,000 VIP Luncheon ticket. That I do not object to, because it is considered a special event: Like an evening show, except it happens to take place during lunch time.

(*excluding reasonable privileges for the actual presenters)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

To be honest, I do NOT think I will go for the "TAM Experience", as a matter of protest, because I philosophically object to there being a caste system of attendees*.


There's already a caste system. People who get up earlier than others get the better seats.

[bumlet5]

There's already a caste system. People who get up earlier than others get the better seats.

If you want to get into it, there tends to be an unofficial and possibly unintentional caste system in the Del Mar, but that's for another thread.

[Wowbagger]

There's already a caste system. People who get up earlier than others get the better seats.
It's not really an effective caste. Everyone is (or was) granted an equal opportunity to wake up earlier to grab better seats. If you did not, that was your own doing. It was not something enforced by the JREF (until, perhaps, now).


And, I might consider changning my mind: ONLY if the VIP seats include tables, and none of the non-VIP ones do.

I like tables.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

If you want to get into it, there tends to be an unofficial and possibly unintentional caste system in the Del Mar, but that's for another thread.

Please elaborate?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

It's not really an effective caste. Everyone is (or was) granted an equal opportunity to wake up earlier to grab better seats. If you did not, that was your own doing. It was not something enforced by the JREF (until, perhaps, now).

In America, everyone is granted an equal opportunity to earn the extra money required to afford the VIP seats. :)

So there.

[Wowbagger]

In America, everyone is granted an equal opportunity to earn the extra money required to afford the VIP seats. :)

So there.Not relevant. JREF is still adding a caste layer of its own beyond that otherwise-granted opportunity.

[xenxabar]

And, for $650 I get to have everything except the special seats. (If my assumptions and my math are correct.)
That was my first thought when I saw all the prices. Technically you would be saving $50 if you registered for each workshop individually, all the evening shows and a non-member registration. However, the workshop pass saves $350, which happens to be the additional amount a member registrant would be paying for the VIP seating.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Not relevant. JREF is still adding a caste layer of its own beyond that otherwise-granted opportunity.

Welcome to the real world.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

That was my first thought when I saw all the prices. Technically you would be saving $50 if you registered for each workshop individually, all the evening shows and a non-member registration. However, the workshop pass saves $350, which happens to be the additional amount a member registrant would be paying for the VIP seating.

Maybe you get to sit in a La-Z-Boy reclining chair!

[zooterkin]

That was my first thought when I saw all the prices. Technically you would be saving $50 if you registered for each workshop individually, all the evening shows and a non-member registration. However, the workshop pass saves $350, which happens to be the additional amount a member registrant would be paying for the VIP seating.

The workshop pass only saves $125, unless you plan to be dashing between the simultaneously held tracks, and only seeing half of each anyway.

[Wowbagger]

The Registration page seems to load quite dramatically differently, depending on which browser you are using. Internet Explorer 8's version of the page is missing lots of information, and the formatting of the tables is all messed up. This is true as of my writing. It is always possible that they might fix it, soon.

So, I am registering using something else, for now. Most of my questions were answered when I opened the page in a different browser: Opera, Chrome, Firefox or Safari all seem to render the page much better.

I have not studied the HTML source code, yet, so I can't say if we should blame Microsoft or the site's developer, yet.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Opera, Chrome, Firefox or Safari all seem to render the page much better.

When is this ever not true?

[Wowbagger]

When is this ever not true?Oh, there are times when IE shines through. I have seen no shortage of ugly coming from alternative browsers. Though, I will admit that historically, IE has been the worst offender.


For historic purposes, I have included a screep cap of what it looks like in IE8, as of the time I am typing this.

[Wowbagger]

And, attached here are examples of how the pages renders in Chrome. I did it in two images, to show the top of the page and where the table of options begins.

[AdMan]

The Registration page seems to load quite dramatically differently, depending on which browser you are using. Internet Explorer 8's version of the page is missing lots of information, and the formatting of the tables is all messed up.


I noticed this too, which is why I suspect some people may not have seen the full information on that page (e.g., the info on what registration covers).

Using Firefox here.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I'm on IE 7 at a client site. :(

I usually use Chrome at home. I'll register tonight.

[Wowbagger]

I did send an e-mail to JREF about the IE problem. I will also see if I can call them in the morning.

[Dicon]

The registration system is being served by convio.net, so they're the ones with the bad code.

[Wowbagger]

The registration system is being served by convio.net, so they're the ones with the bad code.
Could be, but it could also be whoever did the integration between the two sites, which would not necessarily be Convio.

[Dicon]

In IE9, the missing registration data is there, but now the form itself is gone. Plus, the overall formatting is even more whacked.

[Horatius]

Those who have already booked rooms, check out the TAM special rates. It appears to actually be a better deal this year for most people, and they make updating your reservation very easy. This way, TAM will certainly get the credit for filling rooms!

[The Mutha]

I assume that I register for the Penn party on-line, but pay at the door? I tried to overwrite the $0 amount on the registration, but it wouldn't take it.

[Horatius]

I assume that I register for the Penn party on-line, but pay at the door? I tried to overwrite the $0 amount on the registration, but it wouldn't take it.


They're saying that the Penn Party is accepting donations to the JREF, so it looks like they'll have a bucket at the door. I think the tickets are just so they know how many people to expect.

[Wowbagger]

The final release of IE9 happened to come out last night. I popped it into one of my computers this morning, and took a look at TAM9's Registration page.

It's still a bit of a mess, though not quite the same level of mess it was in IE8. Compatability Mode helps a little, too, in version 9. (It didn't in IE8)

I would still recommend registering in another browser for the best experience, for now.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Who even still uses IE? Unless forced to.

[Wowbagger]

Who even still uses IE? Unless forced to.

Enough people that it is worth warning them about.

IE9 does, in fact, conform to standards set by the others better... though a few exceptions slipped through the cracks, such as the TAM9 registraiton page. And, it's a much faster browser, now, too!

Give IE9 a chance, Scrut. You may learn to like it, again. Until the next version of Firefox and/or Chrome beats it, at least.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Give IE9 a chance, Scrut.

Why?

You may learn to like it, again. Until the next version of Firefox and/or Chrome beats it, at least.

I suspect they already had IE9 beat 3 versions ago.

[LilaMae]

They're saying that the Penn Party is accepting donations to the JREF...

They're Libertarians. They'll just let the market forces will work it out.

[englishdan]

Hi there

Just saw the TAM9 speaker lineup ... looks fantastic! We have never been to TAM before and this year looks like one not to miss.

But what about our kids? I don't see any info about that. How family-friendly is this event? Are there amenities laid on for the children, while we grownups watch PZ and P&T strut their stuff?

Does anyone have experience bringing offspring to TAM? How does that work?

thanx!

[Dicon]

I'm sure the info is somewhere on the site, but I believe kids have to be at least 12 to attend TAM. If they're younger than that, you'll have to give them a bucket of quarters and stick them in front of a slot machine while you're in the conference.

[Horatius]

But what about our kids? I don't see any info about that. How family-friendly is this event? Are there amenities laid on for the children, while we grownups watch PZ and P&T strut their stuff?




There are no official child care set-ups, so you'd have to work something out. The South Point has kid-friendly things to do (bowling, movies and an arcade, at least), but you'd have to have some supervision depending on their ages.

[SkepticScott]

I think that "12" is more of a mental age. We don't check children's IDs, so we have to go by behavior. I can't see the JREF complaining about a well-behaved 11-year-old, while a misbehaving 13-year-old (or older) would have issues. We don't have anything set up for younger children, nor (I think) does the South Point have anything like 'day care'. Other hotels do though; I Googled "las vegas" tourist "day care" and found the MGM Grand has a day care center.

Some speakers have occasionally used slightly objectionable language, but the vast majority are people you'd want your children to emulate.

[zooterkin]

Some speakers have occasionally used slightly objectionable language, but the vast majority are people you'd want your children to emulate.

... and then there was (the hugely entertaining) Paul Provenza* ;)





* Who I am looking forward to seeing again.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Hi there

Just saw the TAM9 speaker lineup ... looks fantastic! We have never been to TAM before and this year looks like one not to miss.

But what about our kids? I don't see any info about that. How family-friendly is this event? Are there amenities laid on for the children, while we grownups watch PZ and P&T strut their stuff?

Does anyone have experience bringing offspring to TAM? How does that work?

thanx!

I think you have to be at least 12 to attend. No, there are no amenities for kids. It's an adult event.

[Wowbagger]

Why? Because it is an improvement over the previous version, duh! HTML5 compliant, and everything, for the most part.

[xinit]

There are no official child care set-ups, so you'd have to work something out. The South Point has kid-friendly things to do (bowling, movies and an arcade, at least), but you'd have to have some supervision depending on their ages.

The one thing we did run into last year was cool, smart, well behaved people under 21 get chased out of the Del Mar Lounge by security for daring to order a soda.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I'm officially registered! Conference, work shop pass, and the 3 nightly events, plus the Penn party.

There's no turning back now....

[AdMan]

I'm officially registered! Conference, work shop pass, and the 3 nightly events, plus the Penn party.

There's no turning back now....


VIP seating too?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

VIP seating too?

Not so far.

[LilaMae]

*GASP* I almost forgot, what about the Skepchick Party?!? Because of Rebecca's gameshow, are they not having it? :eek:

[The Central Scrutinizer]

*GASP* I almost forgot, what about the Skepchick Party?!? Because of Rebecca's gameshow, are they not having it? :eek:

That was never listed as an official JREF event.

I suspect Rebecca will come up with something. I also suspect it will be much smaller than last year.

I'll see her at NECSS and get myself on the guest list. :)

[Dicon]

I'll see her at NECSS and get myself on the guest restraining list. :)


Fixed that for you.

But as for the party, after last year the word was that for 2011 they were going to scale things way back, if they even have a party at all. I would expect it to be much more of a by-invitation-only thing this time.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Fixed that for you.

But as for the party, after last year the word was that for 2011 they were going to scale things way back, if they even have a party at all. I would expect it to be much more of a by-invitation-only thing this time.

Yep. Same thing I was told.

[LilaMae]

That was never listed as an official JREF event.

I suspect Rebecca will come up with something. I also suspect it will be much smaller than last year.

I'll see her at NECSS and get myself on the guest list. :)

I'll slip you a $5 if you get me on, too. My offer also includes complimentary shooter-mcgavins [bang-bang] ;)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I'll slip you a $5 if you get me on, too. My offer also includes complimentary shooter-mcgavins [bang-bang] ;)

It's a deal!

[Wowbagger]

Looks like they fixed the site for use in IE. Just sayin'

[HenryHank]

Who gets notified of checkout user interface FAILs?

If you mis-select the exp year of your credit card, you are automatically re-directed to the previous page, and therefore wiping out ALL cc info already entered.

See attachment for image (not enough posts to post image here - rolleyes)

In addition, IMHO, the "Previous" and "Next" buttons should be reversed.

[SkepticScott]

Hi HenryHank,
I don't know who did the UI. It probably wasn't the JREF; they probably just got convio's standard interface. The registration page does list TAM@randi.org as an email address if you want to offer suggestions, although maybe if you found a contact at convio it would get to the UI designers faster.

[Dicon]

This is actually a fairly common implentation of a shopping cart flow as it does not require the merchant to post the cc data back to you, which some view as a security risk. Yes, some sites do post the cc info back, perhaps masking the card number with XXXs to bump up the security a bit.

Personally, I wouldn't classify it as a UI fail. It's a business decision made by the site owners as they balance security against convenience.

That said, I absolutely do prefer it when sites retain my info if I have to back up.

[HenryHank]

This is actually a fairly common implentation of a shopping cart flow as it does not require the merchant to post the cc data back to you, which some view as a security risk. Yes, some sites do post the cc info back, perhaps masking the card number with XXXs to bump up the security a bit.

Personally, I wouldn't classify it as a UI fail. It's a business decision made by the site owners as they balance security against convenience.

That said, I absolutely do prefer it when sites retain my info if I have to back up.

The problem has nothing to do with CC security.. I'm talking User Interface.

The problem is that if you mis-click by even one pixel when selecting the Year, the form submits itself before the user intended it to do so. I don't care which button is under the drop down, the interface shouldn't allow users to mis-click and submit the form before the user intends. And when that does happen, ALL user submitted information is lost, not just the CC info.

[SkepticScott]

The problem is that if you mis-click by even one pixel when selecting the Year, the form submits itself before the user intended it to do so.Yeah, that is bad UI design. I should let the user double-check the form before submitting it.

[HenryHank]

Yeah, that is bad UI design. I should let the user double-check the form before submitting it.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic (sounds like it), but that's not the point. The point is that a mis-click should NOT submit the form just because the drop down is poorly positioned over a javascript submit button.

[SkepticScott]

Sorry, I'm not being sarcastic. I'm agreeing with you.

(There's a typo in my earlier post, "I should" should be "It should".)

[Dicon]

The problem has nothing to do with CC security.. I'm talking User Interface.

The problem is that if you mis-click by even one pixel when selecting the Year, the form submits itself before the user intended it to do so. I don't care which button is under the drop down, the interface shouldn't allow users to mis-click and submit the form before the user intends. And when that does happen, ALL user submitted information is lost, not just the CC info.


Oh, I see what you're talking about now.

In that case, I suggest always filling out online forms verbally, prefacing every command with a firm "Computer!" so it knows to pay attention.

[HenryHank]

In that case, I suggest always filling out online forms verbally, prefacing every command with a firm "Computer!" so it knows to pay attention.

Darn... I should have tried that!

<picks up mouse>