TAM 7 - The Friendliest TAM

PaulK · 13th July 2009, 08:44 PM

I've been to 6 TAMs (all the Vegas ones) and I have to nominate TAM 7 as the friendliest. TAM 4 might have been the best because of the science content and TAM 5 might be the funniest because of Peter Sagal and the last time I think we saw Julia Sweeney. And it might be that this is just my opinion based on very personal observations but I think there might be more to it. In that vein, I offer the 10 (because I love the metric system so much) biggest reasons why TAM 7 was the friendliest TAM. In no order but maybe you can add that or add more reasons.

1. The number. Over 1000 strong in one location and there was no reason to leave the building (except to see P&T). There was plenty to do on site unless you need to see a few Vegas-style shows every time you come to TAM. This being #6 for me, I just didn't care about the strip. You might think the numbers would make it not-so-friendly but I think it had a freeing effect.

2. The newbies. It seemed like more than half of the attendees were first timers. If they all come back next year and all the ones skipping this year return, we may have to move TAM to a football stadium. I met a very pretty lady from Texas who give 2 word answers to all my questions until I asked her what made her come to this one. I'll treat her answer as private but she really opened up about how the events in her life led her to TAM. Multiply that by all the newbies in attendance and you can imagine the conversations that were started.

3. The bowling. Thanks to Hutch for setting this up. It's hard to start a conversation with someone 6 lanes over but on your "team" you cheer each other on and you make nice or snide comments about the people on either side of you. Paperskater is even cuter than her avatar but bowling requires a shorter skirt which would have added 15 pins to her average. And I won't embarrass a certain bowler from Fresno but it was like watching Jennifer Aniston bowling.

4. The Hrab. George Hrab was visible throughout the conference and he did a great job on the talent show. This show and the bowling should become TAM traditions and George should always be the emcee of the talent show as far as I'm concerned.

5. The wedding. OMG, a wedding at TAM. I hope this isn't a spoiler for the SGU podcast later this month. But how can you not feel friendly when you go to a wedding. They had everything planned so well except they didn’t provide cake for 1,000.

6. The speakers. We have had many great speakers at previous TAMs and I wonder if people will look back at TAM 7 and say that the speakers were not so famous. But that meant you didn't feel "overpowered". I put that in quotes because I'm pretty sure that's not the word I want but I'm stuck with it for now. Take Adam Savage - famous to us but his talk was very personal and low key, delivered while leaning back against a table on stage.

7. The election. There isn't any this year. TAMs 2, 4 and 6 were before elections and there was a political tension in the air. This time that tension was nowhere to be found until Michael Shermer asked for a show of hands for who considered themselves liberals, libertarians, and conservatives. Rough estimates (based on Dr. Shermer's comments): 85-90% liberal; 10-15% libertarian; < 1% conservative. Strange coincidence: I think it was TAM 4 when Michael Shermer asked who had some kind of belief in a god - 10-15%.

8. The breakfast. Breakfast before the meeting was rather sparse but it was in the same room as the meeting and at the same time as the SGU podcast was being recorded. The result was that people stayed together a little more than TAM 6 at least.

9. The clock. There was no clock in the meeting room but every thing was kept on schedule. Far from feeling rigid, it just felt like everything was well planned and your time wasn't going to be wasted because a break lasted 20 minutes longer than it was supposed to.

10. Robert Lancaster. His heartfelt comments struck a chord with many in the audience and were probably the only deviation from what I said about being on time. But the audience was more than willing to give him that time for reasons you probably already know and can certainly find elsewhere on the forum.

Eos of the Eons · 13th July 2009, 09:31 PM

Um. I almost don't want to defile this thread by posting right now in my sleep deprived state (and weird state from also working 12 hourse straight today-I'm still at work as I post!), but will add that:

11. The HUGS were unforgettable. Hugs are definitely friendly and there was plenty of hugging going on! The celebs hugged, the people who were TAM newbies hugged, friends from TAMs past hugged, forumites hugged. This huggability of TAM attendees is an ingredient of what makes a TAM great.

Also, maybe the friendliness that PaulK has pointed out is part of why people are now calling TAM 7 the best TAM ever?

LostAngeles · 13th July 2009, 09:37 PM

TAM is drinking and hugging and awesome skeptical talks.

TobiasTheViking · 14th July 2009, 12:18 AM

rollickingsunshine · 14th July 2009, 01:21 AM

This was my first TAM and I have to agree that all of the reasons you mentioned made it an amazing experience! It was also great how excited people were when they found out it was my first TAM. This made us newbies feel really welcome!

Miss_Kitt · 14th July 2009, 02:41 AM

I am still in my little TAM-inspired bubble of Happy, but about to fall over and get a few hours of sleep before resuming Life As Usual. I have only been to two TAMs, but this one was very cool, even though I didn't get to do the fabulous late-night bar conversations this year.

I liked being surprised by the speakers I'd never heard of that were very good. And I want to echo the sentiment that the time management was really good this year. Also, I like the breakfast being in the same room, that made it a lot easier to cope with the whole Morning thing...

Excelsior! Miss_Kitt

ETA to all TAM newbies (and newbies to be): You're just wonderful friends we haven't gotten to meet in person before! TAM is, first and foremost, a building and celebration of the community of like-minded people that is JREF. The speakers are cool, but it is the person to person contacts and conversations that will stick with you. We don't realize, until we do TAM, that we're lonely for others of 'our people'. To spend a weekend surrounded by people you can expect will understand what you mean without a giant explanation is life-giving; to be able to speak your mind without fearing to offend or start an argument is healing.

See you all next year!!

Chicken Pot Pie · 14th July 2009, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by Miss_Kitt

I am still in my little TAM-inspired bubble of Happy, but about to fall over and get a few hours of sleep before resuming Life As Usual. I have only been to two TAMs, but this one was very cool, even though I didn't get to do the fabulous late-night bar conversations this year.

I liked being surprised by the speakers I'd never heard of that were very good. And I want to echo the sentiment that the time management was really good this year. Also, I like the breakfast being in the same room, that made it a lot easier to cope with the whole Morning thing...

Excelsior! Miss_Kitt

ETA to all TAM newbies (and newbies to be): You're just wonderful friends we haven't gotten to meet in person before! TAM is, first and foremost, a building and celebration of the community of like-minded people that is JREF. The speakers are cool, but it is the person to person contacts and conversations that will stick with you. We don't realize, until we do TAM, that we're lonely for others of 'our people'. To spend a weekend surrounded by people you can expect will understand what you mean without a giant explanation is life-giving; to be able to speak your mind without fearing to offend or start an argument is healing.

See you all next year!!

Miss_Kitt nailed it in her ETA! Actually seeing, hugging and talking to all the people was more than way cool covered in awesome sauce! Meeting Robert, Susan, Jamie and Nobby were life-altering experiences for me. Such strong, brave people!

I truly felt like many of the folks were people I had known all my life. I was never uncomfortable about meeting anyone! I just hope folks enjoyed meeting us as much as we enjoyed meeting them.

A special shout out to all the volunteers who kept everything running smoothly and my Ding-a-Lings! And, of course, the Secret Cabal.

MLynn · 14th July 2009, 02:55 PM

I'll tell you, people here were so kind after my husband died last year and this year just about everyone asked how I was doing. I hope to be able to arrive and maybe stay longer next year so I can get to know people better. My trip was short this year. I finally got to meet Chicken Pot Pie too...

Chicken Pot Pie · 14th July 2009, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by MLynn

I'll tell you, people here were so kind after my husband died last year and this year just about everyone asked how I was doing. I hope to be able to arrive and maybe stay longer next year so I can get to know people better. My trip was short this year. I finally got to meet Chicken Pot Pie too...

Aww, shucks! I got to meet YOU!

Thank you, sweetie pie!

LostAngeles · 14th July 2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by MLynn

I'll tell you, people here were so kind after my husband died last year and this year just about everyone asked how I was doing. I hope to be able to arrive and maybe stay longer next year so I can get to know people better. My trip was short this year. I finally got to meet Chicken Pot Pie too...

I didn't get to meet you!

I don't think...

squareone · 14th July 2009, 03:41 PM

Since I have only attended the last two TAMs, I have limited background for comparison. However, they do seem to be getting bigger and better. I liked the spacial layout of the venue this year. The speakers are always interesting, entertaining and available. The best part for me is the pervasive sense of community. The late night conversations are priceless!
I look forward to meeting some of you next year - or perhaps we have already met.

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 14th July 2009, 03:48 PM

It was a stunningly friendly and camaradericious TAM. I had a marvelous time. I'll see each and every one of you again next year!

~~ Paul

SophieHirschfeld · 14th July 2009, 04:16 PM

I had an awesome time as well! I also noticed how huggable everyone was. Even the people who didn't know me until they commented on my socks would hug me when they saw me after having commented on my socks. It was really great to hang out with many of the people that I've been interacting with for so long. I wish I could hug you all again through the computer.

Chicken Pot Pie · 14th July 2009, 04:19 PM

The hugs were frequent and unlimited! Those are the best kind!

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 14th July 2009, 06:32 PM

I don't think I got to meet you, Sophie. Next year!

~~ Paul

Paul C. Anagnostopoulos · 14th July 2009, 06:56 PM

Does anyone know what happened to TaoMacGuy?

~~ Paul

Mully410 · 14th July 2009, 07:10 PM

I was a TAM newb this year and wholeheartedly agree that it was very friendly. I met tons of similar minded people and had an excellent time. 100% Awesome.

Ramboelmo · 15th July 2009, 01:51 PM

Next year I want a hug from Sophie as well. Of course I will hug anyone that wants one.

MattusMaximus · 15th July 2009, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos

Does anyone know what happened to TaoMacGuy?

~~ Paul

I don't recall ever meeting him at TAM7. Or seeing him, for that matter. Anyone else?

The Central Scrutinizer · 15th July 2009, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by MattusMaximus

I don't recall ever meeting him at TAM7. Or seeing him, for that matter. Anyone else?

Me neither. Is he a sock?

MLynn · 15th July 2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by squareone

Since I have only attended the last two TAMs, I have limited background for comparison. However, they do seem to be getting bigger and better.

My first TAM was TAM3 - about 500 people. The fact that TAM7 had attendance of 1000+ people is not only cool, but word is spreading about critical thinking.

saganite · 15th July 2009, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by MattusMaximus

I don't recall ever meeting him at TAM7. Or seeing him, for that matter. Anyone else?

I wondered about that too. Never recognized him.

Nankay · 15th July 2009, 04:36 PM

He was there. He worked the registration desk Thursday.

Hutch · 15th July 2009, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Chicken Pot Pie

The hugs were frequent and unlimited! Those are the best kind!

Especially from you and Loon--Serial Huggers if I ever saw them.

Bowling will definitely be on the schedule for next year, and maybe even trophies....

Good friends, good memories (which are rapidly fading as I catch @##$#$ from my foreign customer this week...), and just plane good.

Same time next year.

kmortis · 15th July 2009, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by saganite

I wondered about that too. Never recognized him.

I had lunch with him...twice.

ejk · 15th July 2009, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by kmortis

I had lunch with him...twice.

Evidence?

Chicken Pot Pie · 15th July 2009, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Hutch

Especially from you and Loon--Serial Huggers if I ever saw them.

Bowling will definitely be on the schedule for next year, and maybe even trophies....

Good friends, good memories (which are rapidly fading as I catch @##$#$ from my foreign customer this week...), and just plane good.

Same time next year.

Yes, Cap'n Crunch is not safe when I'm around!

The Central Scrutinizer · 15th July 2009, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by kmortis

I had lunch with him...twice.

Was he hiding from the rest of us? Was he too good to come to the bar like a normal person?

kmortis · 16th July 2009, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer

Was he hiding from the rest of us? Was he too good to come to the bar like a normal person?

No, I saw him in the bar a few times as well.

SophieHirschfeld · 16th July 2009, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos

I don't think I got to meet you, Sophie. Next year!

~~ Paul

There were lots of forumites that I managed to miss meeting. :| That was entirely unintentional. The people that I did meet were wonderful and I hope I do get to go next year!

The Central Scrutinizer · 16th July 2009, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by kmortis

No, I saw him in the bar a few times as well.

I didn't see him there at 3:00 am with the rest of us.

The Central Scrutinizer · 16th July 2009, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by SophieHirschfeld

There were lots of forumites that I managed to miss meeting. :| That was entirely unintentional. The people that I did meet were wonderful and I hope I do get to go next year!

In the early TAMs (1,2,3), it was easy to meet all the forumites, because there might have only been 30-40 of us. But from about TAM 4 on, the number has always gotten up closer to 100, and it's impossible to meet everyone.

Chicken Pot Pie · 16th July 2009, 09:53 AM

I agree with Scrut. Though I was a TAM virgin, there were so many people I never crossed paths with, and still met some new cool people! Over 1,000 folks - how could my brain handle meeting them all?

paperskater · 16th July 2009, 01:18 PM

Wahhhhh, I miss you guys!

mymatedave · 16th July 2009, 06:27 PM

It was so very awesome, and even though I didn't find the lounge until saturday, I had such a great time meeting people and watching the talks I didn't mind drinking american lager. But the whole event was well worth the sacrifice.

katheist · 16th July 2009, 06:57 PM

I have to say that while everyone I spoke with was quite friendly, I found that starting a conversation with people, in the bar for instance, was often challenging. And, I am no wallflower. People were usually sitting in closed circles with either people they knew from past TAMs or their local skeptic groups. We did make a few friends, but would like to have met more. There's always next year though.

KingMerv00 · 16th July 2009, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by katheist

I have to say that while everyone I spoke with was quite friendly, I found that starting a conversation with people, in the bar for instance, was often challenging. And, I am no wallflower. People were usually sitting in closed circles with either people they knew from past TAMs or their local skeptic groups. We did make a few friends, but would like to have met more. There's always next year though.

We sat in closed circles for practical reasons only. It might seem rude, but I swear it is OK to pull up a chair.

LostAngeles · 16th July 2009, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by katheist

I have to say that while everyone I spoke with was quite friendly, I found that starting a conversation with people, in the bar for instance, was often challenging. And, I am no wallflower. People were usually sitting in closed circles with either people they knew from past TAMs or their local skeptic groups. We did make a few friends, but would like to have met more. There's always next year though.

So pull over a chair and ask to join in or just join in.

Hokulele · 16th July 2009, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by LostAngeles

So pull over a chair and ask to join in or just join in.

Or announce that you have a handful of coupons for free drinks.

rustypouch · 16th July 2009, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

Or announce that you have a handful of coupons for free drinks.

Or offer to buy a round.

13th July 2009, 08:44 PM	#1
PaulK New Blood Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 19	TAM 7 - The Friendliest TAM I've been to 6 TAMs (all the Vegas ones) and I have to nominate TAM 7 as the friendliest. TAM 4 might have been the best because of the science content and TAM 5 might be the funniest because of Peter Sagal and the last time I think we saw Julia Sweeney. And it might be that this is just my opinion based on very personal observations but I think there might be more to it. In that vein, I offer the 10 (because I love the metric system so much) biggest reasons why TAM 7 was the friendliest TAM. In no order but maybe you can add that or add more reasons. 1. The number. Over 1000 strong in one location and there was no reason to leave the building (except to see P&T). There was plenty to do on site unless you need to see a few Vegas-style shows every time you come to TAM. This being #6 for me, I just didn't care about the strip. You might think the numbers would make it not-so-friendly but I think it had a freeing effect. 2. The newbies. It seemed like more than half of the attendees were first timers. If they all come back next year and all the ones skipping this year return, we may have to move TAM to a football stadium. I met a very pretty lady from Texas who give 2 word answers to all my questions until I asked her what made her come to this one. I'll treat her answer as private but she really opened up about how the events in her life led her to TAM. Multiply that by all the newbies in attendance and you can imagine the conversations that were started. 3. The bowling. Thanks to Hutch for setting this up. It's hard to start a conversation with someone 6 lanes over but on your "team" you cheer each other on and you make nice or snide comments about the people on either side of you. Paperskater is even cuter than her avatar but bowling requires a shorter skirt which would have added 15 pins to her average. And I won't embarrass a certain bowler from Fresno but it was like watching Jennifer Aniston bowling. 4. The Hrab. George Hrab was visible throughout the conference and he did a great job on the talent show. This show and the bowling should become TAM traditions and George should always be the emcee of the talent show as far as I'm concerned. 5. The wedding. OMG, a wedding at TAM. I hope this isn't a spoiler for the SGU podcast later this month. But how can you not feel friendly when you go to a wedding. They had everything planned so well except they didn’t provide cake for 1,000. 6. The speakers. We have had many great speakers at previous TAMs and I wonder if people will look back at TAM 7 and say that the speakers were not so famous. But that meant you didn't feel "overpowered". I put that in quotes because I'm pretty sure that's not the word I want but I'm stuck with it for now. Take Adam Savage - famous to us but his talk was very personal and low key, delivered while leaning back against a table on stage. 7. The election. There isn't any this year. TAMs 2, 4 and 6 were before elections and there was a political tension in the air. This time that tension was nowhere to be found until Michael Shermer asked for a show of hands for who considered themselves liberals, libertarians, and conservatives. Rough estimates (based on Dr. Shermer's comments): 85-90% liberal; 10-15% libertarian; < 1% conservative. Strange coincidence: I think it was TAM 4 when Michael Shermer asked who had some kind of belief in a god - 10-15%. 8. The breakfast. Breakfast before the meeting was rather sparse but it was in the same room as the meeting and at the same time as the SGU podcast was being recorded. The result was that people stayed together a little more than TAM 6 at least. 9. The clock. There was no clock in the meeting room but every thing was kept on schedule. Far from feeling rigid, it just felt like everything was well planned and your time wasn't going to be wasted because a break lasted 20 minutes longer than it was supposed to. 10. Robert Lancaster. His heartfelt comments struck a chord with many in the audience and were probably the only deviation from what I said about being on time. But the audience was more than willing to give him that time for reasons you probably already know and can certainly find elsewhere on the forum.

13th July 2009, 09:31 PM	#2
Eos of the Eons Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Alberta Posts: 13,253	Um. I almost don't want to defile this thread by posting right now in my sleep deprived state (and weird state from also working 12 hourse straight today-I'm still at work as I post!), but will add that: 11. The HUGS were unforgettable. Hugs are definitely friendly and there was plenty of hugging going on! The celebs hugged, the people who were TAM newbies hugged, friends from TAMs past hugged, forumites hugged. This huggability of TAM attendees is an ingredient of what makes a TAM great. Also, maybe the friendliness that PaulK has pointed out is part of why people are now calling TAM 7 the best TAM ever?
	__________________ Motion affecting a measuring device does not affect what is actually being measured, except to inaccurately measure it. the immaterial world doesn't matter, cause it ain't matter-Jeff Corey my karma ran over my dogma-vbloke The Lateral Truth: An Apostate's Bible Stories by Rebecca Bradley, read it! Last edited by Eos of the Eons; 13th July 2009 at 09:32 PM.

13th July 2009, 09:37 PM	#3
LostAngeles Anti-WM Jihadist Join Date: May 2004 Location: Having a cup of tea. Posts: 10,025	TAM is drinking and hugging and awesome skeptical talks.
	__________________ "There is also a likelihood that the settlement will fall between two biomes, potentially hazardous if the player expects a peaceful oceanside meadow, without realizing the ocean is full of amphibious zombie whales." - Dwarf Fortress Wik

14th July 2009, 12:18 AM	#4
TobiasTheViking Resident Viking Autist Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: With your mother Posts: 6,177
	__________________ <Cleon> Tobias: We've been through this. I'm not gay, I'm just pathetic. There's a difference. <kate> I, Kate Holden, being of weird mind and awkward body, do take TobiasTheCommie to be my unlawfully wedded chathusband. <Nobby> He pricked me with his prick. That prick!

14th July 2009, 12:21 PM	#7
Chicken Pot Pie Bawkbagawk Bawkbagone! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 11,506	Originally Posted by Miss_Kitt I am still in my little TAM-inspired bubble of Happy, but about to fall over and get a few hours of sleep before resuming Life As Usual. I have only been to two TAMs, but this one was very cool, even though I didn't get to do the fabulous late-night bar conversations this year. I liked being surprised by the speakers I'd never heard of that were very good. And I want to echo the sentiment that the time management was really good this year. Also, I like the breakfast being in the same room, that made it a lot easier to cope with the whole Morning thing... Excelsior! Miss_Kitt ETA to all TAM newbies (and newbies to be): You're just wonderful friends we haven't gotten to meet in person before! TAM is, first and foremost, a building and celebration of the community of like-minded people that is JREF. The speakers are cool, but it is the person to person contacts and conversations that will stick with you. We don't realize, until we do TAM, that we're lonely for others of 'our people'. To spend a weekend surrounded by people you can expect will understand what you mean without a giant explanation is life-giving; to be able to speak your mind without fearing to offend or start an argument is healing. See you all next year!! Miss_Kitt nailed it in her ETA! Actually seeing, hugging and talking to all the people was more than way cool covered in awesome sauce! Meeting Robert, Susan, Jamie and Nobby were life-altering experiences for me. Such strong, brave people! I truly felt like many of the folks were people I had known all my life. I was never uncomfortable about meeting anyone! I just hope folks enjoyed meeting us as much as we enjoyed meeting them. A special shout out to all the volunteers who kept everything running smoothly and my Ding-a-Lings! And, of course, the Secret Cabal.
	__________________ "Just so you know, I loved Chicken Pot Pie. I thought [she and the dingalings] were adorable." George Hrab Sylvia Browne

14th July 2009, 01:21 AM	#5
rollickingsunshine New Blood Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 13	This was my first TAM and I have to agree that all of the reasons you mentioned made it an amazing experience! It was also great how excited people were when they found out it was my first TAM. This made us newbies feel really welcome!

14th July 2009, 02:41 AM	#6
Miss_Kitt Zombie Horse of Homeopathy Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lesser Seattle Posts: 2,100	I am still in my little TAM-inspired bubble of Happy, but about to fall over and get a few hours of sleep before resuming Life As Usual. I have only been to two TAMs, but this one was very cool, even though I didn't get to do the fabulous late-night bar conversations this year. I liked being surprised by the speakers I'd never heard of that were very good. And I want to echo the sentiment that the time management was really good this year. Also, I like the breakfast being in the same room, that made it a lot easier to cope with the whole Morning thing... Excelsior! Miss_Kitt ETA to all TAM newbies (and newbies to be): You're just wonderful friends we haven't gotten to meet in person before! TAM is, first and foremost, a building and celebration of the community of like-minded people that is JREF. The speakers are cool, but it is the person to person contacts and conversations that will stick with you. We don't realize, until we do TAM, that we're lonely for others of 'our people'. To spend a weekend surrounded by people you can expect will understand what you mean without a giant explanation is life-giving; to be able to speak your mind without fearing to offend or start an argument is healing. See you all next year!!
	__________________ It's much better to live an honest life than a delusional one -- desertgal Magic thinking is a lead personal floatation device. It looks really reassuring, but it will drag you down--whatthebutlersaw Last edited by Miss_Kitt; 14th July 2009 at 02:46 AM.

14th July 2009, 02:55 PM	#8
MLynn Whippet of Peace Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,283	I'll tell you, people here were so kind after my husband died last year and this year just about everyone asked how I was doing. I hope to be able to arrive and maybe stay longer next year so I can get to know people better. My trip was short this year. I finally got to meet Chicken Pot Pie too...
	__________________ Mik - Obey the Whippet Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction. - Blaise Pascal MLynn, I've said it before: You're so nice, you couldn't get a rapper to call you a ho. - maddog Last edited by MLynn; 14th July 2009 at 02:55 PM. Reason: spelling

14th July 2009, 03:16 PM	#9
Chicken Pot Pie Bawkbagawk Bawkbagone! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 11,506	Originally Posted by MLynn I'll tell you, people here were so kind after my husband died last year and this year just about everyone asked how I was doing. I hope to be able to arrive and maybe stay longer next year so I can get to know people better. My trip was short this year. I finally got to meet Chicken Pot Pie too... Aww, shucks! I got to meet YOU! Thank you, sweetie pie!
	__________________ "Just so you know, I loved Chicken Pot Pie. I thought [she and the dingalings] were adorable." George Hrab Sylvia Browne

14th July 2009, 03:35 PM	#10
LostAngeles Anti-WM Jihadist Join Date: May 2004 Location: Having a cup of tea. Posts: 10,025	Originally Posted by MLynn I'll tell you, people here were so kind after my husband died last year and this year just about everyone asked how I was doing. I hope to be able to arrive and maybe stay longer next year so I can get to know people better. My trip was short this year. I finally got to meet Chicken Pot Pie too... I didn't get to meet you! I don't think...
	__________________ "There is also a likelihood that the settlement will fall between two biomes, potentially hazardous if the player expects a peaceful oceanside meadow, without realizing the ocean is full of amphibious zombie whales." - Dwarf Fortress Wik

14th July 2009, 03:41 PM	#11
squareone New Blood Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 17	My kind of people Since I have only attended the last two TAMs, I have limited background for comparison. However, they do seem to be getting bigger and better. I liked the spacial layout of the venue this year. The speakers are always interesting, entertaining and available. The best part for me is the pervasive sense of community. The late night conversations are priceless! I look forward to meeting some of you next year - or perhaps we have already met.
squareone New Blood Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 17

14th July 2009, 03:48 PM	#12
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Looking for Fountain of Smart Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 17,157	It was a stunningly friendly and camaradericious TAM. I had a marvelous time. I'll see each and every one of you again next year! ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz pi = 3.1415926...19729715941700531415926095214704122509...

14th July 2009, 04:16 PM	#13
SophieHirschfeld Scholar Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 84	I had an awesome time as well! I also noticed how huggable everyone was. Even the people who didn't know me until they commented on my socks would hug me when they saw me after having commented on my socks. It was really great to hang out with many of the people that I've been interacting with for so long. I wish I could hug you all again through the computer.

14th July 2009, 04:19 PM	#14
Chicken Pot Pie Bawkbagawk Bawkbagone! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 11,506	The hugs were frequent and unlimited! Those are the best kind!
	__________________ "Just so you know, I loved Chicken Pot Pie. I thought [she and the dingalings] were adorable." George Hrab Sylvia Browne

14th July 2009, 06:32 PM	#15
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Looking for Fountain of Smart Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 17,157	I don't think I got to meet you, Sophie. Next year! ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz pi = 3.1415926...19729715941700531415926095214704122509...

14th July 2009, 06:56 PM	#16
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Looking for Fountain of Smart Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: a little toolshed Posts: 17,157	Does anyone know what happened to TaoMacGuy? ~~ Paul
	__________________ Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ---Susan Ertz pi = 3.1415926...19729715941700531415926095214704122509...

14th July 2009, 07:10 PM	#17
Mully410 New Blood Join Date: May 2009 Location: Shoreview, MN Posts: 15	I was a TAM newb this year and wholeheartedly agree that it was very friendly. I met tons of similar minded people and had an excellent time. 100% Awesome.

15th July 2009, 01:51 PM	#18
Ramboelmo Scholar Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Aspen, CO Posts: 59	Next year I want a hug from Sophie as well. Of course I will hug anyone that wants one.
	__________________ -- Rich Ludwig The Skeptical Cowboy

15th July 2009, 01:55 PM	#19
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos Does anyone know what happened to TaoMacGuy? ~~ Paul I don't recall ever meeting him at TAM7. Or seeing him, for that matter. Anyone else?
	__________________ Visit my blog: The Skeptical Teacher Critical Thinking Education Group (CTEG) Chicago's First Skepticamp: Skepchicamp - March 6, 2010 Secular & Skeptic Help for Haiti

15th July 2009, 02:11 PM	#20
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 21,721	Originally Posted by MattusMaximus I don't recall ever meeting him at TAM7. Or seeing him, for that matter. Anyone else? Me neither. Is he a sock?
	__________________ "I got to play with (Michael Goudeau's balls) briefly, and they are primo quality. Heavy, soft, and pliant." - Jeff Wagg "You are always so helpful, rational, and polite." - SaulOhio http://www.stopsylvia.com

15th July 2009, 03:35 PM	#21
MLynn Whippet of Peace Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,283	Originally Posted by squareone Since I have only attended the last two TAMs, I have limited background for comparison. However, they do seem to be getting bigger and better. My first TAM was TAM3 - about 500 people. The fact that TAM7 had attendance of 1000+ people is not only cool, but word is spreading about critical thinking.
	__________________ Mik - Obey the Whippet Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction. - Blaise Pascal MLynn, I've said it before: You're so nice, you couldn't get a rapper to call you a ho. - maddog

15th July 2009, 03:43 PM	#22
saganite Black-and-white Cat-foot Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,622	Originally Posted by MattusMaximus I don't recall ever meeting him at TAM7. Or seeing him, for that matter. Anyone else? I wondered about that too. Never recognized him.
	__________________ Scriptbird.com -- Script notes, coverage, and insider information for aspiring screenwriters Site redesign by the JREF forum's very own Logical Muse

15th July 2009, 04:36 PM	#23
Nankay Thinker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 203	He was there. He worked the registration desk Thursday.
	__________________ .

15th July 2009, 04:51 PM	#24
Hutch International Arms Merchant and rollercoaster junkie Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: About 7 Miles from the Saturn 5B Posts: 5,662	Originally Posted by Chicken Pot Pie The hugs were frequent and unlimited! Those are the best kind! Especially from you and Loon--Serial Huggers if I ever saw them. Bowling will definitely be on the schedule for next year, and maybe even trophies.... Good friends, good memories (which are rapidly fading as I catch @##$#$ from my foreign customer this week...), and just plane good. Same time next year.
	__________________ Y'all got on this boat for different reasons, but y'all come to the same place. So now I'm asking more of you than I have before. Maybe all. Sure as I know anything, I know this - they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, ten? They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people... better. And I do not hold to that. So no more runnin'. I aim to misbehave. Mal, Captain of the Serenity

15th July 2009, 05:07 PM	#25
kmortis Biomechanoid - Chief IDIOT Tagger Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Texas Posts: 13,869	Originally Posted by saganite I wondered about that too. Never recognized him. I had lunch with him...twice.
	__________________ -I never liked the sound of his liver. What, with all the wheezing and banging going on. -WTF is D.I.P.S.? -Chief Independent Determining Inquisitor Of Tomfoolery

15th July 2009, 08:28 PM	#26
ejk Critical Thinker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 293	Originally Posted by kmortis I had lunch with him...twice. Evidence?

15th July 2009, 08:35 PM	#27
Chicken Pot Pie Bawkbagawk Bawkbagone! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 11,506	Originally Posted by Hutch Especially from you and Loon--Serial Huggers if I ever saw them. Bowling will definitely be on the schedule for next year, and maybe even trophies.... Good friends, good memories (which are rapidly fading as I catch @##$#$ from my foreign customer this week...), and just plane good. Same time next year. Yes, Cap'n Crunch is not safe when I'm around!
	__________________ "Just so you know, I loved Chicken Pot Pie. I thought [she and the dingalings] were adorable." George Hrab Sylvia Browne

15th July 2009, 09:59 PM	#28
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 21,721	Originally Posted by kmortis I had lunch with him...twice. Was he hiding from the rest of us? Was he too good to come to the bar like a normal person?
	__________________ "I got to play with (Michael Goudeau's balls) briefly, and they are primo quality. Heavy, soft, and pliant." - Jeff Wagg "You are always so helpful, rational, and polite." - SaulOhio http://www.stopsylvia.com

16th July 2009, 05:48 AM	#29
kmortis Biomechanoid - Chief IDIOT Tagger Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Texas Posts: 13,869	Originally Posted by The Central Scrutinizer Was he hiding from the rest of us? Was he too good to come to the bar like a normal person? No, I saw him in the bar a few times as well.
	__________________ -I never liked the sound of his liver. What, with all the wheezing and banging going on. -WTF is D.I.P.S.? -Chief Independent Determining Inquisitor Of Tomfoolery

16th July 2009, 09:38 AM	#30
SophieHirschfeld Scholar Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 84	Originally Posted by Paul C. Anagnostopoulos I don't think I got to meet you, Sophie. Next year! ~~ Paul There were lots of forumites that I managed to miss meeting. :\| That was entirely unintentional. The people that I did meet were wonderful and I hope I do get to go next year!

16th July 2009, 09:39 AM	#31
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 21,721	Originally Posted by kmortis No, I saw him in the bar a few times as well. I didn't see him there at 3:00 am with the rest of us.
	__________________ "I got to play with (Michael Goudeau's balls) briefly, and they are primo quality. Heavy, soft, and pliant." - Jeff Wagg "You are always so helpful, rational, and polite." - SaulOhio http://www.stopsylvia.com

16th July 2009, 09:40 AM	#32
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 21,721	Originally Posted by SophieHirschfeld There were lots of forumites that I managed to miss meeting. :\| That was entirely unintentional. The people that I did meet were wonderful and I hope I do get to go next year! In the early TAMs (1,2,3), it was easy to meet all the forumites, because there might have only been 30-40 of us. But from about TAM 4 on, the number has always gotten up closer to 100, and it's impossible to meet everyone.
	__________________ "I got to play with (Michael Goudeau's balls) briefly, and they are primo quality. Heavy, soft, and pliant." - Jeff Wagg "You are always so helpful, rational, and polite." - SaulOhio http://www.stopsylvia.com

16th July 2009, 09:53 AM	#33
Chicken Pot Pie Bawkbagawk Bawkbagone! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 11,506	I agree with Scrut. Though I was a TAM virgin, there were so many people I never crossed paths with, and still met some new cool people! Over 1,000 folks - how could my brain handle meeting them all?
	__________________ "Just so you know, I loved Chicken Pot Pie. I thought [she and the dingalings] were adorable." George Hrab Sylvia Browne

16th July 2009, 01:18 PM	#34
paperskater Graduate Poster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Colorado! Posts: 1,515	Wahhhhh, I miss you guys!
	__________________ Susie Facebook (Please let me know who you are!) - Twitter --- Makes Me Think "I think most of us would be horrified to meet ourselves and discover what everyone else already knows about us." - Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes

16th July 2009, 06:27 PM	#35
mymatedave New Blood Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North London, England Posts: 9	It was so very awesome, and even though I didn't find the lounge until saturday, I had such a great time meeting people and watching the talks I didn't mind drinking american lager. But the whole event was well worth the sacrifice.