Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Turey on July 13, 2007, 02:16:30 am

Title: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turey on July 13, 2007, 02:16:30 am
I know this has probably been thought of before, but oh well. Be gentle with any flames.

Would any of you be interested in setting up a "convention" (for lack of a better word) some week next summer in Champaign IL for HLP/GW/SG members?

We could have some of the bigger mods/TCs show off movies/demos of what they've accomplished, we could have plenty of FS2/BtRL/Possibly SoL multiplayer action, maybe even FREDing/Modelling/Coding/whatever workshops.

I thought of Champaign IL for three reasons:
1. It's the home of Volition, we could send an invite to them for a free lunch and a chance to see what we've done with their engine.
2. It's a fairly central location, not overly far from anywhere in the US, and reasonably close to one of the larger airports in the US (O'Hare in Chicago)
3. It's not like it'll be crowded... It's a fairly small town. :P

I know it'd be pretty far for some of you non-US folks to fly, but the map at the bottom of the main page says that most of HLP is in Eastern USA/Western Europe, and IL isn't very far for them.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: karajorma on July 13, 2007, 02:22:07 am
Hmmmm. I like the idea. Whether I'd be free to fly all the way to the US is another matter. But if enough people are going it might be nice to put names to faces. :)
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Nuke on July 13, 2007, 02:30:24 am
depends on how many plan to show up, and only if one of the pilots on the board wants to provide transportation :D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: CP5670 on July 13, 2007, 02:30:49 am
An interesting idea, but I would only consider something like this if it's relatively local to me or if I happen to be in the area for other reasons.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Flipside on July 13, 2007, 02:45:08 am
Nice idea, but I'm much the same as everyone else, I doubt I could afford the air-fare and accomodation for a trip to IL :(
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turey on July 13, 2007, 02:55:17 am
Nice idea, but I'm much the same as everyone else, I doubt I could afford the air-fare and accomodation for a trip to IL :(

How much would a round-trip ticket to O'Hare and back cost you in USD? $600ish?

If you've got a place you'd rather have it, just say so.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: blackhole on July 13, 2007, 03:17:40 am
Quote
HLP/GW/SG
Since i'm a native of Sectorgame, and i just so happen to be turning 18 next year (in June), what are the chances of me coming? I live in Washington, so it might be feasible to drive, though i'd prefer a train...
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: achtung on July 13, 2007, 03:35:24 am
Hey, by that time I might be able to fly myself, if I'm not taking summer college classes.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Colonol Dekker on July 13, 2007, 03:42:10 am
I'd go, but the hosts need to set up a brothel hostel for us..... ;)


One after set in london please :yes:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: jr2 on July 13, 2007, 04:05:12 am
Hrm.. probably not, unfortunately... :(  If you guys do this, make sure there are a bunch of PCs so you guys can be on HLP and the rest of us can join in the fun... and bring some digital cams, too... hmm, maybe some mics,, IDK, what do you think.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turey on July 13, 2007, 04:28:38 am
One after set in london please :yes:

We could do a series of them. West US(Cali?), East US (Champaign IL), West EU (London), East EU (Finland?).

We'd have to spread them out, As I'd like to go to as many as possible.  :nod:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: TrashMan on July 13, 2007, 04:32:01 am
Would like to go, but no..no $ and no time..
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Bobboau on July 13, 2007, 07:01:27 am
I'll go, that's just a few hours drive for me.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Colonol Dekker on July 13, 2007, 07:53:27 am
Any Beer?




We need Beer..................
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Snail on July 13, 2007, 07:54:44 am
I would not go... Not with some of you freaks there. :shaking:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Colonol Dekker on July 13, 2007, 07:57:02 am
I resent that, but empathise with you...........   :ick:



*hits snail with a shovel*
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Black Wolf on July 13, 2007, 07:58:51 am
Conventions like this should always be held in Australia:

 - 18 year old drinking age - brilliant for the 18-21 year old forumites
 - Northern Hemisphere winter = Aussie Summer, so it's a proper holiday
 - Equally far from everyone
 - Generally more awesome.

:D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Nuke on July 13, 2007, 08:00:19 am
how about vegas, they got hookers in vegas. we can make fake bosch labels for any beer served. if everyone brings a computer, we can get a little lan party going, while were not doing anything with the hookers anyway :D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Snail on July 13, 2007, 08:01:27 am
how about vegas, they got hookers in vegas. we can make fake bosch labels for any beer served. if everyone brings a computer, we can get a little lan party going, while were not doing anything with the hookers anyway :D

See? I wouldn't like to be near any of you in person. :nervous:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Nuke on July 13, 2007, 08:08:27 am
i will not be responsible for any brain damage incurred by any association with nuke :D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Colonol Dekker on July 13, 2007, 08:19:37 am
Its in the small small small print when you sign up for HLP anyway.
.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

OK the invisible print, but it's still legally binding :nervous:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turambar on July 13, 2007, 09:42:00 am
I'd be up for it, but Raleigh, NC to Illinois is one hell of a road trip.

perhaps an east coast meeting somewhere.  Me and Stratcomm could carpool!
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: CP5670 on July 13, 2007, 09:53:32 am
One after set in london please :yes:

We could do a series of them. West US(Cali?), East US (Champaign IL), West EU (London), East EU (Finland?).

We'd have to spread them out, As I'd like to go to as many as possible.  :nod:


Champaign isn't really on the east. Something around Washington or NYC would probably be more suitable.

Then again, Snail does have a point. :D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Shade on July 13, 2007, 10:37:49 am
Hmm. Air fares have dropped a lot from here to the USA in recent years, so it sounds quite interesting. With a good showing, I could easily be convinced :) As for a later one in London, that would be a given for me. I can fly to London for nearly as cheap as taking the bus to the local shopping mall.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Snail on July 13, 2007, 10:40:00 am
And I'm IN LONDON!
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Mefustae on July 13, 2007, 10:44:47 am
Okay, i'll book the main exhibition hall at the LA Convention Centre for the 24th. I'll expect to see everyone there.

Black Wolf, you're on booze duty. Nuke, you bring the hookers.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Snail on July 13, 2007, 10:47:40 am
Black Wolf, you're on booze duty. Nuke, you bring the hookers.

*gulp*

Actually, I'll be in Berlin.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: blackhole on July 13, 2007, 11:05:42 am
Someone should just bring a webcam so everyone on here can watch...
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turey on July 13, 2007, 11:17:14 am
One after set in london please :yes:

We could do a series of them. West US(Cali?), East US (Champaign IL), West EU (London), East EU (Finland?).

We'd have to spread them out, As I'd like to go to as many as possible.  :nod:


Champaign isn't really on the east. Something around Washington or NYC would probably be more suitable.

Then again, Snail does have a point. :D

So what I'm hearing so far is that we'd like to have at least 6:
We could do a series of them. West US (Cali?), Central US (Champaign IL), East US (PA? Atlanta, GA? What's good for you guys?), West EU (London), East EU (Finland?), Far East (Australia).

I'm just worried that by spreading us out, not enough people would go to each one to make it worthwhile.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Snail on July 13, 2007, 11:20:03 am
I'm just worried that by spreading us out, not enough people would go to each one to make it worthwhile.

Point.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Polpolion on July 13, 2007, 12:27:24 pm
If you wait like two years, I can come.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turambar on July 13, 2007, 01:55:26 pm
just out of curiosity, is there anyone else here in the Southeastern US area?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: achtung on July 13, 2007, 01:57:05 pm
just out of curiosity, is there anyone else here in the Southeastern US area?

I live in Southeast KY.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Goober5000 on July 13, 2007, 02:39:01 pm
I heard somewhere that half the population of the US is within 12 hours' driving distance of DC.  NY probably isn't that far behind.

Champaign would be great, though, if for no other reason than to tour :v: and eat at Papa Dell's. :)

I would be totally up for this, though.  Sounds awesome.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Sarafan on July 13, 2007, 02:44:18 pm
It's a great idea, but I wouldnt be able to go. Unless someone here knows of a way to smuggle people in the US?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Shade on July 13, 2007, 03:00:31 pm
Sheesh, you mean they don't allow brazilian psycopaths in? Intolerant bastards. I guess you could fly to Canada, then drive across. Apparently that works even if you're on a watch list and are stopped by a border guard who is well aware of who you are :p

Anyway, one of the main attractions for me if something like this were to happen, would be if I could just shake the hands of some of the people who made it and say thank you in person for giving us such a great game. Afterwards of course, i'd rather like to blow them to pieces (or get blown to pieces by them) in a network game ;) Given that my mp experience amounts to about two hours several years ago, it would probably be the latter...
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: blackhole on July 13, 2007, 03:27:38 pm
Maybe we should have everyone list which country/state they live in or major city they live close to so we could chose the best spot?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Nuclear1 on July 13, 2007, 03:44:58 pm
If I weren't leaving in four days, I would be all for this.  We would probably be better holding a US East convention somewhere cental in the Eastern US (Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana).

I live about twenty minutes northeast of Indianapolis, by the way.

Could we do this as a regular thing for those of us that can't come this year?  I'll be off at training for the better part of 2 or 3 years, so maybe make it an annual thing or something? :)

Quote
West US (Cali?)

Oh, I might actually be able to make that when I get some time off.  I'll in Monterey until about November 2008, so San Francisco, anyone?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: IPAndrews on July 13, 2007, 03:58:44 pm
London works for me thank you. London rocks.  :cool:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: IPAndrews on July 13, 2007, 04:00:02 pm
Oh and "convention"? Gathering @ pub w/ alchohol would suffice.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: achtung on July 13, 2007, 04:06:21 pm
Oh and "convention"? Gathering @ pub w/ alchohol would suffice.

If we have one in the US I'm bringing some home-made wine and some beer.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: karajorma on July 13, 2007, 04:07:50 pm
London is good for me too. And the idea of a beer night in London sounds great. :)
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: brandx0 on July 13, 2007, 04:12:32 pm
Sheesh, you mean they don't allow brazilian psycopaths in? Intolerant bastards. I guess you could fly to Canada, then drive across. Apparently that works even if you're on a watch list and are stopped by a border guard who is well aware of who you are :p

I dunno, I'm Canadian, not on any watch lists, no criminal record, no run ins with the law, good credit, financially stable, and free of diseases, and yet I couldn't get into the states last time I tried.  The guy said he thought I was trying to illegally immigrate.  Haha, I wanted to laugh in his face so badly... but he was a big angry black guy with a scar and probably would have killed me if I did.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: redsniper on July 13, 2007, 04:15:25 pm
Hmmm... Now this piques my curiousity. I'm kinda teetering between wanting to see some of you guys in person and not wanting to see you in person since I know you're all a bunch of psychos. :nervous:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Shade on July 13, 2007, 04:21:11 pm
Quote
free of diseases
Now there's your problem. You do need to have a particularly bad case of Tuberculosis for that method to work. Still, weird that they'd deny a Canadian entry. I mean, many european countries are exempt from visa requirements so people can just board a flight and expect to be let in, and you guys are their neighbours.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: brandx0 on July 13, 2007, 04:26:32 pm
Yeah, kinda odd.  I dunno really, but alas, I'm on a watch list now hehe, so no going to the states for me!.  If there was a Canadian Con in Vancouver I'd probably show up, Toronto, I can't be bothered to go to.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: IPAndrews on July 13, 2007, 04:38:40 pm
Alright how about Thursday 2nd August at the Detroit bar, Covent Garden, London?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: BrotherBryon on July 13, 2007, 05:48:07 pm
just out of curiosity, is there anyone else here in the Southeastern US area?

Roanoke, Virginia
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Sarafan on July 13, 2007, 07:55:45 pm
Sheesh, you mean they don't allow brazilian psycopaths in? Intolerant bastards. I guess you could fly to Canada, then drive across. Apparently that works even if you're on a watch list and are stopped by a border guard who is well aware of who you are :p


Quote
free of diseases
Now there's your problem. You do need to have a particularly bad case of Tuberculosis for that method to work. Still, weird that they'd deny a Canadian entry. I mean, many european countries are exempt from visa requirements so people can just board a flight and expect to be let in, and you guys are their neighbours.

*Starts coughing.*

*cough, cough...* :nervous:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Unknown Target on July 13, 2007, 09:23:28 pm
Somewhere closer to NY would be nice...
But a good idea nonetheless :)
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Nuke on July 13, 2007, 10:02:38 pm
airfare from juneau->ny $850
i could get a new computer for that :D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Mr. Vega on July 13, 2007, 10:57:05 pm
I'm going to college in Ohio, so that'd be perfect.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: karajorma on July 14, 2007, 03:47:48 am
Alright how about Thursday 2nd August at the Detroit bar, Covent Garden, London?

Sounds good to me. Any other takers?
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: flame on July 15, 2007, 10:10:30 pm
why not have it in Atlanta G.A. y'all. :wtf:
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turey on July 15, 2007, 11:03:25 pm
why not have it in Atlanta G.A. y'all. :wtf:

Because the last time I went there for a convention-like thing (FIRST Nationals), some guy got shot right in front of the convention center, and the traffic is abysmal, and I could go on and on...
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Stormkeeper on July 16, 2007, 12:52:13 am
Hey flame.
:welcome:


No matter where you guys hold the convention, i won't be able to attend unless i can convince my parents to let me off on my own. There's as much chance as that happening as the Sathanas getting destroyed by a Fenris in a head to head fight.
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Turey on July 16, 2007, 01:21:00 am
No matter where you guys hold the convention, i won't be able to attend unless i can convince my parents to let me off on my own. There's as much chance as that happening as the Sathanas getting destroyed by a Fenris in a head to head fight.

Well, if the Fenris started off between the Sath's arms, so the beamz couldn't get it, and managed to take out all turrets that could fire on it fast enough, it could work...
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Stormkeeper on July 16, 2007, 02:59:45 am
No matter where you guys hold the convention, i won't be able to attend unless i can convince my parents to let me off on my own. There's as much chance as that happening as the Sathanas getting destroyed by a Fenris in a head to head fight.

Well, if the Fenris started off between the Sath's arms, so the beamz couldn't get it, and managed to take out all turrets that could fire on it fast enough, it could work...

Which would be the equivalent of me having spare cash to afford the flight there and back to Singapore, and my mum being nice enough to let me take time off during my school holidays and letting a 17 yr old flying on my own ...
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Colonol Dekker on July 16, 2007, 06:57:51 am
Alright how about Thursday 2nd August at the Detroit bar, Covent Garden, London?

Sounds good to me. Any other takers?


Yes, Or the Long Island Ice tea bar.............(yankee crumpet :D
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Snail on July 16, 2007, 07:42:07 am
Which would be the equivalent of me having spare cash to afford the flight there and back to Singapore, and my mum being nice enough to let me take time off during my school holidays and letting a 17 yr old flying on my own ...

You study, lah!
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: Stormkeeper on July 16, 2007, 11:39:33 am
Snail can go and represent me XD
Title: Re: Hard Light Convention?
Post by: watsisname on July 16, 2007, 11:29:12 pm
Hmm, I should be able to go to the one in IL.  Count me in. :)