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

[descendingmuse.livejournal.com]

I do understand that you were attempting to create something poositive, however reading many responses it looks like certain aspects of the organization of what can be positive, may lead to negative connotations, therefore I just suggest when organizing to focus on providing a postive reinforcement to those who opt for it, rather then the negatives that many have already pointed out.

Unfortunately, providing ribbons for "priority" does have a lot of negatives that may overshadow the one positive of providing those with certain medical problems to get to an elevator quicker. Not all, but some con goers will see them in a negative light when they are very tired or have something that prohibits them from taking stairs, but can't readily get a Dr's note, or those who don't want to display their health may feel they need to in order to get the same treatment as others in their position. I am just trying to say that the positives you expressed are great, but certain ideas and concerns should be followed especially if this "club" can/will be recognized by Arisia and because your idea has helped to open a lot of discussion that these equatable rights do need to be weighed into everything that could be associated with it so as not to cause further problems with the con when jsut trying to provide something good for those wishing to take the stairs.

[chainkill.livejournal.com]

I do not ask for recognition. If any of the suggestions from this thread are read by the organizers, then I thank them for their consideration. Beyond that, I just want people to keep in mind that it is the right thing to do to take the stairs if you can.

[nippyfrog.livejournal.com]

I agree with you.
Positive reinforcement to use the stairs good idea.
I think unless people have handicap stickers that they always have with them there should be no reason to get priority over other people on the elevator. Honestly, Arisia is con where there are a lot of people with weight issues who simply can't be expected to start killing themselves running up and down stairs - then you have people with other physical or "invisible ilnesses" or "handicaps". There are a lot of people at Arisia with health problems and they shouldn't be expected to go to the doctor and get a note. Also there are a lot of people who just aren't going to hear about it, or people who just don't have the time or want to make a big deal about themselves; people who are humble. On the other side of the coin we have those with minor issues who may want to make a big deal about themselves. The fact is, we want to encourage people to use the stairs. We don't want to start drama about who can and can't use the stairs in good conscience. It's clearly only starting problems and disagreement.

Encouraging people to use the stairs - EXCELLENT!
Making elevator use more complicated process and subject to complicated limitations - BAD IDEA.