Me again, I have too much time on my hands I think. I'm just wondering what's happening with regards to our ML? We haven't got one yet and with October only a couple of days away I just thought it should be thought about. Who was last year's? And do they want to do it again? Or do we need a new volunteer(s)
A lot of regions have already got their ML sorted and it occured to me that we haven't yet.
Suzanne x
----------
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
20,934 / 50,000
Sep 29, 2008 - 13 52
I was last years ML.
Unfortunately this year I fear I'll be too busy to ML... Although I do hope to attend at least a few of the meet-ups.
----------It's Danny P!
Two year veteran.
Two year winner.
Hoping my PC wll survive November...
58,408 / 50,000
Sep 29, 2008 - 22 50
That's cool Danny. I hope you'll be around to offer advice to the new ML :) I'm sure you did a great job last year.
Any volunteers? I'll do it if no-one else wants to but I've got a lot on already and will be spending half my weekends in November visiting my boyfriend who's in Lancaster, which isn't really good if we end up having weekend write-ins.
----------
Used to be ShadowedWhispers
NaNoWriMo2008: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.
----------Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
"But we'll dance anyway, you and I. Even in the dark. Especially in the dark."
- Stephen King 'Danse Macabre'
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
71,095 / 50,000
Oct 4, 2008 - 12 31
Eeek! I hope somebody steps forward as ML, I had fun last year at the write-in I went to.
It's a shame Danny can't do it again. Maybe we'll have more volunteers as November approaches and more people start showing up? =/
Or why not have several people sharing the responsibility of ML?
---------------
NaNo 06: Freedom Club (Sci-fi) - 23,245 words
NaNo 07: Hex (Sci-Fi) - 50, 700 words and growing!
NaNo 08: The Five Hands of Gert de Vries (Mystery & Suspense) - 71,095 words and nearly finished!
http://holliequ.livejournal.com/
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 5, 2008 - 09 15
That's quite a good idea Hollie - maybe 2 or 3 ML's if a lot of people are willing to help but are too busy to take on the job on their own? We'll give it till like the middle of October before we start prodding people into doing it - but hopefully someone will step forward. I'm very willing to be part of a 2 or 3 ML team but I'd find it difficult doing it on my own this year.
----------Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
50,258 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 00 14
What does a ML actually do?
----------I gather it's something to do with managing the meetups but what is it specifically? And will the write ins be all night, or just meetups during the day? Sorry to be such a "noob"!
NaNoWriMo 08-If Penguins Could Fly-50,376 WINNER
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 00 37
Don't worry about it, everyone is new at some point!
Well Danny's probably a bit more qualified to answer than I am but I'll do my best :)
The ML basically liases between NaNo participants and The Powers That Be (i.e. the Lords and Ladys that run NaNoWriMo). They receives goodies for us to hand out at write-ins (stickers usually) and organised inter-regional word count wars. They show up early for write-ins to make sure that everyone gathers in the same place from the word go (and can even offer things like mobile numbers in case someone gets lost and needs to be found)
Write-ins (in my experience) last around 2 - 3 hours and are arranged at a time that suits the majority of people wanting to attend, this could be an evening during the week, or a weekend afternoon or whatever people want. They're arranged at a convienient place that everyone can find and you're not duty bound to stay once you've arrived if you don't want to or have to leave early or something. Sometime they can happen more than once a week too.
ML's generally organise not only the write-ins also the Kick-Off party (can involve food and drink somewhere as well as a write-in, happens around the 1st of November) and the Thank God It's Over party (party to celebrate the end of NaNo! Can be anywhere and involve anything.)
Was that helpful?
----------Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
53,596 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 02 39
Was very helpful for me, thankyou.
----------"Whenever we see the dawn of an eternal good... the blood of old people and children is always shed."
20,934 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 13 51
you just saved me a few paragraphs there kal. *stashes them ready for November.*
that's basically the gist of it. The main points of being ML were basically arranging the meetings and maintaining morale throughout November.
When it comes to booking a place to go in manchester, The last 2 years we booked Kro in picadilly. It's free to book and can accommodate fairly large groups. Last year it was suggested that somewhere with a power supply for laptops would be beneficial (I hadn't thought of it... *blushes*) so perhaps finding a place with either a power supply or a cheap cyber café could come in handy this year.
I'm standing down this year because being able to attend the meetings this year might prove difficult for me, however I'll be here the whole time to lend support to whoever chooses to be ML and all of my fellow writers. Which includes drawing from my 2 year deep well of experience doing NaNo.
Also, there's a special forum for MLs who either require technical assistance or Advice in regards to their duties.
HOWEVER: whoever volunteers to become ML this year, I warn you to create a temporary email address, as after my first regional email i was besieged by spam addressed to "dear England_Manchester,"
EDIT: If anybody would like to become this years Municipal Liaison, follow this link for the guidelines involved.
http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/1003232
----------It's Danny P!
Two year veteran.
Two year winner.
Hoping my PC wll survive November...
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 10, 2008 - 14 16
Six years on and even people who have never been an ML figure out the ins and outs of everything ;-) plus I have way way too much time on my hands, most of which is spent haunting these forums lol!! Glad I could be of service.
I'd really like to do it. But I'm job hunting at the moment and currently trying to get work in retail (nothing exciting - just sales advisor positions) but it's all shift work so I can't commit to being available at suitable times in November (knowing my luck I'll land a job that'll want me to work November 1st *and* 2nd!). And plus with me spending half my free time in Lancaster, there's no guarentee I'll even make it to the meet-ups let alone be the one supposed to be running them.
But as I said above, I would happily co-ML with someone and be at write-in's whenever I can, and I'm always available via email no matter where in the country I am (except when I'm working obviously lol). But I don't want to be the only ML when I can't promise to even be available when everyone else is. It wouldn't be fair on everyone else. But I can definately help with any advance organising, even if I'm not there.
So if anyone wants to do it as a team, get in touch :-)
--------------------
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 11, 2008 - 01 08
IMPORTANT!
We need someone to offer to be ML by TOMORROW! They are taking down the ML form thing on MONDAY!!
Clearly if we don't have an ML it's not the end of the world, it's like not we *need* one to organised write-in's etc, it would just be easier. So think about it guys!
----------Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
50,258 / 50,000
Oct 11, 2008 - 07 43
Ah thanks Danny P and Kaleidoscope27, really helped me.
----------NaNoWriMo 08-If Penguins Could Fly-50,376 WINNER
50,138 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 04 19
I work opposite Kro on piccadilly so if you want me to book something I can do it - let me know today, I'll stay logged in.
Further afield would be difficult for me, but I am willing to co-ordinate a weekly meeting.
Karris xx
----------Visit my website at http://www.dirtysparkle.com or http://www.rosics.com
50,138 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 06 37
PS Kro now have stations for laptops, only a few but I guess it would suffice?
PPS I filled in the ML form, I'll be happy to organise some stuff but would be grateful of any help if I get to be the ML!!
----------Visit my website at http://www.dirtysparkle.com or http://www.rosics.com
71,095 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 07 34
I'm sure Danny and Kaledioscope would be happy to help you with everything.
---------------
NaNo 06: Freedom Club (Sci-fi) - 23,245 words
NaNo 07: Hex (Sci-Fi) - 50, 700 words and growing!
NaNo 08: The Five Hands of Gert de Vries (Mystery & Suspense) - 71,095 words and nearly finished!
http://holliequ.livejournal.com/
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 07 49
PPS I filled in the ML form, I'll be happy to organise some stuff but would be grateful of any help if I get to be the ML!!
That's awesome Karris! And as Hollie said, I'll definately be happy to help out if you need it and Danny will too. I've never been to Kro but it sounds pretty much what we need, especially if they can accomodate laptops now (I assume this means they've got powerpoints available?). ----------
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
50,138 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 08 05
Well, I put the form in, I don't know if I'll be allowed as i didn't complete last year due to havinf to write a thesis at the same time and had to register again as I forgot my username and password!
But if I am allowed I'm happy to do it.
Kro is good, I'm sure Danny and the others from last year will tell you, it's roomy and has beer and coffe and food available. I have seen people sitting at 'laptop station' and they appear to have powerpoints.
If we wanted to have any write-ins, talks or presentations away from the bustle of the City I have a small office on Piccadilly, seating for around 10 people and powerpoints, we could use and know of some other venues near the Bridgewater Hall.
For the kick off party or whaterver its called there are loads of places in the Northern Quarter or Chinese Buffet if people like that sort of thing.
I'll let you know when I get a response to my form filling!
Karris xx
----------Visit my website at http://www.dirtysparkle.com or http://www.rosics.com
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 12, 2008 - 08 40
Best of luck! But even if they turn it down we can still sort out write-ins at Kro or wherever. We'll just have to forgo goodies from HQ. But I hope you get it :-)
----------Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
20,934 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2008 - 06 19
The rules state that you must have done it a year before to udnerstand the pressure, not necessarily completed the previous year.
The rules to NaNo really aren't set in stone. The whole event is more to promote writing than creating laws and i'm sure the benefactors will notice that we'd benefit from having a willing ML.
I've just printed off my work schedule until the end of November. Also when i get home i'm gonna try and find the free poll I used last year to do votes on event times and dates...
-Danny P.
----------It's Danny P!
Two year veteran.
Two year winner.
Hoping my PC wll survive November...
50,258 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2008 - 10 42
Ah, where and what is Kro? I live in Liverpool and so have no idea about Manchester at all (Sorry if I'm in the incorrect place, this was the closest I could find to where I live).
(edited-I've found the Liverpudlian ML thread. Sorry to everyone here and thanks for all who'vre given me help, but it would be easier to go to Liverpool than Manchester)
----------NaNoWriMo 08-If Penguins Could Fly-50,376 WINNER
20,934 / 50,000
Oct 13, 2008 - 15 28
(edited-I've found the Liverpudlian ML thread. Sorry to everyone here and thanks for all who've given me help, but it would be easier to go to Liverpool than Manchester)
We've been ditched! >.<
but seriously, not a problem, if you decide to come to both I'm sure we'll post a map once we've picked a date.
----------It's Danny P!
Two year veteran.
Two year winner.
Hoping my PC wll survive November...
50,138 / 50,000
Oct 14, 2008 - 00 56
Hi everyone
Got this from nano HQ:
Hi Jacqui,
Thanks for your interest in MLing for Manchester! We're very careful about
participants having the opportunity to win before taking on the
responsibilities of MLing. That role carries a significant time
investment, and we want to be sure you whip those 50,000 words into
submission first. Just because you're not MLing doesn't mean you can't
organize and post on the forums though! It is all the good stuff without
the work. Good luck this year, and please resubmit your application next
year when you've got that shiny win under your belt!
Happy writing!
Lindsey
Community Liaison
OK then. So my 3 complete novels, 45 short stories, a 200K phd thesis on identity construction don'y count for any pressure or time investment then??? Or the fact that I organise major hazard related events for a living? (Goes off in a writing-diva strop muttering "don't they know who I am?" LOL)
Seriously, although I can't officially get the goodies I am willing to help with any orgainising of write-ins, press releases etc. Does this mean that if we don't have an ML we don't have an official region?
Shall we start organising the kick-off thing? The 1st November is a Saturday :-)
----------Visit my website at http://www.dirtysparkle.com or http://www.rosics.com
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 14, 2008 - 02 55
Bad luck! It's a bit harsh really that they won't let you be ML just because you haven't won NaNo before, even though you've participated. Because they're really only taking someone's word for it that they've won in previous years, it's not as if they can check (for example, I got a new account this year so according to my sign up date I'm a newbie, but I've a 5 time winner so if I had been able to go for ML they would only be able to take my word that I won.) Strange old world.
I don't think they're going to delete our region or anything just 'cause we haven't got an ML are they? That'd be too mean! Anyway, I think we should combine the Kick Off party and write-in on November 1st since it's such a convienent day. If we're using Kro as a write-in place then we could either eat there as well or go someone else if people wanted to (y'know if people wanted to have a meal type thing for the KO party).
We've got 2 1/2 weeks to organise it, hopefully a few more people should crawl out of the woodwork by then too :-)
---------------------
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
20,934 / 50,000
Oct 14, 2008 - 15 22
you know what? I'm actually working saturday the 1st... how much does that suck?!
I'll have a word with them tomorrow and see if i can take a holiday... or swap a shift... or cut off one of my legs temporarily so i can have the day off.
Worst part is the early morning means i can't start writing at midnight, which is when i'm most excitable about this whole thing and get the largest chunk of my writing done.
-Danny P.
----------It's Danny P!
Two year veteran.
Two year winner.
Hoping my PC wll survive November...
20,934 / 50,000
Oct 14, 2008 - 16 06
*double posts*
http://www.yourfreepoll.com/
----------It's Danny P!
Two year veteran.
Two year winner.
Hoping my PC wll survive November...
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 15, 2008 - 00 50
That sucks Danny! Good luck swopping shifts/cutting your leg off :p
Knowing my sodding luck I'll be working November 1st too. I don't have a job right now but I can see myself getting one that wants me to work november 1st, just to be mean lol.
----------Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
50,385 / 50,000
Oct 15, 2008 - 10 36
OH YUCK!
I've been incommunicado for over a week now. I've been sozzled with work loads (I was the only one in the office Thursday & Friday!) Count me in as a liason point though the 1st sounds like an excellent idea!
----------A man who has never walked a continuous mile in his life has no real concept of how far a mile actually is. - Eddings - Enchanters Endgame.
0 / 50,000
Oct 17, 2008 - 22 12
So, hello Mancs and others of the area.
I'm hoping to participate this year, clear my plate of various things, although I'm releasing an album Nov. 29th in Manchester and that's going to keep me busy also.
Who, in the end, is the Manchester liason?
Thanks.
Oh. And I read something about working in an office and doing Chinese in the Northern Quarter or close by. Kro. Office. Both sound good to me, if they're reasonably comfy and not blastingly loud.
Looking forward to meeting people this year.
Lorelei
Orderly Bazaar Records & Publishing
http://www.loreleiloveridge.com
http://www.myspace.com/loreleiloveridge
http://www.jfdi.wordpress.com
58,408 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2008 - 01 18
In the end we didn't get an ML. The only person available to do it was Karris but they turned down her application :-( so we are ML-less this year and will be organised write-ins etc as a group as best we can rather than one person taking charge.
Yeah, it seems Kro was a good choice last year and an even better one this year now it has powerpoints for laptops and things. There's a thread about the kick off party already, seeing who wants to go and what times would be best.
----------Used to be ShadowedWhispers (2003-2007)
Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
0 / 50,000
Oct 18, 2008 - 01 29
Hello everyone!
I'm living in Manchester at the moment and I would be more than happy to meet some Nano-friends for writing and ranting together ^^
Kro sounds like a good choice if I can plug in my laptop, otherwise I'll bring the Neo, that battery lasts long enough :)
Too bad for the ML but I guess we can show this year that we are active :)