DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

Members' Mausoleum => Calendar Events / Announcements Archive => Calendar Events / Announcements '24 I => Calendar Events / Announcements '06 I => Topic started by: Charles_Ellis on May 30, 2006, 08:37:31 PM

Title: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Charles_Ellis on May 30, 2006, 08:37:31 PM
The Brooklyn fest is only 3 months away, and STILL no official mailing or membership rate announcements yet?  What gives?  Has there been an unaviodable delay due to Dan Curtis' passing?   No official word from Jim Pierson or Ann Wilson.  I think that EVERY DS FAN should be concerned....
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: ClaudeNorth on May 30, 2006, 09:07:31 PM
Mine arrived today...
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: BuzzH on May 30, 2006, 09:24:41 PM
There IS a form on the Festival website, but for some reason they haven't 'activated' it yet where you can fill in the form, print it, then send it in w/your money.  If your mailing doesn't come, just keep checking that site and once they activate it where you CAN imput your name, address and what days you want to attend, just do it that way and send it in w/your money and SASE.   ;D  I've been doing it this way for years, haven't gotten a mailing in years either.  ;)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 30, 2006, 10:39:39 PM
Last year's mailings for the July Fest didn't go out until late April/early May. So, it's not too surprising that the mailings for this year's August Fest aren't going out until late May/early June.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: joe integlia on May 30, 2006, 11:48:07 PM
i said it before and i will say it again, the festival is backwards. first they sell out the hotel and then they announce and have everyone register for the festival.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: ClaudeNorth on May 31, 2006, 12:34:39 AM
i said it before and i will say it again, the festival is backwards. first they sell out the hotel and then they announce and have everyone register for the festival.

<giggle> I loved how they posted the information about the Marriott selling out as "Breaking News!" after everyone learned about it from other sources.

On a related note, I could be remembering wrong, but has the hotel sold out earlier this year than in previous years?
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: barnabasjr on May 31, 2006, 02:10:18 AM
Mine arrived today...

I got mine today, too. I'm totally looking forward to meeting everyone from this forum!
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: retzev on May 31, 2006, 06:32:37 AM
There IS a form on the Festival website, but for some reason they haven't 'activated' it yet where you can fill in the form, print it, then send it in w/your money.  If your mailing doesn't come, just keep checking that site and once they activate it where you CAN imput your name, address and what days you want to attend, just do it that way and send it in w/your money and SASE.   ;D  I've been doing it this way for years, haven't gotten a mailing in years either.  ;)

Can you post a link to that particular page? I can't find it  ???
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Midnite on May 31, 2006, 06:46:49 AM
Quote from: retzev
Can you post a link to that particular page?

MEMBERSHIP/ORDER FORM -- Pay for Events/Publications/Merchandise! (http://www.darkshadowsfestival.com/page11.htm)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Charles_Ellis on June 01, 2006, 04:41:50 PM
As someone who has attended every East Coast DS Festival since 1984, I do feel insulted that I still haven't received my mailing- they know where I live and I should have been among the first people to receive a mailing as a longtime attendee.  For each of the Festivals I have been to I received mailings prior to paying, and have always sent SASEs.  You mean to tell me the Festival can't cough up TWO CENTS to cover the postal rate increase and use the leftover SASEs from 2004??
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: BuzzH on June 01, 2006, 05:22:09 PM
For each of the Festivals I have been to I received mailings prior to paying, and have always sent SASEs.  You mean to tell me the Festival can't cough up TWO CENTS to cover the postal rate increase and use the leftover SASEs from 2004??

Hell, I only give them *one* SASE since I don't care a FIG about the 'schedule of events' (which is the reason for the second SASE) as the darn thing changes, AS THE FEST IS GOING ON!  ;)  They get one for my receipt, period.  And while we're on the subject, can someone enlighten me as to WHY they don't just send our freakin' BADGES instead of a receipt that only causes us to have to stand in a LONG line Friday afternoon/night to GET our badges?  I mean, isn't the POINT of 'pre-registering' is that we DON'T have to stand in a line?  Kinda defeats the purpose of it IMHO.   ::)  I've been going to these things, on both coasts, since 1990, and I still don't get that one.   [hdscrt]
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: ClaudeNorth on June 01, 2006, 06:24:42 PM
http://www.darkshadowsfestival.com/page11.htm

FYI, if you go to the site and still find the outdated info, hit the refresh button and the updated pages will come up.

And while we're on the subject, can someone enlighten me as to WHY they don't just send our freakin' BADGES instead of a receipt that only causes us to have to stand in a LONG line Friday afternoon/night to GET our badges?  I mean, isn't the POINT of 'pre-registering' is that we DON'T have to stand in a line?  Kinda defeats the purpose of it IMHO.   ::)  I've been going to these things, on both coasts, since 1990, and I still don't get that one.   [hdscrt]

I could be wrong, but I believe that the Fest organizers are concerned that people will lose and/or forget their badges before the Fest.  I think this is also the case with the banquet tickets.  Of course, one could just as easily lose and/or forget their receipt.

If it's any consolation, long registration lines are pretty much par for the course at any sort of convention/conference.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: BuzzH on June 01, 2006, 07:16:45 PM
I could be wrong, but I believe that the Fest organizers are concerned that people will lose and/or forget their badges before the Fest.  Of course, one could just as easily lose and/or forget their receipt.

I think this IS the actual reason, but as you say, we could just as easily lose/forget to pack our receipt.  In the case of this, they say you must pay again, so why not send the badge w/the same warning?  Or is that too *logical*?  LOL!   ;)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Midnite on June 01, 2006, 08:03:25 PM
FYI, if you go to the site and still find the outdated info, hit the refresh button and the updated pages will come up.

If it still won't update, clear your browser cache.

I think this IS the actual reason, but as you say, we could just as easily lose/forget to pack our receipt.  In the case of this, they say you must pay again, so why not send the badge w/the same warning?  Or is that too *logical*?  LOL!   ;)

There's a master list of all advance payments that can be checked for both registration and banquet tickets.  Sometimes receipts don't arrive in the mail on time.  But it seems impractical for them to supply replacement badges.  Have they ever made someone pay again?

Another reason to have attendees pick up badges and banquet tickets in person is to get an accurate head count.  I know I've picked up badges for friends and been asked if the person has actually arrived.  If you decide to skip the banquet (been there, done that, though I usually will donate my ticket back), your spot can be taken by someone else.  And I'm guessing they will sell out of banquet tickets this year.

Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Nancy on June 01, 2006, 08:13:28 PM
Another thing to bear in mind is that most of those involved with the mailings of any DS publications and festival stuff are volunteers.   They get it done as soon as they can once their own real life obligations are met.  I'm sure they are all aware of the timing involved.  Hopefully all the fest info will get out soon.

Nancy
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Raineypark on June 01, 2006, 08:46:41 PM
I could be wrong, but I believe that the Fest organizers are concerned that people will lose and/or forget their badges before the Fest.  I think this is also the case with the banquet tickets.  Of course, one could just as easily lose and/or forget their receipt.

If it's any consolation, long registration lines are pretty much par for the course at any sort of convention/conference.

I understand the concern about lost badges.  But doesn't it make more sense to send out the badges, and then only have to deal with the people who have, in fact, lost their badges, rather than making EVERY SINGLE attendee stand on line?

In this day of terror alerts (don't forget folks, you're coming to New York City, which has an anti-terrorism organization that rivals the Federal Government) you will absolutely need to bring some form of ID with you at all times.  So if everyone has ID with them, why not just let the ones who never received their badges show their proof of ID and create a new badge?
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: BuzzH on June 01, 2006, 08:56:42 PM
I understand the concern about lost badges.  But doesn't it make more sense to send out the badges, and then only have to deal with the people who have, in fact, lost their badges, rather than making EVERY SINGLE attendee stand on line? 

In this day of terror alerts (don't forget folks, you're coming to New York City, which has an anti-terrorism organization that rivals the Federal Government) you will absolutely need to bring some form of ID with you at all times.  So if everyone has ID with them, why not just let the ones who never received their badges show their proof of ID and create a new badge?

Here, here Raineypark!  *Exactly* what I've been trying to say all along!  My opinion, if they're going to make us wait in a god-awful line anyway, do away w/'pre-registration' as it becomes redundant!  ;)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: retzev on June 02, 2006, 02:23:17 AM
Yikes - when does this line usually begin forming?
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: ClaudeNorth on June 02, 2006, 02:51:02 AM
Again, I could be wrong, but I believe they have the check-in table set up at some point on Thursday, for those who arrive early.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Charles_Ellis on June 02, 2006, 01:41:42 PM
Here's my take on the badge situation:

Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges!
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: jennifer on June 02, 2006, 01:48:44 PM
does seem silly too Buzz and i know my sister will probaly
jump out of a long line and go shopping  :o

jennifer
has anyone stayed at this hotel before?
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: BuzzH on June 02, 2006, 02:18:11 PM
Here's my take on the badge situation:

Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges!

Really!  Some volunteers don't even look for them anymore.  When we were in Tarrytown I NEVER had to show it!  ;)

has anyone stayed at this hotel before?

Yep, back in 2003.  It's a nice hotel.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Teresa on June 05, 2006, 01:34:54 AM
I think it would be a good idea to have a cash bar open while people wait in line for registration.
Years ago, when I would sit out all night waiting for concert tickets to go on sale, a local radio station would bring coffee and pastries and give them out to people in line. People are happy when they are eating or drinking. Well, at least I am ;)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Charles_Ellis on June 10, 2006, 09:33:47 PM
What a birthday surprise- I finally got my mailing today!!! 
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Connie on June 10, 2006, 10:06:39 PM
I got one of these yesterday -- was surprised to still be on their mailing list.  Only thing is, every time I've gotten one, it's been addressed to "Connie & Christina".  Who the hell is Christina?  [idontknow]

David Selby as Roger Collins??  Um.....okay.   ;D
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: CyrusL on June 13, 2006, 09:03:08 PM
We got our flyer on Friday. Am I correct the long running 2-for-1 adult admission is no longer in effect this year? Anyway, it all added up to a little more than last year. Nonetheless, when else do you get a day trip with Johnny Karlen.

Michael   :D
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Pansity on June 14, 2006, 12:55:10 AM
Just some thoughts on the various and sundry posts on the badges.  I've been attending and working Science Fiction and Media conventions since the 70s and have been on a few concoms.  This is MY educated guess on why they do it this way (I have NO connection with the Fest, so this is just my opinion and doesn;'t mean I am right!)

My experience is all cons of this nature do the badges at the event itself, with a registration process of some sort.  Why not mail them out?  Well, for starters, expecially with a bi coastal committee like this one, maybe those who process the incoming registrations don't have access to the equipment etc to run up the badges.  Those might be done on site right before the con, when you have all your dogsbodies (read committee members and volunteers) handy to make up packets and print out badges and put them together. And that's the other factor -- the hands and sheer time to make up all those badges. As Nancy points out, this is NOT a paid job, the organizers do this around jobs, families and REAL LIFE.  So, they are looking for the most time effective way to do things.

Then, if you mail them, there's the inevitable losses to the Pest Offal-- not to mention all the people who wont even bring their receipt with them  -- no matter HOW many times you ask them to -- because they don't read the instructions.  So, you have to make the things up again on site, which is more time and money to essentially do the job twice.

Oh, and as to the issue about late mailings -- don't know how many people here go to Science Fiction or Media conventions, but late mailings of con materials tend to be a standing joke.  Mediawest, a nearly 30 year old media con (sort of like a writer's convention, with panel discussions, etc. as opposed to actors speaking and performing), has a running rep for being late to the point where people are waiting for the day when the progress reports are handed out at registration.  It's par for the course, like the sudden schedule changes, at any fan run event.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: michael c on June 14, 2006, 12:56:32 AM
i finally got the mailing today.i can't wait.i do think i'll skip the day trip and i can't handle the "banquet with the stars" either.

there are a few appealing new merchandising options and a few lame-o ones as well.the "dark shadows the first year" book looks cool because i love those episodes.the "limited edition" coin purse however i think i can nicely live without.who comes up with some of this stuff? ::)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Midnite on June 14, 2006, 01:07:19 AM
We got our flyer on Friday. Am I correct the long running 2-for-1 adult admission is no longer in effect this year? Anyway, it all added up to a little more than last year.

Apparently not.  BTW, the latest print edition of ShadowGram lists the weekend rate at $5 higher than the Festival flyer and website.
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: jennifer on June 15, 2006, 07:52:50 AM
I got one of these yesterday -- was surprised to still be on their mailing list.  Only thing is, every time I've gotten one, it's been addressed to "Connie & Christina".  Who the hell is Christina?  [idontknow]

David Selby as Roger Collins??  Um.....okay.   ;D

heehee mine is addressed to patti and pam i thought the same thing who the hell is pam? ::)

jennifer
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: BuzzH on June 15, 2006, 02:35:00 PM
heehee mine is addressed to patti and pam i thought the same thing who the hell is pam? ::)

LOL, I get one at work for a former co-worker named Kathy.  Funny thing it, Kathy NEVER wrote to the DS Fest, she ordered something from MPI once (after I gave her their mailing address).  Clearly MPI and the Fest exchange mailing lists!  ;)
Title: Re: Why haven't we received DS Festival '06 mailings yet- IT'S GETTING LATE!!!
Post by: Pansity on June 18, 2006, 05:11:05 AM
Got one even stranger than that one about your ex coworker, Buzz.

Was talking to a friend of mine on the phone a couple days ago.  This is someone who mostly does Regional SF cons, media cons, SCA events and the occasional Worldcon.  She went to a couple of the Fests when they first started up in Newark, but NOTHING in over 15 years, nor has she ordered anything from MPI. (By the way it didn't surprise me to hear that they probably are using MPIs lists for mailings.  It makes perfect sense to me, given MPIs big presence at the Fests, as a way to contact an audience with a demonstrated interest in DS.)

Bottom line is Toni  got a flyer for the fest.  Makes you wonder whether for the 40th they are culling from every membership list they ever had, or where they are buying their mailing lists.  She and I were scratching our heads trying to figure out how, if not from the old Fest list, they got her name.  (She's seriously considering coming for at least one day, by the way.  IF she's not too dead from Pennsic, which is only a couple weeks before the Fest.  I LOVE contaminating people!  >:D)