So, the weather decided to poop all over us last weekend forcing us to hide and cower at its mercy but this weekend we're gonna write our way towards the end of Nano.
Place: City West UniSA campus Library, room 5-15
Date: Saturday 24th November
Time: 1-5pm
REMEMBER
The 24th is Election Day. Remember to vote if you're enrolled so you have plenty of time to write and don't get fined!
We are allowed to bring munchies into the room. Pretty much anything but hot food so feel free to bring along drinks and lollies and other writer-must-have-edibles. Just remember there will be laptops and powerboards around.
If catching public transport especially stuff that involves walking from King William or the Train Station there are trams running every 15 minutes or less, so if you don't feel like hauling a laptop around the city take the tram.
Map:
Directions:
As you can see from the picture we'll be in the library. If you think you'll have trouble finding it and want to go, PM me and I'll give you my mobile number incase you get lost or want directions.
If you are going to be late here is directions to where we will be:
Inside the library you can walk to the elevators (you can see them from the doors) take it to the 5th floor. Once on the 5th floor walk through the aisle of shelves ahead till you run out of books and there will be rooms on this wall. We will be in room 15. I will probably be one with a sign. I will print a sign for the door.
I hope to burst out more words! Can't wait!
----------
Mel / Calliopes.Sin
ML of Adelaide, Australia
Moderator: Character & Plot Realism Q&A and Chick Lit.
111,797 / 50,000
Nov 21, 2007 - 05 14
Even though I'm done writing, I still plan on working on my book now with editing it, so is this where I whinge that all the offical write-ins are at the uni so far?
Isn't there anywhere that is not on campus that you could organise?
What ever happened to variety?
If you guys are ML's next year and keep this up I won't get to an offical write-in ever again!
*WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGG!!!!!!!*
Red, the Dragon with a beef.
----------“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
73,377 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 00 54
I'm sorry you feel this way. At this point the uni has been providing us a hassle free place to write each week and a fair few wrimos are happy to keep using the library.
If you've got a suggestion for a better place more friendly for those that don't want to go to the uni, and is still private enough to make the younger wrimos feel safe (and comfort the parents) I'm all ears, or actually, eyes. I'm willing to organise a write-in somewhere else for variety... I would just like suggestions.
At the moment there are plans in the works for a non-uni last ditch write in. This weekend is the all nighter and I don't really want to step on its toes. I think it will be great. I'm a little sad that I won't be attending that one.
----------Mel / Calliopes.Sin
ML of Adelaide, Australia
Moderator: Character & Plot Realism Q&A and Chick Lit.
111,797 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 07 51
Well, of course it's hassle free for those who go there - that's why they go there.
Why do all the write-ins have to suit the younger wrimos? What about sharing opportunities to meet? Sometimes at places that suit the young ones and sometimes at places that suit others.
I'm not a local adelaidean, but it wasn't hard to track down the fact we would be welcome at the 24hour bakery at Norwood. Yes, there is a all night write-in organised there for friday night, but if there were a daytime one on the weekend it would surely be considered safe even for youngsters? How much harm can one encounter in a brightly lit public bakery?
I'm just not impressed that after years of attending Nanowrimo at various locations [Borders bookstore, an italian bistro in Norwood, Cafe Bongiornos(sp?) etc] this year I've been excluded from offical events because the venue is all about what suits the younger wrimos.
Why is it that the unofficial write-ins can find safe venues that I can attend easily enough(the State Library, Gloria Jeans at Glenelg, the bakery at Norwood), but the official ones cannot?
It's getting a bit late in the month now to do much else but organise the TGIO party really, but I think an ML needs to think of more than just the young wrimos when organising events. By all means, cater for them, but please cater for others as well.
Red, the Dragon who wants to join in.
“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
----------“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
120,478 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 17 10
I guess it all depends on who you are as to what you can go to.
I haven't been able to attend any of the unofficial write ins because of where and when they are. It's not particularly dandy that I can't make it to those, but I'm just glad that there are write ins on Saturday at a place that is fairly easy to access by bus.
xx
ps. so close now...
53,318 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 19 03
Red, I'm sorry you feel this way. =(
Mel and I are trying to please as many people as we can, and so far, we've had no complaints from the people who have attended. Unfortunately, we can't please everybody, but that is why we encourage people to plan their own write-ins so that hopefully there is something for everyone during the month. Chooky has been doing a wonderful job at planning write-ins at the bakery and library and I don't think we can thank her enough - there are many wrimos who have been able to attend hers, not ours, due to time restraints, availability or what have you.
The official write-ins are meant for everybody, whether they appear that way or not. The UniSA library is a friendly environment, good for both writing and socialising. There is no obligation to spend money, especially as younger wrimos may be working sporadically or not at all. It is also a good location as it is easily accessible by all means of transportation. Plus, majority of wrimos have really enjoyed them. But like I said, we can't please everyone, and that is why we encourage you to plan your own.
Also, I feel I should mention just because official is in the title, doesn't mean that they are any more important than other write-ins.
You'll have to forgive us as this IS our first year and we are awfully new at this ML business. Next year, if you would like to suggest earlier in the month (or even in October) other write-in locations, we'll try to cater the best we can. But for now, there's really nothing much we can do about this.
----------Christina
ML of Adelaide
All we can do is keep breathing...
87,121 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 20 36
Honestly, if a write-in is going to suit the younger wrimos, then it should suit the elder wrimos as well. Younger wrimos have parents to contend with -- if a parent says it's alright with them, then shouldn't it be alright with an older wrimo as well? After all, both the parent and the older wrimo are adults, so their opinions on what is safe should be roughly the same.
Watching this forum, it seems to me that you are the only person who has had a problem with the location of the official write-ins. Other people have had time problems, which is really understandable, but not location. I know you have hang ups (hell, I understand hang ups better than anyone else) but I still make an effort to overcome mine and I know others do too. For example, I am coming to the bakery tonight as long as there are still people there, even though I'm petrified of being out of the house after it's dark and even though I should really be packing my whole life into a suitcase instead.
Anyway, what I'm saying is that no one else has complained as much about this as you have, and I think it's pretty horrible to criticise the fantastic job Mel and Christina have done. They have done their best to think about places that will suit everyone and just because refuse to give it a shot doesn't mean you should shoot them down too, because that is how it reads to the rest of us.
----------Proud member of EEEW
2006: Murder in the Dark (won!)
2007: The Allatricia
111,797 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 21 01
Honestly, if a write-in is going to suit the younger wrimos, then it should suit the elder wrimos as well. Younger wrimos have parents to contend with -- if a parent says it's alright with them, then shouldn't it be alright with an older wrimo as well? After all, both the parent and the older wrimo are adults, so their opinions on what is safe should be roughly the same.
It's not all about age difference. I'm not complaining simply because I am older. However, what a 17 - 19 year old may consider a good venue is not always what a 30 - 50 yo may consider a good venue. It's not all about safety. It's about enjoying the venue and about being able to go to the venue . I have social phobia issues and have valid problems with authority based venues. Universities are authority based venues, which is no doubt why parents of younger wrimos like them. They cause a problem for me, however.
Not only that, but they hold no appeal whatever as a writing venue, which I suspect others think as well.
I may be the only one writing about this at the moment but I assure you I am not the only one who has remarked on the choice of venue for official write-ins. Besides, I thought this was supposed to be an 'inclusive' group, not 'exclusive'. My problem is not a 'hangup'. It's a disablity, a legal disablity. If I were in a wheelchair and you were holding your write-ins somewhere up stairs and I complained about not being able to access them, it would seem pretty selfish if some consideration were not shown.
The fuss that is being made, one would think I am asking that all write-ins were changed. I have simply asked that some variety be given and others, other than simply young ones, be considered.
Since when, in a country with free speech, am I unable to complain about being unable to attend official functions of an event that I am part of such a terrible thing?
I recall that I was also one of the very few who posted in the ML Appreciation Day thread. I am now able to say positive remarks but not give constructive criticism? It's a sad world if it has come to that. Giving constructive criticism is not shooting someone down. I have simply raised an issue that I thought needed addressing. Even if that issue isn't an issue for the majority of wrimos, it IS an issue for me. Are you telling me that individual's thoughts or issues do not count now? When one considers that in the real world I could sue for discrimination against my disablity over this, the fact I've only POLITELY asked to be considered speaks volumes for the fact I am NOT shooting anyone down, but merely asking to be able to join in.
When one considers how a polite request is being viewed on such a personal level, it is no wonder that no one else dare complain.
Red, the Dragon who has the courage to speak up.
“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
----------“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
43,432 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 21 07
Red, I stand by and agree with all that you have said.
----------Pervert's Paradise- 2007
111,797 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 21 18
Mel and I are trying to please as many people as we can, and so far, we've had no complaints from the people who have attended.
Well, of course not, as they go because the venue suits them.
This is exactly my point though. Why not have the offical meetings at other places as well, even once, simply so others might be ablet to attend. Chooky has done a wonderful job planning alternative venues and times because she HAS considered others. She has been considering everyone, not just one part of the local wrimos.
If the UNISA library is such a good environment, why didn't Chooky make it the venue for her write-ins? Because it doesn't suit everyone. Others do like to meet up for write-ins elsewhere. If Chooky can consider this when planning her events, why can't the actual ML's? Even once?
You'll have to forgive us as this IS our first year and we are awfully new at this ML business. Next year, if you would like to suggest earlier in the month (or even in October) other write-in locations, we'll try to cater the best we can. But for now, there's really nothing much we can do about this.
I do understand that it is your first year. That's why I have spoken up now and mentioned it, the same as I DID actually mention it when the venue was first proposed for the first write-in. I took my courage in my hands and actually confessed publicly to a very personal and private issue hoping that at least one future offical event would be at a different venue, and it hasn't been. This is why I've mentioned it again.
For it to have blown up into the storm it seems to be becoming is both embarassing and incredibly difficult for me. The last thing a social phobic person wants is to be in the spotlight and made to justify and explain their problems.
I did mention when I posed in the ML Appreciation day thread that I was aware you had taken on a very difficult task. But how can you try to fix something that is a problem if I do not mention it? That's how people learn.
I understand there's nothing much that can be done, but my original post in this thread was meant as a lighthearted nudge to perhaps consider another venue SOMETIMES, not always, when planning write-ins if you return to the job next year. After all, can you blame me for wanting to be able to experience your enthusiasm and encouragement which I have seen here on the forums, first hand?
Red, the Dragon who isn't shooting anyone.
“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
----------“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
87,121 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 21 24
And I have SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) which is mental illness. Last year after the first NaNo meetup I attended, I went home and bawled my eyes out from the stress of it all -- and this was a period of time when I was considered by my doctor to be "better". So understand that you're not the only one in the world trying to cope with things like that.
And personally, I wouldn't call that "constructive" criticism. It's actually the type of criticism that hurts feelings. And your post never read as polite to me personally, so think on how you word things. I have a lot less attachment to this than other people do, so I'm certain it probably hurt their feelings.
----------Proud member of EEEW
2006: Murder in the Dark (won!)
2007: The Allatricia
120,478 / 50,000
Nov 22, 2007 - 22 25
Chooky has done a wonderful job planning alternative venues and times because she HAS considered others. She has been considering everyone, not just one part of the local wrimos.
Sure, Chooky has been doing a good job, but she hasn't been "considering everyone" as you say she is. Considering everyone is impossible! I haven't been able to attend anything that Chooky has organised because of when and where it is. You don't see me complaining. I just go to the things I can. Which is the two ones that have been at the uni. If someone hadn't organised those, I'd be a complete and utter loner the whole time!
xx
111,797 / 50,000
Nov 23, 2007 - 00 08
No, we don't see you complaining. But then I don't frame what I do on what others do. Since when is it wrong to complain?
How will our ML's know we want something different to what they plan if no one speaks up?
I simply spoke up.
Red, the Dragon who will not be silenced.
“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
----------“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
111,797 / 50,000
Nov 23, 2007 - 00 21
And personally, I wouldn't call that "constructive" criticism. It's actually the type of criticism that hurts feelings. And your post never read as polite to me personally, so think on how you word things. I have a lot less attachment to this than other people do, so I'm certain it probably hurt their feelings.
Criticism that hurts would be if I were to call our ML's 'useless, selfish, inconsiderate, stupid' or any of the other things that are name calling. I don't happen to think they are any of these things. Neither am I that rude as to purposely set out to distress anyone.
By pointing out something I was not happy with I was trying to communicate with my ML's about a possible change of venue for ONE WRITE-IN - and if that is considered not constructive I would like to know what definitions you personally use.
Again, what was impolite about my post, other than the fact I dared to complain? And really, if the ML's think I've been impolite or hurtful, then isn't it up to them to tell me rather than others saying I 'probably' have hurt feelings?
I confess, I am starting to feel very beleaguered here. I posted a lighthearted post reminding the ML's about my earlier request for a possible change of venue (as evidenced by my *whiiiiiiiiiinge* in the post and the tag I used at the end of 'wanting to join in') and now I'm considered impolite and hurtful?
Red, the confused dragon.
“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
----------“If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." ~ Brian Andreas
53,318 / 50,000
Nov 23, 2007 - 04 09
Red, I'm going to have to point out that this is the internet, and what you think came across as lighthearted could have, and did, easily give the impression of outright annoyance. Tone sometimes isn't as easily deciphered over the internet as we'd like to think.
We're not trying to beleaguer you in any way, and I really do apologise if you feel that way. We have taken what you've said on board, and like Mel has already stated, we have planned a last minute midweek write-in or two for everyone next Thursday and Friday at both Cafe Buongiornos and Gloria Jeans/Borders. Think of it as a final attempt to push those winning words out before the bell rings and we're forced to put our pens down.
I would also like to point out that when Mel mentioned the next two write-ins, you immediately said it was too late. Why are we discussing any of this then if it's too late? I, personally, never think it's too late for a write-in and we will be having those two write-ins next week. It's been planned for a while now, we just haven't felt the need to bring it up until today.
We'll be taking your suggestions on board for next year but for now this is the best we can do. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, but I really don't think this needs to be discussed any further. If you have any more criticism or suggestions, please feel free to PM Mel or myself, either separately or to the uber email, adelaide_australia@nanowrimo.org
-Christina
----------Christina
ML of Adelaide
All we can do is keep breathing...
73,377 / 50,000
Nov 23, 2007 - 04 14
For all those reading this and watching on, I feel it needs mentioning that 1 in 5 Australians suffer from a mental illness and half of our MLship. I think we need it clear that we do not discriminate against people for any reasons. This is no exception.
Also, criticism is a fickle thing. Some have a thicker skin compared to others when criticism is dealt their way. Christina and I are on a learning curve this year and short of personal criticism against us we're content with listening, or reading as the case may be, to what you have to say/write.
I'm going to lock this thread because it is no longer constructive for anyone for this to continue. If you would like to discuss anything written here, give constructive criticism, or what have you, please PM Christina or myself.
----------Mel / Calliopes.Sin
ML of Adelaide, Australia
Moderator: Character & Plot Realism Q&A and Chick Lit.