The Forge Archives

General Forge Forums => Conventions => Topic started by: Willow on January 04, 2010, 08:52:58 PM

Title: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Willow on January 04, 2010, 08:52:58 PM
Looks like we're getting a late start this year.

Tim and I have been going back and forth about when to set it this year, and have yet to come up with a satisfactory date.  Are we still doing this in April?  There was some talk of pushing it back to May.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ron Edwards on January 05, 2010, 01:42:59 AM
Hi Willow,

We should definitely avoid the Easter weekend this time. My preference is to push it earlier rather than later, perhaps by one week. So that makes March 26, 27, and 28. How does that fit with your schedule?

Best, Ron
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Tim C Koppang on January 07, 2010, 01:28:01 PM
For what it's worth, I agree with Ron about pushing earlier rather than later.  The March dates work for me.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Tim C Koppang on January 07, 2010, 01:33:37 PM
Well shit.  I have to take that back.  I still agree with an earlier date in general, but I have a prior commitment on March 27.  I'm open any other weekend in March.  But don't let that stop you.  I realize you can't pick a date based on everyone's individual schedules.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: TJ on January 07, 2010, 10:26:53 PM
March 26-28 looks very good on our end.  There are some other small local conventions on the weekends of March 5-7 and 19-21, so I would rather avoid those.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 09, 2010, 12:42:25 AM
Right now, my calendar's clear for any weekend in March. I might even have some new nametag designs ready to go by then. Also, my NERF arsenal has grown considerably... so if people are down for that we may want to figure out logistics so as to be less disruptive to the quieter forms of gaming.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: TJ on January 09, 2010, 10:44:38 AM
In that case we may want to designate a particular room and time frame for the Nerf War.  How about first thing Saturday morning?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 09, 2010, 11:55:35 AM
Quote from: TJ on January 09, 2010, 10:44:38 AM
In that case we may want to designate a particular room and time frame for the Nerf War.  How about first thing Saturday morning?

A plan sounds like a plan. I dunno what the room sitch is yet... I know we usually have one room Friday, two Saturday, and one Sunday? I think? So maybe we can gank the secondary room first thing Saturday for like an hour before the first room tables fill up and people start spilling over?

That works for me. We should probably clear it with Willow first.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Clyde L. Rhoer on January 09, 2010, 12:43:30 PM
I look forward to it. Dave, you should turn those guns into some kind of Zombie LARP game.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 09, 2010, 04:21:47 PM
That was the intention. Willow and I were tossing ideas back and forth for a while, but we got distracted by life and never really consolidated them.

Willow, if you want to try to polish that up before FMW, I'm down for making it happen. Keeping in mind that we will have pretty tight space limitations, so we'd need to tailor the scenario to that; which means it can probably be simplified considerably.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: reaction on January 10, 2010, 01:19:54 AM
I was pretty sure that it *was* a zombie larp. At least some sort of Jeepform thing.

Anyway, afaik, any date around then should work.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: buzz on January 11, 2010, 10:19:06 PM
<Wrath_of_Khan char="Kirk">
NERF!
</Wrath_of_Khan>

Glad I stopped by the boards; I had a feeling FW would be getting planned about now. Any March date is probably good for me.

I'm going to try and make a point to come prepared to run a couple of different games. I often feel like people spend a lot of time standing around trying to figure out what to play. I may even wear a a badge that says , "Ask me to run ______". :)
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 12, 2010, 09:18:04 PM
Quote from: buzz on January 11, 2010, 10:19:06 PM
I'm going to try and make a point to come prepared to run a couple of different games. I often feel like people spend a lot of time standing around trying to figure out what to play. I may even wear a a badge that says , "Ask me to run ______". :)

Hm... I'm pretty sure some of mine have something like that on them, I should check... I plan to whip up a new batch (possibly with some new designs if I find the time) before the local Game Day, so we'll see if I need more before FMW or if there are enough leftovers to carry through.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Willow on January 14, 2010, 12:25:09 PM
Just got off the phone with the Best Western.  Forge Midwest is a go for March 26, 27 & 28!  We have the same terms, conditions, and prices for the rooms for last year.

-Willow
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 14, 2010, 07:04:01 PM
Sweeeeeeet.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: TJ on January 14, 2010, 10:38:18 PM
The Google maps page for the Best Western hotel is here:
http://j.mp/8nb2qj
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Larry L. on January 14, 2010, 11:52:34 PM
Willow,

Thanks for taking initiative on this!
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ron Edwards on January 15, 2010, 10:34:53 AM
Thanks Willow!

Also, if anyone has any suggestions for scheduling games without making it into some huge over-organized sign-up nonsense, please share.

Best, Ron
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: buzz on January 15, 2010, 08:58:05 PM
Thanks, Willow!

Quote from: Ron Edwards on January 15, 2010, 10:34:53 AM
Also, if anyone has any suggestions for scheduling games without making it into some huge over-organized sign-up nonsense, please share.

Tim C. Koppang and I were talking about this last year and thought the badge idea was pretty good. "Hello I'm _______. Ask me to run ________."

I have no real issue with the impromptu nature of FMW, but I think it'd be cool if people who attend come ready to run at least one game. That way, it's less about standing around waiting to see *if* there's anything someone can run, and more simply deciding *which* game to play. More like Games On Demand, I guess.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: TJ on January 16, 2010, 07:27:15 PM
Why don't we just try to do regular start times every two hours?  That way everyone knows when the next round of games will be starting and can meet up accordingly.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ben Lehman on January 16, 2010, 09:08:07 PM
What are the fees for the con, again?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Willow on January 17, 2010, 01:43:25 AM
Just a quick heads up, still technically finalizing things with the hotel.  Don't make those registrations quite yet.

My best recommendation is three time slots per day: Morning Games (8ish to Noonish, or 10ish to Noonish for sleepyheads with shorter games), Lunch Break, Afternoon Games (1-5), Dinnerbreak, Evening Games (6-10).
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: KeithBVaughn on January 18, 2010, 03:23:58 PM
Silly Question...What city & state is it in?

Keith
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: TJ on January 19, 2010, 07:43:14 PM
Madison, WI.  Click the Google map link above, click the map, and zoom out. :)
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Willow on January 20, 2010, 12:25:25 PM
Okay, important update- I had to change the date to the 19th, 20th, and the 21st.  Sorry for any confusion this might have caused anyone.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Tim C Koppang on January 20, 2010, 12:58:09 PM
Quote from: Willow on January 20, 2010, 12:25:25 PM
Okay, important update- I had to change the date to the 19th, 20th, and the 21st.  Sorry for any confusion this might have caused anyone.
Hey, that's good news for me!  Are these dates firm yet?  Could you please let me know so that I can make a reservation?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: greyorm on January 20, 2010, 04:35:13 PM
Quote from: Willow on January 20, 2010, 12:25:25 PMOkay, important update- I had to change the date to the 19th, 20th, and the 21st.  Sorry for any confusion this might have caused anyone.

Oh. Well, shoot. Out of curiosity, why the change in dates?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Willow on January 20, 2010, 10:39:03 PM
No, the dates are not going to change again.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Willow on January 24, 2010, 10:58:43 AM
The reason for the date change is that the first weekend turns out to be spring break for a number of Madison schools, so several local people (including myself) had trouble getting that weekend free.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: buzz on January 24, 2010, 11:41:26 AM
Are we cool to make hotel reservations and stuff?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: greyorm on January 24, 2010, 05:37:55 PM
I have some friends asking: what are costs going to be like this year? (Room cost and Convention fee)
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 25, 2010, 09:37:44 PM
Games I'd like to *play* at FMW this year (in no particular numerical order):

1) Polaris - Pretty sure I've got one player who will want in, so 2 more to fill the circle would be nice, especially if one of them has played before.
2) PTA - I have yet to play the second edition rules with the cards. I'd like to get a feel for how easy it is to Produce, so I can run it locally.
3) Don't Rest Your Head - I've run this plenty of times, but the one game I played in was... unsatisfactory. I'd love to get another shot at the Mad City.
4) Houses of the Blooded - Been jonesing to try this since before it came out.
5) Bliss Stage - Ditto for this one.

I'm always up for old standbys like It Was a Mutual Decision, The Mountain Witch, Hero's Banner, etc. And I wouldn't mind being a part of A Flower for Mara again, I think I've just about recovered from the first time.

Kagematsu, or Lacuna wouldn't be amiss either.

Okay, I'm gonna stop now.

*coughMyLifeWithMastercough*

See y'all there ^_^
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Tim C Koppang on January 25, 2010, 11:22:42 PM
Taking a cue from Dave, I will come ready to run My Life With Master and at least one other game besides Hero's Banner and Mars Colony.  This is in addition to the games I can run more casually.  I like Dave's suggestions, especially Kagematsu, and I'd also like to play some Grey Ranks.

So Dave, what are *you* going to run?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ron Edwards on January 25, 2010, 11:32:48 PM
I don't know about the rooms, although as I recall, last year there was a very reasonable convention-only room rate. I hope Willow can organize that again for this year.

Regarding the convention fee, the way we did it last year, there was simply a donation jar. The take served to cover the convention room cost very nicely, and, as it turned out, with very little left over. So I'm inclined to do the same this year. Willow, all thoughts on that matter are welcome, either here in public or privately by email.

Best, Ron
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: buzz on January 26, 2010, 12:12:23 AM
Quote from: Tim C Koppang on January 25, 2010, 11:22:42 PM
Taking a cue from Dave, I will come ready to run My Life With Master and at least one other game besides Hero's Banner and Mars Colony

I'd be interested in a MLWM game with you and Dave (and anyone else).
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ben Lehman on January 26, 2010, 01:17:29 AM
Is there anyone willing to:
1) Give me a ride from Chicago?
2) Let me sleep on their hotel room floor for a nominal fee? (alternatively, if the hotel isn't outrageous, split a room)

yrs--
--Ben
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Clyde L. Rhoer on January 26, 2010, 06:16:53 AM
Ben if you don't get an offer, the Van Galder bus goes from several places in Chicago, (Ohare, Midway, Union Station) for around $20 to $30. It tends to be a much better experience over Greyhound. It drops you at UW Madison and if you walk a few blocks the 6 bus I believe gets right by the hotel. I could even hang out if I knew what bus you were on, and help you get there via our fairly nice bus system.

I believe rooms outside of the special pricing, (I didn't get in on block pricing,) were about a hundred dollars a night last year for two beds... plus couch? The rooms also have medium sized refrigerators and microwaves.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ron Edwards on January 26, 2010, 08:42:06 AM
I'm available for Chicago lodgings, car trip, and Madison room space, Ben. Get in touch by phone.

Best, Ron
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on January 26, 2010, 05:46:53 PM
Excellent. Looks like MLwM is a go ^_^

What am I prepared to run? Hm. Good question. I can run DRYH, facilitate IWaMD, probably facilitate Universalis if I have a few minutes to refresh myself... Ditto for Shock:, Zombie Cinema, maybe a few others of the "no prep" persuasion. I can run Rumble, even though it's not really an RPG, it's still pretty fun. And of course I will happily teach anyone who's interested to play Dominion, Race for the Galaxy, and Jungle Speed.

Mostly, though, I prefer playing to running.

S/Lay W/Me might be fun to try, too. And Sign In Stranger. Maybe Ghost/Echo. I could probably be on either side of that table. Lacuna could be fun.

And maybe Ralph's got a new version of BRS ready to try?

Ben, I would have offered you a ride, but it looks like Ron's got it handled. Glad you'll be able to come, though.

Speaking of roomage, it doesn't look like any of my usual roomies are gonna make it this year, so any non-snorers who want to share, let me know and we'll work something out.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: reaction on February 02, 2010, 08:51:09 PM
So... is there something special with pricing? Are we waiting to hear something, or should we just reserve rooms?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: kate on February 07, 2010, 09:41:51 PM
Just created an account (but have lurked for a while) to ask a question.  My fiancee and I live in Madison.  We are huge indie fans who run and play many of the games discussed on this site.  We are not, however, game designers (at least, not yet), and not active on the forge community.  Is this con mostly for dedicated forge members, or are members of the general community welcomed? 
My fiancee at least would be willing to run Lacuna.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: reaction on February 07, 2010, 09:53:18 PM
Show up, it's good times.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: buzz on February 07, 2010, 10:12:48 PM
Quote from: kate on February 07, 2010, 09:41:51 PM
Just created an account (but have lurked for a while) to ask a question.  My fiancee and I live in Madison.  We are huge indie fans who run and play many of the games discussed on this site.  We are not, however, game designers (at least, not yet), and not active on the forge community.  Is this con mostly for dedicated forge members, or are members of the general community welcomed? 
My fiancee at least would be willing to run Lacuna.

It's for anyone who wants to come and play some cool games. I'm neither a designer nor a frequent Forge visitor (I lurk), and I've gone the last two years. Hella fun!
Title: Yes, go.
Post by: jerry on February 07, 2010, 10:27:50 PM
If you're in Madison and you're an indie fan, then go. There isn't any downside—other than enjoying it so much that you want to go when you're not in Madison. I'm mostly a lurker here; I've gone the last two years, loved it. I went last year after telling myself I couldn't really afford it. I won't be going this year, and am disappointed about it.

The vibe is really just a bunch of friends getting together in two very large living rooms.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: kate on February 08, 2010, 01:24:09 AM
Thanks all!  I will be checking this for updates, but it sounds awesome.  I just finished Con of the North, so its good to have another Con to look forward too.  Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: reaction on February 17, 2010, 12:16:43 PM
So, I called to reserve our room, and nobody there knew anything about a Forge Midwest block. It wasn't a big deal, since I wanted a different, specific room. Is it still on for March 19th-21st? Anybody?
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ron Edwards on February 17, 2010, 02:45:29 PM
Hiya,

Looks like some organizational hassle needs to be fixed. I'll move on this immediately.

Best, Ron
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Nev the Deranged on February 17, 2010, 06:44:55 PM
I haven't reserved a room yet. Still not sure who of my local crew might be coming. Anybody else who might be wanting to share? Non-snorers preferred.
Title: Re: Forge Midwest 2010 Planning Thread
Post by: Ron Edwards on February 17, 2010, 08:27:42 PM
Hey, let's close this thread. We have a new thread now. It's shiny.

Planning and coordinating can continue in the new one, no problem.

Best, Ron