Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! - A Meeting of Minds

**Cheryl** · Nov 6 2007, 08:00 AM

Albacon, held annually in Albany, NY, USA, will be having Anne and Todd McCaffrey as their Guests of Honor in 2008! Anne's attendance will of course be health-permitting at the time.

http://www.albacon.org/index.html

The dates are Fri Oct 10 - Sun Oct 12, 2008.

Registration fees are currently $35, and will rise to a max of $60 at the door.

If you want to stay in the hotel that will host the actual con events, it'll be $109 to $119 a night, depending on when you register. The date for the first price increase to the registration fees and hotel is Mar 31 2008.

==============================================

Now, we MoMers (who were able to attend) had a fabulous time at EuroCon... What say we all Gather again in Albany next year for another MoM extravaganza?!

We can search for a cheaper nearby hotel if need be. Check your calendars, and start making plans!

P'ter · Nov 6 2007, 08:03 AM

Sounds like fun.

Now all I want is to fly in via Dublin and arrive with them!

**Cheryl** · Nov 6 2007, 08:24 AM

This would be a good chance to collect some signatures on your Pern 40 books! *hint hint*

Priscilla · Nov 6 2007, 09:33 AM

Oh, I'm definitely planning on this one! It's "just up the road from me" so to speak. (well, 4 hours drive, but that's nothing). I'll be there, and look forward to a large MoM/KT contingent!

Just called Jeff (couldn't wait until he got home) and we are absolutely going. This is wonderful, fabulous news!

**Cheryl** · Nov 6 2007, 10:58 AM

I've done a little preliminary searching of hotels and public transport. All hotels in walking distance are in the same price range. To get into something cheaper, it'll be a couple miles or more away, and while there are buses that will probably provide a route, they don't always run on Sat/Sun -- which leaves you with taxis, the cost of which may eat up much of the savings of the hotel.

Buses are $1 per ride, or $3 for an all day pass. The con hotel has a free airport shuttle.

So my gut reaction is that it makes more sense to stay at the con hotel, as the inconvenience of being further away outweights any savings. But again, that's based on preliminary research.

I also did find a nice looking bed and breakfast found 2 miles away, right down a bus line (but that doesn't run on Sun). Same price as the con hotel unless we got a group discount. But just 5 rooms, so depending on how many people come, we might not all fit. The plus side to this place would be a cozy place to gather outside of the con.

FYI, I'll be there with a car, as I guess Cilla will too, so we may be able to help with transport at times. And it'd be fun to do a day of sightseeing after the con as a group, for whomever can add a day.

Priscilla · Nov 6 2007, 11:06 AM

Oh, yes indeed. I've already made several offers of rides to folks I'm hoping to entice to come!

Might even need to rent a larger car for the weekend!

The Purse taxi will be available, do I need to get Jeff a chauffeur's cap?!

I'm like a little kid. I'm already excited and it's almost a year away!

**Cheryl** · Nov 6 2007, 11:43 AM

I may be more excited then you, Cilla, since I'm hoping to re-live the fun of EuroCon! And the silly bit is that I don't if anyone (besides you and I) can come yet!

StevenB · Nov 6 2007, 12:14 PM

I got all excited at first thinking Albacon was going to be in Scotland...

Allana · Nov 6 2007, 12:55 PM

If I could find some cheap plane tickets I might come.

r2005 · Nov 6 2007, 01:54 PM

This does look like it could be a lot of fun, but I have no clue what my future is going to hold.

I'm looking into studying abroad that fall. I really wanted to do this coming spring, but family emergencies prevented me from doing anything about it. And because that fall will be the start of my fourth year, there are all kinds of issues that I have to work through in order to do it.

sjslack · Nov 6 2007, 02:27 PM

Three words; Cheap plane tickets.

I'll also have to check Uni dates. >.< It seems a little unlikely that I'll be able to attend this one though.

But I'll keep my fingers crossed.

***Pam*** · Nov 6 2007, 04:11 PM

hmmmm... maybe. We'll have to see what the future brings.

AnnMarie · Nov 6 2007, 05:44 PM

Omg!!!! A

AnnMarie · Nov 6 2007, 05:46 PM

See what happens when I get too excited? This is MY turf! I am only like 20 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.

And as someone who lives here: DO NOT COUNT ON THE BUS SYSTEM! CDTA is a joke on the weekends.

**Cheryl** · Nov 6 2007, 07:16 PM

Thanks for the warning AnnMarie, it's a help for planning!

So, what local touristy stuff might be good to do?

Deb · Nov 6 2007, 09:02 PM

Unbelievable....I can't come!!

And I was SOOOOO excited!!

I'll be flying home from a very special trip that weekend! I'm so conflicted!! *wah* I want my cake, and I want to eat it too!!

I wonder where else Anne and Todd will be....surely Anne wouldn't come to the US for just one event would she?? Does she ever come to Canada?? Toronto??

L'isa · Nov 7 2007, 10:48 AM

I am putting this one on my list to do. We shall see. I am already doing a dance conference in Feb. and an interpreting conference in June. Maybe I can talk my hubby into a vacation in Oct.

Gwina · Nov 7 2007, 09:31 PM

OMG...I was just looking at all the fantastic pictures you took Cheryl and then I see this...I can hardly breathe. I want to be there so bad. And, Mr. Jarred wants to come as well. He's always wanted to go to NY (he says it's the closest we'll ever get to the NYC. ha! I think this just might work. I shall faint... I really shall. lol. Cheap tickets are must. I will listen to anyone's advice for further transportation and such since I have never been that far northeast.

AnnMarie · Nov 8 2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheryl

Thanks for the warning AnnMarie, it's a help for planning!

So, what local touristy stuff might be good to do?

How far are you willing to walk in a group? The state museum isn't far from the Crown...and there are bars in the area.. the State Capitol (Which is a gorgeous bulding) Albany City Hall, State Supreme Court... all really nice buildings to look at. Once upon a time, I worked about 4 blocks from the Crown. There's also Cherry Hill, Riverspark Park, Washington Park and Playhouse, Palace Theatre, and a bit further out: Cohoes Falls, Cohoes Music Hall, Van Schiak Manor, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, and some decent shopping malls.

Driving: If you aren't used to the area, make allowances and call a cab to sightsee, or use your feet. Buses are okay on Fridays and Saturdays, but Sundays suck. If you don't stay at the Crown you will still have to pay for parking there... and there is no way around it, because street parking is tight/dangerous at times.

if arriving by bus: GET A CAB FROM THE BUS STATION! And keep your bags close at all times. It's getting better, but it is still in a low-income area, and there are times of night you really do NOT want to be there alone.

PLANE: I think you basically have to get a cab, or a lift, or rent a car. I can't recall regular bus routes stoppping at the airport, but I can find out.

AnnMarie · Nov 8 2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwina

OMG...I was just looking at all the fantastic pictures you took Cheryl and then I see this...I can hardly breathe. I want to be there so bad. And, Mr. Jarred wants to come as well. He's always wanted to go to NY (he says it's the closest we'll ever get to the NYC. ha! I think this just might work. I shall faint... I really shall. lol. Cheap tickets are must. I will listen to anyone's advice for further transportation and such since I have never been that far northeast.

Gwina.... is the train an option for you? The Rennselaer Train Station is just across the river from Albany, basically, and I can check on the CDTA bus routes between there and downtown ALbany

Gwina · Nov 8 2007, 11:08 PM

I will have to look into it. We live by a train station but I'm not sure if it would be worth it. That's a good thought.

mawra · Nov 9 2007, 08:12 PM

Now I wish I had not just ordered my Dragoncon tickets. I have been informed that it is now too late to change my mind about which con to go to. There just has to be away. Cheryl how long of a car drive is it for you? I am about 5 hours away from you so it will give me an idea of how far it is from me.

**Cheryl** · Nov 9 2007, 08:38 PM

Mapquest estimated 7-8 hours for me.

Priscilla · Nov 9 2007, 09:50 PM

Maw, even though you have bought your Dragon*Con tickets, I remember someone telling me that they can be sold to other people. . . Anyone know anything more about that? Our kids all want to go to Dragon*Con next year, so we'll be in Atlanta again and then up to Albany. Our son will be starting his Master's program at University an hour away so I hope we can convince him to come down to Albany and meet everyone for at least one day of the convention.

***Pam*** · Nov 10 2007, 01:04 PM

I know for WorldCons you can sell your memberships to other people, I don't know about D*C.

mawra · Nov 10 2007, 03:44 PM

Everyone else wants to go to Dragoncon & I can not afford to go alone. So probably not.

mawra · Nov 14 2007, 09:46 AM

I maybe able to talk some one in to it. If fit is 8 hours for Cherly then it is 13 hour for me wich makes it a 2 day drive. I'll have ot see if I can give it a try.
Does any body know if she is planning on going to Dragoncon this year. They are not too far apart.

Priscilla · Nov 14 2007, 09:57 AM

They might seem like they're not too far apart, but they're actually almost a month and a half between. I have no idea, I know in the past Anne has said she loves doing Dragon*Con, but it could be there are a number of factors that make smaller Con's more attractive these days? All we can do is wait and see!

**Cheryl** · Nov 14 2007, 10:41 AM

I can see the appeal. Smaller cons are less hectic, and won't have any where near the crush of fans all intent on meeting her. She gets to feel appreciated by her fans without getting as overwhelmed by them.

AnnMarie · Nov 14 2007, 12:27 PM

There is also, in this case, the fact that Albany's weather in October isn't as hot as Atlanta's in September; isn't prone to hurricanes; and (gods forbid we need it) the Crown is less than 5 minutes to AMC, one of the top 100 hospitals in the NATION.

***Hans*** · Nov 14 2007, 05:20 PM

I think the fact that doing Albacon is also a favour to a good (old) friend may have persuaded Anne to say yes. And she definitely would chose a smaller con over a an immense thing nowadays, even though she loves DragonCon dearly.

Did ya'll know Anne is actually a honorary citizen of Atlanta?

***Anneli*** · Nov 14 2007, 05:25 PM

Tickets can indeed be transferred, when I went to Dragon*Con in 2003 I bought my ticket from Lady Arwyn who could no longer attend...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Priscilla

Maw, even though you have bought your Dragon*Con tickets, I remember someone telling me that they can be sold to other people. . . Anyone know anything more about that? :

Gwina · Nov 15 2007, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hans

Did ya'll know Anne is actually a honorary citizen of Atlanta?

How 'bout that. I would like to hear that story.

kc · Nov 17 2007, 04:24 AM

quick question from the con junkie

Is this "MoM goes to ...." event in addition to World Con or instead of?

Just need to be sure

**Cheryl** · Nov 17 2007, 07:35 AM

I was wondering when you'd show up KC! LOL

I think it's in addition to (at any rate both Pam and I are still going to WorldCon and hope to make AlbaCon), but I suspect most fans would make one or the other, and more are looking at AlbaCon at this point, I think.

If anyone is trying to decide between the two of them, and hasn't been to a con before and therefore is unsure which to try, I could do a list of pros and cons

for each.

Priscilla · Nov 17 2007, 07:54 AM

*Raises clamshell lid*

Jeff and I have already decided that we will "do" Dragon*Con and AlbaCon next year, and unfortunately, have to miss WorldCon. That would be too many days off from work for him, and a bit more money than we want to spend. I was really looking forward to Denver, but the thought of a MoM style, small convention visit with Anne was too tempting!

Priscilla · Nov 17 2007, 06:46 PM

I've got an "important" question. Are people planning on going to the banquet? I've never been to the one at Dragon*Con, but I believe folks went to the one at EuroCon (with mixed reviews) and I'm wondering whether or not to make reservations for it?!

**Cheryl** · Nov 17 2007, 07:34 PM

Pfffft, there was nothing mixed about the reviews, we gave it a rousing thumbs down. But that was the fault of the organizers, it says nothing about how other banquets and other cons would be.

I haven't really thought about the Albacon one yet...

L'isa · Nov 18 2007, 10:59 AM

Yes, it would be a con to con thing. I go to a conference every year for my interpreting and some years the banquet is awesome and others it was not worth the time to get dressed.

Priscilla · Nov 18 2007, 04:45 PM

Dressed!? Arrrrghhhh. I hadn't thought about that!

(I absolutely hate dressing up. It's a struggle just to get me into a nice looking pair of slacks and good sweater!) Though, at Dragon*Con the general costuming often seems to be to see how "un-dressed" one can get!

Nov 6 2007, 08:00 AM	#1
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Albacon, held annually in Albany, NY, USA, will be having Anne and Todd McCaffrey as their Guests of Honor in 2008! Anne's attendance will of course be health-permitting at the time. http://www.albacon.org/index.html The dates are Fri Oct 10 - Sun Oct 12, 2008. Registration fees are currently $35, and will rise to a max of $60 at the door. If you want to stay in the hotel that will host the actual con events, it'll be $109 to $119 a night, depending on when you register. The date for the first price increase to the registration fees and hotel is Mar 31 2008. ============================================== Now, we MoMers (who were able to attend) had a fabulous time at EuroCon... What say we all Gather again in Albany next year for another MoM extravaganza?! We can search for a cheaper nearby hotel if need be. Check your calendars, and start making plans! __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 6 2007, 08:03 AM	#2
P'ter Crafter Craftmaster Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wolverhampton Gender: M Fan of: Favorite? Now Reading: Didius Falco Series	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Sounds like fun. Now all I want is to fly in via Dublin and arrive with them! __________________ "Truth is stranger than fiction: fiction has to make sense." Leo Rosten. "When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up." C. S. Lewis To err is human: to purr is cat" "I find television very educational. Whenever somebody switches it on I go in the other room and read a book." (attributed to Groucho Marx) More Bach than sound bite!

Nov 6 2007, 08:24 AM	#3
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! This would be a good chance to collect some signatures on your Pern 40 books! hint hint __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 6 2007, 09:33 AM	#4
Priscilla Super Stitcher Journeyman Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: F Fan of: No One Noticed The Cat	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Oh, I'm definitely planning on this one! It's "just up the road from me" so to speak. (well, 4 hours drive, but that's nothing). I'll be there, and look forward to a large MoM/KT contingent! Just called Jeff (couldn't wait until he got home) and we are absolutely going. This is wonderful, fabulous news!

Nov 6 2007, 10:58 AM	#5
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I've done a little preliminary searching of hotels and public transport. All hotels in walking distance are in the same price range. To get into something cheaper, it'll be a couple miles or more away, and while there are buses that will probably provide a route, they don't always run on Sat/Sun -- which leaves you with taxis, the cost of which may eat up much of the savings of the hotel. Buses are $1 per ride, or $3 for an all day pass. The con hotel has a free airport shuttle. So my gut reaction is that it makes more sense to stay at the con hotel, as the inconvenience of being further away outweights any savings. But again, that's based on preliminary research. I also did find a nice looking bed and breakfast found 2 miles away, right down a bus line (but that doesn't run on Sun). Same price as the con hotel unless we got a group discount. But just 5 rooms, so depending on how many people come, we might not all fit. The plus side to this place would be a cozy place to gather outside of the con. FYI, I'll be there with a car, as I guess Cilla will too, so we may be able to help with transport at times. And it'd be fun to do a day of sightseeing after the con as a group, for whomever can add a day. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 6 2007, 11:06 AM	#6
Priscilla Super Stitcher Journeyman Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: F Fan of: No One Noticed The Cat	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Oh, yes indeed. I've already made several offers of rides to folks I'm hoping to entice to come! Might even need to rent a larger car for the weekend! The Purse taxi will be available, do I need to get Jeff a chauffeur's cap?! I'm like a little kid. I'm already excited and it's almost a year away!

Nov 6 2007, 11:43 AM	#7
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I may be more excited then you, Cilla, since I'm hoping to re-live the fun of EuroCon! And the silly bit is that I don't if anyone (besides you and I) can come yet! __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest. Last edited by Cheryl; Nov 6 2007 at 12:25 PM.

Nov 6 2007, 12:14 PM	#8
StevenB Bitsmith/Starsmith, Master Sneak Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scotland Gender: M Fan of: Skies of Pern: what else? Now Reading: My computer screen	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I got all excited at first thinking Albacon was going to be in Scotland... __________________ Steven

Nov 6 2007, 12:55 PM	#9
Allana Greenrider 'Lana Candidate Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Iowa City, IA United States Gender: F Fan of: Crystal, Pern, Dino P. Now Reading: The Death of Artemio Cruz, Fuentes	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! If I could find some cheap plane tickets I might come.

Nov 6 2007, 01:54 PM	#10
r2005 Crafter Student Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Maine Gender: F Fan of: Dragonriders of Pern Now Reading: 1632 Series by Eric Flint	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! This does look like it could be a lot of fun, but I have no clue what my future is going to hold. I'm looking into studying abroad that fall. I really wanted to do this coming spring, but family emergencies prevented me from doing anything about it. And because that fall will be the start of my fourth year, there are all kinds of issues that I have to work through in order to do it. __________________ There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination, living there you'll be free if you truly wish to be

Nov 6 2007, 02:27 PM	#11
sjslack JourneyWoman woodsmith Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Derby, England Gender: F Fan of: Pern Now Reading: as usual	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Three words; Cheap plane tickets. I'll also have to check Uni dates. >.< It seems a little unlikely that I'll be able to attend this one though. But I'll keep my fingers crossed. __________________ : Inspired-Quill : Perception is a powerful tool... ...for it distinguishes man from fool. "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me" - C.S. Lewis

Nov 6 2007, 04:11 PM	#12
*Pam* Heptite Guildmaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Four Corners Fan of: Lars Dahl	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! hmmmm... maybe. We'll have to see what the future brings. __________________ You can take me down, you can show me your home. Not the place where you live, but the place where you belong. ~Toad the Wet Sprocket The Crystal Singer Continuum

Nov 6 2007, 05:44 PM	#13
AnnMarie Momma Wolf Weyrwoman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: On the Edge Gender: F Fan of: Pern and Talent Now Reading: The Name of the Rose	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Omg!!!! A

Nov 6 2007, 05:46 PM	#14
AnnMarie Momma Wolf Weyrwoman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: On the Edge Gender: F Fan of: Pern and Talent Now Reading: The Name of the Rose	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! See what happens when I get too excited? This is MY turf! I am only like 20 minutes from the airport depending on traffic. And as someone who lives here: DO NOT COUNT ON THE BUS SYSTEM! CDTA is a joke on the weekends.

Nov 6 2007, 07:16 PM	#15
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Thanks for the warning AnnMarie, it's a help for planning! So, what local touristy stuff might be good to do? __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 6 2007, 09:02 PM	#16
Deb Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Gender: F Fan of: Pern of course!! Now Reading: The Portrait of Dorian Gray	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Unbelievable....I can't come!! And I was SOOOOO excited!! I'll be flying home from a very special trip that weekend! I'm so conflicted!! wah I want my cake, and I want to eat it too!! I wonder where else Anne and Todd will be....surely Anne wouldn't come to the US for just one event would she?? Does she ever come to Canada?? Toronto?? __________________ rule!! drool!! But to have a would truely be !!

Nov 7 2007, 10:48 AM	#17
L'isa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Paradise Gender: F Fan of: Dragonflight Now Reading: Xenocide	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I am putting this one on my list to do. We shall see. I am already doing a dance conference in Feb. and an interpreting conference in June. Maybe I can talk my hubby into a vacation in Oct. __________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Nov 7 2007, 09:31 PM	#18
Gwina Talent Telempath-Healer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Springfield, IL Gender: F Fan of: white dragon, tower/hive Now Reading: Mockingjay, AWOP, Dragon Harper	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! OMG...I was just looking at all the fantastic pictures you took Cheryl and then I see this...I can hardly breathe. I want to be there so bad. And, Mr. Jarred wants to come as well. He's always wanted to go to NY (he says it's the closest we'll ever get to the NYC. ha! I think this just might work. I shall faint... I really shall. lol. Cheap tickets are must. I will listen to anyone's advice for further transportation and such since I have never been that far northeast. __________________ "There's no explainin' East or West as they say in Bree." - LOTR "The Answer to the Great Question . . . of Life, the Universe and Everything . . . Is . . . Forty-two."--Deep Thought "Whatever zapped me seems to have burned off the outlived dross and stupidities any human collects along the way. I don't mind being two hundred and fifteen years old. In fact, it's fun, in a bizarre fashion."

Nov 8 2007, 11:08 PM	#21
Gwina Talent Telempath-Healer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Springfield, IL Gender: F Fan of: white dragon, tower/hive Now Reading: Mockingjay, AWOP, Dragon Harper	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I will have to look into it. We live by a train station but I'm not sure if it would be worth it. That's a good thought. __________________ "There's no explainin' East or West as they say in Bree." - LOTR "The Answer to the Great Question . . . of Life, the Universe and Everything . . . Is . . . Forty-two."--Deep Thought "Whatever zapped me seems to have burned off the outlived dross and stupidities any human collects along the way. I don't mind being two hundred and fifteen years old. In fact, it's fun, in a bizarre fashion."

Nov 9 2007, 08:12 PM	#22
mawra Dolphin Friend Craftmaster Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CONCORD VA Gender: F Fan of: PERN Now Reading: Dolphins of Pern and Queens ow	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Now I wish I had not just ordered my Dragoncon tickets. I have been informed that it is now too late to change my mind about which con to go to. There just has to be away. Cheryl how long of a car drive is it for you? I am about 5 hours away from you so it will give me an idea of how far it is from me. __________________ MEDDLE NOT IN THE AFFAIRS OF DRAGONS, FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND GOOD WITH CHOCOLATE SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME DRIVING SMART KEEPS YOU ALIVE

Nov 9 2007, 08:38 PM	#23
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Mapquest estimated 7-8 hours for me. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 9 2007, 09:50 PM	#24
Priscilla Super Stitcher Journeyman Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: F Fan of: No One Noticed The Cat	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Maw, even though you have bought your DragonCon tickets, I remember someone telling me that they can be sold to other people. . . Anyone know anything more about that? Our kids all want to go to DragonCon next year, so we'll be in Atlanta again and then up to Albany. Our son will be starting his Master's program at University an hour away so I hope we can convince him to come down to Albany and meet everyone for at least one day of the convention.

Nov 10 2007, 01:04 PM	#25
*Pam* Heptite Guildmaster Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Four Corners Fan of: Lars Dahl	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I know for WorldCons you can sell your memberships to other people, I don't know about D*C. __________________ You can take me down, you can show me your home. Not the place where you live, but the place where you belong. ~Toad the Wet Sprocket The Crystal Singer Continuum

Nov 10 2007, 03:44 PM	#26
mawra Dolphin Friend Craftmaster Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CONCORD VA Gender: F Fan of: PERN Now Reading: Dolphins of Pern and Queens ow	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Everyone else wants to go to Dragoncon & I can not afford to go alone. So probably not. __________________ MEDDLE NOT IN THE AFFAIRS OF DRAGONS, FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND GOOD WITH CHOCOLATE SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME DRIVING SMART KEEPS YOU ALIVE

Nov 14 2007, 09:46 AM	#27
mawra Dolphin Friend Craftmaster Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CONCORD VA Gender: F Fan of: PERN Now Reading: Dolphins of Pern and Queens ow	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I maybe able to talk some one in to it. If fit is 8 hours for Cherly then it is 13 hour for me wich makes it a 2 day drive. I'll have ot see if I can give it a try. Does any body know if she is planning on going to Dragoncon this year. They are not too far apart. __________________ MEDDLE NOT IN THE AFFAIRS OF DRAGONS, FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND GOOD WITH CHOCOLATE SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME DRIVING SMART KEEPS YOU ALIVE

Nov 14 2007, 09:57 AM	#28
Priscilla Super Stitcher Journeyman Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: F Fan of: No One Noticed The Cat	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! They might seem like they're not too far apart, but they're actually almost a month and a half between. I have no idea, I know in the past Anne has said she loves doing Dragon*Con, but it could be there are a number of factors that make smaller Con's more attractive these days? All we can do is wait and see!

Nov 14 2007, 10:41 AM	#29
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I can see the appeal. Smaller cons are less hectic, and won't have any where near the crush of fans all intent on meeting her. She gets to feel appreciated by her fans without getting as overwhelmed by them. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 14 2007, 12:27 PM	#30
AnnMarie Momma Wolf Weyrwoman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: On the Edge Gender: F Fan of: Pern and Talent Now Reading: The Name of the Rose	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! There is also, in this case, the fact that Albany's weather in October isn't as hot as Atlanta's in September; isn't prone to hurricanes; and (gods forbid we need it) the Crown is less than 5 minutes to AMC, one of the top 100 hospitals in the NATION.

Nov 14 2007, 05:20 PM	#31
*Hans* Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Netherlands Gender: M Fan of: Pern!	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I think the fact that doing Albacon is also a favour to a good (old) friend may have persuaded Anne to say yes. And she definitely would chose a smaller con over a an immense thing nowadays, even though she loves DragonCon dearly. Did ya'll know Anne is actually a honorary citizen of Atlanta? __________________ Hans, also known as Elrhan, Master Archivist Visit The Pern Museum & Archives for all your Pern and Anne McCaffrey News and Resources! The Pern Museum & Archives is the home of the Pern Encyclopedia and the Pern Bloodlines.

Nov 17 2007, 04:24 AM	#34
kc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Leeds, Yorkshire, England Gender: F Fan of: Pern Now Reading: Various	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! quick question from the con junkie Is this "MoM goes to ...." event in addition to World Con or instead of? Just need to be sure

Nov 17 2007, 07:35 AM	#35
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I was wondering when you'd show up KC! LOL I think it's in addition to (at any rate both Pam and I are still going to WorldCon and hope to make AlbaCon), but I suspect most fans would make one or the other, and more are looking at AlbaCon at this point, I think. If anyone is trying to decide between the two of them, and hasn't been to a con before and therefore is unsure which to try, I could do a list of pros and cons for each. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 17 2007, 07:54 AM	#36
Priscilla Super Stitcher Journeyman Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: F Fan of: No One Noticed The Cat	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Raises clamshell lid Jeff and I have already decided that we will "do" Dragon*Con and AlbaCon next year, and unfortunately, have to miss WorldCon. That would be too many days off from work for him, and a bit more money than we want to spend. I was really looking forward to Denver, but the thought of a MoM style, small convention visit with Anne was too tempting!

Nov 17 2007, 06:46 PM	#37
Priscilla Super Stitcher Journeyman Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: F Fan of: No One Noticed The Cat	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! I've got an "important" question. Are people planning on going to the banquet? I've never been to the one at Dragon*Con, but I believe folks went to the one at EuroCon (with mixed reviews) and I'm wondering whether or not to make reservations for it?!

Nov 17 2007, 07:34 PM	#38
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Pfffft, there was nothing mixed about the reviews, we gave it a rousing thumbs down. But that was the fault of the organizers, it says nothing about how other banquets and other cons would be. I haven't really thought about the Albacon one yet... __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Nov 18 2007, 10:59 AM	#39
L'isa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Paradise Gender: F Fan of: Dragonflight Now Reading: Xenocide	Re: Albacon, October 10-12 2008: Anne and Todd are GOH! Yes, it would be a con to con thing. I go to a conference every year for my interpreting and some years the banquet is awesome and others it was not worth the time to get dressed. __________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"