Doing it again: a Meet & Greet with door prizes
Jul 13 '04
The Bottom Line Yes, it took me a while to finish writing this, but Epinions Meet & Greets are fun no matter where they're held. Go and enjoy.
When Epinions first announced its Meet & Greet at the Dave & Buster's in Orange, California, I was a little disappointed. It coincided on the same weekend I had planned to spend in Sonora and the strain of going there from the San Francisco Bay Area would have been minimal. As life transpired, my Sonora plans were soon hosed, so I quickly rearranged them for Orange. I had mentioned in my review of the San Francisco Meet & Greet that I'd be willing to travel to one, so I thought I'd put my money where my mouth is. That and the fact I really needed a short break from the current stresses at home. It's always fun to hang out with people who share my hobby of on-line reviewing. Lord knows, my off-line friends are tired of hearing about it. Going to this Meet & Greet was well worth the trip.
As I was planning to go, I contacted a couple of my author friends and asked if they would like me to hand out review copies of their books. It is my personal policy not to review the work of people I'm acquainted with, so I have resisted their requests on this matter. However, I never considered it a conflict of interest to find someone else to review them. Between both authors, I had 14 books to give out.
This was a weekend I had Friday off, so I opted to drive down. Poor choice. Catching up with a few mundane details at home that morning, it was 11 a.m. before I hit the road, which meant I finally appeared from the Grapevine just in time for the "rush hour." I don't know if the L.A. metropolitan area has the worst traffic in the country, but it is definitely the heaviest. Without so many motorists, I doubt it would have taken much more than an hour to drive the distance to the Anaheim locale. I finally arrived at my hotel, the Ayres Inn, in Orange 3.5 hours later. Driving a freeway the same distance in the Bay Area would have taken much less time.
The Ayres Inn was ideally located to suit my purpose. If I chose to fly down there I could have walked to the Dave & Buster's where the Meet & Greet was located. Without the distractions of home to keep me from leaving sooner, I was rather pleased when I had the time to cruise the mall where Dave & Buster's was located, The Block at Orange, for a while before the official 1 p.m. start time. Considering how Disneyland predominates the social atmosphere in this patch of California, this was a nice change. It had many big name stores, such as Borders and Virgin; Film City, a cineplex with 30 screens, the biggest I have yet run across (five or six of them were showing The Passion of Christ); and a restaurant named Alcatraz, which was supposed to be a San Francisco dining experience (but I didn't see Rice-a-Roni on its menu). When I finally grew tired of walking around so much, I decided I'd go wait at Dave & Buster's until the Meet & Greet. I went back to my car to unload my purchases and grab the books my author friends gave me to hand out.
Now that I was experienced M&Ger, I had a better idea of what to expect when I arrived. Although I was about 15 minutes early, Paul was standing in the foyer at Dave & Buster's giving directions to those who arrived. He welcomed me back, so to speak, since we had met at the San Francisco Meet & Greet. Not that it would have been difficult to find. A great big banner was hung in the billiard area, along with a bunch of Epi kids strewn all over the place. Garrett (a.k.a. roheblius), was putting a few into position as I walked in and greeted me warmly. He took the boxes I was carrying and shoved them in a place out of the way for me until an appropriate time arose to bring out the books. Christal, who was not too far from the reception table, also gave me a friendly hello and praised me for being an earlybird. (That would have impressed the folks at work.) I asked Garrett how many RSVPs Epinions received for this one and he said 33 (or 30, I can't remember exactly which number it was) and added it is the biggest response they ever got for a M&G. Between my own experience throwing parties and the last M&G I went to, it was going to be interesting to see how many of those folks actually showed up. They sorted through their materials at the table and soon gave me my name tag, which was tucked into a pocket of clear plastic and worn with an elastic lanyard. I enjoyed the specially designed a logo for this M&G, where Poor Lil Guy is angled to the right and wearing a pair of sunglasses. Our user names showed prominently underneath the logo, along with other member data, including our real-life first names, date when we joined, and the number of reviews we currently had posted. I thought it was kind of kewl to see my new "hat" below my info. Garrett also handed me a card with some credit to play some of the many video games Dave & Buster's provided. Once sorted, I helped set up some of the Epi kids. A Poor Lil Guy was left to defend an intact rack of balls.
Unlike the San Francisco installment, little time passed before I started meeting other reviewers. OpalMan appeared within minutes after me, so I wasn't the only earlybird. Unfamiliar with his reviews, I asked the question that is the most frequent at these functions, "What category do you write in?" I'll have to admit my eyes must have glazed over as soon as he said software, and then I noticed the lead "hat" on his badge, but I was already liking the congenial atmosphere that was building up. His wife, LLFigment, was going to join us later after fulfilling another commitment that afternoon.
Christal made a point of telling me when I wrote my review to make it clear that Nirav wasn't attending this particular M&G. I soon noticed by her name tag that I had misspelled her name in my review of the last M&G. She quickly explained that it really wasn't my fault and not to worry about it. She occasionally used the more the conventional spelling when she sent off email in the past and she had no problem with it. (She's magnanimous. With all of the various spellings I've seen of my own name, I sometimes find it annoying.) Krystal is just one of those names where it's hard to determine a conventional spelling.
Although several people were disappointed by Nirav's absenteeism, I never thought much about it until I read the reviews of others. Since I had already met him, I just took it for granted that we would not see as many or even the same Epi emps as we did in San Francisco. Although those of us at the Orange M&G missed Nirav, Baron, and Andy, this was the first time I met Sarah, who I ended up really liking. When I mentioned that I was staying in an Orange hotel for a couple nights, Christal, who was arranging Epi kids in the food section overheard and asked, "Is it haunted?" At which point I explained my predilection for reviewing stuff about ghosts. Like Garrett, Sarah also writes reviews for Epinions as Guru. To her dismay, a lot of the other members had blocked her a while back. Much of this is probably due the fact that the Epi techs were using her account to post test reviews to check the functionality of the website. She said all of the Epi emps now have their own accounts, even if they don't contribute (which is why Baron is Epinions's least helpful and most blocked member). We shared a few stories before we were approached by Arthur.Rubin.
As it turned out, Arthur and I had a couple of things in common. We work in the same industry and he's also spent time in spec-fi fandom. He said he usually attends the World Science Fiction Convention when it's held in the LA area and had been to few of the regionals in the past. As I was talking with him and Sarah, I realized that a mistake had been made on my badge and quickly went back to the front table to let Garrett know I hadn't written one review in the personal finance category. My hat is for books.
At this point a small cluster of Epinionators were arriving, including Lynus and his wife, Miss_Gee, Sdeinhorn, Viper1963, Snakeayes, Criteeker (love that handle), Suzer, and Waynio. We were told that Kristinafh was unable to fit a trip to LA into her schedule at that time, so she would not be appearing at this M&G. Her job requires her to travel and the last M&G was scheduled to coincide with her trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. She has become so well known in the community many people want to meet her. I asked the Epi emps if BonnieSayers had RSVPed, but Criteeker reported that she was unable to attend that day. I was sad to hear that. Bonnie has always been supportive of my reviews and I was looking forward to meeting her. Considering the problems I have with my old system, I can't rate at home. I appreciate anyone who stands behind me when I'm unable to do much to reciprocate.
I thanked Waynio for a witty comment he left my review of The Avengers Collection '67, Set 4. I explained never replied to it because I could never think of anything equally witty to say. "Which Avengers?" he immediately demanded.
"Why the Diana Rigg episodes, of course."
"Oh, good." (I guess he didn't think much of Uma Peel.)
After the disappointing breakfast provided at my hotel, I thought maybe it was time to take advantage of the refreshments Epinions ordered. One of the pool tables had been covered over so we could sit down to eat and it was filling up fast. No expense was spared in what Epinions arranged for us. There were chips, beef skewers, chicken tenders, a variety of raw vegies, prawns, cheese, crackers, and assorted fruit. All of these dishes were accompanied by a generous selection of dips and sauces. In addition to this splendid buffet, two or three servers wandered around offering us well drinks, at Epinions's expense. As I gathered a plate of food, Criteeker and I grumbled about some Epinions community politics. Although I whined, I have to admit my complaints were half-hearted. I think some advisors use the MH rating a little too gratuitously, but aside from that I've seen little to argue with the type of thing that usually upsets community. We generally take pride in reviews that are superior to most of what you find on other websites and abhor users who abuse their rating privileges, deviate from the intent of Epinions, and behave offensively. In giving us our rating and blocking privileges, Epinions basically trusts us to police the site. I have yet to hear of Epinions management interfering except in cases of plagiarism. However, as I survived being blocked once, having the chance to vent a bit was satisfying release. I also doubt Criteeker's grievances were strong enough for him to lay a curse on any and everyone involved with Epinions.
With seats at the big table being taken up fast, I found one at the end between Christal and Dhandforth. Phillipchu sat on the other side of Dhandforth. I found it a bit serendipitous when I learned that both of those fellows enjoyed reviewing science fiction books. As the conversation flowed between all of us, it gravitated to my acquaintance with spec-fi writers and my personal reviewing policy. I retrieved the books I brought with me and started handing them out. I was pleased to see that several people took interest. Christal thought it was a good idea to bring them along.
Dhandforth turned out to be a good person to chat with. He had worked as an intellectual property rights lawyer in the past, so I mentioned my problems with Amazon. After contributing reviews to that site for two years, I had run across one of my reviews on one of their affiliate websites. This was no surprise. It was stated in their Terms of Service at the time I submitted that they would do that. What upset me was that no byline was included with the posting. When I wrote and complained, I was told they don't include attribution because many of their reviewers don't like seeing their names on other websites. That's fine for them, but they have the option of using an alias or posting anonymously if they don't like it. Amazon even gives its users the option of changing their user names if they wish. I know I'm not the only one who feels betrayed they never mentioned this intent before I submitted to them. Had I known, I would not have given them my work. When I demanded their removal, the UK site was quick to let them go, but the U.S. one not only refused, but removed what bylines I already had and broke their links to my member page. I also notice that they have rewritten their TOS. Dhandforth told me knew some of the lawyers who worked at Amazon and said he doubted I stood a chance against them because they're very good. When we hand over our work to them, we even give them the right to completely rewrite our comments and post them with our names. So, for anyone submitting to Amazon, please be aware that all control over them is lost once done. Lately, just locating a practicing IP lawyer to see how strong my case is hard enough for me to arrange.
With that quick assessment, Dhandforth took one of the books I had brought and left to go meet his wife, who was not attending. Phillupchu took a couple himself. During this time, other people had arrived and I had not yet met them. I then wandered over to the other side of the table where a couple of clusters were gathered. Badkittym was attracting quite a few of the fellows and apparently having a good time. She's good looking enough for me to be envious and--judging by her posts--she's smart too. I mentioned that I just joined Verbal Mudslide, a discussion board where several Epinions folks hang out, but had had trouble logging in for last few days. I was told something like the webmaster had burned out, and they were now forming groinpuncher.com.
I was really pleased to meet Petra, who was one of the first people to add me to her WOT. I thought she had lived around the San Francisco Bay Area, but she said no. She was also recently gaining some momentum reviewing more books for Epinions, and took a couple that I was giving out. She was one friendly lady and I enjoyed meeting her.
Off to my left, Alexis and 29th_Candidate were presiding over their court. I made a lousy first impression on 29th_Candidate. I had initially approached him from behind and with his thick, wavy hair and physique, he had a resemblance to Robin Williams. When I mentioned this to him, he almost took it as an insult. (Open mouth, insert foot.)
All right, I'll name drop. I met Robin Williams once and doubt I'll ever be more impressed with anyone after a single opportunity. I found him to be very friendly and highly intelligent, much more so than most people would credit. Until that point, it never occurred to me there is no way anyone that quick with effective humor would be stupid. I have nothing but admiration for the man. As I grow older, I'm also developing a greater sympathy for Marilyn Monroe's legendary attraction to smart men. Looks might be a nice starting point, but they're not enough to hold any relationship--be it romantic or platonic--together for long. That being said, 29th_Candidate is actually taller, younger, and his face has much nicer angles than Robin's.
I said hi to Alexis and mentioned that there were a few Epinions personalities I would enjoy meeting, but she said some of them would never turn up at a M&G. They didn't want to deal with people who held grudges against them over on-line disputes. Alexis said that several people have been ticked off by decisions she's had to make regarding Epinions's management and risks that eventuality herself. I find that rather sad. It would be ignorant to say these folks are being paranoid, as I have learned in the past that there is mean-spirited element in the community. From my viewpoint, though, everyone who's attended M&Gs was more interested in the camaraderie and having a good time than carrying on a feud.
Garrett soon gathered us all together to make some announcements about Epinions. Among them was that Christal's position is full time again. Then he said that Epinions wanted to express its appreciation for our contributions and handed each of us a white bath sheet, emblazoned with the logo for the Southern California M&G. Now that was something that came out of the blue. I had expected to grab another set of Epi kids or license plate frames, but a towel was a nice surprise. I took another set of Epi kids again regardless. It makes me wonder what rewards we can expect at future M&Gs.
After Garrett's little speech, I began to notice one of my nauseous headaches starting. I fought it, since I was anxious to talk with more Epinionaters. I chatted a bit with Dragongo and her mother, Jandoc. Jandoc said she had moved into the area fairly recently and was just returning to Epinions after a lapse. She said it had been so long since she contributed anything that she forgot her user name or even which email address it was under. When I teased her about double accounts, Garrett quickly said that the first was probably rendered inactive by this time.
It took little time before the subject of other M&Gs were brought up. I asked Garrett what happened in Orlando, especially since I had noticed that the few writeups it received had disappeared from the Member Center. He believed part of it was because Epinions gave too short notice for members to arrange going. He wasn't sure which city took second place in their poll for this one, but believed it was Boston. (He was quite relieved when it lost. He'd rather go there when the weather is nicer.) They had no definite date for the next official M&G, but believed it would be within 2-3 months and closer to the East Coast.
Once Garrett mentioned that I had been to the San Francisco M&G as well, I believe it was Suzer who asked me what Kristinafh was like. I almost felt as though I had met Princess Diana. My immediate response was that she is friendly, outgoing, and certainly knows how to work a room. I forget whether I mentioned that the bartender was safe at this M&G. I should also add that she's tall, brunette, attractive, and appears to have a fun personality. Unfortunately, I had little opportunity to chat with her in San Francisco.
I talked with Daviddennis for a little while too. An avid photographer, he had plenty of camera gear there and was ready to take pictures. I asked his advice on digital cameras, since I hope to purchase one in the near future. He asked what I wanted to use it for and about my computer system. I explained my sorry excuse for a home system and was clear I would probably always be an amateur at best. My main interest was that they seemed so much more effective at picking up paranormal activity. David recommended that I just buy a cheap camera and let it go. Sarah then showed the Jewell model she had brought with her. It certainly was small.
Since the turnout at this M&G was bigger than San Francisco, the opportunity to "greet" everyone was slimmer. I had a couple of short, friendly exchanges with Lynus, Viper1963, and Divad23. Pduval69 took a lot of pictures at the event. Snakeayes was tall, dark, and handsome. If he was closer to my age, my behavior would have been shameless. Miss_Gee expressed interest in one of the trilogies I brought with me, but declined taking it because she wasn't sure when she'd be able to write the reviews. OpalMan's spousal unit, LLFigment, eventually arrived to greet a few people. Penguinlady also appeared to be having some good conversation with the Alexis-29th_Candidate group. I'm also sorry I found little time to talk to Sdeinhorn. Realizing that Poor Lil Guy was still set up on the pool table, I felt the urge to break up the racked balls behind him. (He survived the ordeal.)
My appearance at the Orange M&G came to close shortly after 4 p.m., when my headache began pounding harder. I went to the restroom, then headed straight for my hotel room. Had I known Gaelkm arrived around that time, just to see everyone disperse, I would have returned to the scene to say hi and have some coffee with her or something. The poor woman had been committed to a wedding earlier that day, but wanted to attend so much she was willing to settle for the half hour she had with the few people who remained. She has been very supportive of my efforts on Epinions since I started writing travel reviews and I would have loved to meet her face-to-face. That was a real bummer. I missed two of my supporters.
In spite of the downers, the uppers outweighed them. All but six of the books I had brought with me found good homes. My biggest complaint is that three hours is not much of a window. It's no wonder they have to urge people to be on time. Regardless, I highly recommend going to one, especially if the location is within a reasonable driving distance. Anyone looking for an excuse to travel, should consider this as one. I concede that took a while for me to finish this review, but that was due more to working full time and all of the simultaneous structural repairs my house is having. It has nothing to do with my enthusiasm. Just go, fellow Epinionators, they're highly recommended.
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