Arisia 2008 Stair Club Reminder

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

disclaimer: I am not one of the organizers. Nothing in this post, nor in any of the threads contained herein is official, unless otherwise noted by someone who IS an oganizer. Everything I say here is merely a suggestion in order to reduce congestion in the elevators, and make the world a better place for people for whom the stairs are not a viable option.

Shortly after the end of the con last year, there was discussion of a "StairMaster Club" being organized by able-bodied individuals to allow those for whom the stairs are not an option to take the elevators with greater ease. StairMaster is a copyrighted word, so I will only be using the term "Stair Club".

The original announcement requested that people get in shape over the course of the year, so that for this upcoming Arisia, only those who are inconsiderate and those who are unable to take the stairs will be using the elevators. If you missed the previous announcement, there is still time! Get in shape now, so that everyone can enjoy the con as much as possible!



Once again, as we were reminded when this was originally posted, do NOT make discouraging remarks, comments, looks, or jokes to people who are taking the elevator, even if they appear to be able-bodied. First of all, the number of invisible things that can keep a person from taking a flight of stairs is astronomical, so do not assume. Secondly, the goal of this group is to make the con MORE fun for everyone, not less.

Comments

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

As former Secretary of the Common Ground organization of my college, I'm just doing my job. I used to carry the vice president to class on my back, because the building wasn't handicap-accessible. The offer is still open, if the elevators are too full and you happen to be going my way!

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

If we had enough volunteers, I might recommend stationing them at the tops of flights of stairs, with stickers or coupons to give out to people they witness climbing said stairs. Which coupons might be redeemable for badge ribbons like "500 STEPS", "2000 STEPS", etc. . .

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

Though I am a decent orator and propagandist, I am not an organizer. If someone organized coupons and ribbons, I would be glad to carry coupons around with me to hand out to fellow stair travelers. (I'm not sure where I'll PUT them the day I'm wearing my kilt, but I'm sure I can figure something out.)

Also, I hope we can get volunteers together to put up signs at every elevator, reminding people that they should take the stairs if they can. I have just e-mailed one of the Arisia organizers to ask permission, but I cannot see it being denied.

[paper-crystals.livejournal.com]

One reason why I often take the elevators and not the stairs is because the elevators are in a central location and they are usually easy to find as the architecture of the hotel is generally built to emphasize them. (Especially in the hotel last year.) So if this hasn't already been brought up yet having brightly colored signs on most of the floors pointing towards the stairs would probably get people to take the stairs more often because then you wouldn't have to go through the no so long but annoying process of looking for the stairs on each floor.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

There were signs last year on some floors, but I agree that there should be more. If enough people work together, we can get those signs up in no time.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

The flip side of the "500 STEPS" badge ribbon idea is that the con might offer "ELEVATOR PRIORITY" ribbons to people who can provide a note from their doctor advising against using stairs . . .

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

That's a wonderful idea!

Doing My Part

[feste-sylvain.livejournal.com]

I've been doing "step aerobics" since August; I'll be in shape!

Re: Doing My Part

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

I'll see you on the stairs!

[doobie.livejournal.com]

I walked up/down the stairs most of the time last year. IIRC according to my altimeter I climbed the equivalent of Mt. Washington between two and three times.

I hope that I don't need to take the elevator a single time this year. Whoever is in charge of security this year (Kelyn?), better not place me with a weakling!

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

I remember seeing you on the stairs last year. I look forward to seeing you again.

[tehuti.livejournal.com]

only those who are inconsiderate and those who have a disability will be using the elevators.

This is not cool. I am in reasonably good shape (hiking, geocaching and highpointing are among my hobbies), but even someone like me can get tired and/or sore over the course of a day, let alone an entire four day weekend.

Please tell me that calling someone "inconsiderate" for using the elevators is supposed to be funny. Because it ain't.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

I reworded the sentence. I hope this helps.

[ceo]

gosling started doing laps on the staircase a couple weeks ago for this very purpose.

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

Let's look at some of the elevator rules:

no riding down to go up
Got it, it screws over those waiting in line on the first floor.

full cars only
Got it, maximises use

No getting off at 2-4
Got it, unless you are "unable to use the stairs" use the damn stairs for the short trips


... which means no one (who is unable, or that that time, unwilling, to use the stairs) can get ON at 2-4 to go up.

The unofficial, but logically deduced "no up from 2-4" needs to be looked at.

And at LEAST put signs at the elevators saying no one can get ON at 2-4, based on the previous rules.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

what rules where?

given the pyramid shape, floor to floor traversal at the higher levels takes less walking ;)

last year, i spent a lot of time going from the central hotel nexus all the way to the outer stair wings, up/down 1 or 2, and back to the center. that's a lotta empty hallway - still faster than the elevator. perhaps if the con functions were put immediately next to the stairs, it would encourage people to stay away from the core elevator areas.

#

[mud-puppy.livejournal.com]

This is a great idea! I've been doing my step aerobics at home *grin* Here's hopin' I can keep up with y'all!

Oh, and I love woodwardiocom 's idea about handing out coupons to get badge stickers. It's a great way to make taking the stairs challenging and fun.

[nippyfrog.livejournal.com]

We pretended we were in FFVII, when they just indefinitely go up stairs in the Shinra building, on our way up to the art show. haha

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

it would be nice if the stairways were CLEAN too. there was a fair amount of trash and debris on occasion. i have the feeling that keeping them pristine is not on the hotel's mind a lot; the hotel stairs there seem more for emergency use, than everday use - they are very industrial. i can understand that, but as they are not used frequently, they get dusty, and WITH our use, that gets stirred up.

aside from the spectacular and somewhat unique view, is there anything else that can be done to make them more attractive?

speaking to "get in shape", even the most fit person gets tired. cons are not marathons, or even day hikes. the hygiene ninja(s) [RIP] can't possibly hand out enough deodorant to compensate. so called able people WILL be using the elevators. especially for check in and check out. i don't think i'll be jogging the stairs with my suitcase.

can the art show and upper level areas be visited via stairs? i seem to recall last year, some issues with that.

#

[dda.livejournal.com]

The Art Show is, in fact, available via the stairs; this year, we will be doing a bag check on the 16th floor to make things more convenient for con-goers. Note that the stairwell will be secured during the times that the Art Show isn't opened to the public so it is best to be sure the show is open before beginning the ascent. :-)

from an elevator troll

[capybaron.livejournal.com]

When and where possible, I did take the stairs (even to the art show and that route was far from obvious). I also tried to pick up trash (some of which was clearly left by fellow con attendees [I do confess that I probably have dropped the odd piece of litter, but I tried to pick up some garbage as well]). I even lugged my luggage up and down the stairs.
However, the powers-that-be transformed me into an elevator troll, so I had to ride the lifts and to enforce the ever-changing vertical transport regulations and wrangle the occasional pixilated fan.
I thought the stairs had a industrial-Mayan/Blade-Runner-ish charm, though I did wish that there were more strategically placed signs.

Re: from an elevator troll

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your help last year, and I hope that trolls like yourself are unnecessary this upcoming year.

[archangelbeth]

I'll do my best on the stairs, but I'll have a kid with me at times, and sometimes, I don't want to be chivvying a 7-year-old up. and up. and up. and up. Even if she can do it, the time and whining may have a detrimental effect on my sanity. I already got her up those stairs to the dealer's room last year. ("No, I can't carry you.")

Hopefully, since she's under 50 pounds, we'll count as just one person for elevator purposes?

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

There is a children's program for part of the day, but I understand if there are times when some people cannot take the stairs for one reason or another, and I think that most people on the elevator will also understand.

I hope that you enjoy the con, even if that does mean taking the elevator from time to time. :-)

[thepinnacle.livejournal.com]

I find this whole discussion to be offensive.

Everyone at a convention is inconvenienced by the Elevators. Trying to single out people for further inconvenience is not a fair, or even reasonable, solution. The idea that those unable to use the stairs, or those who suffer from mobility issues, be singled out (whether by badge, cane, or Arisia volunteer) for special treatment is likewise abhorrent.

The best case scenario is that everyone be patient and plan accordingly; so long as the convention is held at this hotel convention goers should be prepared for delays. Obviously it should be less of a problem at a better hotel.

Furthermore, it is not inconsiderate to expect that everyone at the convention be treated equally. Those able, but unwilling, to take the stairs should suffer no amount of grief over their decision. The elevators are there for everyone's use. If the convention intends to make any sort of official rule to the contrary, they ought to do it well in advance of the convention date, explicitly, and with the intention to refund people's money. These ad hoc decisions, made, not in the interest of the greater Con-going population, but rather to silence a few squeaky wheels, don't cut it.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

It's okay, you can take the elevator. I believe I specifically said that no one should do or say anything against you. There are people who can't climb many stairs, even without a handicap. This is understood.

However, because of this encouragement for those able-bodied people to climb the stairs, people like you and others who cannot climb the stairs will have less wait time at the elevator. Like I said, this is designed to make the con more fun for everyone, and I hope it will for you as well.

Stairs . . .

[billporn.livejournal.com]

Hi all

Having been in security for 2 years and plan on doing it again this year, I beg all of you to use the stairs so those of us in Security don't have to serve and protect the elevators for 4 hours a day ;)

Also, no surprises in the stair wells this year folks...last year was just nasty.

[pathin.livejournal.com]

You may be posting that the intention is for the best and that people are being asked not to harass anyone, but to assume this as truth is setting yourself up for a fall. The entire wording of your post is still (though that may not be your intention) very condescending to those people that aren't going to choose to hike a huge number of stairs.

Sadly (as I know we're 'locked in' as it were) the decision to have Arisia at a hotel that is and always was woefully inadequate to the task of handling it becomes more and more obvious.

[descendingmuse.livejournal.com]

Not necessarily in response to the original post, but also to some ideas expressed here, but all should be careful about putting too many restrictions on Con goers in the organization of this. Giving away merit ribbons seems like a reasonable way to encourage folks or creating a log and then merit recognition each day of the con because it is great folks are doing something that is difficult to maintain especially if going for the full time this year, but if we get into ribbons for Elevator priority or restricting too much use when the events and rooms that folks have will lead to more feelings of inequality and dissatisfaction. With less elevators and a more spread out field of con activities, the functionality of this space is going to be difficult to deal with in terms of Elevators. I may be fit, but I do make frequent trips around the con and take the stairs when needed, but wish to have a valid shot at getting an elevator if I am going to wait. Depending on the time of day this is hard and we have to be patient. If someone wishes to wait and could use the stairs then they have the right to do so and they shouldn't have condemnation thrust upon them especially if they can't use the stairs and are getting pigeonhold for appearances. Profiling for Elevators just doesn't seem fair. I keep seeing issues like this pop up at Con with the changes that have occured in location or just because the Con is changing which leads to some bickering and a feeling that often things are not changing for the better, so just be careful on wording and restrictions of liberties that many hope to have remain at con. But for those who are striving for achievement then a little recognition is nice and this could be a positive if done properly.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

I don't see elevator priority ribbons being given out to enough people to prevent others from taking the elevators at all. Though this was not my suggestion, I like the idea that people with a condition be pushed to the front of the elevator line, so that other people have more encouragement to take the stairs. People who have movement disabilities WILL be slowed down enough over the course of the con that the priority ribbon will not make their journeys faster than a perfectly able-bodied person's.

The only times that able-bodied people would be turned away is if so many people with ribbons showed up that they filled the elevator. I frankly don't see that happening particularly often.

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

As someone who offten can't manage stairs, but doesn't always look gimpy, I appreciate this.

Also, I appreciate that part of being invisibly disabled really is sometimes having to cheerfully explain to people, "I don't look disabled? Thanks, I try not to go around looking like I can't do stairs, but seriously, I can't. Thanks for your concern! It helps save room in the elevator for me."

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

s/offten/often

And that said, the idea of a ribbon to say, "Yes, I can use the elevator" makes me twitch. I think it's okay to let folks self-select. Sometimes even people who can usually use the stairs get twisted ankles, or pinched nerves in their backs, or just get too tired.

Postering rules?

[selkiechick]

It's more than a little frivolous, but does anyone know what the postering guidelines for Arisia are? I know there are guidelines about how and where you can advertise parties, but I have been toying with the idea of putting up some "encouraging" posters on various floors in the stairwell, for the entertainment and amusement of climbers of that dim and drear hallway. Posters with "You have now reached the half way point" "Do not lose hope, only 3 floors until the art show" "If you were climbing the El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza, you would be at the top now" and the like.

Would this just add to the clutter in the stairway, contribute to the annoyance of climbers, or would it be entertaining?

Anyone know how many steps to the top of the Space Shuttle gantry? To the top of the Eiffel Tower? To ascend the Acropolis in Athens?

Re: Postering rules?

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

Ahahahaha, I like you. :-)

[marmota.livejournal.com]

As I discovered firsthand last year, it would be a good idea for the Blood Drive folks to mention to donors that even if they have easily been taking the stairs, they're likely to have a fair bit of trouble with them afterwards, and may wish to plan when they donate accordingly.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

Alright everybody! We've crossed the hundred mark! Just sixty eight more comments to go!

[stacy288.livejournal.com]

Well I am "Disabled" to some point. Do I want special treatment? Not so much.

That being said the elevator situation is a serious one. So a solution needs to be made. I think its great for those of you offering to use the stairs instead of the elevators. Rock on. Do I think that ribbons or stickers for those of us that need the elevators are right? I know I don't want a flashing "IM A FREAK" ribbon on me. I wouldn't mind a SMALL sticker on my badge so that people may be aware of it, but its going to get abused sadly.

Especially when I'm in costume no one thinks that I'm in pain. I can't even begin to tell you what a hard time I had with this at Gencon. I don't even know if I'm going to costume because of the problems that come with it.

Hopefully I'll be more comforatable by January.

Looking forward to a great Arisia.

- The green fairy with giant obnoxious wings~ Arisia 2007

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

Many people at the con get a half dozen ribbons over the course of the weekend. Would a simple "Elevator" ribbon be offensive to you? I have no power over such things, but a couple of people who have posted elsewhere in moderator-type roles appear to be reading (and responding) to this post, so it might be good to voice your opinion on things.

[hottippic.livejournal.com]

"only those who are inconsiderate and those who are unable to take the stairs will be using the elevators"

Even as someone who has a disability and is unable to take the stairs for more than one flight, I find this to be rude and offensive. What gives you the right to call someone inconsiderate for taking the elevator as opposed to the stairs?

While a friend of mine may be capable of taking the stairs, it is not inconsiderate of them to take the elevator with me. They aren't being inconsiderate to anyone (and I might just think they're being inconsiderate to me if they didn't take the elevator with me), and it's not fair for someone else to label them as such.

There have been a couple suggestions in here about changing the wording so as to not contain a value judgment. selkechick had a good suggestion for how to change the wording in a way that would not make you seem like you are trying to judge people and put yourself on a pedestal as better than someone else. I'm not saying that's what your intent was, but that is certainly how it comes across (esp. judging from the number of others who were offended by this).

Though, I do appreciate your caveat to not make fun of or make discouraging remarks to people who are taking the elevator, despite possibly looking able-bodied. I find that I frequently get stares and questioning looks for taking an elevator for just two or three flights.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

Your friend wouldn't be able to take the stairs with you.

And I'm actually not judging anybody, believe it or not. I'm trying to get people to judge themselves. If someone decides that it is okay for them to take the stairs, that's their decision, not mine. I wanted to put the word inconsiderate out there so that people would look more strongly at their decision.

That being said, I think most people are inconsiderate in some way. I am rather inconsiderate of the children dying in Somalia most days, I'm inconsiderate of a lot of the homeless people I pass on the street, and I'm inconsiderate of the people struggling to make life happen in New Orleans. I know there are things I could do to help these people, but I've chosen my causes.

[zentinal.livejournal.com]

Well, I, for one, will be using the stairs, though, by late Sunday morning, I don't know if I should make any promises.

;-)

"Climb within the bounds of your breath."

[c1.livejournal.com]

It's been hinted at, and admittedly, I skimmed the comments with a coarse-toothed comb, but I don't think someone's brought up the fact that ten stories is about 120 vertical feet. Going from the bottom floors to the top floors is an act of no insignificant physical consequence for much of fandom.
People not in decent physical shape should think about how quickly their ascent is made. I like to think I'm in great shape (and indeed, last year, I didn't use the elevators much at all) but hot damn, that's a climb!