Of Rates And Rooms

Rumors that the special rate rooms at the Austin Hilton were already booked have been greatly exaggerated. I'm told by senior Netroots Nation 2008 honchos that there are rooms to be had. I have no idea how long the supply will last, but I do know the introductory low rate for admission will go up on Dec 1.

• Netroots Nation 2008 Low Special Rate Register Here
• Netroots Nation/Austin Hilton Room Reservation Here

For those of you on a tight budget, there is everything from discount motels like a nearby Super 8 to CouchsurfingDotCom; use at your own risk. Austin does have a mass-transit bus system that serves the downtown area reasonably well complete with an interactive route and map finder.

Speaking of which, what kinda stuff do you want at NetNat 08? Panels, workshops, shot contests, pie-fights, and if celebrity dunking booths are your thing, take the poll below!

•  Fight the Power

  You gotta go for what you know
  Make everybody see,
  in order to fight the powers that be
  Lemme hear you say...
  Fight the Power -- Public Enemy

  by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:09:00 AM PDT

  •  Replace the dunking booth with a waterboarding

    booth for all of those mentioned above.

    by VolvoDrivingLiberal on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:50:03 AM PDT

    •  Most excellent suggestion

      Fair is fair.

      by vigilant meerkat on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:12:36 AM PDT

      •  Polls like that really are crying out for...

        0 - All of the above...

        Just sayin'.

        Also, regarding accommodations in Austin...Remember it's a very progressive university town so "alternative" housing options abound... There are a number of youth hostels, reasonably priced b&b's, etc... (travel tip from someone that lives in the hinterlands 70 miles from austin and 70 miles from houston and sometimes requires "culture infusions" not to turn into that evil gabor sister from green acres...)

        by liberaldemdave on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:33:08 PM PDT

  •  I'm really surprised Coulter ranks so high

    I thought she had decended so far into self-parody that even the Right now longer takes her seriously.

    She's become so boring and predictable, who cares?

    But dipping Rove in shit, now that sounds fun.

    by koNko on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:13:49 AM PDT

    •  I almost didn't vote for Coulter...

      because I don't think her cross should be inflatable. I'd rather see her sink.

      by DavidW on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:58:52 PM PDT

      •  Slowly.

        by koNko on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 03:51:59 PM PDT

    •  Dipping Rove in shit

      sounds redundant.

      Coals to Newcastle, as it were.

      by Sharoney on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:17:45 PM PDT

  •  Darksyde, why did you guys pick Austin?

    You know how the GOP noise machine is here in FL, and you also know that there are more Dems here than GOP so we have a shot at winning--more so than TX.  What's up with that?

    IF not FL or other swing state, why not New Orleans?

    What was the rationale for Austin?

    by SemDem on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:25:04 AM PDT

    •  I

      didn't pick Austin, I had nothing to do with that choice, I wasn't on the committee that did: which is probably a good thing because I grew in Austin and I'd probably have been biased. Although I live near Orlando so I'd have been happy as hell with that choice as well.

      My understanding, and this is second to third hand at 9 in the morning on Sunday, NN 08 did visit New Orleans, repeatedly, starting just after YK 007. They were really interested in having it there. It was everyone's first choice. But despite repeated in the flesh visits and tons of conference calls, they could not find an open venue that could handle the basic requirements of the convention. These are comitted progressives, some of whom worked extensively in the Hotel Convention field in their real lives for years. If they say they couldn't find it and exhausted all options, I have every reason to believe they mean it and did so with extreme competence.

      by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:55:31 AM PDT

      •  Also

        Austin has lots of local volunteers that can help out at the convention.

        by Ed in Montana on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:07:32 AM PDT

      •  Your explanation is deemed acceptable

        See you in Austin...

        by SemDem on Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 06:01:54 AM PDT

    •  If you have to ask, come here and find out! NT

      by Morgan in Austin on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:11:09 AM PDT

    •  Good question...why in heck aren't we

      boycotting Texas until they wise up politically?  I don't shop at Wal Mart, either...

      by oldpro on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:53:26 AM PDT

      •  That's right you're not from Texas ...

        But Texas wants you anyway -- (Lyle Lovett).

        Texas is cantankerous and conservative but in case you hadn't noticed, it's a real big state and Austin is the liberal bleeding heart of it. Don't blame Austin for George W. Bush -- I think the People's Republic of Travis County has voted against him every chance it's gotten, which is why the state Legislature keeps us under a tight rein. But it's a fun place to visit, with a pretty good bus system if all you need is to get downtown -- which is where the convention center and entertainment district is -- and back to your hotel or other points of interest.

        Sure, New Orleans might have been a good place to hold it, but if the organizers say they couldn't work it out, I'm glad they settled on Austin.

        Also we haven't given up on turning Texas blue.

        by jcullen on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:27:22 AM PDT

        •  Very true!

          I remember Austin when I lived in San Antonio.

          Thanks for the info.

          by SemDem on Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 06:01:30 AM PDT

      •  Those states need us the most

        I wish it were in Tennessee or the deep south, too.  The only thing I don't like is the time of the year, July, it is hot everywhere, but Texas and the South are unbearable.

        So much of the South has been hijacked by the Rethug goons, that I think we will be welcomed and very appreciated by the Democrats and Independants who have suffered under GOP domination.  

        by Sandy on Signal on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:30:53 AM PDT

      •  didn't al gore

        call us the blueberry floating a bowl of tomato soup?

        by chauie on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:35:48 AM PDT

        •  He did indeed!

          And it's a perfect description.

          Fact is, there are a lot of rooms and meeting space downtown--I'm a veteran of many Austin Film Festivals in addition to being a local. If the Hilton is booked, there are hotels to fit most budgets, many of which are within walking distance.

          And to beat the heat in July, you can always go to Barton Springs pool, which is close to downtown (should be easily accessible by bus) and is 68 degrees year-round. Deep Eddy Pool is fed by the same spring and should also be easily accessible.

          by AustinCynic on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:12:43 PM PDT

  •  got my reservation...

    let me know if any help with health/health care panel is desired.

    by DrSteveB on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:23:21 AM PDT

    •  Stop over at the NN'08 website, Doc

      I believe all of the conference logistics are handled through Netroots Nation, an entity separate from this one. Head over there to get involved.

      by gloryous1 on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 09:38:37 AM PDT

•  nope. can't won't do it. voting here would

  just be wrong. When the OP FAILS to give us an all of the above, Darksyde has earned a proper whuppin. In public. Bent over. With a cricket bat.

  I think we need more clowns and juggles at the next conference.

  Seriously, we should make the whole thing more accessible to everyone, forever.
  Video every conference, and pod cast them. ALL OF THEM.  People who cannot afford the time or the travel, or the cost, can still pay a fair share to underwrite the conference, and still access it at their convenience.

  by agnostic on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:14:51 AM PDT

  •  I

    don't speak for NN 08, so I'm just guessing, but my guess is there will be a Ustream feed, podcasts, or something like that. But agnostic, you of course simply must go.

    by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:25:41 AM PDT

    •  I am signing up.

      and I plan to bring my version of the Total Perspective Vortex with, including the fairy cake.

      Just to keep things in perspective.

      by agnostic on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:30:33 AM PDT

      •  But, but....what about those

        who prefer pie?

        by emmasnacker on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:55:28 AM PDT

        •  I suspect pie works almost as well.

          depending on the filling.

          and I've often wondered if real fairies are used in Fairy cake, much as real pots used in pot pie.

          by agnostic on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:37:39 AM PDT

          •  And WTF about Dump Cake? n/t

            by emmasnacker on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:33:53 PM PDT

  •  At the very least,

    let's make some CDs or DVDs available for purchase for those who can't make it. At MacWorld SF, you can order a CD-ROM that has details of all the conference presentations including PDFs of handouts and presentation slides.

    I'd be willing to help produce a DVD of the keynotes and other notable events; I've got iMovie on the iMac and it would give me a good excuse to invest in Final Cut Pro... ;)

    by Cali Scribe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:56:30 PM PDT

•  On the poll - why no "all the above"? n/t

  by Last Best Chance on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:22:53 AM PDT

  •  or "ewwww now i'm too nauseous to eat breakfast"

    by thankgodforairamerica on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:24:36 AM PDT

  •  AMEN!!! Such a Smorgasbord of Barfalicious

    Delights!!!

    by serrano on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:37:49 AM PDT

  •  Or a compromise:

    Ann Coulter in naughty boy girl leather AND Larry Craig tapped taped to an inflatable cross.

    by pat208 on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:59:24 AM PDT

  •  I agree.

    I simply can't make a choice.

    by lcbo on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:04:40 AM PDT

•  About your poll?

  Can't they all take turns or even better 5 dunk tanks.

  by irate on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:25:26 AM PDT

  •  PLUS videos of Presnit Bush in the drunk tank?

    I'm sure those have been redacted, though.

    by pat208 on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:00:51 AM PDT

•  I would have

  voted for Ann, but her cross must be made of iron so she can't float.

  Bill-O chained to an American flag, now that's an appropriate image.

  by Patriot4peace on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:27:41 AM PDT

•  Poll is great, got my res. this morn

  no problem. Now the wait!

  by gaiilonfong on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:37:46 AM PDT

•  all of the above

  should have been a selection

  by eeff on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:38:21 AM PDT

  •  For

    all those whining that All of the Above should have been a choice: Everyone would have picked it! The whole idea behind the poll is to gather valid data about which right-wing hypocrite you'd most like to see immersed and in what context. /snark

    by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:41:38 AM PDT

    •  But...

      so many choices.  Its like being at Baskin Robins 33 flavors as a kid and you liked them all!

      by MI Sooner on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:13:13 AM PDT

    •  Let's invalidate the fucking data, Kos

      If you, like I, desperately wanted to vote "all of the above," rec this comment.  (Shameless mojo-whoring?  What shameless mojo-whoring?)

      by Karen Wehrstein on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:19:09 AM PDT

    •  How about a "mix-n-match" poll

      Match the guilty to the sentance.

      Or a multiple-choice "free for all"

      I'd like to chain Coulter to Bill-O and dip them both in the chocolate.
      .

      by koNko on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:22:02 AM PDT

    •  I bitterly protest

      your refusal to consider a wood chipper.

      Sure, kids might be there, and sure, you can only do it once, but still - wood chipper.

      Besides, some might still be recognizable. I'm reasonably sure Karl Rove could reform his doughy mass and may even enjoy the experience.

      by Moody Loner on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:07:53 AM PDT

      •  Crap.

        It just occurred to me we wouldn't get the deposit back.

        Never mind.

        by Moody Loner on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:12:52 AM PDT

•  couchsurfingdotcom

  wow- what a great site-

  i'm definitely registering

  thank you!!

  by thankgodforairamerica on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:40:39 AM PDT

  •  I've

    never used it. It's obviously a use-at-your-own-risk-not-part-of-NN 08 thing. But I have friends in Austin, from ages 20-50, who have and they say they've had good results and never had a problem.

    by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:44:12 AM PDT

    •  do your friends recommend a rideshare site?

      i used craigslist to find riders for chicago- i'm considering driving to austin only if i can fill up my car w/ people

      but i only found one kossack- the rest were just people going to chicago

      i'm in CT, just oustside NYC- if anyone has any ideas for a rideshare site besides craigslist, would you please let me know?

      by thankgodforairamerica on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:54:14 AM PDT

      •  I don't know

        But there's a site for Texas Kossacks that might not be a bad place to start if you're looking for friendly ride sharing or room sharing.

        by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:10:31 AM PDT

        •  thank you!!!

          by thankgodforairamerica on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:19:15 AM PDT

      •  Ridesharing

        I can't vouch for any of these, but here's what I found from some Googling:

        eRideShare.com
        Worldwide Hitchhikers Agency
        Freewheelers

        Anyone know about these, or any others? I'll keep Googling for a bit...

        by Michael D on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:33:32 AM PDT

        •  eRideShare, Craigslist

          It looks like eRideShare is the site to use. Hitchhikers appears not to serve the US (Worldwide Hitchhikers Agency?), and Freewheelers appears to mostly serve Europe. eRideShare actually seems to get a lot of its results from Craigslist. (It's the fifth item down on the right-hand side of the Community section. Here's Austin's, but you may have better luck checking your own city's rideshare sections, as most ads seem to be "from here" not "to here."

          by Michael D on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:50:34 AM PDT

          •  Amtrak, Greyhound

            Actually, doing some quick math, it looks like the price of half the gas for a trip is roughly the same as the price of a ride on Amtrak or Greyhound. So a rideshare may not make much sense unless you can fill up a car with Kossacks from your town and split the cost more ways.

            by Michael D on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:07:49 AM PDT

            •  Can NN08 create a rideshare page?

              Actually, since there will be multiple people per city going to Austin, maybe it would make sense to create a page where people can list their location and (perhaps through a "contact me" form without exposed addresses) their email to arrange a rideshare? This was probably done for YK07, I just didn't see it. It makes sense from an environmental and economic perspective.

              by Michael D on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:30:27 AM PDT

              •  The

                problem with doing that is it could be infiltrated by trolls, or worse, the next incarnation of Ted Bundy. Wow, imagine a right-wing Ted Bundy? :::Shiver:::

                I'm not trying to scare anyone, either. But if you accept a ride from a stranger online, I'm sure Netroots Nation would want me to point out that they aren't condoning or endorsing it in anyway.

                by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:42:51 AM PDT

            •  i know what you mean

              i'll only drive if i can fill up my car

              when i went to chicago i found three people to go w/ me.  then it made sense.

              i try to avoid flying- and just a year and a half ago when we flew to north carolina i figured we only saved an hour- we had to get to the airport early, then we sat on the runway and waited to take off

              i looked at amtrak and greyhound too  

              by thankgodforairamerica on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:08:33 PM PDT

              •  Group rates on Amtrak?

                Amtrak offers some pretty steep discounts for groups of 10 or more (at least where I am).  

                This would only work for folks living in the vicinity of a larger-sized city, but it might be worth a try.  The train is slow, but it's a lot more comfortable than driving!

                by maryru on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 09:18:08 PM PDT

                •  No Amtrak in Austin

                  The drawback to Amtrak is that the closest station to Austin is 80 miles away in San Antonio.

                  by Michael D on Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 06:17:07 AM PDT

          •  Also

            Check your Craigslist ads for subtle clues that the ride may not be safe. See if you can spot such a clue in this ad (real ad, won't link due to photos):

            IF THERE IS ANY FEMALES THAT NEED A RIDE ANYWHERE HERE IN AUSTIN ONLY IF YOU GIVE ME SEX ILL GIVE YOU A RIDE JUST MAIL ME BACK IF YOUR INTERESTED THANKS

            But it doesn't appear that the "I'll give you a ride if you give me one" scheme is as common as the "I'll split the cost of gas" setup, and really, if you're going to be a whore, you can at least get enough money to rent a car yourself in the erotic services section.

            by Michael D on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:14:30 AM PDT

            •  yikes

              i was just going to ask people to give me a few dollars for gas and tolls.

              by thankgodforairamerica on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:05:03 PM PDT

      •  don't know

        about rideshare, but JetBlue has probably the cheapest fares and they have a direct NYC/Austin flight.

        I'm trying to work with the local DFA group to help put together something for people to find locals with whom to stay, so keep looking for that.

        Karen in Austin

        by Wife of Bath on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:25:51 AM PDT

      •  Try Road2DC

        It's a community forum started and maintained by dK userjlynne.

        It was originally set up as a place to organize roadtrips to DC and other protest sites, but planning a roadtrip to NN would be another perfect use!

        Find the link in my sig.

        by srkp23 on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:33:19 AM PDT

    •  there is a closer super 8

      Super 8 downtown

      it looks to be within walking distance

      by Statusquomustgo on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:33:46 AM PDT

      •  I am from Kansas City and would love to find

        someone who wants to go so we can
        share the ride and hotel costs.

        by Statusquomustgo on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:35:26 AM PDT

      •  There's a La Quinta close to downtown as well

        Also some funky spots on South Congress that would be easily accessible by bus.

        by AustinCynic on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:16:33 PM PDT

      •  It's a little under a mile

        from the information I have -- spouse and I are staying there Monday and Tuesday so we have a couple of days to acclimate ourselves, then we'll transfer over to the Hilton for Wednesday through Sunday. Sunday night we're staying at the Super 8 near the airport and flying home on Monday so we don't have to miss the multi-faith service or any other Sunday activities.

        by Cali Scribe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:01:16 PM PDT

        •  Oh, and there's a Residence Inn

          just a block away from the convention center -- a little pricier, but 3 people can share a 2 bedroom suite (2 queens and a sofabed) for about $115/night each if you have AAA, and that includes a free breakfast and in-room kitchen to fix your own meals. (If you're the friendly sorts, you could probably squeeze 5 or 6 in a suite and bring the price down even further per body -- couples might want to buddy up.)

          by Cali Scribe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:05:09 PM PDT

      •  Yeah

        I linked the wrong hotel. I thought it was near sixth street -- In fact I checked several times and the ZIP and everything checked out. Maybe the links float: The one the link goes to now is close to 1-35 and 183 according to the address but the hotel actually featured on the map is shown to be north of Georgetown. Anyway I'll change it to yours, thanks!

        by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:06:28 PM PDT

        •  it's the intertubes - everything floats...lol

          by Statusquomustgo on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:48:42 PM PDT

  •  Also -Camping w/ the homeless

    We've got great parks & bridges here in austin too....

    by OMwordTHRUdaFOG on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:55:32 AM PDT

•  Not gonna do it.

  Shudda been in New Orleans. Feh.

  by commonscribe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:45:38 AM PDT

  •  I think we might be

    hearing more about this here.  The Presidential Debate committee skipped over New Orleans as well and the NOLA papers have been screaming about it.

    We are, by far, the best equipped city in the country to house conventions.  

    The Times-Picyune exposed the "politics" that is that committee.  It was front page news two days in a row.  

    The excuse we were given here about why NRN couldn't be held in New Orleans seemed fishy to me.  I think something needs further explanation because many of us just don't want to accept that hypocrisy and manipulation reigns on dailykos.  I know the Gulf Coast bunch (you included) are not happy about this one bit.

    by nolalily on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:51:13 AM PDT

    •  The more I think about it

      the madder I get.

      In Austin you have to drive everywhere unless you're going to hang out at that little 5th/6th street area which is nothing, nothing compared to the French Quarter.

      The architecture in Austin is boring compared to New Orleans.

      I know.  It's a nice town.  I evacuated there from Katrina.  Spent a few months.  It's a college town - so are we.  But, it just isn't that exciting compared to NOLA.

      by nolalily on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 06:56:30 AM PDT

      •  I understand

        but there is simply no choice they can make which will satisfy everyone. Such a locale doesn't exist. I wouldn't want to be among the folks making that choice precisely because it is such a thankless job. A job which takes a ton of work and experience the end result of which will inevitably tick off hundreds or thousands of people.

        by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:13:13 AM PDT

        •  Darksyde, thanks

          for responding.  Please read my response to murphy's post, below.

          I would amend one thing.  I said I am searching for an "acceptable" answer.  I am changing that to "truthful".

          by nolalily on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:45:13 AM PDT

          •  Send

            ma an email and I'll be glad to discuss it further. Click on my name and you'll figure out the addy. The domain is AOL.

            by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:57:52 PM PDT

        •  no excuse

          For selecting Texas as the Net-roots convention city.

          Whether New Orleans was selected or not, the selection of Texas demonstrates a large disconnect by the committee members with our Community.

          Forgetting that Texas is the Execution capital of America,

          And forgetting the unpalatable nature of Texas's involvement in the destruction of our Constitution,

          I'd bet my last buck , it was a personal choice by a committee member or members

          Not to mention Austin is 1800+ miles from 80% of Net-roots members.

          I'm truly disappointed in this senseless selection

          by Polticalrecluse on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:56:18 PM PDT

      •  Isn't

        Netroots Nation taking place during hurricane season?

        Don't get me wrong, I love New Orleans as much as anyone else I know, it's been the city of my soul since I was 12 years old, and I moved to Austin from New Orleans only so I could be closer to family (and because I thought "the big one" would eventually hit and didn't think the levees would hold).  But having a hurricane head for town with the convention coming up could really mess up travel plans.  

        Of course, I'd still have signed up to go if it were in New Orleans.  Just looking for the silver linings in the current situation.

        Karen in Austin

        by Wife of Bath on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:53:11 PM PDT

        •  Technically

          yes and I suppose that's a consideration. But Jul 20th isn't considered the most dangerous part of the gulf hurricane season. Mid August through Mid October is more like it. As far as I know that played no part in anyone's decision.

          by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 01:02:22 PM PDT

    •  There was a long and totally

      to me believable explanation of why not NOLA when Gina announced the whole thing.

      First, let me say I was one of many, if not most, who really wanted NOLA.

      The biggest problem is, we're just too big for any available venue ! We would have the exact opposite problem of the Chicago blimp hanger.

      Those attended Chi will recall that we had so many things going on in so many places so far apart that marathon training should have been a prerequisite for registration.

      In NOLA, we would have needed the Cirque du Soleil to teach us how to balance on top of each other !

      Space for the main gatherings was just not available, unless they were going to lend us the Super Dome.

      Now if we want to break into regional groups and defeat the purpose of our assembling in the first place, NOLA will be great. Meanwhile, I'm going to see if I can fit in a side trip. It's not that far...

      by murphy on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 07:56:21 AM PDT

      •  I believe you need to read this:

        When it was announced that Netroots Nation would be held in Austin, this thread ensued.  At that time I was ready to drop it as I felt my concerns had been addressed.  And I pushed it out of my mind.

        However, a few days later, the headline of the Times-Picayune ran this article which brought back my doubts from before.  I believe if you read it, you'll understand why.

        Look, I live here.  I've lived here a long, long time.  I have seen Mardi Gras (close to 1M or more people), Neurosurgery Conventions (50,000 people), Librarian Conventions, Denist's Conventions, Jazz Fest (650,000 people), French Quarter Fest (250,000 people) come through here. I'm sorry and I hope ya'll don't find this insulting but Netroots Nation might draw well, but do you expect more people than Mardi Gras?  We've accommodated these groups as if it was just another day.  And indeed, before people like the Presidential Debate committee and Netroots Nation ignored us, it was just another day.

        We have the best trained police escort guys around. You will not find another, more hospitable group of people than us.  We will treat you in ways many of you have never been treated before.

        If NOLA had room for the Presidential Debate next year, then my guess is, we had room for the Netroots Nation Convention next year, too.

        The entire city has wifi, the one good thing Nagin managed to get up and running after Katrina. Please read this kossack diary by Louisiana 1976 and this one, also by Louisiana 1976.  We have state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment.  I believe one of these diaries goes into more detail.  

        Before Katrina - New Orleans was the #1 Convention Center in the United States; the best equipped, plenty of rooms, huge, large, medium, small and in-between, venues available.

        Once again, thank you for attempting to address the Gulf Coast's concerns about this but I think there might be more here than meets the eye.  I certainly hope not, but my concerns and all those of the people who's comments you read in those diaries I linked to are also concerned and, I'm sure would appreciate an answer.

        Have a nice Sunday.  In the meantime, I'll be painting doorframes and worrying that someone doesn't fall off my balcony which doesn't have railings yet.

        I'll sign off now, as I am beginning to feel my blood boil again.  I am torn between wanting to let you people have it but back off because I am hoping there will be a more acceptable answer.

        I believe I have presented enough evidence to make it obvious why I doubt the explanations given here.  When my own newspaper front pages that we have availabity next year to hold a Presidential Debate, my radar goes up about Netroots Nation.

        by nolalily on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:39:12 AM PDT

        •  Kos' own response in that thread

          As I understand it (3+ / 0-)

          and I'm not an organizer, most conventins are booked 2-3 years in advance, especially the larger ones. So finding enough space 10 months out was a problem pretty much anywhere. That narrowed the choices down, and unfortunately, New Orleans didn't have the facilities available.

          It doesn't mean they're sitting there empty. It means that someone else got to them first.

          by kos on Thu Nov 15, 2007 at 04:33:17 PM PST

          pretty well sums it up.

          What was left for us was not adequate.

          Now, if we want to plan 2-3 years in advance, and maybe we should, I think NOLA would be everybody's #1 choice.

          But you have to remember, our very first gathering was last year in Las Vegas at what many would consider a third rate venue. We're kinda new at this !

          by murphy on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 09:09:07 AM PDT

          •  If memory serves me correctly,

            when setting venues for WorldCon and other major science fiction conventions, the award is usually given at least 2-3 years in advance...and the organizing committee for that area has usually already done all the grunt work such as scouting out locations, setting the budget, etc. before they get the actual award. And even smaller regional cons like Westercon have a 2 year time frame for organization. Smaller individual cons like BayCon and others will just use the same venue at the same time every year, building a relationship with that venue and the management.

            Perhaps we need to set up some regional committees, to determine where we want to hold future conventions so that the groundwork can be laid in place for 2009, 2010 and beyond. Now that we know that we're not just a one-hit wonder, it's time to look towards the future. (I'd be happy to work with such a committee for the Western US...)

            by Cali Scribe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:48:13 PM PDT

          •  Austin? Why.

            pretty well sums it up.

            What was left for us was not adequate.

            Now, if we want to plan 2-3 years in advance, and maybe we should, I think NOLA would be everybody's #1 choice

            To hold a gathering of 2000 people requires less than 2-3 months notice, so I'm not sure where people are getting 2-3 years?  For 100,000 consumer show, yea, booked well in advance.

            Any "Major" city like NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, DC could hold this gathering on 2 weeks notice.  2000 people is a tiny convention.  Business meetings held at large hotels draw larger crowds.

            So far its been fun reading Austinites bragging that "Austin has Buses".   Imagine....Buses.

            by Polticalrecluse on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 02:11:01 PM PDT

            •  Netroots Nation

              is far more than 2000 people. (Anyone have the attendance figures for last year handy?)

              I worked registration and had some walk-in folks who were interested in purchasing registrations on-site, but we had to turn them away because we were already at capacity, and that was in Chicago which was not a small venue. There were also a lot of locals who would have been interested in purchasing single day passes -- their work schedule didn't allow them to attend the whole thing, especially weekdays, but they would've loved to have come over for the weekend festivities.

              If we're going to make this a full netroots organization and not just limited to those of us of the orange persuasion, we need space to grow. And that's going to mean planning ahead more than 10 months in advance.

              by Cali Scribe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 03:01:00 PM PDT

              •  it was net roots

                (Anyone have the attendance figures for last year handy?)

                A tad under 1500 attendees.

                And many of them are/were NN.

                I was in Chicago, and also was a volunteer.

                But I will not spend one of my hard earned dollars in Texas.

                by Polticalrecluse on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 03:14:01 PM PDT

                •  sorry you won't be there this time

                  When you include press and more, we will easily be over 2000 people, especially with it being a presidential year.

                  Oh, and everyone try to remember until recently this was an almost all volunteer operation that is only on its 3rd year.

                  I know that cost was a big consideration for folks and we need more than just a hall that can seat 2000 at tables and handle the catering, but have enough breakout rooms to handle all of the the different sessions, plus an exhibit hall.

                  by ETinKC on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:10:08 PM PDT

                •  Have

                  you ever looked at the voting data on Austin and Travis County? It's quite the blue town. Deep blue, hippy blue, progressive new wave blue.

                  by DarkSyde on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:23:13 PM PDT

                •  Tired of it

                  tired of this slamming of Texas as though every single resident was some redneck-Bush voting-warmonger.  What next, shall we disallow Texans from belonging to Daily Kos?  Then who, people who work in any company that makes part of its money from the defense industry?  Who can we hate as a group after that, people who are allergic to pooties?

                  I'll be damned if my dislike of some particular state or city or whatever is going to manipulate me out of attending one of the most important conferences of 2008 in such an important and pivotal year.

                  Karen in Austin, that's in Texas, but it's true, it's blue and I'm pissed off, too.

                  by Wife of Bath on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:59:24 PM PDT

                •  Do what you gotta do

                  But Travis County--Austin--voted 55% for Kerry and was one of the few counties (maybe even the only one in the state) that voted against a "defense of marriage" amendment to the state constitution a few years ago.

                  I had the same preconceptions about Texas when I moved to Austin in 1996 for grad school. And honestly, there's more than a little truth to them. But Austin is a place apart in Texas--a lot closer to somewhere like Boulder or Berkley than Dallas.

                  by AustinCynic on Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 06:22:35 AM PDT

•  Tough choice on the poll...

  All are deserving but I voted for Stan Coulter because she would attract response from the most rabid of the wingnut deniers.

  by stumpy on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:50:57 AM PDT

•  thank you very much, I was just needing this

  Thought of it this morning, I have the entry from last week bookmarked.  I would like to serve this year (blogs and the netroots are the only thing that have delivered for me in seven years) so I'm going at least a day early.

  [grins] Got a job'n all, makin' plans in 2007, everybody already knows that this time I truly make it to the convention.

  by paradox on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:50:58 AM PDT

•  New to this, aren't you?

  Behold! My critique, with a few suggestions:

  Larry Craig - Fashion statement. I fail to see the purpose in this.

  Ann Coulter - Jesus wouldn't like it, Hell wouldn't have it, and God's gonna getya for this one, buddy.

  Billo - So you're gonna let him do his show live from your ducking stool? And how much did he pay you (in an out-of-court settlement) to palm off the ball gag on Vitter? We'll get back to you, Bill.

  Turd Blossom - This would be snuff, and that would be wrong.

  David Vitter - Huh? For Dave, this isn't punishment, this is Saturday nite! Tell you what, keep the ball gag and use the diaper on Billo in a similar fashion, unless he actually likes it.

  ------------------------------------------------

  Now, it's clear to me that what all these jokers need is a tightly-set ring gag and a clear understanding of what's on the menu, but I have other suggestions for my own ducking stool of horrors:

  David Petraeus giving a Rusty Trombone to whoever's on top of him (look it up).

  Tom DeLay with a bottle of cheap whiskey just out of his reach.

  Condi Rice, Kitten with a Whip -- calm down folks, it's only a show! Besides, Kitten is the one with the whip.

  Cheney the Dick----(wait for it)----tater is-

  [A sudden commotion outside. The sound breaking windows and doors. Muffled screams, then silence]

  by LaFajita on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 04:57:53 AM PDT

•  Kossacks, please book ONLY the rooms you need

  Last YK, I put off booking a room until late in the game because I wasn't sure I could go.  Then I found out that all three hotels were booked.  
  THEN I found out that Kossacks hadn't just booked the one room they needed.  No, indeedy, some of our colleagues had booked a block of rooms that they later released when they couldn't get committments from some of their friends to actually go.  
  My friends, this is just wrong.  If you book rooms for your friends and they end up not going, you are making it much harder for committed Kossacks to find a room.  In Chicago, I ended up in a different hotel for three nights.  That's just nuts.  It meant a lot of checking in and out AND spending so much time negotiating luggage checks that I had less time to socialize.
  So, be considerate of your fellow Kossacks and don't count your chickens before they hatch.  Better yet, let your friends make their own damn reservations.  

  by goldberry on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:02:20 AM PDT

•  Yo, DS

  Shouldn't this

  Turd Blossom above a tank of fungicide

  Be this instead

  Turd Blossom above a tank of Herbicide

  He is a plant, although I will admit, he acts like a fungus.

  by MI Sooner on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:11:03 AM PDT

  •  I prefer

    Turd Blossom over a tank of Andy Gump Juice.

    by koNko on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:27:00 AM PDT

•  Room rate only $132 a night

  I think that is a good deal.  We registered last night and booked the room.  Now all we have to do is figure out how to get there.  

  by Sandy on Signal on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:20:36 AM PDT

•  For the adventurous

  and/or broke, Austin has a youth hostel with no curfew, in a lovely lakeside setting. You could get to the Netroots convention site by city bus or by cab.

  by NogodsnomastersMary on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:21:04 AM PDT

  •  For the not quite so adventurous:

    My musically savvy friends always stay at the Austin Motel when they have gigs there. The rooms are cool and the neon sign can't be beat.
    I personally prefer the Hotel San Jose, an ex-flophouse. Both are on Congress within walking distance of the convention. The rates vary. Book early to get the less expensive ones, or gaggle up with friends.
    If you're going to go to Austin, you might as well experience funky Austin.

    by northsylvania on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:19:42 AM PDT

  •  uh oh, you gave away the secret before I booked!

    They are only taking online reservations through April, but I called and Kat said "no problem" and booked room for my entourage. My wife and I even get to stay in the coed dorm.

    Alas, the train won't be running in time, otherwise I might stay with friends on the far-north side of town.

    But the hostel is a short taxi, bus or bike ride or a longish walk from the convention center.

    by raines on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 11:17:15 AM PDT

•  How about Mukasey getting waterboarded? n/t

  by Karen Wehrstein on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:21:08 AM PDT

  •  Not funny. /nt

    by mimi on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 08:36:59 AM PDT

•  Such a dilemma ...

  Who would you most like to see sitting in a dunking booth at Netroots Nation 2008?

  So many choices ... and only one vote!

  by RevJoe on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:21:46 AM PDT

•  it was a real hard choice.

  ... between bollo and turd blossom.  I finally voted for Billo since turds float even in fungicide and Turd Blossom is on his way out sorta and bill is a constant pain I think we would be well rid of.

  except more would take his place.  ARRGG.

  by delver rootnose on Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 05:22:38 AM PDT

•  The Turd...