Hi all,
I'm your new ML. Nano has new computers and software this year which have turned out initially to have a lot of problems. One of those prevented any new MLs from logging in until now regardless of how long we may have been participating in NaNoWriMos. The site has also been incredibly slow as many of you have undoubtedly noticed. All this week the NaNo main organizers are rewriting parts of the system, fixing bugs, and installing an additional server. Already there is quite a difference and it should only get better.
Over the year I've been scoping out good places all over the county for write-ins. Watsonville is the one area where I struggle. Is it that nobody reads or writes there? Hmm. No way! If you're from South County and know of a spot, please forward your suggestion. Starbucks in Freedom is less crowded, but why go to Starbucks where you have to pay if you want Web access?
Given that I am forgetful about checking fora, I have enlisted my friend and NaNoWriMo two-time winner Kollos to help me monitor the local fora. I am the more social one and will be organizing and attending most write-ins as my own schedule permits.
Having spent the year perusing locales and the fora of other regions, I learned that some areas like to have a Halloween kickoff party that transforms into the first write-in at midnight. Unfortunately the best places I can think of have closed over the last year and a half and I'm not particularly fond of the local Denny's. I have not been there in eons; but if nothing has changed, then we would be somewhat unwelcome there anyhow. The kickoff could indeed be at someone's home; but it would have to be spacious and accomodating to people of all abilities because it tends to be the largest gathering we have.
Given the difficulties many students have getting far from campuses, I think it would be great if there were at least one write-in per week at UCSC in addition to all the rest. Most students can get downtown easily enough so there would be a minimum of two accessible write-ins per week for them. We will have a forum thread for rides to ease travel restrictions, and I will attempt to provide transit info for each of the write-ins and other gatherings.
Feel free to organize yet more write-ins in addition to those I will set up. You all should always feel that writing is your right, your gift, your social life opportunity, whatever.
Enough said for an initial welcome. I've read all of the "is anybody here?" thread up to this point (Wed 10/10/07 3:53pm) and have all that in mind. I'm looking forward to doing NaNoWriMo yet again (I so want to win for a change) and being a thorough and helpful ML to you all.
Have you seen the new mug or merit badges?
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You're new Municipal Liaison (ML) for Santa Cruz County
