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Ahem, ah--moving on:
Last year I was running a periodic compilation of some of the unofficial or off-the-record events that were going on around the conference. I think it is time to start doing that again. Also, let's have a conversation about what works and what doesn't work for these conferences.
Let me start with a couple of things--we'll call these Veteran Tips. Other Veterans please offer other items, and I'll start collecting them and adding them.
- You are all invited. Just sign up if you want to be there. I have heard some people say that they thought they weren't contributing enough, or didn't consider themselves bloggers because they just commented. WRONG! Some of the best memories I have of the first one was meeting the enormous number of lurkers who turned up!
- There are a bunch of things that the "official" NN team cannot do. They cannot organize rides. They cannot organize room shares. I'm sure they will tell me if there are other things they cannot do. But generally threads like this start to appear where people start organizing stuff like this informally and unofficially. Go to it.
- Last year some people bought early {cheaper} registrations when they first came on sale, but couldn't use them for all sorts of reasons (vacations, illness, family issues, whatever). This will probably happen again. I have seen some of them go to the scholarship program (WAY COOL) but others may turn up. More may come up later. These can be exchanged between parties somehow....? This was supposed to get easier this year with some fabulous software tools. {anybody got a link for this?}
- Good stuff happens before the keynote on Thursday ( see official schedule). Arrive Wednesday or early Thursday if you can.
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Informal gatherings
In the past, different sub-groups of the site have formed small gatherings--or larger gatherings--that
drew some folks together whether they had ever met or not! I don't think I have heard about a single one that wasn't a success. Artsy folks, foodies, 12-step, C & Jers, solos, wallflowers, enviros, and on and on....There were various ways to get these folks in the same place at the same time. I'm going to try to gather that info as I see/hear/get emailed stuff like that into a running compendium.
Disclaimer: This is all unofficial. I can't promise 100% accuracy. I can't promise the events will occur. But I'll try to post what I know. That's all I can offer.
What I have so far:
Flying Solos: The idea here was to encourage people who might choose to attend solo to meet up so that we'd have instant friends. I thought this worked great--I made friends through this that I still have today!! I made a giant orange sign and promised to hold it up at the first evening event so that people could find me. I didn't have enough table space for all those who showed up. But at this point, I know everybody. I would love to pass this mantle to someone who is as brazen as I am, and who would like to meet some of the new solos. And actually, you didn't have to be solo--one couple last year came up and thanked me because they didn't know anyone and they sat with us. Charming folks. Everybody was great. I'm willing to coach and support any newbie who will do this....The most important point: don't be afraid to go by yourself. Think of it as an important canvassing skill that you can acquire among friends!
Wallflowers: Jamfan rounded up an amazing group of SUPPOSEDLY shy people who reportedly chatted incessantly and happily for a couple of hours prior to the Keynote talk. I would have attended this too, but Science Blogging was at the same time....damn. I heard great reports of this from YK06. May be time to revive this major success...or combine with Solos?
360 Personnel review for Bill in Portland Maine: At the recent Boston Kos gathering, we realized that NN08 might be a good place for Bill to get a 360 review from his bosses. That's everyone. Any thoughts on this? Here you see BiPM with his paper-based tip jar from last year. I don't know if that will cut it this time....? Image blatantly stolen from dmsilev May I add a thought on reviews: this is why I had to start my own company. I hate that $#!+
Foodies: If you are interested in healthy, sustainable and political eating--who else could wrangle an event better than OrangeClouds? She has been working on a gathering of the panel speakers + interested Kossacks and talked about that here Netroots Nation: Y'all Are Invited To A Party! It sounded like there was some flux on the schedule for this, but we'll get that firmed up closer to the date.
Patio: Um...did I hear there was a patio? Photo blatantly stolen from fabooj...
Parties: ??
edheads caucus: DemocraticLuntz motionsfor a caucus for the fans of edku. I have my grok the edku shirt already, thanks to kate.
What else is up?
Added from comments--will add more details in as they arrive:
The award-winning Lineatus requests information on possibly birding--anyone got info? See the comment.
Rumors of a pool party or masquerade--do they make waterproof masks?
Vote for Change voter registration drive in Austin on Wednesday. Casperrand Kath25 will keep us informed as plans solidify.
Motion to have the Michigan Juggernaut gather, offered by PerfectStormer, somehow, somewhere. Details to follow.
Suggestion from Jeff in CA to meet with other delegates to Denver. Anyone know if this might be happening?
Raines with Democracy begins at home intends to have some community event "ideally partnered with one of the other events" so if you are looking to co-sponsor something--contact Raines with the info in the comment.
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So talk to me, team Orange. What works? What doesn't work? What do you need? What do you want to know? What unofficial events do you know about?
I envision this as a recurring diary--anyone can pick up the body and re-post with new info, and gather more. Maybe we should have a set of extracurricular rangers?? I'll try to keep an eye out, but please tag with Netroots Nation 2008 and before I do another one I'll see what the recent ones look like.