Wikipedia talk:Meetup/Connecticut/January 2009

Dates

When we meet is likely to also affect where we meet, so we should settle on a good date for everyone. My personal opinion is that December 2008 wouldn't be the best choice due to most people's busy holiday schedules, so January 2009 would be the better choice. As of right now, I am available for any day except for during Shabbos (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset).—Elipongo (Talk contribs) 21:58, 18 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The Sunday of January 4th is good for me, I believe. Sam ^Blab 22:14, 18 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Parking in downtown Hartford is difficult. I recommend a location with ample free parking. University of Hartford campus sounds like a very good idea to me. Perhaps we can meet in one of the on-campus cafes. Jehochman ^Talk 19:45, 19 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds good. Sam ^Blab 20:01, 19 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, something has come up for me. Is either January 10th or 24th good for anyone? Sam ^Blab 20:46, 2 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

We have a request for a Sunday, and that works better for me as well. How about Jan 11 or 25? I've never been to a meet up so I am not sure what sort of venue works best. An interesting possibility might be Real Art Ways that has a cafe, galleries and an art theater showing a Sunday afternoon matinee. There is free parking and prices are reasonable. Jehochman ^Talk 15:00, 10 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Location within Connecticut

Would New Haven be a more convenient location for the meet-up than Hartford? Newyorkbrad (talk) 05:08, 20 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think I might prefer this too.--Pharos (talk) 11:24, 20 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It's more than an hour for me to get there, but I'm cool with that. Sam ^Blab 21:25, 20 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The advantages of New Haven that occur to me are that it is (1) located right on the Amtrak line, for those who might come from up or down the coast; and (2) the location of Yale, where we have traditionally had several editors. Just a thought. Personally, I can readily get to either place. Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:19, 20 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I originally thought Hartford, it also has Amtrak and it is the capital. Sam ^Blab 00:15, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hartford also has Amtrak access but is on a side-route (look at a map if you don't follow what I mean). Personally, I can still make either place, so let's see what others think. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 00:24, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah. It's possible for me to make New Haven, but Hartford is closer, and conserving gas is good. Sam ^Blab 00:26, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm a New Haven resident so I'm biased :) but either location is fine with me. --Polaron | Talk 00:31, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I was going to mention New Haven myself, but this was called the Hartford meetup so I didn't. New Haven does have the advantage of also being on the Metro-north and Shore Line East lines too and it also has a Kosher places to eat which is good by me! —Elipongo (Talk contribs) 00:56, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I support the idea of moving it to "Wikipedia:Meetup/Connecticut". Sam ^Blab 01:03, 21 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Either place is fine with me. Ecoleetage (talk) 03:31, 5 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

My ideal location would be Danbury (very convenient to where I live in the Hudson Valley, great shopping mall, railway museum, historic downtown, and Metro-North station making it accessible that way from New York). But, Hartford is centrally located, accessible by Amtrak from NYC and Boston, as well as at the junction of two main regional interstate highways, and gives a meetup there the chance to pull in editors from not just NY and CT but MA and RI as well. So I think it's the best choice Daniel Case (talk) 04:52, 10 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Daniel Case makes a good point. Hartford is probably the best option for the first meetup because it will attract more people from Mass. and the Hudson Valley. If there are people that are coming by train from Boston or New York, we can probably arrange a carpool if necessary from New Haven to Hartford as Amtrak service between Hartford and New Haven is not very frequent. --Polaron | Talk 14:37, 10 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Meetup

After careful thought, I have decided to schedule the meeting on Saturday January ~~24th~~ 10th at Real Art Ways in Hartford. I may be able to arrange a carpool. Sam ^Blab 01:13, 11 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sam told me by e-mail to change this to the 10th. This is a good date for me.--Pharos (talk) 01:21, 11 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Works for me. Jehochman ^Talk 03:43, 11 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

OK, I've set it for Jan. 10.--Pharos (talk) 22:02, 12 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do you want to call Real Art Ways and find out what time we could arrive that day and see if any special arrangements are required? Since our group is relatively small, we can probably meet in the lobby area where they have some couches and chairs. Jehochman ^Talk 22:05, 12 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think you should call it, as it'd be less awkward than me calling :P Sam ^Blab 22:07, 12 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The details should really be set soon.--Pharos (talk) 03:48, 16 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Does Real Art Ways have an admission fee? If so, it might be better to meet at a nearby coffee shop. If not, we can probably set this is the place since nobody else has objected. --Polaron | Talk 04:28, 16 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

We can use the lobby lounge free of charge for our meeting. I have confirmed this by telephone. The galleries have a $3 suggested donation, waived for cinema ticket holders. If we decide to see a movie we'd buy tickets. See discussion below about events.Jehochman ^Talk 01:03, 22 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Providence meetup

There is a meetup in Providence today, Dec. 13th. I also just noticed that the one in Hartford is the 10th of January, which is the day I had planned to do the next Providence meetup. I'll see if I can reschedule to a different day, but I can't make Hartford on that date in any case. It would probably be good for us to try to pick different days, if we can, given some people might want to attend both. In the short term I had planned on making Providence the 2nd Saturday of each month, but was planning to talk to others today about that. --mikeu ^talk 18:07, 13 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Events

Real Artways opens at 2:00 PM. We can meet in the lobby where there is ample seating and a cafe. We could see Trouble the Water playing at 3 PM, or view the galleries. Afterward, we could go to a nearby restaurant. Jehochman ^Talk 00:59, 22 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

OK for me. Have you talked to the Real Artways people?--Pharos (talk) 02:46, 22 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Jehochman has confirmed via e-mail that he has spoken to the people at Real Art Ways. Sam ^Blab 16:45, 24 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Discussions

I'd like to discuss possibilities for planning of future meetups and events with our NYC experiences in mind, as well as the role of Connecticut members in the meta:Wikimedia New York City regional chapter.--Pharos (talk) 01:13, 27 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Snow

The forecast for Saturday calls for light snow in the Hartford area. Although it does not appear to be significant, would it be better to reschedule (perhaps Jan 11)? --Polaron | Talk 17:03, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Some forecasts are calling for several inches of snow, so I agree that it might be a good idea to reschedule. –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 19:05, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I can't attend the 11th. Busy all day. It's a little late to reschedule, we'll just excuse some people not coming. Sam ^Blab 21:29, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

That's the right idea, I think. If they were calling for a foot of snow, that might be different, but this is the sort of winter weather that Hartford can deal with easily. Jehochman ^Talk 21:49, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

By direction of the Arbitration Committee, there will be nice weather on January 10th. Hey, worth a shot.... Accordingly, the meet-up will not be closed early under the WP:SNOW policy. Newyorkbrad (talk) 21:51, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Besides, we will be inside.Mitch32^{(Go Syracuse)} 22:17, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

hahaha! NYB, if the weather is cheeky enough to disobey a direct order, I say we indefblock him and his entire ISP, and oversight all his edits :-) J.delanoy ^gabs _adds 22:18, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

O_O that account actually exists. Lulz. J.delanoy ^gabs _adds 22:20, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict) That account exists... –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 22:21, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, I'm still in too. Saturday will be fine.--Pharos (talk) 23:42, 8 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

<--Well, according to NOAA's forcast, the snow won't start until like 3pm and it won't get heavy until later. Either way, I should be there, but I'm not 100% sure. Thingg ^⊕^⊗ 03:31, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, trust NOAA. Its going to be fine :). I'll be there :)Mitch32^{(Go Syracuse)} 10:03, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

NOTE

If the weather isn't as bad as expected, please come anyway. Sam ^Blab 13:55, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Would I have to stay the entire meeting? It might be better for me to stop by for a couple hours before the snow starts. –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 14:04, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I think that in light of the snow, it wouldn't be a good idea to see the movie, so it'll probably be just from 2-4 or 2-4:30, and dinner strictly optional. :) Sam ^Blab 14:08, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Has somebody scoped out a restaurant? Jehochman ^Talk 14:15, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Sully's Pub is a few blocks away on Park Street (i have directions), although I don't know if that would appeal to some people...Sam ^Blab 14:24, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The other part of the restaurant is Lena's Pizza. They have an extensive menu besides pizza, and the price is right. If we go there we can look at the menus and choose whichever dinning room people prefer. Jehochman ^Talk 14:33, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds good! Sam ^Blab 14:38, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Well, J.delanoy can't come. I can bring a video camera, but it will need to be plugged in. I'm confused on how to replace the battery pack, charging doesn't help. Any suggestions? Sam ^Blab 14:31, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Schedule another date?

Seeing as quite a few have backed out due to the snow, it might be a good idea to schedule another one sometime within the next few weeks. Thoughts? –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 14:41, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Let's definitely pick another date soon. In the meantime, hope to see several of you in New York next week. Newyorkbrad (talk) 15:20, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Sure. We could go next Saturday 1/17 or the next one, 1/24. Are we canceling this meeting for 1/10? Let's be clear. Jehochman ^Talk 16:00, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

1/18 is New York so 1/17 in Connecticut might be pushing things. I don't want to say "familiarity breeds contempt," but ... :) The following week might work. Newyorkbrad (talk) 16:11, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The 24th looks good, in terms of the weather. Might be stormy the following day, though. –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 16:14, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

There is no way this meet on 1/10 will be canceled. It's 2-3 inches of snow. Although, we can do 1/24, but only if it starts as late as 2:30, and even then I will be a few minutes late...Sam ^Blab 16:18, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

No need to cancel today for those who can make it, assuming a reasonable number of people still can. I'm farther away than most, plus I was coming to Connecticut partly for this and partly for an unrelated event tomorrow, which has independently been postponed. :( Newyorkbrad (talk) 16:19, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

When is it postponed until? If all else is equal, we can schedule another date that is convenient for you. Jehochman ^Talk 16:23, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Cancelled

At this point we have 4 attendees: I'm suggesting we make it next week at 2:30, due to lack of attendance and increased likelihood of bad weather. Sam ^Blab 17:11, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The 24th would work better for me because I am usually scheduled to work on Saturdays and I have to ask two weeks (or nearly two weeks) in advance for time off, but any Saturday should be fine as long as I have enough advance notice. Would the 24th work for all of you? Thingg ^⊕^⊗ 17:27, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I propose that we just have the meetup 2:30 at 1/24. Sam ^Blab 17:28, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The 24th should work for me. J.delanoy ^gabs _adds 17:37, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I have just gotten off of the phone with Pharos and Mitchazenia. They're coming to, so it'll be only 4. The "real" meet will be on the 24th. Sam ^Blab 17:41, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I am here now with four others. We can use the same venue on the 24th. Our meeting area can seat 25 comfortably and there is free WiFi. We'll be heading to Lena's Pizza on Park Street shortly so everybody can get home before there is too much snow. Jehochman ^Talk 19:51, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Ugh, it seems the GFS has been consistently forecasting a nor'easter on January 24 (latest run here). –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 01:47, 12 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

A lot can change in 13 days. There definitely will be another storm, but predicting when is the challenge. Jehochman ^Talk 02:15, 12 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Success!

5 of us came, and we had a really great time. It was very laid back, and we had some nice discussion. Sam ^Blab 22:33, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Was there a video by any chance? iMatthew // talk // 22:39, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I'm very sorry I couldn't be there, and I hope that there will be another Connecticut meet-up very soon. In the meantime, I'll see some of you in NYC next week. Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:41, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

No, the person who was originally going to film it sadly couldn't come, and both my video camera and Mitchazenia's regular camera didn't work. Oh, and thank you brad :P Sam ^Blab 22:44, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Template

I've added Connecticut to the template atop the Wikipedia:Meetup page. Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:43, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

January 24

OK, since today is over, I have reset the "attendees" thingy. Anyone who explicitly indicated (onwiki or on IRC) that they will be able to attend has been moved to the "likely attendees" section. All others were removed. If I am incorrect, feel free to trout me :-)

If people want, I can fire up AWB and ~~spam~~notify people on the Invite list. Also, what's the policy on spamming other meetups projects' talk pages? NYC, Providence, and possibly Boston, are all within a reasonable distance. J.delanoy ^gabs _adds 06:39, 11 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

A request should be made at WP:BOTREQ to send a message to the ~~spam~~invite list. A catchy template with a graphic would go nicely. Want me to do it? —Elipongo (Talk contribs) 10:19, 18 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Images and videos

Hi guys, sorry the picture came out so bad, I don't know what was up with that. I'll see if I can digitally enhance it tomorrow.

With regards to the videos, I did not get much at all, and what I did get seems almost totally incoherent because more than one conversation is taking place at the same time. J.delanoy ^gabs _adds 03:43, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

For the caption, wanna do a "from left to right" thing? iMatthew // talk // 03:52, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The picture looks fine to me. –Juliancolton ^Tropical ^Cyclone 04:03, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

It's a good thing to get permission from people before captioning with names, I think.--Pharos (talk) 04:21, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Props to J.delanoy for teaching my dad how to use his camera :P Sam ^Blab 12:30, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Sign Here if you want to be captioned in the photo

Sam ^Blab 12:43, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
This created an issue for me once upon a time, but the cat is long since out of the bag.... Newyorkbrad (talk) 12:55, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]