Nexeus Fatale

This years SLCC is happening in San Fransisco from August 13th - August 16th, 2009. Registration is opening very very soon. Read more here http://www.slconvention.org/logistic...san-francisco/

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Nexeus Fatale | NF Mix - Podcast | Second Life Community Convention

Dancien Graves

Oh well, maybe 2010 then.

Roxie Marten

So much for listening to the people

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Lewis Luminos

That's just a tad too far for me.

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Alexa Lioncourt

Yay!

Moo Money

I love most of the people on the planning committee, so I'm really sorry I have to do this.

Let's look at the facts:

• Most of your past attendees made money in SL and currently do not
• You extended the convention out to 4 days, meaning probably higher ticket costs
• Your hotel room base pricing is 289/night minimum or 332/night with tax. Can you really knock off more than 40 or 50 dollars per night?
• Since you extended out the convention, people have to pay for extra nights of hotel rooms that are already more expensive than they were in past years
• San Francisco is one of the most expensive places to hold a convention.
• However, the Serrano in SLCC 06 only cost like 140/night

Why does the price keep going up every year? Why do you think you can justify these costs for a SL convention? What happened to cost effectiveness?

I realize you're still signing things or milking the suspense, but in this economy, now is not the time. We need to know the pricing and everything before rumors run rampant and people decide it's not worth their time or money. Way to rub the bad economy in our faces...

Fmeh

If I go, I'll be either staying at a cheap motel or in my truck (or maybe in someone else's bed if I get lucky).

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Dancien Graves

The ticket prices are going to be completely awesome this year.

Hotel Room: 1328 (using Moo's numbers)
Airfare: At least 300-500
Drinks: Oh Joy! 7-10 dollar rum and cokes? Awesome!
Food: San Francisco Restaurant Recommendations and Reviews on Citysearch

Fmeh

The drive from Tacoma to San Fransisco isn't actually too bad at all. 13-15 hour drive, if I remember correctly. Better than if I was to have driven to Vegas--especially with the awful heat that would have occurred on the way, with no A/C.


Grocery list for SLCC for Fmeh:

1. Vodka

2. Roast chicken flavor Marachun Ramen and cup-o-noodles

3. Frozen mixed vegetables

4. Orange juice

5. Vodka (did I say that already?)

Moo Money

Now in all fairness, that figure is without their room discount of which we don't know what it is yet.

Nexeus Fatale

Love you too Moo! I don't don't take anything personal in this. Disagreements among friends are a part of life. Doesn't mean I or anyone loves you any less.

• I can't agree with this, but I don't have the numbers to substantiate or disagree
  
  
  Quote:

  Originally Posted by Moo Money You extended the convention out to 4 days, meaning probably higher ticket costs

  Not necessarily. That's a very alarmist view.
  
  
  Quote:

  Originally Posted by Moo Money Your hotel room base pricing is 289/night minimum or 332/night with tax. Can you really knock off more than 40 or 50 dollars per night?

  Hotels are also suffering. Mind you in doing this for several years, we have been able to develop a lot of contacts and people who can help. The hotel base pricing is 289/night, but that's not OUR base pricing. Again we're announcing that soon.
  
  
  Quote:

  Originally Posted by Moo Money Since you extended out the convention, people have to pay for extra nights of hotel rooms that are already more expensive than they were in past years

  This is true, however, in our planning, we know when we think people are going to come and not come, and basing our content and items against that. Yes, everyone may have to spend one extra night for the convention in hotel room costs. However I've found that many people end up coming days ahead, even when the convention was on a weekend, and spend that money anyway. So to many people this isn't an additional cost.
  
  
  Quote:

  Originally Posted by Moo Money San Francisco is one of the most expensive places to hold a convention.

  So is any major city. Some of the other cities that we looked at, while may seemed less expensive, in the long run can be just as expensive.
  
  Quote:

  Originally Posted by Moo Money However, the Serrano in SLCC 06 only cost like 140/night

Again wait till we get our pricing out.

As the convention grew, our pricing was out of line. In looking at wi-fi, food, etc, etc, in the past we've had to increase the cost of the convention price mainly because there were new elements. For instance, the inclusion of a hotel opposed to doing just a hotel and convention space, more wi-fi access, etc. etc.

As for costs, as I mentioned on a previous post, we understand that it's a hard economy and I've done everything in my power to not increase the price. I can say right now, it looks like we've succeeded in doing that.

I wish I was milking the suspense, it's more making sure that our i's are dotted and t's are crossed. I rather not say something and have to be completely wrong, that's how we loose a lot more face than anything else.

I also think that this sort of prospective puts into the light that we aren't sensitive to a failing economy. We are, I've mentioned that we are and you'll be surprised with what we have been able to do this year.

Nexeus Fatale

SO I'm heading to san fran this week. Paying a lot less than 200.

Hotel room is NOT going to be that high for the 4 days

Drinks are 7 - 10 dollars in NYC, were that expensive last year in Tampa. We just need to find the right happy hours and places that have discounts :-D

Moo Money

These (and the long part I didn't quote) are the kind of things that need to be addressed in a blog post on your site instead of just a simple happy announcement. Thank you for addressing my fears. I'll hold out on more judgement until further announcements are made I guess.

FlipperPA Peregrine

Heh, just do what Alexa and I did. Gather up $20 from anyone, and do a liquor store run. No need to drink at bars all the time.

I must admit, I really was expecting Vegas, but I love San Francisco as well. It'll get nice to get out west again, and I plan on coming for the whole week, if I can afford it... working in academia has restored my soul to full health, but my wallet isn't quite quite as healthy as it once was!

Regards,

-Flip

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Nexeus Fatale

You can sneak them also in the luggage there! just pack well!

Vertigo Paris

I had sent out to be on the volunteer list but it's looking like the funds just aren't going to be there so I am not going to be able to make it after all.

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Surreal

• Hmmmm.... my sister lives in San Francisco - hello couch!!
• I love hanging with my friends and drinking, but could care less about the programming - so goodbye convention entry fee
• Sister has kitchen - food taken care of

So all I need is a way there...

Alexa Lioncourt

yup! We had a ton of booze and it held up pretty damn well. I also ate during happy hours and lived quite well on appetizers and a group of us would all share.

Creative thinking and great friends make events like this fun and challenging. I plan on making us some Jolly Rancher Vodka and having it chilled and waiting for party time this year!


*You will need:*
one half bottle of Vodka (350ml)
12 Jolly Ranchers of your favorite flavour

*Preparation:*
Unwrap all the Jolly Ranchers
Place all Jolly Ranchers in Vodka
Wait 4-5 hours for all Jolly Ranchers to dissolve completely
Place your fun colored Vodka in the freezer until it is really cold

Drink

I can't wait to see everyone

Vertigo Paris

Make sure you drink one for me!

Cincia Singh

LMAO ... I haven't done a gaming convention since GenCon when I was in college. Pass.

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Coyote Momiji

*shakes her head*

The People: Vegas!
SLCC Planning Committee: Hey, San Fran!
The People: WTF?

I love it when input is listened to.

Coyote Momiji

And, yeah, NOT happy 'bout this. There's a lot of SoCal SLers, and people further south than this really accommodates.

Persephone Milk

I must admit, as much as I really want to attend my third SLCC this year, that it's looking more and more like I will sit this one out. With the economy continuing to worsen, it just feels irresponsible and decadent to go. My company is tightening its budget, layoffs are likely, and although my own job is perhaps secure, I am not much for tempting fate. However, I will remain on the fence for a bit, and not make a final decision quite yet.

I guess I would add that I am surprised by the choice of location. San Francisco is expensive and there really did seem to be overwhelming support for Vegas. I think, given the state of the economy and people's personal budgets, that choosing a less costly location, and one with a lot of interest, would have made sense.

But I love you Nex. I know you are doing all you can to make this a successful convention. It really didn't matter to me where you held SLCC - it was my intention to be there. I am more just expressing disappointment that I may not be able to justify spending the money this year.

MadamG Zagato

Nexeus,

With all due respect.

An observation that I have noticed that I don't see mentioned is that it's being held in the same city as Linden Lab who has increased our fees and are benefiting from our patronage and have seemed to be oblivious to the current state of our economy.

Everyone who attends will be spending more money to flock there. But Linden Lab employees need only spend cab fare for a few blocks or gas money and possibly parking.

I have never seen a more prominent example of a slap in the face before in my life.

People are cutting back on uneccessary exenses as it is and virtual world expenses are probably the first thing to go. Do you think a virtual world conference is in most people's priority or budget? Especially one that seems as expensive as Moo pointed out. If someone has to choose between paying their rent/mortgage and attending SLCC which do you think they will choose?

It seems like things should have been more humble and low key this year.

I can't wait to see the agenda. From what I have read and heard across the board is that SLCC kind of peaked in 2007. I am concerned that you all are over estimating the ability and desire others have to attend. I think that with the right location and the right prices there would be a greater interest. Las Vegas would have been a great magnet because I think people right now just really want to relax and forget about their troubles. Vegas would have been monumental in any effort. But I don't know the reason you all chose SF LOL. I can only hope for the best.

Hugs,
Maddy