Missy... thanks for starting a new thread since I was too lazy to do so.

Since this is a fresh forum, let me outline my thoughts that are sprinkled throughout various forums.

First

We desperately need some type of calendar function that actually works for all of us. I never look at the FT calendars or post stuff there. Most other people don't either. I would love to see a Community Topic simply titled "Calendar" started by and maintained by one or two folks. Heck, if Randy would give me the okay for a multiple handle, I would set up a new account and split the duties with a couple of other regulars.

Second

I think that when setting a DO, you should take other's events into consideration.

Three recent examples, which I view with different opinions on each:

The first is the one most recently at hand - the MSP do being proposed for the same weekend as the SEA do. The SEA do has been scheduled for some months, people have bought tickets, planning has occured, and the two cities are within the same quadrant of the US. My opinion: Planning a competing do would be wrong.

The second is the YYZ do that has been planned for the same weekend as the proposed PDX do. The proposed PDX do is a repeat from last year and may only appeal to people who live in that region and/or like to go to brewers festivals. Furthermore, the PDX do never had a thread started on it and the YYZ do did. In this case: Competing dos due to different special interests - okay.

The third case - the proposal of a London do the same weekend as the DC do. We certainly are a global community and there is no reason why any one continent should have the lock on all dos. While I would LOVE to go to both, I committed to the DC do and I realize that for those of us on both continents, transatlantic travel is a bit high this time of year for weekend pops over. My opinion: competing dos on different continents okay

Third

I personally wouldn't mind seeing more variety in the Do schedule. That said, some cities are just favorite places to visit. I would never tire, for example, of visiting NYC or Paris. I might, however, balk if we had three Boise dos in a row.

Ultimately, when it comes to destination, you need dedicated FTers who are willing to plan these dos. Some of our most respected and dedicated FTers live in SEA. I certainly don't mind coming up to see these folks. Of course, if they wanted to plan a Do in another city, as difficult as that is (and I speak from experience), I would probably go to that too.

Fourth

Of course, size DOES matter... BUT where it matters is how it is used. If the goal of the do is to have one gigantic dinner (a la Catman Dos), big groups are great. If the goal of the weekend is to do lots of small events (a la PIM) it can be a nightmare. Personally speaking, there are always certain FTers I seek out to spend time with at dos, but I don't let that prevent me from meeting new people. Ideally, a weekend should have both people I want to spend time with and should be in a city where I can entertain myself for part of it (shopping, hitting galleries, eating, whatever). I don't like being dependent on my hosts to provide me with a weekend full of activities. In fact, I quite resent having my schedule pre-filled.

Fifth

I think we should just keep doing as we are doing... EXCEPT that we just need a better way of scanning what is going on without each do host being responsible for posting stuff to a master calendar OR without having to scroll through old threads or bumping them up the pages.

Okay... stepping off my soapbox now.

(edited example two above per special request... )

[This message has been edited by techgirl (edited 05-22-2002).]