Greetings All.

Has planning begun for the 2010 event?

-jjj

Yes.







- Mikko

Well that answer was direct and to the point.

I thinking i might want to put my name in for running a 4E Dungeons & Dragons game.

Yeah, it was a little to the point.

Fact is, we are talking about it. Looking into various options for pretty much all aspects of the event. Going over feedback from the first one, looking at what we need to do to improve it, etc. (If anyone has any ideas / input, [even if it's just showing your interest in us doing another one] feel free to talk up!)

As soon as we have something solid to announce (including if if it's a go or not!), this forum is where you will hear about it!

- Mikko

Shoot I will through in my two cents.

I am not at all trying to sound rude or mean by anything I say. I am just an outsider looking in and have some thoughts i would like to share.

1.) Meltdown should be a winter time event.
Why host something like this in the Spring or summer? The last thing I think people want to do is be inside during the summer time. Do it in the winter when Juneau is dark and cold. I really think you would have a much bigger turn out.

2.) Confusion
Walking into MeltDown was amazing. For Juneau I was very impressed by the setup. But I was confused. "Can I go on stage and play Guitar Hero for fun?" "When does the Dungeons & Dragons game start?" It was very difficult for me to find answers and as a result it was a bit of a turn off. That and the weather was good that weekend. Can things be simplified? I know that's a hard thing to ask for because there is a website and forum dedicated to Meltdown but when i showed up i felt lost.

That's all i got at the moment. If i think of more I will post it. Please don't be turned off by anything I have written. It's not ment to be mean or rude. Just constructive criticism. Do with it what you will.

Thanks Nicap, good feedback.

We'll work more on the information side this time for sure. The info screens sorta served that purpose, but there could have been one out in the lobby for starters. But yes, better information as to what is going on & where.

--

As for the timing, we (the Meltdown crew) completely agree that it's not a summer-time event. The timing of the first one into May was the result of various factors. A lot of our core team work for the legislature, which kinda rules out the late winter/early spring time.
So, though we aren't officially announcing anything, it's pretty easy to read between the lines that Meltdown 2.0 will most likely be in the fall of 2010. (Assuming it happens.)

How does that sound everyone?

- Mikko

That works. I was thinking maybe Christmas before or after, would be a good time to have it. But fall works too. Just want to give my opinion on when it should start.

Hey Y'All

I'm an friend of one of the old guard (a Mr. Grimes) and he informed me of this shindig. I am excited for an excuse to maybe come back to Juneau and see old friends while nerding it up. Just wanted to let you know that I think it is cool you guys did this and are considering doing it again. Sign me up for 2010!

AS for feedback, I will take on up to 6 people at once in Quake 3

Although other than that, I would simply suggest a few new/different games, some of which are Call of Duty: World At War (Or any CoD for that matter), Smash Bros any of them (I don't remember if you guys did that one, but it's a great multiplayer game), and Nazi Zombies, which is a sub-game of Call of Duty World at War, but you could have a competition to get to the highest wave count, and I PERSONALLY know 12 people who show up just to play that game.

In addition, you should look into getting Heritage to sponsor the event and have an espresso machine on site, because I know a lot of people would buy coffee, while it is true most people drink ener-crack drinks. Also, with the addition of a coffee sponsor, I know you would attract a lot of the 20-30 year old state and private contractors that game.

Also, you know what, name tags might not be a bad idea. I have found at any even, that helps people be more social in general. You could whip up something cool for the design of those. Wouldn't cost ya too much to get those done at Capitol Copy.

And, I know a liquor license is a huge and complex thing to get, but if you can get one of the local catering agencies or bars to sponsor you, and they come bring their own off-site liquor license, along with a personal stock, and sell their own booze, that would save you a lot of hassle, and you would be able to have a 21+lounge, thus giving your event some of the tried and true allure of Dave & Busters.

Also, having some sort of physical activity at some point, so our muscles don't turn into jelly would be advisable. Something organized, like a Counter Strike style Paintball course, where you can add more money to the entrance fee for the optional unlimited paintball play (thus aiding you in covering costs) or, once again, you could look for sponsorship. Someone that would be likely to sponsor you for this is Play It Again Sports, as they are not centrally located and don't get much exposure.

And above all guys, work smarter, not harder.

Sponsorship can take a lot of work out of things.

Thanks for the feedback MotorNerve!

All great points we'll be looking at.

How does the timing of late fall sound?


Also, folks; we are looking at various options for the actual venue itself. Any ideas?

- Mikko