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Baloney · 11th May 2012, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by PlasticJesus

3. The whole thing seems to have an air of disorganization about it; from setting the event date to coincide with Comicon - to not having a keynote speaker nailed down 8 weeks before the conference date.

Plus, Comicon has Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier this year.

The Central Scrutinizer · 11th May 2012, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Baloney

Plus, Comicon has Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier this year.

Who?

Disraeli Ears · 11th May 2012, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by PlasticJesus

I've been waiting to register until we at least get a keynote speaker.

This would be my third TAM, but now I'm seriously reconsidering whether to go this year for a number of reasons:

1. I've got myself, my brother, and two of my kids, so waiting to see who the keynote speaker will be has already cost us $200 because we haven't registered in time to get the earlybird pricing.

2. Two of the people going with me are first timers, and don't know anyone on the current speaker list (besides Lawrence Krauss). I think it's very important that newcomers first TAM experience lives up to expectations.

3. The whole thing seems to have an air of disorganization about it; from setting the event date to coincide with Comicon - to not having a keynote speaker nailed down 8 weeks before the conference date.

4. Not being able to book some "big names" indicates that either my attendance is being taken for granted by the organizers, or that the speakers are not taking this conference seriously this year.

This is not meant to be overly critical, and I know my group of four is probably insignifcant overall; But if I were the organizer, I would certainly think there is cause for concern.

I think the criticism about coinciding with Comic-Con is a bit unfair; IIRC, Comic-Con has been held during the last two weeks of July for the past several years. The JREF probably would not have been thinking that Comic-Con would be moved up (I don't know how far in advance they announce Comic-Con dates) and probably would not have really been able to seriously factor that in.

I agree with your other points, though - particularly the whole "taken for granted" thing.

LilaMae · 13th May 2012, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

They can call it whatever they want, it's still TAM X.

I hear TAM paX but whatevs.

The Central Scrutinizer · 13th May 2012, 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by LilaMae

I hear TAM paX but whatevs.

The last time I heard that one, I laughed so hard I fell off my dinosaur.

TsarBomba · 13th May 2012, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by PlasticJesus

I've been waiting to register until we at least get a keynote speaker.

3. The whole thing seems to have an air of disorganization about it; from setting the event date to coincide with Comicon - to not having a keynote speaker nailed down 8 weeks before the conference date.

I think that criticism of the lack of a "keynote speaker" is a little ridiculous. I have been to every TAM since TAM 5, which I do not think that had a "keynote speaker" but was an excellent conference.

TAM 6 had Neil deGrasse Tyson as a "keynote" and he was great.

TAM 7 had Bill Prady, executive producer of the Big Bang Theory sitcom. IMHO, his talk was a total waste of time.

TAM 8 had Richard Dawkins, but this was not really a "keynote" so much as a sit-down interview with DJ. Most people I spoke to about this thought it was somewhat of a letdown, as did I.

TAM 9 had Tyson again, giving an almost verbatim repeat of his "keynote" speech from TAM 6. So for a repeat attendee, this "keynote" was anything other than value for money.

So, we don't have a "keynote" announced for TAM 2012 yet. I say "bravo"! We don't need no stinkin' keynote! In fact, I think we would be much better off if James Randi did the "keynote" each year.

Quote:

4. Not being able to book some "big names" indicates that either my attendance is being taken for granted by the organizers, or that the speakers are not taking this conference seriously this year.

Fair enough, if "big names" is what you want. I would prefer to hear interesting people talk about things I have never heard before. In fact, I think that, if anything, there is too much emphasis placed on getting "big names" in the skeptics movement to attend. I would much rather see a large number of outsiders who are not affiliated with the "movement." For instance, Peter Segal appeared at TAM 5, and I thought he was one of the most interesting TAM speakers I have ever heard.

To me, the thing that I don't like is the explosion of panel discussions we have seen over the past two TAMS.

TAM 5 had one panel discussion.

TAM 6 had two panel discussions.

TAM 7 had three panel discussions.

TAM 8 had four panel discussions.

TAM 9 had four, I think, but I can't find the schedule online to confirm.

I really could do without the gab fests these panels have become.

AdMan · 13th May 2012, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by TsarBomba

I think that criticism of the lack of a "keynote speaker" is a little ridiculous. I have been to every TAM since TAM 5, which I do not think that had a "keynote speaker" but was an excellent conference.

TAM 6 had Neil deGrasse Tyson as a "keynote" and he was great.

TAM 7 had Bill Prady, executive producer of the Big Bang Theory sitcom. IMHO, his talk was a total waste of time.

TAM 8 had Richard Dawkins, but this was not really a "keynote" so much as a sit-down interview with DJ. Most people I spoke to about this thought it was somewhat of a letdown, as did I.

TAM 9 had Tyson again, giving an almost verbatim repeat of his "keynote" speech from TAM 6. So for a repeat attendee, this "keynote" was anything other than value for money.

So, we don't have a "keynote" announced for TAM 2012 yet. I say "bravo"! We don't need no stinkin' keynote! In fact, I think we would be much better off if James Randi did the "keynote" each year.

Fair enough, if "big names" is what you want. I would prefer to hear interesting people talk about things I have never heard before. In fact, I think that, if anything, there is too much emphasis placed on getting "big names" in the skeptics movement to attend. I would much rather see a large number of outsiders who are not affiliated with the "movement." For instance, Peter Segal appeared at TAM 5, and I thought he was one of the most interesting TAM speakers I have ever heard.

To me, the thing that I don't like is the explosion of panel discussions we have seen over the past two TAMS.

TAM 5 had one panel discussion.

TAM 6 had two panel discussions.

TAM 7 had three panel discussions.

TAM 8 had four panel discussions.

TAM 9 had four, I think, but I can't find the schedule online to confirm.

I really could do without the gab fests these panels have become.

Good post, and I generally agree (keeping in mind my limited TAM attendance, though I have watched all the DVDs).

Re. TAM 9--I just checked my program from last year and I count seven panel discussions, which is way too many.

Of course, one of those was on "Our Future in Space," with Tyson, Nye, Gay and Krauss, moderated by Plait--probably the best panel I have ever seen.

ETA: Here are the panel discussions from TAM 9:

Friday
- Skepticism on TV
- Our Future in Space

Saturday
- Ethics of Paranormal Investigation
- Getting Things Done (For Science and Skepticism)
- Placebo Medicine: The Ethics and Mechanisms of the Mysterious Placebo

Sunday
- Communicating Skepticism
- Diversity in Skepticism

TsarBomba · 13th May 2012, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by AdMan

Good post, and I generally agree (keeping in mind my limited TAM attendance, though I have watched all the DVDs).

Re. TAM 9--I just checked my program from last year and I count seven panel discussions, which is way too many.

Of course, one of those was on "Our Future in Space," with Tyson, Nye, Gay and Krauss, moderated by Plait--probably the best panel I have ever seen.

ETA: Here are the panel discussions from TAM 9:

Friday
- Skepticism on TV
- Our Future in Space

Saturday
- Ethics of Paranormal Investigation
- Getting Things Done (For Science and Skepticism)
- Placebo Medicine: The Ethics and Mechanisms of the Mysterious Placebo

Sunday
- Communicating Skepticism
- Diversity in Skepticism

So let's call it five for TAM 9, since there were two on Sunday for TAM 9 and prior to TAM 9 Sunday was pretty much limited to the paper presentations. Still, when you look at the increase year after year it is disturbing. My rough calculation is that if the current trend continues, TAM will be nothing but panels by the time we get to TAM 14.

MoeFaux · 13th May 2012, 07:27 PM

Since I'm not flush financially, and the only people I really want to see are Forumites, I'm not planning on attending the official TAMX but instead driving in and having a drink of two at whatever fancy bar it is now that you TAMattendees are always going on about.

I'm still sad about missing Neil Degrasse Tyson and Bill Nye.

CriticalThanking · 13th May 2012, 08:23 PM

If I were a first time attendee, I would have nothing to go on but the speaker list and whatever I gleaned from this forum. I can see that being a significant part of the decision for the first TAMmer.

xinit · 13th May 2012, 09:51 PM

There's nothing saying that you HAVE to get a pass to the event if you really just want to socialize. Hanging out in the Del Mar is one of the more enjoyable parts of the week.

rustypouch · 13th May 2012, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by MoeFaux

Since I'm not flush financially, and the only people I really want to see are Forumites, I'm not planning on attending the official TAMX but instead driving in and having a drink of two at whatever fancy bar it is now that you TAMattendees are always going on about.

I'm still sad about missing Neil Degrasse Tyson and Bill Nye.

Awesome.

saganite · 14th May 2012, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by xinit

There's nothing saying that you HAVE to get a pass to the event if you really just want to socialize. Hanging out in the Del Mar is one of the more enjoyable parts of the week.

While I agree with the opinion that socializing is the best part of TAM, publicly promoting the idea of having people come to Vegas just to hang out, without actually registering for the conference (on the JREF forum, no less), is something I really disagree with. If you, personally, make the choice to do this then conference attendance isn't going to suffer significantly. But if a lot of people start doing it -- including former attendees and newbies who are hesitant to spend the money -- it won't take long for that to have a negative impact, because it's not a huge event to begin with. Fewer attendees = less money made for the JREF = more difficulty booking big guests = even fewer attendees, and so on and so forth.

That this is looking like an attractive option for people already is just another reason why I believe it's important that they book a couple big names every year, so that TAM doesn't start getting a reputation as an event that's fun to socialize at, but which has nothing new to offer people who've already attended a few times.

bumlet5 · 14th May 2012, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by saganite

While I agree with the opinion that socializing is the best part of TAM, publicly promoting the idea of having people come to Vegas just to hang out, without actually registering for the conference (on the JREF forum, no less), is something I really disagree with. If you, personally, make the choice to do this then conference attendance isn't going to suffer significantly. But if a lot of people start doing it -- including former attendees and newbies who are hesitant to spend the money -- it won't take long for that to have a negative impact, because it's not a huge event to begin with. Fewer attendees = less money made for the JREF = more difficulty booking big guests = even fewer attendees, and so on and so forth.

That this is looking like an attractive option for people already is just another reason why I believe it's important that they book a couple big names every year, so that TAM doesn't start getting a reputation as an event that's fun to socialize at, but which has nothing new to offer people who've already attended a few times.

This.

jcurious · 14th May 2012, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos

The number of forum grant requests is down, too. Significantly.

Is the economy just beating people down? Is the speaker list not exciting enough?

~~ Paul

I know people who normally go to TAM that aren't going this time because ComicCon is going on at the same time

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 14th May 2012, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by MoeFaux

Since I'm not flush financially, and the only people I really want to see are Forumites, I'm not planning on attending the official TAMX but instead driving in and having a drink of two at whatever fancy bar it is now that you TAMattendees are always going on about.

Moesters! How are things? It's not fancy, but it's the official bar anyway. You can hang out in the Del Mar the whole time.

~~ Paul

Horatius · 14th May 2012, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by TsarBomba

So let's call it five for TAM 9, since there were two on Sunday for TAM 9 and prior to TAM 9 Sunday was pretty much limited to the paper presentations. Still, when you look at the increase year after year it is disturbing. My rough calculation is that if the current trend continues, TAM will be nothing but panels by the time we get to TAM 14.

Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them.

I've convinced two people at work to attend TAM this year even though I can't make it, so you guys have to be nice to them!

TsarBomba · 14th May 2012, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Horatius

Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them!

word

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 15th May 2012, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by Horatius

Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them.

Word up.

Sorry to hear you can't make it, Horatius.

~~ Paul

Ed Baehr · 15th May 2012, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Horatius

Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them.

I've convinced two people at work to attend TAM this year even though I can't make it, so you guys have to be nice to them!

I'm sorry to hear that you're not attending this year. I always enjoy talking with you.
For what it's worth, I think that some of the Sunday paper presentations are among the best. Consider Robert Lancaster, Steve Cuno and of course yourself. Nice people and interesting talks. I think that Sunday papers should be expanded and panels left for the main show.

Horatius · 15th May 2012, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos

Word up.

Sorry to hear you can't make it, Horatius.

~~ Paul

Originally Posted by Ed Baehr

I'm sorry to hear that you're not attending this year. I always enjoy talking with you.

Well, it's good to know I'll be missed!

Of course, this means you'll need to find someone else who can run Buzzo Interference as well as I did.....

The Central Scrutinizer · 15th May 2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Horatius

Well, it's good to know I'll be missed!

Of course, this means you'll need to find someone else who can run Buzzo Interference as well as I did.....

Allison kept him contained at the bar for a little while last year, but not long enough.

Horatius · 15th May 2012, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

Allison kept him contained at the bar for a little while last year, but not long enough.

Yeah, but barring liberal applications of duct tape, no one can do it "long enough".

Kil · 15th May 2012, 06:54 PM

One of my all time favorite talks was Carolyn Porco's Cassini presentation at TAM4. And while she did talk about funding problems facing the space program and the politics involved and her worry that politicians and not scientists were setting our space exploration priorities, a theme that was hit on last year durring the best panel discussion ever, most of her talk was flat out wonderful science. The beauty of what Cassini was doing along with dazzling photos of Saturn and some of the moons. I sure wouldn't mind more talks like that one. Science! Bring it on!

Susan Gerbic · 16th May 2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them.

I agree. I spoke at TAM 9 papers and I had to get it down to 10 minutes. Talk about really cramming. I got 5 minutes for questions (which was about 3)

Kochanski · 16th May 2012, 01:44 PM

The Sunday papers are always my favorite part. The papers are really well done. Hopefully without a keynote (or in last year's case two keynotes) they will be able to give time back to Sunday papers.

I would love to see them cut back on the panel discussions, most of them are meh. Unless a panel is well moderated (NECSS panels are usually well moderated, TAM not so much) they end up rambling and pointless.

If the survey from last year had not been so many pages long I would have made comments on it, but the size of the survey just left me with no desire to fill it out, so I didn't.

The Central Scrutinizer · 16th May 2012, 01:57 PM

I've missed the papers the past couple of years.

TAM 9: Women's World Cup - US vs Japan
TAM 8: Men's World Cup - Netherlands vs Spain
TAM 7: Hungover
TAM 6: I think saw the last few.
TAM 5.5 and earlier: I don't remember.

Kochanski · 16th May 2012, 02:15 PM

Shall I wake you up (or pull you out of the Del Mar) this year so you won't miss them? I can haz water pistol

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

I've missed the papers the past couple of years.

TAM 9: Women's World Cup - US vs Japan
TAM 8: Men's World Cup - Netherlands vs Spain
TAM 7: Hungover
TAM 6: I think saw the last few.
TAM 5.5 and earlier: I don't remember.

The Central Scrutinizer · 16th May 2012, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Kochanski

Shall I wake you up (or pull you out of the Del Mar)...

Why the "or"?

Kochanski · 16th May 2012, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

Why the "or"?

I thought maybe you might spend time in your hotel room, but I have no idea why...

bumlet5 · 16th May 2012, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Kochanski

I thought maybe you might spend time in your hotel room, but I have no idea why...

I thought the hotel rooms were just glorified closets/shower places that we pay for to keep the casino people happy so we'll have the place again the next year.

Allecher · 17th May 2012, 06:40 AM

It looks like there is going to be another 24-hour sale at SouthPoint hotel starting next Tuesday. Rooms during TAM may already be hard to come by, but if you've already reserved your "glorified closet/shower" be sure to check the rate next week to see if you can save a few bucks.

Allecher · 21st May 2012, 03:46 PM

I thought the original author of this was a forum-ite but I have not see it here so I thought I would share since I found it amusing...

He is encouraging others to help with his TAM bingo cards.

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st May 2012, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Allecher

I thought the original author of this was a forum-ite but I have not see it here so I thought I would share since I found it amusing...

He is encouraging others to help with his TAM bingo cards.

I'll be playing Schmingo instead.

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 21st May 2012, 04:42 PM

I believe that's spelled "Shmingo."

~~ Paul

The Central Scrutinizer · 21st May 2012, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos

I believe that's spelled "Shmingo."

~~ Paul

I believe you are correct.

Baloney · 2nd June 2012, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Baloney

I was thinking the same: has a keynote speaker been announced?

I posed this question to DJ today, and he basically said "expect more announcements."

AdMan · 8th June 2012, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Baloney

I posed this question to DJ today, and he basically said "expect more announcements."

And here are some, for those who didn't get the email:

http://jref.convio.net/site/MessageV...1&em_id=2041.0

P&T as the "keynote event," though it had already been announced that they would be participating, so that's not a huge announcement.

AdMan · 8th June 2012, 12:10 PM

Not speaker-related, but this seems to be a pretty big announcement (and one I'm glad to see):

Quote:

NEW! Through the generosity of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science (US) up to twenty college students who would not otherwise be able to afford coming to TAM this year will be granted free full TAM registrations. If you are a college student and would like to apply, email tam@randi.org.

zooterkin · 8th June 2012, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by AdMan

And here are some, for those who didn't get the email:

http://jref.convio.net/site/MessageV...1&em_id=2041.0

P&T as the "keynote event," though it had already been announced that they would be participating, so that's not a huge announcement.

Well, it does mean there will be a decent keynote speech, which can only be good (last year's was good, too; TAM8, not so hot).

11th May 2012, 01:49 PM	#281
Baloney Muse Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: America! (F, yeah!) Posts: 671	Originally Posted by PlasticJesus 3. The whole thing seems to have an air of disorganization about it; from setting the event date to coincide with Comicon - to not having a keynote speaker nailed down 8 weeks before the conference date. Plus, Comicon has Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier this year.
	__________________ _{When I think about woo, I detect myself.}

11th May 2012, 01:52 PM	#282
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,594	Originally Posted by Baloney Plus, Comicon has Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier this year. Who?
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

11th May 2012, 07:13 PM	#283
Disraeli Ears You may call me Heather Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 318	Originally Posted by PlasticJesus I've been waiting to register until we at least get a keynote speaker. This would be my third TAM, but now I'm seriously reconsidering whether to go this year for a number of reasons: 1. I've got myself, my brother, and two of my kids, so waiting to see who the keynote speaker will be has already cost us $200 because we haven't registered in time to get the earlybird pricing. 2. Two of the people going with me are first timers, and don't know anyone on the current speaker list (besides Lawrence Krauss). I think it's very important that newcomers first TAM experience lives up to expectations. 3. The whole thing seems to have an air of disorganization about it; from setting the event date to coincide with Comicon - to not having a keynote speaker nailed down 8 weeks before the conference date. 4. Not being able to book some "big names" indicates that either my attendance is being taken for granted by the organizers, or that the speakers are not taking this conference seriously this year. This is not meant to be overly critical, and I know my group of four is probably insignifcant overall; But if I were the organizer, I would certainly think there is cause for concern. I think the criticism about coinciding with Comic-Con is a bit unfair; IIRC, Comic-Con has been held during the last two weeks of July for the past several years. The JREF probably would not have been thinking that Comic-Con would be moved up (I don't know how far in advance they announce Comic-Con dates) and probably would not have really been able to seriously factor that in. I agree with your other points, though - particularly the whole "taken for granted" thing.
	__________________ Formerly known as DundeeGirl

13th May 2012, 06:38 AM	#285
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,594	Originally Posted by LilaMae I hear TAM paX but whatevs. The last time I heard that one, I laughed so hard I fell off my dinosaur.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

13th May 2012, 01:42 PM	#286
TsarBomba One Damn Dirty Ape Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 5430 feet above you Posts: 796	Originally Posted by PlasticJesus I've been waiting to register until we at least get a keynote speaker. 3. The whole thing seems to have an air of disorganization about it; from setting the event date to coincide with Comicon - to not having a keynote speaker nailed down 8 weeks before the conference date. I think that criticism of the lack of a "keynote speaker" is a little ridiculous. I have been to every TAM since TAM 5, which I do not think that had a "keynote speaker" but was an excellent conference. TAM 6 had Neil deGrasse Tyson as a "keynote" and he was great. TAM 7 had Bill Prady, executive producer of the Big Bang Theory sitcom. IMHO, his talk was a total waste of time. TAM 8 had Richard Dawkins, but this was not really a "keynote" so much as a sit-down interview with DJ. Most people I spoke to about this thought it was somewhat of a letdown, as did I. TAM 9 had Tyson again, giving an almost verbatim repeat of his "keynote" speech from TAM 6. So for a repeat attendee, this "keynote" was anything other than value for money. So, we don't have a "keynote" announced for TAM 2012 yet. I say "bravo"! We don't need no stinkin' keynote! In fact, I think we would be much better off if James Randi did the "keynote" each year. Quote: 4. Not being able to book some "big names" indicates that either my attendance is being taken for granted by the organizers, or that the speakers are not taking this conference seriously this year. Fair enough, if "big names" is what you want. I would prefer to hear interesting people talk about things I have never heard before. In fact, I think that, if anything, there is too much emphasis placed on getting "big names" in the skeptics movement to attend. I would much rather see a large number of outsiders who are not affiliated with the "movement." For instance, Peter Segal appeared at TAM 5, and I thought he was one of the most interesting TAM speakers I have ever heard. To me, the thing that I don't like is the explosion of panel discussions we have seen over the past two TAMS. TAM 5 had one panel discussion. TAM 6 had two panel discussions. TAM 7 had three panel discussions. TAM 8 had four panel discussions. TAM 9 had four, I think, but I can't find the schedule online to confirm. I really could do without the gab fests these panels have become.
	__________________ Signature line? I don't need no stinking signature line!

13th May 2012, 06:34 AM	#284
LilaMae Scholar Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 112	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer They can call it whatever they want, it's still TAM X. I hear TAM paX but whatevs.

13th May 2012, 02:12 PM	#287
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,353	Originally Posted by TsarBomba I think that criticism of the lack of a "keynote speaker" is a little ridiculous. I have been to every TAM since TAM 5, which I do not think that had a "keynote speaker" but was an excellent conference. TAM 6 had Neil deGrasse Tyson as a "keynote" and he was great. TAM 7 had Bill Prady, executive producer of the Big Bang Theory sitcom. IMHO, his talk was a total waste of time. TAM 8 had Richard Dawkins, but this was not really a "keynote" so much as a sit-down interview with DJ. Most people I spoke to about this thought it was somewhat of a letdown, as did I. TAM 9 had Tyson again, giving an almost verbatim repeat of his "keynote" speech from TAM 6. So for a repeat attendee, this "keynote" was anything other than value for money. So, we don't have a "keynote" announced for TAM 2012 yet. I say "bravo"! We don't need no stinkin' keynote! In fact, I think we would be much better off if James Randi did the "keynote" each year. Fair enough, if "big names" is what you want. I would prefer to hear interesting people talk about things I have never heard before. In fact, I think that, if anything, there is too much emphasis placed on getting "big names" in the skeptics movement to attend. I would much rather see a large number of outsiders who are not affiliated with the "movement." For instance, Peter Segal appeared at TAM 5, and I thought he was one of the most interesting TAM speakers I have ever heard. To me, the thing that I don't like is the explosion of panel discussions we have seen over the past two TAMS. TAM 5 had one panel discussion. TAM 6 had two panel discussions. TAM 7 had three panel discussions. TAM 8 had four panel discussions. TAM 9 had four, I think, but I can't find the schedule online to confirm. I really could do without the gab fests these panels have become. Good post, and I generally agree (keeping in mind my limited TAM attendance, though I have watched all the DVDs). Re. TAM 9--I just checked my program from last year and I count seven panel discussions, which is way too many. Of course, one of those was on "Our Future in Space," with Tyson, Nye, Gay and Krauss, moderated by Plait--probably the best panel I have ever seen. ETA: Here are the panel discussions from TAM 9: Friday - Skepticism on TV - Our Future in Space Saturday - Ethics of Paranormal Investigation - Getting Things Done (For Science and Skepticism) - Placebo Medicine: The Ethics and Mechanisms of the Mysterious Placebo Sunday - Communicating Skepticism - Diversity in Skepticism
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,353	Last edited by AdMan; 13th May 2012 at 02:23 PM.

13th May 2012, 04:49 PM	#288
TsarBomba One Damn Dirty Ape Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 5430 feet above you Posts: 796	Originally Posted by AdMan Good post, and I generally agree (keeping in mind my limited TAM attendance, though I have watched all the DVDs). Re. TAM 9--I just checked my program from last year and I count seven panel discussions, which is way too many. Of course, one of those was on "Our Future in Space," with Tyson, Nye, Gay and Krauss, moderated by Plait--probably the best panel I have ever seen. ETA: Here are the panel discussions from TAM 9: Friday - Skepticism on TV - Our Future in Space Saturday - Ethics of Paranormal Investigation - Getting Things Done (For Science and Skepticism) - Placebo Medicine: The Ethics and Mechanisms of the Mysterious Placebo Sunday - Communicating Skepticism - Diversity in Skepticism So let's call it five for TAM 9, since there were two on Sunday for TAM 9 and prior to TAM 9 Sunday was pretty much limited to the paper presentations. Still, when you look at the increase year after year it is disturbing. My rough calculation is that if the current trend continues, TAM will be nothing but panels by the time we get to TAM 14.
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13th May 2012, 07:27 PM	#289
MoeFaux Suspicious Mind Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,919	Since I'm not flush financially, and the only people I really want to see are Forumites, I'm not planning on attending the official TAMX but instead driving in and having a drink of two at whatever fancy bar it is now that you TAMattendees are always going on about. I'm still sad about missing Neil Degrasse Tyson and Bill Nye.
MoeFaux Suspicious Mind Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,919	__________________ This post brought to you by the artist fauxmerly known as Moe. Last edited by MoeFaux; 13th May 2012 at 07:28 PM.

13th May 2012, 08:23 PM	#290
CriticalThanking Designated Hitter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the queue to Williamsport Posts: 2,164	If I were a first time attendee, I would have nothing to go on but the speaker list and whatever I gleaned from this forum. I can see that being a significant part of the decision for the first TAMmer.

13th May 2012, 09:51 PM	#291
xinit Muse Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 569	There's nothing saying that you HAVE to get a pass to the event if you really just want to socialize. Hanging out in the Del Mar is one of the more enjoyable parts of the week.
	__________________ Remember: The Central Scrutinizer has no authority in this thread

13th May 2012, 10:06 PM	#292
rustypouch Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Belfort Posts: 5,184	Originally Posted by MoeFaux Since I'm not flush financially, and the only people I really want to see are Forumites, I'm not planning on attending the official TAMX but instead driving in and having a drink of two at whatever fancy bar it is now that you TAMattendees are always going on about. I'm still sad about missing Neil Degrasse Tyson and Bill Nye. Awesome.

14th May 2012, 12:44 PM	#293
saganite Black-and-white Cat-foot Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,332	Originally Posted by xinit There's nothing saying that you HAVE to get a pass to the event if you really just want to socialize. Hanging out in the Del Mar is one of the more enjoyable parts of the week. While I agree with the opinion that socializing is the best part of TAM, publicly promoting the idea of having people come to Vegas just to hang out, without actually registering for the conference (on the JREF forum, no less), is something I really disagree with. If you, personally, make the choice to do this then conference attendance isn't going to suffer significantly. But if a lot of people start doing it -- including former attendees and newbies who are hesitant to spend the money -- it won't take long for that to have a negative impact, because it's not a huge event to begin with. Fewer attendees = less money made for the JREF = more difficulty booking big guests = even fewer attendees, and so on and so forth. That this is looking like an attractive option for people already is just another reason why I believe it's important that they book a couple big names every year, so that TAM doesn't start getting a reputation as an event that's fun to socialize at, but which has nothing new to offer people who've already attended a few times.
	__________________ "Live every week like it's Shark Week." -- Tracy Jordan

14th May 2012, 01:20 PM	#294
bumlet5 Indescribable Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The dark recesses of my imagination. Posts: 4,310	Originally Posted by saganite While I agree with the opinion that socializing is the best part of TAM, publicly promoting the idea of having people come to Vegas just to hang out, without actually registering for the conference (on the JREF forum, no less), is something I really disagree with. If you, personally, make the choice to do this then conference attendance isn't going to suffer significantly. But if a lot of people start doing it -- including former attendees and newbies who are hesitant to spend the money -- it won't take long for that to have a negative impact, because it's not a huge event to begin with. Fewer attendees = less money made for the JREF = more difficulty booking big guests = even fewer attendees, and so on and so forth. That this is looking like an attractive option for people already is just another reason why I believe it's important that they book a couple big names every year, so that TAM doesn't start getting a reputation as an event that's fun to socialize at, but which has nothing new to offer people who've already attended a few times. This.
	__________________ "I'm a soundwave tsunami, vocal origami, hijack the mic and it's not like anyone could stop me." -mc chris "I've seen so much death" <("<) (>")> <("<) (>")> <("<) (>")> -Nathan Fillion

14th May 2012, 01:33 PM	#295
jcurious New Blood Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 9	Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos The number of forum grant requests is down, too. Significantly. Is the economy just beating people down? Is the speaker list not exciting enough? ~~ Paul I know people who normally go to TAM that aren't going this time because ComicCon is going on at the same time
jcurious New Blood Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 9	Last edited by jcurious; 14th May 2012 at 01:36 PM.

14th May 2012, 04:12 PM	#296
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Nap, interrupted. Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 18,634	Originally Posted by MoeFaux Since I'm not flush financially, and the only people I really want to see are Forumites, I'm not planning on attending the official TAMX but instead driving in and having a drink of two at whatever fancy bar it is now that you TAMattendees are always going on about. Moesters! How are things? It's not fancy, but it's the official bar anyway. You can hang out in the Del Mar the whole time. ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz RIP Mr. Skinny

14th May 2012, 05:17 PM	#297
Horatius NWO Kitty Wrangler Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada Posts: 22,032	Originally Posted by TsarBomba So let's call it five for TAM 9, since there were two on Sunday for TAM 9 and prior to TAM 9 Sunday was pretty much limited to the paper presentations. Still, when you look at the increase year after year it is disturbing. My rough calculation is that if the current trend continues, TAM will be nothing but panels by the time we get to TAM 14. Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them. I've convinced two people at work to attend TAM this year even though I can't make it, so you guys have to be nice to them!
	__________________ Obviously, that means cats are indeed evil and that ownership or display of a feline is an overt declaration of one's affiliation with dark forces. - Cl1mh4224rd

14th May 2012, 07:33 PM	#298
TsarBomba One Damn Dirty Ape Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 5430 feet above you Posts: 796	Originally Posted by Horatius Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them! word
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15th May 2012, 04:51 AM	#299
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Nap, interrupted. Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 18,634	Originally Posted by Horatius Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them. Word up. Sorry to hear you can't make it, Horatius. ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz RIP Mr. Skinny

15th May 2012, 03:19 PM	#300
Ed Baehr Scholar Join Date: May 2002 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 122	Originally Posted by Horatius Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them. I've convinced two people at work to attend TAM this year even though I can't make it, so you guys have to be nice to them! I'm sorry to hear that you're not attending this year. I always enjoy talking with you. For what it's worth, I think that some of the Sunday paper presentations are among the best. Consider Robert Lancaster, Steve Cuno and of course yourself. Nice people and interesting talks. I think that Sunday papers should be expanded and panels left for the main show.
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15th May 2012, 05:31 PM	#301
Horatius NWO Kitty Wrangler Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada Posts: 22,032	Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Word up. Sorry to hear you can't make it, Horatius. ~~ Paul Originally Posted by Ed Baehr I'm sorry to hear that you're not attending this year. I always enjoy talking with you. Well, it's good to know I'll be missed! Of course, this means you'll need to find someone else who can run Buzzo Interference as well as I did.....
	__________________ Obviously, that means cats are indeed evil and that ownership or display of a feline is an overt declaration of one's affiliation with dark forces. - Cl1mh4224rd

15th May 2012, 05:32 PM	#302
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,594	Originally Posted by Horatius Well, it's good to know I'll be missed! Of course, this means you'll need to find someone else who can run Buzzo Interference as well as I did..... Allison kept him contained at the bar for a little while last year, but not long enough.
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15th May 2012, 05:56 PM	#303
Horatius NWO Kitty Wrangler Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada Posts: 22,032	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer Allison kept him contained at the bar for a little while last year, but not long enough. Yeah, but barring liberal applications of duct tape, no one can do it "long enough".
	__________________ Obviously, that means cats are indeed evil and that ownership or display of a feline is an overt declaration of one's affiliation with dark forces. - Cl1mh4224rd

15th May 2012, 06:54 PM	#304
Kil Critical Thinker Join Date: May 2004 Location: California Posts: 250	One of my all time favorite talks was Carolyn Porco's Cassini presentation at TAM4. And while she did talk about funding problems facing the space program and the politics involved and her worry that politicians and not scientists were setting our space exploration priorities, a theme that was hit on last year durring the best panel discussion ever, most of her talk was flat out wonderful science. The beauty of what Cassini was doing along with dazzling photos of Saturn and some of the moons. I sure wouldn't mind more talks like that one. Science! Bring it on!
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16th May 2012, 09:40 AM	#305
Susan Gerbic Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Salinas Posts: 1,521	Quote: Actually, the panels on Sunday really annoyed me. They've been cutting back the Sunday Papers sessions to fit in stuff like this, but the Sunday Papers are some of the best parts of TAM, in my opinion. Instead of cutting them back, they should expand them. I agree. I spoke at TAM 9 papers and I had to get it down to 10 minutes. Talk about really cramming. I got 5 minutes for questions (which was about 3)
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16th May 2012, 01:44 PM	#306
Kochanski Master Poster Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Anonymous Unimportant Place (not a secret Scorpion training facility for Shosuro ninjas) Posts: 2,702	The Sunday papers are always my favorite part. The papers are really well done. Hopefully without a keynote (or in last year's case two keynotes) they will be able to give time back to Sunday papers. I would love to see them cut back on the panel discussions, most of them are meh. Unless a panel is well moderated (NECSS panels are usually well moderated, TAM not so much) they end up rambling and pointless. If the survey from last year had not been so many pages long I would have made comments on it, but the size of the survey just left me with no desire to fill it out, so I didn't.
	__________________ The faith of a skeptic is always in doubt Ninja weasel courtesy of http://www.cheeseweasel.net I-con 31 - March 30 - April, 1, 2012 - There is no place like home - Stony Brook http://www.iconsf.org/

16th May 2012, 01:57 PM	#307
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,594	I've missed the papers the past couple of years. TAM 9: Women's World Cup - US vs Japan TAM 8: Men's World Cup - Netherlands vs Spain TAM 7: Hungover TAM 6: I think saw the last few. TAM 5.5 and earlier: I don't remember.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

16th May 2012, 02:15 PM	#308
Kochanski Master Poster Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Anonymous Unimportant Place (not a secret Scorpion training facility for Shosuro ninjas) Posts: 2,702	Shall I wake you up (or pull you out of the Del Mar) this year so you won't miss them? I can haz water pistol Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer I've missed the papers the past couple of years. TAM 9: Women's World Cup - US vs Japan TAM 8: Men's World Cup - Netherlands vs Spain TAM 7: Hungover TAM 6: I think saw the last few. TAM 5.5 and earlier: I don't remember.
	__________________ The faith of a skeptic is always in doubt Ninja weasel courtesy of http://www.cheeseweasel.net I-con 31 - March 30 - April, 1, 2012 - There is no place like home - Stony Brook http://www.iconsf.org/

16th May 2012, 02:36 PM	#309
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,594	Originally Posted by Kochanski Shall I wake you up (or pull you out of the Del Mar)... Why the "or"?
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

16th May 2012, 03:59 PM	#310
Kochanski Master Poster Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Anonymous Unimportant Place (not a secret Scorpion training facility for Shosuro ninjas) Posts: 2,702	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer Why the "or"? I thought maybe you might spend time in your hotel room, but I have no idea why...
	__________________ The faith of a skeptic is always in doubt Ninja weasel courtesy of http://www.cheeseweasel.net I-con 31 - March 30 - April, 1, 2012 - There is no place like home - Stony Brook http://www.iconsf.org/

16th May 2012, 04:04 PM	#311
bumlet5 Indescribable Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The dark recesses of my imagination. Posts: 4,310	Originally Posted by Kochanski I thought maybe you might spend time in your hotel room, but I have no idea why... I thought the hotel rooms were just glorified closets/shower places that we pay for to keep the casino people happy so we'll have the place again the next year.
	__________________ "I'm a soundwave tsunami, vocal origami, hijack the mic and it's not like anyone could stop me." -mc chris "I've seen so much death" <("<) (>")> <("<) (>")> <("<) (>")> -Nathan Fillion

17th May 2012, 06:40 AM	#312
Allecher Critical Thinker Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 400	It looks like there is going to be another 24-hour sale at SouthPoint hotel starting next Tuesday. Rooms during TAM may already be hard to come by, but if you've already reserved your "glorified closet/shower" be sure to check the rate next week to see if you can save a few bucks.
	__________________ "When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion." -Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the U.S. (1809-1865)

21st May 2012, 03:46 PM	#313
Allecher Critical Thinker Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 400	I thought the original author of this was a forum-ite but I have not see it here so I thought I would share since I found it amusing... He is encouraging others to help with his TAM bingo cards.
	__________________ "When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion." -Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the U.S. (1809-1865)

21st May 2012, 04:29 PM	#314
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,594	Originally Posted by Allecher I thought the original author of this was a forum-ite but I have not see it here so I thought I would share since I found it amusing... He is encouraging others to help with his TAM bingo cards. I'll be playing Schmingo instead.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

21st May 2012, 04:42 PM	#315
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Nap, interrupted. Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 18,634	I believe that's spelled "Shmingo." ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz RIP Mr. Skinny