Too Many Do's??
 

Some interesting points have been brought up in THIS thread about the interest in hosting do's and the sheer amount of "big" do's we are trying to fit into our calendars.

As far as I know, SEA has become the most repeated "do" spot. Do people really look forward to coming back year after year? Or is it time to pass the torch on to another city?

There are a few cities that can support a do without any of us out of towners showing up, and can have a get together any time they want to, but for those who want to host a "big" event with a lot of fly in guests...do we need or want to have limit?

At what point do you have to worry that when you set a date that you are potentially "taking" participants away from someone else's event? Or is that something anyone really takes into consideration?

For example..someone suggested SEADo weekend as a date for BoSoxFan's MSP event. Would I be upset if half of the SEA contingent bailed to go to MSP instead? Probably.. but with the population of flyertalkers being what it is, I'm sure we could get equal turnout of people who wouldn't have considered going to the other place anyway, so is there really a conflict?

What are your expectations when you fly into an event. Does size matter? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Are you more likely to fly in if you know there is going to be a large group over a small one?

I realize I'm rambling now..so I'll go to bed.

Thoughts anyone??

IMHO Its only too many do's if you want to go and can't afford it b/c you have committed yourself already (by buying a ticket) to another do in close proximity time wise

IMHO again, the more the merrier, to have the flexibility of choice is wonderful.

I don't think that the sheer numbers will be diluted unless it is on the same weekend

Let us choose and if the interest is there whether the city itself is a draw in itself or the organizer can create such an event that makes enough people want to go, then it will become apparent very fast as to whether it will be a large do or a small do

Isn't the ability to choose much better than no choice at all?

[This message has been edited by TrojanHorse (edited 05-23-2002).]

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... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif 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. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif )

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

Can you truly have too many Dews? Oh, you did not mean Mountain Dew!

Seriously, the only thing I believe organizers should concern themselves with is not scheduling one event at the same time as another event. That was the reason for my question on using the Events Calendar. That could be the central place where all Do's are listed.

People attend these events for many reasons... and while the same "core" people seem to attend the majority of the events, new and different people also attend.

If people don't respond when it gets posted, that might be a good sign that we are "do'd - out".

William

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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

My problem is there are too many don'ts. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Edited by request

Jan, Somehow I don't think the pope wants to see me as much as I want to see him

[This message has been edited by TrojanHorse (edited 05-23-2002).]

But when is a do a do? A meeting of a few people passing through a town on the same time isn't really a do, gatherings like ORD are real do's...

TG- I respectfully disagree. The calendar is a great tool for this and seems to be exactly what you are seeking. Or are you proposing something along the Itineraries Forum?

Sorry, I think we have what we need. It's just a matter of making it known and used! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

When you are astounded at the number of attendees, it's a FT DO.

If not, it's a FT Gathering.

And if it's arranged at the last minute, it's a FT Get Together.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

bernie organized two perfect Düsseldorf events - the first one in november 2000 without having been at any FlyerTalk Do before.

tropicalflyer, PremEx, Catman and I organized the (first) PiP without having been at any FlyerTalk Do at all. I think all that attended the PiP would not prefer to have missed it because nobody organized a do before ...

I believe to know that FlyerTalk now has about 10'000 active posters and above 100'000 lurkers.

If the 'average' attendance at an 'average' do is about 25 than it would take 400 Do a year for every active FlyerTalk-poster (or 4'000 including the lurkers) to attend just one Do / year ... I don't believe that there can be too many 'meeting' opportunities for new and 'old' FlyerTalkers whenever and whereever that may be!

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

Exactly. I guess what I would like to see is someone culling all the posts on the Community thread and posting them over to the calendar. I would love to know that it was always up-to-date without having to rely on each individual person to be responsible for going over there to post stuff in a timely manner.


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

and more http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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

Do two do's make it a do-do? Just wondering.

Edited now that I sorted all this out the way I "should" have to begin with.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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

The idea of "too many do's" is ridiculous. No one poster is entitled to the exclusive use of someone's weekend. There is NOT a need for a situation where social control freaks can take a red pen out and decide what events can and cannot take place. Different strokes for different folks. I prefer smaller events. Others prefer large events where they can convene several times throughout a weekend. Still others prefer to attend as many events as they can. What is the problem with "competing" events? Can't each person make his or her own decision on what they want to do with their leisure resources? If there is an event planned for Tunica on July 4 and some FlyerTalkers want to meet instead in Boston, should this second gathering be banned? Are FlyerTalkers a bunch of sheep who can't be trusted to choose between a calendar of fifteen events this summer? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

If you don't like it, don't go! If for some reason the choice of restaurant, cost, location, list of attendees, etc. doesn't match your tastes, don't go! If you want to plan an event, by all means please do!

I'd argue that New York City and Long Beach are strong competitors for most frequent locale. As for it being time to pass on the torch, absolutely NOT. Seattle's events have been extremely successful and are still quite popular. Why stop when people seem to want more? Of course, if it's an issue of the organizers not wanting to do it anymore, than by all means pass on the torch.

It is impossible to do do in two places at the same time so, to answer your question, no. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


btw, I think it's impossible to have too many gatherings... Rudi posted some wonderful numbers to indicate there are a lot of friends to be made out there in the Land of FlyerTalk.

I had penciled the Oregon Brewers Festival on my calendar a while ago. One, because I attended last year and two, because I saw some interest in going again on several threads on FT.

I've never met any of the crowd going to the YYZ gathering so I've not been paying a lot of attention to that one. What does that mean? Not a **** thing other than to support the fact that there are a lot of FT'ers out there and that I don't think there could possibly be a "Competing Do"... So. Relax, get upgraded, go to your Do of choice and do have a good time! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I think it IS appropriate to start a thread on the Oregon Brewers Festival so I'll buzz off and do that now...

And that is why I love having TransWorldOne around.

That is the most sane and reasonable post I've seen all day. As another of my FT friends just reminded me by e-mail... IJAFIBB !!!

And with that, I'm going to go put my "soapbox" away for awhile. I somehow misunderstood the original post as one asking for "opinions", not gospel. Since frankly, the only person who my opinion REALLY matters to is me, I'll just keep it to myself from now on.

Long Beach???? Really????

I guess my question is what is a DOOO????

Is a doo a dinner or drinks one evening and thats it.. or is a dooo a weekend of get togethers with one centralized dinner and the rest do's within a doo

I guess I never considered the LGB doo's much more than a dinner party or drinks for one evening or aft. More of a gathering for locals and a few FT'ers who happen to be passing through. A do has people come out of there way to stay there (plus the locals of course) for the main purpose of being at the do. Yes some also swing biz trips there as well but the weekend purpose is usually for FT do activities

The Toronto event came about when a number of my friends from Flyertalk felt that they wanted to visit me here and decided to extend an open invitation to any other Flyertalkers who wanted to come up here too. I invite anyone who has any questions about the circumstances of the event to email me privately.

[This message has been edited by B747-437B (edited 05-22-2002).]

TrojanHorse,

I am fairly certain the term "Do" was coined by Catman for his Catman Do events. For a precise definition as to what constitutes a "do," you may wish to seek him out and hear it straight from the "horse's mouth."

Edited because I edited my first post above and I have also chatted privately with B747437B about what I meant.



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

I think it's probably either 3a, 3b or 6.

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary

To DO or NOT to DO, that is a confusing question!

I agree there are too many DO-DOs lately and it's a bit labourious trying to keep up with what DO, when DO, where DO, who DO and how DO.

Speaking as one for the more the merrier, and one who loves to do as many DOs as possible, I hereby second and would appreciate an FT DOs-At-A-Glance calendar to help planning ahead.

BTW, as far as I could remember, there has never been an Atlanta DO?

I don't remember an Atlanta Do, but I remember reading with envy of the fun had at dinners in Atlanta - in which you were often a participant, I believe. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif So do we get to attend an Atlanta Do one of these days? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

For the purpose of this exercise, I was considering a Doo to be a weekend long event, planned for the reason of getting a lot of people together (like SeaDoo)...as opposed to the "I'm flying into town lets do something" get togethers (like all of the mini-SeaDoo's we seem to have)

I think the events section is a great tool, and just needs to be made known. Perhaps if someone could be diligent in reminding event hosts to use it? (I'm headed there myself to post SEADoo IV in a minute)

As for competing do's..I think FT is big enough that we don't really need to worry much about it. People will go where they want. Even if it means "not posting" the do for fear of seeming to compete with the other do, and I'd hate to think that someone who could have gone to the secondary do wasnt able to find out about it.

While I'd much rather have BoSoxFan bring his box-o-steaks to Seattle that weekend, if he wants to have a barbeque with the understanding that the potential group of participants may be smaller because something else is going on he shouldnt have to alter his schedule. It's sad enough that he lives in a state with a crappy baseball team. He shouldnt have to lose to our Do as well http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif


So basically, I just repeated TransworldOne, with a lot of extra words to muck things up.

One clarification (since a couple of people have asked me about my intent in being "judgmental" about what is right and wrong).

I essentially agree that we are going to have conflicting "do's" from time-to-time. Sometimes these happen because lots is going on in the world and two or more great things happen simultaneously. Sometimes they happen because someone doesn't KNOW that someone already has a "do" posted.

What I don't want to see happen - and again guys, this is only my opinion (and my 12th grade social studies teacher Mrs. Nelson always told me an opinion can't be WRONG if you truly believe it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ) - is that if someone INTENTIONALLY plans to have a do solely for the purpose of competing with another do, then that is just not right (not as in right vs. wrong but as in that is LOW). I guess I'm in the minority... either that or it just makes me sad to have to choose between where I have to go. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

What is the big deal about all of this? If someone wants to put together a gathering of FT'rs for a weekend in whatever city, then go for it. If someone wants to have a private gathering for a few of his/her friends in whatever city, then go for it. I have been to small public dinner parties, large events such as the PIP in Hawaii, small private dinner parties, and just getting together with friends to drink.

No one is going to tell me where I have to be on a certain weekend and who I have to have dinner with or drink with, I will make that decision. For example, there will be a gathering of FT'rs the last weekend in July in both PDX and YYZ. I personally am going to PDX because I went last year and want to attend again this year. There might only be 4 or 5 people but it is ok. If it wasn't for PDX, I might have decided to go to YYZ. My decision is not based on Sean or the distance, it is just that I enjoyed the Portland BeerFest and want to go back. I miss seeing SXJ. I happened to be in YYZ last week and invited Sean to dinner and to hang out but he was busy.

As for the Chicago events, even though I don't personally like the larger events, I am still going to Chicago to see Anna and her city. I might not go to every dinner with everyone but I will still be there and will have fun. I will also be going to Seattle as I haven't missed one yet and I have a lot of friends up there, both FT'rs and not.

To me, it doesn't matter if there is something going on every weekend or not. It is up to me to choose what I want to do with my time and money. I have made a lot of good friends on FT and love to get together with them during the year for dinner and drinks. I also have been to a few private parties and have also have not been invited to a few private parties. I still sleep at night.

I think that we need to just stop worrying about who we might offend or who we might run into at an event and just get on with our lives.

Ibid.

Life is too short not to meet other cool people.

Power to the people who want to plan big party-do's.

But the little ones, like the ones we find off of looking at others itineraries, or the medium-sized 'chopped liver' Seattle event, and the other ones that Rudy mentioned, sound like the spirit of the FT community.

To me, ANY chance to connect in person with others helps make a virtual community stronger.

Many good points here on both sides!

To each, his/her own!

Many of us have families, jobs and other committments and interests that limit participation, as well as the general lack of time and/or money.

Personally, however, often the lack of an event/events, such as the no DO in NYC this year are more dissapointing than having too many to select from.

Nontheless, let's all be thankful for what we have, no? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

-Mark

And if someone doesnt want to go, then dont. I also dont see the big deal here. If there are people that have made friends here and want to see them (myself included), then go for it. There are "dos" to fit each taste, and I think thats great. Now the overuse of this word, "do", is what should be the topic of debate. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif And no, I still cant go to Chicago... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

You guys have waaaaay to much time on your hands! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Come to Paris and we'll discuss this fascinating topic over French food...

<This message was provided to you by Celbrian's "Just add champagne" Instant-Paris-Do>

Not me! I have been without a decent life for many years now! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

(Edited because I can't spell...)



[This message has been edited by ScottC (edited 05-24-2002).]

I know just one place in Paris that makes the kind of food I like, and it ain't Mc'D's http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

missydarlin, I like your provocative post.

I think it was techgirl who stated it best on some post (somewhere?) that she likes smallish get togethers with lots to drink. (or at least that is what I read out of it, so if this isn't even close to the quote and it wasn't techgirl, please don't take offense)

Not to take away from those who have gone so much out of their way to plan these big events but, since you are like taking a poll, I couldn't have said it better.

I like the big dinners for maybe one night, but then you'll find me leaning toward more intimate groupings for the rest of the time.

dhammer53 put together the perfect mini-groupings for those attending the freddies in NY. If I would get my ars in gear and put up the pics, you would see how perfect the little polish breakfast group was. And the subway ride mets game grouping and, of course, the dhammer tour of Brooklyn (and Chinatown and Little Italy and EVERY Bakery in NY).

IMHO, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Yep... that would be what I said somewhere. Smaller groups, larger quantities of beverages. I'm in this for the fun and friendship (F&F), not for the headcount or side activities or catered dinners. As long as these things enhance the F&F, then I'm all for them. When they start to take the PLACE of the F&F is when I bow out.

... can't wait to down some adult beverages and meet Lisa and have more F&F in Long Beach! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by techgirl (edited 05-24-2002).]

Maybe everyone should start using the FlyerTalk Event Calendar

The Seattle team clearly does! Wow, check out August - this team not only plans a good weekend, they know how to get it on the FT calendar! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Each event (I prefer not to call these gatherings "Do's", sorry, and I'll remind everyone that the PIM was NOT a "Do") has it's own characteristic, which sets it apart from others.

This is good, since there will always be varying tastes among the participants as to what they actually want to accomplish while they're attending.

For example, the PIM in DFW was designed as a tour-based event, with unprecedented back-stage access we won't see now, with the nation's security needs post-9/11.

With the ORD event, more than one thread exists for all of the events planned for that time, which is very original.

The MSY event was primarily aimed at the single members of FT, for fun and friendship, techgirl's primary preference.

With the explosion in their popularity, as more people attend them, have a wonderful time, and want to host their own events, the main obstacle I see is being able to schedule all of them without hindering any other events.

That's going to be the challenge for future event planners. Good luck to you! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif






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