Volunteering at TAM5 [Archive]

SkepticScott

14th August 2006, 05:11 AM

Hi everyone,
We will be asking for volunteers to help at TAM5. Even though I planned to wait a few more weeks before starting this thread to give people time to register and make travel plans, some people have already volunteered to help. A big "Thank You" to them (They Know Who They Are).

I'll post more information here soon. If anyone is considering volunteering, please email me at scott atsign randi dought org.

CFLarsen

14th August 2006, 05:58 AM

Dibs on the book table.

TheChadd

14th August 2006, 06:02 AM

scott atsign randi dought org.

Only people clever enough to decipher the code need apply?

SkepticScott

14th August 2006, 06:36 AM

No, any people. Email-address-gathering robots from spammers need not apply.

MLynn

15th August 2006, 06:55 AM

Scott, I would love to volunteer again. I didn't do such a great job at the registration table last year, I did better at the merchandise table. A JREF T-shirt, anyone?

15th August 2006, 11:08 AM

I'd be happy to volunteer again as well.

Hutch

15th August 2006, 11:59 AM

Yep. I call Registration, if Linda will let me work up front this year, after two years apprentencing (sic) in digging out files...

The Central Scrutinizer

15th August 2006, 12:32 PM

Yep. I call Registration, if Linda will let me work up front this year, after two years apprentencing (sic) in digging out files...

I'll be in charge of registering the college girls! :p

CFLarsen

15th August 2006, 12:37 PM

I'll be in charge of registering the college girls! :p

So, for you, it's "bib" (to catch the saliva) on registrering the college girls? ;)

Beleth

30th August 2006, 12:35 PM

I'll be in charge of registering the college girls! :p
Yeah, I can see it now.

"Hello, college girls! I gotcher 'registration package' right HERE!"

Skeptic Ginger

30th August 2006, 12:58 PM

I can volunteer but please don't give me that job which those who've gone before know to avoid. ;)

Also, I hope to present a paper depending on what the guest speaker list leaves out, (if anything). I have been posting and screaming about propaganda in the media and marketing techniques used by the anti-science crowd for a couple of years. "ID, we're asking the wrong question" and "Corporate controlled news in the US" are two examples of the areas I posted long pieces on. So any volunteer assignment should consider I may get to present something. You never know. :bricks:

ImaginalDisc

31st August 2006, 11:25 AM

Happy to volunteer again.

tim

31st August 2006, 12:00 PM

Lynn and I will be there, Scott! Should arrive Wednesday.

El_Spectre

4th September 2006, 04:37 AM

If you need a mule to help carry heavy stuff for the initial setup, I'm available.

The Central Scrutinizer

4th September 2006, 08:34 AM

I haven't booked my flight yet, but I will likely be arriving around noon on Wed. So I can help after that.

Soapy Sam

4th September 2006, 09:32 AM

Looks like I'm going to be there this time, (Waits for roll of thunder...), probably by about midweek too . I volunteer for something with no heavy lifting and lots of coffee breaks.

BrianSI

4th September 2006, 10:27 AM

I have my hotel room booked 1/16 through 1/21, so I'm available for any volunteer jobs between those dates. The more I do, the better time I'll have.

SkepticScott

16th October 2006, 01:08 PM

Hi everyone,

Is anyone else interested in volunteering to help at TAM5? I'm starting to make the schedule, so if you're interested, this is the time to tell me when you'd like to work and what you'd like to do.

(I've PMed or emailed everyone that has contacted me about helping at TAM5. If you haven't heard from me, please PM me or email me at scott at randi dott org.)

In order to make the schedule, I need to know when you would like to work and if you have any preference for what you’d like to do. We have several types of jobs:
* Packet assembly, Wednesday. We get to put together all the registration packets, and usually have fun doing so!
* Registration, Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Help Linda get those registration packets in the right hands, or give out T-shirts. You will have to attend a training session with Linda.
* Merchandise. Staff a merchandise table, answer questions as best you can, and direct people to Linda to pay. You won’t be responsible for money. This involves helping setting up the tables in the mornings, and storing them at night, but heavy lifting is not required.

Cleon

16th October 2006, 02:11 PM

Lemme know what I can do, now that I know I'm going. :)

I'd be happy to do Registration or Moichendizing.

Patricio Elicer

16th October 2006, 07:58 PM

Scott,

Count me in for the packet assembly job, Wednesday any time.

xenxabar

23rd October 2006, 09:35 PM

Scott,

Count me in for the packet assembly job, Wednesday any time.
Me, too.

exarch

24th October 2006, 08:31 AM

Kitten

24th October 2006, 08:38 AM

I'm taking a different approach this time. TAM2 and TAM3 I volunteered and didn't get assigned any job at all. TAM4 I did NOT volunteer and ended up keeping kitten company at the cash register table.

So I will again not be volunteering this year. Maybe kitten could use a hand again ...

Hmm... for a change this year, I will not be volunteering as well. I spent much of the last two TAMs working as I was an intern, but this year TAM is going to be my vacation. Most of January I'll be in the lab picking plagioclase crystals and playing with gas-source mass spectrometers, so I'll need a break!

Not that I won't show up to stuff packets or help out with tables here and there, but this year I want to be able to have some fun. No planned work of any sort!

SpeederA

25th October 2006, 10:00 AM

I'm free for wednesday as well

Loon

25th October 2006, 10:16 PM

I like the idea of working registration. May help out on the packet stuffing end of things, too.

tim

26th October 2006, 07:38 AM

I like the idea of working registration. May help out on the packet stuffing end of things, too.

Be good to see you again! :D

CFLarsen

26th October 2006, 07:45 AM

I'm free for wednesday as well

I take it you are a first-timer?

You won't have time for anything else than TAM. You're gonna love it....

I like the idea of working registration. May help out on the packet stuffing end of things, too.

"Packet stuffing end of things"?

I could submit a few things about your sexuality....but I won't...

I'm a nice guy. Really. Trust me.

As for tim....

kittynh

26th October 2006, 08:17 AM

well I am coming for Wed packet packing, and dragging along Pool boy. Last year my brother took over my duties as I became very sick...sigh....

So this year I'm making up for it!

And yes, I'm sorry, but someone has to babysit Pool Boy so he has to come help stuff packets.

SpeederA

26th October 2006, 08:43 AM

It's not my first time. I packet stuffed at TAA also. :D :whistling

grayman

26th October 2006, 04:33 PM

So does anyone want to volunteer to keep an eye on Marquis de Carabas and the goats? Anybody? Hello?

BrianSI

26th October 2006, 04:40 PM

Hey, if you're dumb enough to bring your goats, it's on you I think. Besides, "keeping an eye on" them is not a service, it's a form of cruel and unusual punishment to have to watch that. And that's clearly not cool according to the Constitution.

tim

26th October 2006, 11:47 PM

So does anyone want to volunteer to keep an eye on Marquis de Carabas and the goats? Anybody? Hello?

Ah, hell. I'll do it, but only if I can have a flack jacket, a Glock and a bucket & spade for the s**t.

Someone else can clear up after the goat.

kittynh

27th October 2006, 12:19 PM

ba da bing!!!

UnrepentantSinner

27th October 2006, 10:24 PM

I might volunteer.

tim

28th October 2006, 02:44 AM

I might volunteer.

To do what, US? :D
It will be great to see you again!

UnrepentantSinner

28th October 2006, 05:09 AM

To do what, US? :D
It will be great to see you again!

Dunno. I helped assemble and distribute some packets at TAM2, but I only can afford one vacation a year so generally I try and avoid working. It's the same reason I don't go on mission trips (well, that and the atheism ;))

kittynh

28th October 2006, 10:19 AM

USA!!!!

Oh hurray!!!

You could help while the meeting is going on with, you know, looking at books. Whatever that is Claus does. He sort of stands there and tries to look smart and make sure no one steals anything. But he's from EUROPE! They have already let the invading hoards in to steal their culture!

You, USA, are from TEXAS!!! You know how to deal with anyone trying to steal a copy of Flim Flam!

Bring guns and the death penalty (liberal us of..whoops I said "liberal") and if all else fails you can build a security fence across the boarder of the table!

Kidding aside, it will be great to see you! ARe you bringing a friend?

Geek Goddess

28th October 2006, 05:06 PM

You, USA, are from TEXAS!!! You know how to deal with anyone trying to steal a copy of Flim Flam!

Bring guns and the death penalty (liberal us of..whoops I said "liberal") and if all else fails you can build a security fence across the boarder of the table!

Is this a requirement for Texans to be packin'? I'm just askin'.

SpeederA

28th October 2006, 05:27 PM

Packin' what? *cough* :whistling

Geek Goddess

28th October 2006, 09:51 PM

Packin' what? *cough* :whistling

It's a Southern thing, you wouldn't understand.

SpeederA

28th October 2006, 10:01 PM

Yah. It's not like you'd be packin' anything other than a gun. You southern folks are all hill billy red necks anyway. :D :duck:

UnrepentantSinner

29th October 2006, 08:37 AM

Bring guns and the death penalty (liberal us of..whoops I said "liberal")

Kidding aside, it will be great to see you! ARe you bringing a friend?

You know, it's funny, amongst liberals they'd see me as a fiscal right winger but to reactionary conservatives I'm Gloria Steinem, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton and James Brady combined.

No friends this time. It's all about my budget currently. :)

It's a Southern thing, you wouldn't understand.

You know, ironically, on any given Sunday, there would probably be more people in Green Bay "packing" than in Dallas proper. ;)

exarch

29th October 2006, 08:56 AM

So do we actually have to "call it" if we want to stuff packets now?

I'll be there, as always. And so will be way too many other people. So we'll end up with just a handful of "newbies" stuffing envelopes while rebecca goes skinny dipping in the hotel pool and chatting up total strangers. I think I'll want to make sure I don't miss it this time :D

CFLarsen

29th October 2006, 10:34 AM

exarch

29th October 2006, 11:03 AM

Rebecca did not go skinny dipping in the pool. She was very modest.

Meh, I just "embellished" the story a bit. It doesn't sound quite as interesting if I say that rebecca merely jumped in still somewhat dressed.

CFLarsen

29th October 2006, 11:13 AM

Meh, I just "embellished" the story a bit. It doesn't sound quite as interesting if I say that rebecca merely jumped in still somewhat dressed.

Actually, you "dressed down" the story.... :)

Soapy Sam

29th October 2006, 11:19 AM

What's in these packets?
Do we have to sniff them?

UnrepentantSinner

30th October 2006, 08:46 AM

What's in these packets?
Do we have to sniff them?

I'll request to stuff yours myself and yes, after I'm done with it, I'd recommend sniffing it first... though not for reasons you might suspect.

SpeederA

30th October 2006, 08:53 AM

:sour:

exarch

30th October 2006, 09:39 AM

Well, I'd be willing to volunteer for many things, but I refuse to sniff anyones package ...

BrianSI

30th October 2006, 12:27 PM

I thought that was the official JREF forum greeting when meeting in real life for the first time.

Whoops.

grayman

30th October 2006, 04:35 PM

Is that the TAM pick-up line?

:boggled: "Hey, baby, mind if I stuff your packet?"

SpeederA

30th October 2006, 04:51 PM

That's the official "crashing the skepchick PJ party" line. :eye-poppi :drool: :footinmou

scotth

31st October 2006, 12:22 PM

That's the official "crashing the skepchick PJ party" line. :eye-poppi :drool: :footinmou

They're likely to just call you a 'package' if you try that line, there.:eek:

UnrepentantSinner

1st November 2006, 08:27 AM

I thought that was the official JREF forum greeting when meeting in real life for the first time.

Whoops.

Actually that would be the "WTFAY" glance to the middle chest region, ostensibly to read or look for their forum avatar on their credentials, but it's actually an excuse to check out Skeptchick boobs. I think we can thank SkepticScott for this innovation.

CFLarsen

1st November 2006, 08:58 AM

I thought that was the official JREF forum greeting when meeting in real life for the first time.

No, that's "Evidence?"

Geek Goddess

1st November 2006, 09:05 AM

exarch

1st November 2006, 10:27 AM

Actually that would be the "WTFAY" glance to the middle chest region, ostensibly to read or look for their forum avatar on their credentials, but it's actually an excuse to check out Skeptchick boobs. I think we can thank SkepticScott for this innovation.

Let's just hope they keep the elastic strings for the tags at the right length, otherwise skepchicks are going to realize we're actually not checking their name tag.

Luciana

1st November 2006, 12:31 PM

If I'm there on Wed, I'll try and help. I said "try" because at TAM2 jetlag hit me so bad that I wasn't good for anything. That's why I don't want to sign up for anything. But I'll be there to help pack if the jetlag gods leave me alone.

Geek Goddess

1st November 2006, 01:04 PM

Let's just hope they keep the elastic strings for the tags at the right length, otherwise skepchicks are going to realize we're actually not checking their name tag.

So that means I don't need to wear low-cut shirts?

scotth

1st November 2006, 01:06 PM

So that means I don't need to wear low-cut shirts?

No, it doesn't mean anything of the kind. Pretend you didn't see that. It obviously was not meant for your eyes. :p

Geek Goddess

1st November 2006, 05:42 PM

No, it doesn't mean anything of the kind. Pretend you didn't see that. It obviously was not meant for your eyes. :p

Are you sure? I would hate to be dressed inappropriately.

Or conversely, scare anyone away.

UnrepentantSinner

2nd November 2006, 12:07 AM

Erp. $560 car repair bill today. With rent that puts my checking account dangerously close to $5000 which is where my miserliness kicks in. Hopefully I can get some overtime... quickly.

tim

2nd November 2006, 07:11 AM

Erp. $560 car repair bill today. With rent that puts my checking account dangerously close to $5000 which is where my miserliness kicks in. Hopefully I can get some overtime... quickly.

US, don't you dare do this to me - you will be at TAM or I'll.... I'll....
that's what I'll do!

SkepticScott

2nd November 2006, 06:11 PM

That's the official "crashing the skepchick PJ party" line. :eye-poppi :drool: :footinmouNo, the official line is "Please don't kill me, I brought chocolate!"

I think we can thank SkepticScott for this innovation.The fact that I own an "I'm just looking at your nametag, honest!" button has absolutely no bearing on the truth or falsehood of that allegation! :jaw-dropp

SpeederA

2nd November 2006, 06:15 PM

No, the official line is "Please don't kill me, I brought chocolate!"

I have a secret code phrase that is one better. But yes, it does include the word chocolate. ;)

SkepticScott

2nd November 2006, 07:22 PM

The first draft of the schedule will be done tomorrow.

scotth

3rd November 2006, 05:29 AM

I have a secret code phrase that is one better. But yes, it does include the word chocolate. ;)

You'll only know that it is really better, if it succeeds in saving your hide when you actually use it.

Chaos

3rd November 2006, 05:36 AM

I´m volunteering, too. I´ll arrive Wednesday afternoon but will probably not be ready for action that day. I´ll probably show up for set-up on Thursday morning.
I leave on Monday, so I´ll also be around for packing up on Sunday afternoon.

scotth

3rd November 2006, 05:47 AM

I've been told I'm being held back for secret and dangerous missions.

UnrepentantSinner

3rd November 2006, 06:17 AM

US, don't you dare do this to me - you will be at TAM or I'll.... I'll....
that's what I'll do!

I'm a member of the 3AM club and chose, because of political considerations, not to attend TAM4. I've been looking at Southwest flights and since they hae opened through-booking from Love Field (which is minutes from my home, as opposed to the half hour to hour D-FW is) it's looking good for my attendance based on flight cost. The down to the wire determining factor will be how much overtime I get during November since those hours have been cut back since my salad days of initiating the Skepchick telethon.

The fact that I own an "I'm just looking at your nametag, honest!" button has absolutely no bearing on the truth or falsehood of that allegation! :jaw-dropp

Only Brown has the understated hot seething hair pulling sexuality that you hide from the ladies until your clothes fall off, but the girls can't see that. Us guys see you for what you are.

BTW, thank for making the credentials like they were, a certain skepchick whose bosom I couldn't help staring at said my eyes were attractive despite the fact my tag should have drawn her attention to my beergut.

SkepticScott

3rd November 2006, 12:13 PM

OK. I emailed and PMed the schedule to everyone who volunteered. If you didn't get it, please PM me.

Thank you everyone!

Geek Goddess

3rd November 2006, 07:56 PM

I'm a member of the 3AM club and chose, because of political considerations, not to attend TAM4. I've been looking at Southwest flights and since they hae opened through-booking from Love Field (which is minutes from my home, as opposed to the half hour to hour D-FW is) it's looking good for my attendance based on flight cost.

Mine was $99 each way, Love to Las Vegas (who'd have thought in our lifetime...)

SkepticScott

4th November 2006, 02:30 PM

Wow. We've got the most volunteers of any TAM -- 36. At this point we've got everything covered. The only thing that might change is if we get a sudden increase in registration, we might need a few more packet assemblers.

The volunteers pay the full price in order to come and work. They staff the merchandise table and grab a seat in the back after everyone else has taken the good seats, they risk papercuts assembling the registration packets, fix things when the on-line registration system is convinced that your name is Skzfghth Tbhjhnr, or they'll grab a quick lunch so they can be there at the merchandise table when you return.

Last year Randi thanked them from the stage, and they deserve it IMNSHO.

exarch

5th November 2006, 08:51 AM

The only thing that might change is if we get a sudden increase in registration, ...

Oh yeah, like mine. Oops :blush:
I'll get that sorted out in the next few weeks ...

UnrepentantSinner

5th November 2006, 09:06 AM

Mine was $99 each way, Love to Las Vegas (who'd have thought in our lifetime...)

The DMN ran a series of full page ads for local companies and one concerned Southwest and it's battle with Braniff. For a time, they (Southwest) offered either $26 tickets or $13 dollar tickets and a bottle of premium liquor (which at the time cost less than $13). During that price war Southwest actually became the largest distributor of premium liquor in Texas.

I've been watching Southwest planes fly overhead for 13 years at home and work, but since I don't have anywhere to fly to in Wright states the airport just a few miles from my residence has just been a theory.

Now it's a reality...

Ducky

7th November 2006, 12:00 AM

I have a secret code phrase that is one better. But yes, it does include the word chocolate. ;)

"No means No."

I don't see the word chocolate in there.

SpeederA

7th November 2006, 12:34 AM

"No means No."

I don't see the word chocolate in there.

But it's chocolate. You know you want it baby! :runaway :footinmou:whistling

Doubt

8th November 2006, 01:27 PM

I am available for packet stuffing and registration. I show up on Tuesday evening.

Not that I have any special resistration skills. I can point and nod my head. Is that enough? or is reading required too?

CFLarsen

8th November 2006, 01:41 PM

The volunteers pay the full price in order to come and work.

It ain't work, mate. :)

They staff the merchandise table and grab a seat in the back after everyone else has taken the good seats,

Shhh....I got the best seat in the house: Down back, at the book table.

they risk papercuts assembling the registration packets, fix things when the on-line registration system is convinced that your name is Skzfghth Tbhjhnr, or they'll grab a quick lunch so they can be there at the merchandise table when you return.

Last year Randi thanked them from the stage, and they deserve it IMNSHO.

Only one quibble: Could we please be called "CREW" instead of "VOLUNTEERS"? The former has a cooler rock'n'roll-backstage-object-for-groupies ring to it...