Downtown work day NaNo gatherings?

evergreenthompson
Downtown work day NaNo gatherings?
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Posted on:
Okt 5, 2009 - 12 43

Is there anyone working downtown interested in an occasional NaNo gathering?
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Bradly Dornbrack

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Posted on:
Okt 5, 2009 - 21 41

I work right on Peace Plaza and am all for Nano type gatherings.

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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 07 59

I don't work downtown currently, but I do live just a few blocks from the downtown area. I think it's a great idea to have a couple mid-day or weekend write-ins in the downtown area.

Where would people like to meet? Starbucks or Caribou in the subway? Or do you prefer the Starbucks or Caribou across from the Methodist?

Let me know and we'll get something set up. :-)

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Olivander

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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 08 11

I work downtown, but I doubt there are many places which would appreciate the clackety-clack of my typewriter.

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Old school (by Olivander)

Bradly Dornbrack

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Okt 6, 2009 - 08 18

Well there's also the second level of the Galleria. Lots of tables, great place to people watch, and Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble is only a few feet away. Secondly there's always the library if you want somewhere that's exceptionally quiet. The only thing with Starbucks and Caribou during the weekdays is that they are overwhelmingly packed and noisy.

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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 08 53

Bradly Dornbrack wrote:
Well there's also the second level of the Galleria. Lots of tables, great place to people watch, and Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble is only a few feet away. Secondly there's always the library if you want somewhere that's exceptionally quiet. The only thing with Starbucks and Caribou during the weekdays is that they are overwhelmingly packed and noisy.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess those locations can get busy during the day. Does the Galleria have free wireless available? If so, and we can get access to some power for people's laptops, that would be a great place to meet.

Any other suggestions?

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 09 30

B&N (serves Starbucks) is another option, and seems quieter that the one across from RMH. I've been to that one (across from RMH) a few times when the music has been so loud you almost have to shout. But then we're supposed to be writing and not talking, right? ;)

The Starbucks near Gallaria often has laptops whirring away, but not sure what they've got for power. But considering a daytime write-in would probably run about an hour or so (for me, anyway) it may not be too much of an issue.

Perhaps I'll go see who has Wi-Fi during my afternoon stroll.

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 09 38

Olivander wrote:
I work downtown, but I doubt there are many places which would appreciate the clackety-clack of my typewriter.

Never know 'til you do it! ;)

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 09 41

The Kahler and Marriot may have a few nooks that may work. Too bad Kahler did that remodel on 2nd; it really cut down on available space to sit and chill. Or hang with your laptop, as the case may be.

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 11 30

Scoped out a few potential sites...

B&N
Internet: yes
power: none observed
seating: main cafe area might be too busy and distracting, other seating often busy

Starbucks Galleria
Internet: seems to have
power: outlets spotted
seating: varies, seemed fairly peaceful at 2:00-2:15

Galleria food court
Internet: probably from U or nearby hotel
power: none observed
seating: tables, somewhat busy at 2:00-2:15, lunch time is a zoo

U of M, Roch (above Galleria)
Internet: probably from the U or a hotel
power: outlets observed
seating: mix of seating (couch, tables), seemed fairly peaceful at 2:00-2:15

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Bradly Dornbrack

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Posted on:
Okt 6, 2009 - 20 41

Galleria has free internet supplied by the U of M. There are some outlets located randomly on a few of the pillars.

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dabrownofmn
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Posted on:
Okt 7, 2009 - 07 53

I don't work downtown, but my day job often finishes in the morning-early afternoon. Don't plan a schedule around me, but I might be able to join a downtown meeting now and then :)

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Posted on:
Okt 7, 2009 - 13 11

Scoped out another site this morning:

Caribou Subway
Internet: seems to have
power: outlets spotted
seating: varies; somewhat busy place, but the back seating area seems less busy and quieter

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Bradly Dornbrack

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Posted on:
Okt 8, 2009 - 08 40

The subway! Why didn't I think of that? Probably because I spend most of my time in the Skyway. But yes, the Subway has a ton of little nooks that we could cram some writers in to.

Well, now that we've thrown around ideas for meeting spots downtown, how about some times? Do we want to do set times each week? Or have a "shout out" thread saying where we'll be and if you can make it, great. Both? I think having at least one set meeting time each week would be beneficial.
What times are people available? I can make write-ins before 1pm on the weekdays, after 2pm on the weekends.

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improgGlowing Halo
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Okt 8, 2009 - 14 20

WOW!!! Great work Evergreen. We'll definitely have to get a few of these scheduled for the month.

Welcome everyone else too. Especially Olivander! Typewriter and all, Olivander was an ML for a couple years. :-)

Before anything else, though, we need to decide on a time and place for our kick-off meeting.

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Posted on:
Okt 9, 2009 - 20 12

Bradly Dornbrack wrote:
The subway! Why didn't I think of that? Probably because I spend most of my time in the Skyway. But yes, the Subway has a ton of little nooks that we could cram some writers in to.

I try to wander through the Peace Plaza across to B&N on my way to coffee and sometimes lunch or for a break, but now that it's getting colder it's a combo of subway and skyway.

Quote:
Well, now that we've thrown around ideas for meeting spots downtown, how about some times? Do we want to do set times each week? Or have a "shout out" thread saying where we'll be and if you can make it, great. Both? I think having at least one set meeting time each week would be beneficial.
What times are people available? I can make write-ins before 1pm on the weekdays, after 2pm on the weekends.

Set times would be good for me; it makes it easier to block out time on my calendar.

I can't do weekends, but for weekdays before 1pm I generally have Monday, Tuesday, and Friday open, but Tuesday would be my first choice. Does something around lunch work for everyone? I could pretty easily do an 11-1 gathering. I'd be open to more than one gathering during the week.

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Okt 9, 2009 - 20 21

improg wrote:
WOW!!! Great work Evergreen. We'll definitely have to get a few of these scheduled for the month.

Welcome everyone else too. Especially Olivander! Typewriter and all, Olivander was an ML for a couple years. :-)

Before anything else, though, we need to decide on a time and place for our kick-off meeting.

Thanks! I see I still haven't made it back to the area above Kahler's lobby to see what's left for nooks, despite an OJ run to the popcorn shop earlier this week...

Also I think there are a few public nooks around Mayo Clinic. I need to remember to go on another scoping run!

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cjcollett
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Posted on:
Okt 10, 2009 - 15 57

Are we meeting to work or socialize? I'm OK with either but I'm a bit concerned with working in a coffee shop. There are tons of them that cater to writers, some that are pretty neutral, and another ton that are poor choices for trying to focus on anything. I have no idea how it is here.

Monday isn't a great day for me but the rest of the week works great. I work from home when I work so I'm a lot more flexible than many.

I we were to meet at the library (do they have a free space we could use?) would we be able to bring in food and/or a beverage? If so, it could be a good option.

I'm looking forward to learning what will be decided. Since we only have four weeks to get our writing done, I'm open to more than one meeting a week but I can see why others might prefer one.

Cynthia

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Okt 10, 2009 - 16 55

cjcollett wrote:
Are we meeting to work or socialize? I'm OK with either but I'm a bit concerned with working in a coffee shop. There are tons of them that cater to writers, some that are pretty neutral, and another ton that are poor choices for trying to focus on anything. I have no idea how it is here.

November gatherings are generally for writing. The coffee shops in the skyway and subway seem pretty used to people camping out with their laptops. Some tend to be better than others. For example, the Starbuck's in the skyway by the Galleria is usually fairly calm. But the Starbuck's across from Rochester Methodist in the Kahler building often has the music so loud it's hard to believe anyone would want to try to work there, yet they do.

Quote:
Monday isn't a great day for me but the rest of the week works great. I work from home when I work so I'm a lot more flexible than many.

I we were to meet at the library (do they have a free space we could use?) would we be able to bring in food and/or a beverage? If so, it could be a good option.

I did some digging through the library's web site. If we request to use a meeting room, it looks like money will be involved. Covered beverages are allowed, but food is not.

Quote:
I'm looking forward to learning what will be decided. Since we only have four weeks to get our writing done, I'm open to more than one meeting a week but I can see why others might prefer one.

Cynthia

Multiple gathering days could be helpful for those who might get stuck in a last-minute meeting thanks to an "emergency" at work, as they could look forward to the next gathering later in the week.

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improgGlowing Halo
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Posted on:
Okt 10, 2009 - 19 20

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Keep talking about what you like and by the time the month starts, I'll get some meeting times added to the official calendar. :-)

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Posted on:
Okt 12, 2009 - 08 08

More scopage:

Marriot, 2nd floor corner between piano and elevator
Internet: should be available
power: one outlet spotted (anyone have a powerstrip)
seating: lounge chairs with large coffee table in the middle, felt rather chilly today!

Kahler, 2nd floor lounge area... does indeed still exist!
Internet: should be available
power: yep
seating: lounge chairs and sofas, some with coffee tables; fairly quiet area

Starbucks Kahler
Internet: I assume so
power: I think so
seating: tables and chairs, there's one study table for 6, music was down to an acceptable level this morning

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Bradly Dornbrack

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Posted on:
Okt 13, 2009 - 08 04

Okay, so I am downtown at the Library right now. It's Tuesday at what my computer tells me is 11:01 am. There's free wi-fi. Lots of empty tables, each one with plug ins beneath them. Only a small handful of other people. Plus there's a nice view out the rotunda windows.
Downside, covered beverages only! Tables are first come first served.
But still, I vote second floor of the library for weekday writing.

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Posted on:
Okt 13, 2009 - 12 51

Time time and place works for me. I could always snag something to eat on my way to/from the library.

Edit: To eat on the way to/from, that is. ;)

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Cobalt James

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Okt 16, 2009 - 11 01

dabrownofmn wrote:
I don't work downtown, but my day job often finishes in the morning-early afternoon. Don't plan a schedule around me, but I might be able to join a downtown meeting now and then :)

Ditto. Keep me updated.

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Okt 19, 2009 - 07 31

Bradly Dornbrack wrote:
Okay, so I am downtown at the Library right now. It's Tuesday at what my computer tells me is 11:01 am. There's free wi-fi. Lots of empty tables, each one with plug ins beneath them. Only a small handful of other people. Plus there's a nice view out the rotunda windows.
Downside, covered beverages only! Tables are first come first served.
But still, I vote second floor of the library for weekday writing.

I'm going to try a practice run at the library today. I figure I'll get there 11:15-ish.

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evergreenthompsonGlowing Halo
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Okt 19, 2009 - 10 20

evergreenthompson wrote:
I'm going to try a practice run at the library today. I figure I'll get there 11:15-ish.

Well, best laid plans fouled up by a surprise meeting at work. I plan to give it another try tomorrow.

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Posted on:
Okt 20, 2009 - 09 23

At the library, looking out over the river from 2nd floor by the New Materials section.

I gotta say, getting connected to the Internet using RPL's access point has been an exercise in frustration. Although I am connected, I can't access my virtual private network connection.

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Posted on:
Okt 27, 2009 - 07 52

Heading to Rochester Public Library at 11:15-ish again today... 2nd floor, by the New Materials section.

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Bradly Dornbrack

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Okt 28, 2009 - 08 11

Hey Evergreen, I will for sure meet you next Tuesday for some Nano type writing if'n you're still up for it :)

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Okt 28, 2009 - 17 52

Hey Bradly, I'm definitely up for next Tuesday. Tuesdays 11:15-ish to 1:00 at the library have been working pretty well.

I'm also considering adding Fridays, but have yet to give that day a try.

See you next Tuesday!

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cjcollett
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Okt 30, 2009 - 08 07

Hey Bradley and Evergreen--

I think I can swing next Tuesday at the library. I'm hopeful at any rate. New Materials, 2nd floor. I'm impressed we get to bring covered drinks. Looking forward to meeting you.

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