Vegas Calling…
As you read this post, I’m at TAM 7 shmoozing with skeptical people and trying to get this Skeptologists off the ground and running. If you are at TAM, please step up and say hello. That’s me in the picture at left. I despise name tags, but I suppose I will have to conform.
If you are not at TAM, you have to ask yourself …..why?
I will assume that you are far far away on some distant continent(or planet) or cannot make it due to the dire state of the economy or some other circumstances beyond your control. I understand. But in lieu of a new post by me and you having nothing better to do to satisfy your every skeptical need in my absence; please read or re-read my past rants on “Guerrilla Skepticism,” and “Ambush Skepticism”and take a few minutes to consider what you might do for The Skeptologists:
Is there any millionaire dilettante you know who needs a cause to write off as a tax break or use to gain a social advantage by supporting? Do you personally know Trump, Gates …or even Rupert Murdock? Are you anywhere near that sixth degree of separation to Al Gore or Anderson Cooper? Can you get Mike Judge or even Rob Zombie on board this project? Instead of working fretfully at your work desk or computer cubicle and making The Boss richer, would you use that spare time you usually use surfing the vastness of the Internet to connect The Skeptologists up with a media sponsor or better still;…a network executive? How difficult can it be to get a few hours of science and sanity sandwiched in between “American Idol” and “One Tree Hill?” ? Is there anyone out there willing to make the leap to the next big event in reality television – and I mean REALITY television, not just another season of Ice Truckers? Ponderous questions indeed. We need your support now more than ever. Show your colors. Think Big and help get us the space up on the marque you know we deserve! I’m counting on YOU.
A full detailed report of my investigations will follow on my return.
Yours in Magick,
Mark Edward
Keith "Rupert" Murdoch: Now HERE is a man who could use a Palm reading...
Two reasons I’m not there:
1. time
2. money
(a lack of both)
There are other reasons; the universe seems to conspire to keep me away. I need to have a pretty good idea of when the next TAM will be about a year or so in advance – then I’ll have some hope of making it.
I hope you have success selling “The Skeptologists”. :)
Two reasons why I’m not there:
1) Money
2) Money
I’ve been watching the stream and I love it.
The more notice you can give the better, but I think you gave plenty. Loved the Skeptologists video.
I’m cool with broadcasting live, then selling the DVDs. Us poor skeptics can see everything if we can carve out the time, but not the money. Thanks!
Just got back, a truly amazing time!
For you that need a lot of notice. July 2010, South Point Casino. Not sure exactly what day in July but probably the same weekend as this one.
Susan
I’m watchin’ on the live stream, wishin’ I could be there. Next year!!!
I am surmising that the reason most people don’t attend is expense.
Yes, that is a huge part. Even traveling from the east coast to the west + taxis + hotel rooms + TAM fees adds up to quite a bit. Then there are the expatriates like me who are on the other side of the planet. :) For me the TAM fees would be a minor component of the expenses. I’ll just have to settle for the DVD this year.
I don’t go for two basic reasons: TAM pricing is way too high, no thanks, and while the distance for me (NC to Las Vegas) is better than for most, I want to go to Las Vegas like I want a root canal, no thanks.
1188 dollars a flight in is why.
Well, I did go, but I never could catch up to you Mark. What I would like to see is more visible charity things like the vaccine campaign that they did this year.Very inspiring! I think that it accomplished at least three very important goals. First, it was a direct and positive response to counter the anti-vax movement(we put our money where our mouth is), and second, it puts Skeptics in a more positive light in a very public way, and oh by the way, it helped protect kids from disease that might otherwise not have been able to get that help. More of the same in the future can’t possibly be a bad move.
Two reasons:
1) Intimidated
2) Time
I’ve just recently discovered the universe of skeptic thought (as well as a motivated desire to learn about science). I think I’m probably about a good year or two away from building up enough courage to attend a skeptic/science gathering of this scale. In the meanwhile, I’ll just continue to read blogs, listen to podcasts, and see what opportunities await for me down the road.
Also, I recently purchased my first home and thought it would be wise for me to work on settling in (unpacking, minor maintenance, etc.).
CW- 1st, welcome to the world of critical thinking. 2nd, there is absolutely no reason to be intimidated. I went to my 1st TAM last year, and then the Amazing adventure cruise last spring, and finally, TAM 7, and have found the skeptic community to be very open and accessible to all who want to belong. You could even go and just hang back and observe if you want. It is totally up to you.
Tracy is right (tmac57) I have never seen a more excepting group than us skeptics. Our woo interests are diverse, as are we. If you are into computers then you will fit right in as almost everyone works in that field (not me).
You can just sit in the back, but the best way to be included is to volunteer and/or just hang out with people, smile, introduce yourself. There were tons of first time people there and most are shy as well.
We twittered TAM7 this year and that allowed people to gather without knowing each other.
The skeptic toolbox is this August in Eugene, OR with a much smaller group 60 people not 1060 people. You may have a skeptic group nearby to join, or look out for CFI or JREF or whatever to meet up.
Even better to get to know people is to join the JREF forum, or CFI forum. Jump in and just engage! Facebook is another great way to get to know liked minded people.
We were all once brand new to these communities.
Susan
Susan: “I have never seen a more >>excepting<< group than us skeptics."
Susan, did you do that on purpose (excepting for accepting)? Either way, very funny, lol.
And count me out of that assessment of skeptics. I am not friendly. I hiss at people, whoever comes near. If they get close enough, I scratch them. When they aren't looking, I spit on their backs.
Explain again how you managed to have all those kids?