Starting to do the prep for the con...

[measi.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know if the drum circle is on this year? I wasn't able to attend the con last year and heard some frustration about how it was scheduled.

~ Mel.
(who will be on her first-ever panel this Arisia)

Comments

[dda.livejournal.com]

There is currently no drum circle; apparently the person who did it last year was unwilling to do so again this year. There has just been a request to the events team to see about this so things might change. Definitely check the events section of Arisia (http://www.arisia.org) for any updates as it is obviously too late to get it added to the mailers.

[measi.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :)

It would be a shame if it were lost. It's talked about year-round in non-con circles as one of the best drum circles around. If I had more experience in them and felt more comfortable with my own drumming skill, I'd offer to host it.

We can hope...

[dda.livejournal.com]

It's talked about year-round in non-con circles as one of the best drum circles around.

If people feel that strongly, I would urge you to find someone to volunteer to host it next year. I would be very surprised if the events team next year wouldn't be willing to do what it takes to make it happen. Note that the host doesn't have to be the main drummer, they just have to be responsible for making sure someone does drum.

At least this year, the host interacts with a liaison whose job it is to get requirements and get those requirements met by the other groups within Arisia. So just consider this a friendly reminder that Arisia depends on volunteers. :-)

But do check the website.

[measi.livejournal.com]

I'm well aware that Arisia is dependent on volunteers, thanks. I offered to help back in September, and no one got back to me, other than to do cold-calling to "all junior and senior high schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island" for art project placements, and it was something beyond my capacity to do, since it required work during my normal work hours and would be a LOT of calling around that I couldn't excuse as a couple of personal phone calls.

It's also good to remember that we don't ALL know each other in Arisia. The drum circle is usually 40+ people, and while I'm sure some people know each other who attend, not everyone does. Had I know that the person who did it last year or the year before had stepped down-- prior to a week before the con-- I could have spread the news via my journal to others who might have been interested in the event.

Given there's a livejournal community and a website, perhaps some "XXX event has traditionally been done at Arisia, but the host from last year is unable to recommit. If you you are interested in having the event again at Arisia and would be willing to host (or know someone who would), please let us know" would be a great help. Communication to would-be volunteers about *specific* needs is a much more effective method than a "we need volunteers!!!" message.

~ Mel.

[dda.livejournal.com]

I offered to help back in September, and no one got back to me...

I'm sorry; I believe this predates my involvement in this year's con. I've certainly tried to get in touch with everyone who expressed an interest in volunteering!

Had I know that the person who did it last year or the year before had stepped down-- prior to a week before the con-- I could have spread the news via my journal to others who might have been interested in the event.

If you want to discuss this more, please send mail to events@arisia.org . Right now, Events is seeing if there is time and space available; if it is going to happen, I'll be sure to post something here to let people know.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

i seem to recall that earlier incarnations of the drum circles at arisia (and other cons) "just happen" in the years long and past. people bring the drums, a space that isn't being used is found, and drumming happens. then it became an event. oops.

even if all arisia does is point us to a space, any space, that won't disturb people, it'll probably happen. the room that's been used (way way way below) is of course, perfect, but perhaps, too perfect. other folx (like the rocky horror crowd) like it as well.

#

[dda.livejournal.com]

The drum circle is ON, thanks to folks in events, programming and other divisions. It will be in the Terrace room at 8pm on Friday (preliminary still but I wanted to let people know!)