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Parallel Processing - Blogger's Gathering
This is not a blog entry intended to replace the main thread but as "parallel processing" on a single topic which has been under discussion on BFA and HEP (and maybe other places) since DFest, the idea of having an informal bloggers' retreat somewhere. Little or no programming, isolated location, cooler temperatures :), heavy on the interaction and networking.Let's use this thread to discuss the idea, propose locations, ideas, and perhaps down the road volunteer to organize.
Depending on the size and what we're trying to do, here are some interesting location possibilities:
WVa: www.aceraft.com/pages/lodgingata...
DC area: www.nvrpa.org/cottages.html...
DFA has already announced
an investor's retreat for mid-August of this year.
Since most bloggers probably fall into that group anyway, why not use that opportunity?
an investor's retreat for mid-August of this year.
Since most bloggers probably fall into that group anyway, why not use that opportunity?
Another Interesting location
Smoky Mountains, TN: www.bigcabins.com/...
Monica,
We can call it whatever we like. I wouldn't be in favor of combining it with anything else because the idea behind it (as I understand from the discussion) is that it not be "busy" but instead an opportunity for relaxation and conversation.
Smoky Mountains, TN: www.bigcabins.com/...
Monica,
We can call it whatever we like. I wouldn't be in favor of combining it with anything else because the idea behind it (as I understand from the discussion) is that it not be "busy" but instead an opportunity for relaxation and conversation.
It's NEXT year, Monica...not this year. Just think of all of the great reports you could give everyone......
I'll check back here later - I'm off to work.
I'm willing to work on this for next year - but at a centralized, smaller location somewhere in the middle of the country so all don't have to travel too far (though with airplanes the most anyone has to travel from one coast to another is about 5 1/2 hours)
I'm willing to work on this for next year - but at a centralized, smaller location somewhere in the middle of the country so all don't have to travel too far (though with airplanes the most anyone has to travel from one coast to another is about 5 1/2 hours)
Denise, also, and ironically, it's often cheaper to fly coast to coast than to drop somewhere towards the center, lol!, sez the woman who's been fuming for years that it's more expensive to fly to Salt Lake City than San Francisco. . . .
But somewhere in the center *does* make driving possible. . . .
Location
More than East, West or Center, I'd propose somewhere not too far from a city with cheap airfare. Cheap airfare cities tend to be those with low cost carriers like Southwest, AirTran, JetBlue, etc. Even if you don't fly on that airline, their competition tends to drive costs down.
I don't know what others' drive/fly border is, but mine is about six hours (unless I'm going to NYC, in which case I'll take the train even though its inside the six hour drive time). That's a loose border (for example, I drove from here to DFest I, about eight hours), but worth thinking about.
More than East, West or Center, I'd propose somewhere not too far from a city with cheap airfare. Cheap airfare cities tend to be those with low cost carriers like Southwest, AirTran, JetBlue, etc. Even if you don't fly on that airline, their competition tends to drive costs down.
I don't know what others' drive/fly border is, but mine is about six hours (unless I'm going to NYC, in which case I'll take the train even though its inside the six hour drive time). That's a loose border (for example, I drove from here to DFest I, about eight hours), but worth thinking about.
How big is too big?
How big do you see this getting?
50 people?
100 people?
250 people?
More?
Is there a "too big"?
How big do you see this getting?
50 people?
100 people?
250 people?
More?
Is there a "too big"?
I do 12 hours (but it usually includes a nap that's not factored in): say 8 or 9 plus stops and naps.
I think a poll should be taken- if most are west coasters andthey're coming- go west.. like Denver.. if Easters are coming- pick NYC... if Midwest... go with Chi-town...
BTW.. I'm "Barry in VA..."
i think, for me, anywhere is cool just as long as it's an interesting place. if not for riding/sharing a room with denise in san diego, it would've cost me as much as anywhere in the country.
as to size...i think puddle's probably right that there aren't 250 bloggers left. in fact, i think this link group has 140+??? i wouldn't be surprised if something like 50 would actually want to do this thing.
as to size...i think puddle's probably right that there aren't 250 bloggers left. in fact, i think this link group has 140+??? i wouldn't be surprised if something like 50 would actually want to do this thing.
I think that 100 people is manageable, no matter where we end up :) More than that and it gets expensive - and housing becomes more of an issue.
I'm not sure we have 250 bloggers left. . .
Yeah, but we could find a lot of the old ones if we tried :-)
I think 250 is getting too big. Something around 100 (or even a littl e less) could be very exciting. Big enough for a variety of conversations, small enough you could touch base with everyone.
Yeah, but we could find a lot of the old ones if we tried :-)
I think 250 is getting too big. Something around 100 (or even a littl e less) could be very exciting. Big enough for a variety of conversations, small enough you could touch base with everyone.
Taking it to Puddle
I'm wide open on locations. I have no problem getting in an airplane to go somewhere.
Except for the "cheap airfare" problem, some place like the Ace Adventure Center I linked above in West Virginia (at least it'd be convenient to puddle) would be nice because in addition to everything from hotel-class cabins to bare campsites, there are lots of activities for those who want to do a little "team building" :). I know the place because I whitewater raft there, but they have swimming, horseback riding, caving and lots of other activities.
If we could find a place like that a little closer to a "cheap airfare" airport, that'd be ideal.
I'm wide open on locations. I have no problem getting in an airplane to go somewhere.
Except for the "cheap airfare" problem, some place like the Ace Adventure Center I linked above in West Virginia (at least it'd be convenient to puddle) would be nice because in addition to everything from hotel-class cabins to bare campsites, there are lots of activities for those who want to do a little "team building" :). I know the place because I whitewater raft there, but they have swimming, horseback riding, caving and lots of other activities.
If we could find a place like that a little closer to a "cheap airfare" airport, that'd be ideal.
I personally think it should be a 2 day thing before or after Demfest in a nearby private location. Personally, I don't think I could take off another vacation time plus it would also support demfest and give us only one travel expense.
using a 3 day weekend (veteran's day?) could make it so you wouldn't have to take vacation. combining w/demfest would be ok with me, but not necessary. rich's point of low fare locations is smart. i get a weekly email from travelzoo that has really good deals all the time.
www.travelzoo.com/top20...
www.travelzoo.com/top20...
mprov, where do you work where you get veterans day off? Family priorities make most holidays impossible for me.
Sorry to be snippy but I think it will be very difficult for most people to get yet another vacation time in plus attend Demfest too. Less planning to piggy back with Demfest
Sorry to be snippy but I think it will be very difficult for most people to get yet another vacation time in plus attend Demfest too. Less planning to piggy back with Demfest
Rich - thankful to ya for doing this thread :-)
I'm in total agreement on the near a low-fare airport - one of the reasons I voted for your DC proposal. Chicago fits this criteria also.
Holly J - yep, in conjunction with Dfest appeals to me because it's very difficult for many to afford to travel once, much less twice. Plus, in the same vein as this is a parallel and not competitive thread, BloggerFest would be best (IMO) as *part* of Dfest.
Will check out your links later tonight Rich, they sound great (am on for just a bit at a Panera...) In fact, I'll be in that vicinity next week and may just go check them out!
I'm in total agreement on the near a low-fare airport - one of the reasons I voted for your DC proposal. Chicago fits this criteria also.
Holly J - yep, in conjunction with Dfest appeals to me because it's very difficult for many to afford to travel once, much less twice. Plus, in the same vein as this is a parallel and not competitive thread, BloggerFest would be best (IMO) as *part* of Dfest.
Will check out your links later tonight Rich, they sound great (am on for just a bit at a Panera...) In fact, I'll be in that vicinity next week and may just go check them out!
holly, well, i haven't had a job since 1992. i'm an independent contractor so i just have to plan for things that i want to do. but, i was only making a suggestion. ok? the singular problem i see with attaching to demfest is that we'd be hooked to that location and won't know where that is until next spring and whether the area would accomodate the type of setting being discussed. of course, we should go with whatever is most accomodating to those who'd like to go. my 2 cents.
Parallel Processing
Thankful,
One of the nice things about the new blogging format is the ability to split off parallel threads. People just have to get used to looking at the DFA Link Blog main page instead of the BFA main page so they know the parallel threads exist.
My 2 cents ... I'd rather keep it separate from DFest because what makes an area right for a 1500 person convention doesn't necessarily make it right for a 50-100 person retreat. I'd rather separate the two by six months and maybe, as suggested, choose a three day weekend. Veterans' Day? We don't get it off but I can use one of my "floating holidays" for it. November is risking COLD weather depending on where we go. I'd look for somewhat earlier in the fall, but then we lose the three day weekend.
Thankful,
One of the nice things about the new blogging format is the ability to split off parallel threads. People just have to get used to looking at the DFA Link Blog main page instead of the BFA main page so they know the parallel threads exist.
My 2 cents ... I'd rather keep it separate from DFest because what makes an area right for a 1500 person convention doesn't necessarily make it right for a 50-100 person retreat. I'd rather separate the two by six months and maybe, as suggested, choose a three day weekend. Veterans' Day? We don't get it off but I can use one of my "floating holidays" for it. November is risking COLD weather depending on where we go. I'd look for somewhat earlier in the fall, but then we lose the three day weekend.
I will check back here to see what others say. I like you all, but I will have to see if it is worth $500 and valuable vacation time.
signing off
signing off
rate the thread
Hey folks. Someone rated this thread -2 and it would be a good idea to show the thread some +2 love so it appears on the most popular list.
Hey folks. Someone rated this thread -2 and it would be a good idea to show the thread some +2 love so it appears on the most popular list.
Rich, good point about different venues for different purposes. Perhaps if we choose to piggyback w/ Dfest we could do the blog gathering at a nearby spot to the Dfest location...
Personally, I'm open either way - there are pros and cons to both separate and in-conjuction gatherings. However it evolves, I think we're all interested in putting something together and having that something work for as many of us as possible. some of us will be able to create 3-day weekends w/ floating holidays and be able/willing to travel farther (me, I'm a one-woman hovercraft and will go anywhere, anytime, and have virtually no family obligations :)
One thought, other blogger gatherings have taken place around some other event - March for Women's Lives for instance... what about a post-election celebration?
Personally, I'm open either way - there are pros and cons to both separate and in-conjuction gatherings. However it evolves, I think we're all interested in putting something together and having that something work for as many of us as possible. some of us will be able to create 3-day weekends w/ floating holidays and be able/willing to travel farther (me, I'm a one-woman hovercraft and will go anywhere, anytime, and have virtually no family obligations :)
One thought, other blogger gatherings have taken place around some other event - March for Women's Lives for instance... what about a post-election celebration?
Smaller is better and time is tight
I too have scheduling problems... My husband works five nights a week including weekends, so I am unable to go anywhere w/ out my son. Thus my drive-by visit at Dfest. During the school year it is even worse.
That said, I think DC is a good base to start from, that under 100 is the way to go and a recharge and retreat format with some brainstorming sessions will get more creative idears flowing.
But since it is unlikely that I can attend, that's just my two cents...
I too have scheduling problems... My husband works five nights a week including weekends, so I am unable to go anywhere w/ out my son. Thus my drive-by visit at Dfest. During the school year it is even worse.
That said, I think DC is a good base to start from, that under 100 is the way to go and a recharge and retreat format with some brainstorming sessions will get more creative idears flowing.
But since it is unlikely that I can attend, that's just my two cents...
My 2 cents
Being in a suite at Demfest with 6 other bloggers, I have to say that I would certainly look forward to an extra day, or even two, added to Demfest. I can certainly appreciate how difficult it is for people to take two vacations.
I would love to get together informally with other bloggers. We did have a dinner for 21 of us and it was a grand time. The bloggers breakfast was great, too, but we couldn't really get together and get to know each other better. And, people other than bloggers were in attendance. Not as intimate as just us'ns.
Being in a suite at Demfest with 6 other bloggers, I have to say that I would certainly look forward to an extra day, or even two, added to Demfest. I can certainly appreciate how difficult it is for people to take two vacations.
I would love to get together informally with other bloggers. We did have a dinner for 21 of us and it was a grand time. The bloggers breakfast was great, too, but we couldn't really get together and get to know each other better. And, people other than bloggers were in attendance. Not as intimate as just us'ns.
i put the few photos i took at demfest on my page. click my name.
My suggestion, open it up to more then bloggers. Make it a real Dean gathering. Dean people.
What a great idea for a way to share photos
by mprov on Thursday, 07/20/06 @ 08:47 PM | Rate this | Avg Rating: -
Thanks mprov
by mprov on Thursday, 07/20/06 @ 08:47 PM | Rate this | Avg Rating: -
Thanks mprov
TeaTime: that's what DemFest *is* ~~ And they sure didn't make it easy for bloggers to meet each other. . .
great photos mprov - thanks for sharing :-)
Hi Tim - as Dfest has evolved from a blogger get together to a wonderful gathering of progressives and the time is filled with speakers and training, the idear behind this particular event is to keep it just a blog thing. At least that's my understanding. (don't get me wrong, I always like big tent philosophy, just this is meant to be focused on a smaller group)
Hi Tim - as Dfest has evolved from a blogger get together to a wonderful gathering of progressives and the time is filled with speakers and training, the idear behind this particular event is to keep it just a blog thing. At least that's my understanding. (don't get me wrong, I always like big tent philosophy, just this is meant to be focused on a smaller group)
we can rate threads? how and where... ?
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Right at the bottom of the post
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Right at the bottom of the post
I still
like the idea of the YMCA in Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps we could have the regular Fest closer to Denver and then do a 2 or 3 day retreat up in the park - horsies, hiking, and the Stanley Hotel where "The Shining" was filmed. It's a great place for spiritual renewal and brainstorming.
I'll always choose buccolic over smelly city... :-)
like the idea of the YMCA in Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps we could have the regular Fest closer to Denver and then do a 2 or 3 day retreat up in the park - horsies, hiking, and the Stanley Hotel where "The Shining" was filmed. It's a great place for spiritual renewal and brainstorming.
I'll always choose buccolic over smelly city... :-)
actually, you guys, the credit for the photo idea goes to cheryl. she posted earlier today about a few photos and figured: "that looks easy!" it uploads pretty fast too. but, then, i've got dsl.
I'm Up For It
I couldn't attend DFest this year because of a work conflict and a cash flow problem. All my cash has flowed into my daughter's upcoming wedding. ;-)
But next year, now that's a different story. I'd love see a bloggers get-together. Someplace that has cabin camping sounds great for us folks who require a few minimum conveniences. I think my days of sleeping in a bag in a tent are long gone.
I couldn't attend DFest this year because of a work conflict and a cash flow problem. All my cash has flowed into my daughter's upcoming wedding. ;-)
But next year, now that's a different story. I'd love see a bloggers get-together. Someplace that has cabin camping sounds great for us folks who require a few minimum conveniences. I think my days of sleeping in a bag in a tent are long gone.
by puddle*in*WV on Thursday, 07/20/06 @ 09:54 PM
No most who go to demfest are no longer dean people. Its quite true though, that they seem to have made it heard to meet bloggers.
No most who go to demfest are no longer dean people. Its quite true though, that they seem to have made it heard to meet bloggers.
Ok, just a suggestion. The blog family is big enough.
Stanley Hotel
Seashell, I interviewed for a maintenance position at The Stanley some years back. Had a great time discussing the boiler. I turned the job down because of the tremendous number of hours required each week. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
Actually the worlds best place for any kind of retreat is a couple hundred miles West in Glenwood Springs. The Therapy pool is absolutely the finest place in the world for inspiration and great conversation. No airports, but great little Amtrak Station. Good restaurants, Fair prices. Lodge room rates include breakfast and pool pass. www.hotspringspool.com/...
Our family is forgoing Christmas gifts this year to finance the Christmas night train ride from Lincoln to Glenwood. Outdoor warm pools in the snow ....yee-haww!
Seashell, I interviewed for a maintenance position at The Stanley some years back. Had a great time discussing the boiler. I turned the job down because of the tremendous number of hours required each week. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
Actually the worlds best place for any kind of retreat is a couple hundred miles West in Glenwood Springs. The Therapy pool is absolutely the finest place in the world for inspiration and great conversation. No airports, but great little Amtrak Station. Good restaurants, Fair prices. Lodge room rates include breakfast and pool pass. www.hotspringspool.com/...
Our family is forgoing Christmas gifts this year to finance the Christmas night train ride from Lincoln to Glenwood. Outdoor warm pools in the snow ....yee-haww!
RMNP
by seashell on Thursday, 07/20/06 @ 09:57 PM
DFA and Rocky Mountain National Park is an unbeatable combo. Hike in the morning, talk in the afternoon when storms roll in, drink beer from Estes Park brewery under the stars.
by seashell on Thursday, 07/20/06 @ 09:57 PM
DFA and Rocky Mountain National Park is an unbeatable combo. Hike in the morning, talk in the afternoon when storms roll in, drink beer from Estes Park brewery under the stars.
Camping
Although I camped at DFest 1, I'll have to admit these days I prefer a bed. There are lots of places around the country that are set up for group retreats and such. Some of them are inexpensive, some are not. Many are associated with state/national parks which would be great for the scenery.
On the "bloggers only" question, I'm agnostic, but I agree the first one of these shouldn't try to get too big, so Dean bloggers, former bloggers and friends are probably a big enough pool to draw from.
My only question about Rocky Mountain National Park (which I love) is altitude. I took a bunch of friends there once when I was living in Denver, and several got altitude sickness.
Although I camped at DFest 1, I'll have to admit these days I prefer a bed. There are lots of places around the country that are set up for group retreats and such. Some of them are inexpensive, some are not. Many are associated with state/national parks which would be great for the scenery.
On the "bloggers only" question, I'm agnostic, but I agree the first one of these shouldn't try to get too big, so Dean bloggers, former bloggers and friends are probably a big enough pool to draw from.
My only question about Rocky Mountain National Park (which I love) is altitude. I took a bunch of friends there once when I was living in Denver, and several got altitude sickness.
rich
I think there may be something to take for altitude sickness. It's certainly worth looking into.
Glenwood Springs also is great but more hassle to get to from Denver, whereas I think Pat in Drake said there was a shuttle directly from DEN to RMNP.
I wonder if Amtrak goes directly from DEN to Glenwood Springs.
I think there may be something to take for altitude sickness. It's certainly worth looking into.
Glenwood Springs also is great but more hassle to get to from Denver, whereas I think Pat in Drake said there was a shuttle directly from DEN to RMNP.
I wonder if Amtrak goes directly from DEN to Glenwood Springs.
yes, there are meds for altitude sickness, kids3 took it for climbing Kilimanjaro; don't remember what it was called anymore though. If that's the spot we choose, I'd not go for the meds - allergic to too many things.
gotta get off... bbl
Grand Tetons
There are lots of cottages and a beautiful view. I've stayed in a cottage at the Jackson Lake Lodge. It's kind of far west and in Cheney territory (Wyoming) but it's beautiful.
Another possibility is Mackinaw Island, Michigan. There's a place called Mission Inn that caters to groups. It used to be a kind of dormitory for a Christian retreat but it's purely secular now. It has all kinds of rooms. When I went with a friend and our kids we took two ajoining rooms with a shared bathroom. If you have never been to Mackinaw Island, you ought to go and catch the view from the veranda of the Grand Hotel. That was the one in "Somewhere in Time" with Christopher Reed.
There are lots of cottages and a beautiful view. I've stayed in a cottage at the Jackson Lake Lodge. It's kind of far west and in Cheney territory (Wyoming) but it's beautiful.
Another possibility is Mackinaw Island, Michigan. There's a place called Mission Inn that caters to groups. It used to be a kind of dormitory for a Christian retreat but it's purely secular now. It has all kinds of rooms. When I went with a friend and our kids we took two ajoining rooms with a shared bathroom. If you have never been to Mackinaw Island, you ought to go and catch the view from the veranda of the Grand Hotel. That was the one in "Somewhere in Time" with Christopher Reed.
How do you find...
I'll try to keep a link up on most threads on BFA to this discussion. If I forget, will someone please do it for me?
I'll try to keep a link up on most threads on BFA to this discussion. If I forget, will someone please do it for me?
by seashell on Friday, 07/21/06 @ 01:38 PM
Colorado springs would be another good place. We could all go up on Pikes Peak..
Colorado springs would be another good place. We could all go up on Pikes Peak..
Another URL for...
YMCA of the Rockies. This looks very interesting. Check out the "8 bedroom reunion cabin"
www.ymcarockies.org/...
YMCA of the Rockies. This looks very interesting. Check out the "8 bedroom reunion cabin"
www.ymcarockies.org/...
by donna in evanston on Friday, 07/21/06 @ 03:02 PM
Macknaw would be great, but I think a lot of people would find it not the cheapest place to get too.
Macknaw would be great, but I think a lot of people would find it not the cheapest place to get too.
Pike's Peak
The drive up is fun. The drive down is too...just be sure to downshift and not overheat your brakes.
There's a cog railway to the top, but it gets a little expensive as I remember.
With the death of Western Pacific, the Sprincs isn't the easiest place to fly to.
The drive up is fun. The drive down is too...just be sure to downshift and not overheat your brakes.
There's a cog railway to the top, but it gets a little expensive as I remember.
With the death of Western Pacific, the Sprincs isn't the easiest place to fly to.
Parallel thread. Can someone tell me how to find it please? Do I need a parallel computer - we're already living in a parallel universe.
"Russia is big and so is China." (or the other way around)
"Russia is big and so is China." (or the other way around)
Colorado would be nice. Too far east would be hard for me because of time zone changes my body couldn't handle it. Also keep in mind, we need something where some folks can have private rooms because I am a very light sleeper and sharing rooms throws my autoimmune problems into full gear.
cHeRyL
I also need a private room since I too, am a very light sleeper.
So where do I find the link to get here? It's not listed on the regular thread page.
I also need a private room since I too, am a very light sleeper.
So where do I find the link to get here? It's not listed on the regular thread page.
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By Monica Smith on Jul 20, 2006 9:05 AM EDTPick another word. This is not a good time for this one.