[MN-dip] Re: Diplomacy Attendance Incentives

[Ry4an Brase]

Jim, I'm cc:ing my response to the mn-dip list.  I hope you don't mind
the press-pasting. :)

On Fri, Oct 25, 2002 at 10:18:10PM -0500, Jim Swift wrote:
> Hello Ry4an,
> 
> The weather is turning cold -- Diplomacy season is coming.  (Not that it's
> ever out of season, but I've been busy.)

I'm still hellishly busy myself, but I need to get at least one game in
before World DipCon in February in Denver.  I'm sure I can find some
time in January.  Perhaps we should just pick a January date and make it
formal.  It seems to me that when one is scheduling a group event one is
always better of picking a date a month off over discussing when is a
good date for three weeks.

> A couple of items.
> 
> 1. I just re-read the "Problem: FTF no shows" thread on r.g.d.  I thought it
> was helpful.  Taking all the posts under advisement, I'm thinking we could
> combine the best of both worlds -- take the "we'll play no matter what, no
> matter how many come." approach suggested by several.  But also allow the
> option of "making a reservation" by pledging a penalty amount as previously
> discussed.  The privilege accorded for making a reservation is you're
> guaranteed a spot at the Dip board, and you get to choose your power (?).
> (Power choice can be done by submitting private preference lists at the
> scene, to make collusion less likely, though not impossible.)
> 
> Perhaps the best way to handle reservations initially is to let the almighty
> ATM dictate our course, and say a pledge of a $20 penalty gets you a
> reservation, with power choice preference being given in order of
> reservations received.
> 
> And if only three or two show, I have a decent game that can be played with
> that number -- "Napoleon" by Columbia Games.  Not too hard to explain, and
> can be played in 4 or 5 hours.

I like the sound of that plan.  It doesn't require collecting money
unless people forfit, and it provides good incentive for registering
early.  I wonder if anyone on the email list has any strong feelings in
opposition of such a scheme.  

> 2. Venue...
> 
> It would be nice if we had a semi-permanent neutral venue.  
> Though on the Twin Cities Diplomacy Players budget (that is, $0), we're not
> going to get a permanent room at some exclusive private club.  I see out
> there on the web there's a forum called the Twin City Gamer, and they list
> game stores with onsite playing areas.
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TC_Gamer/files/tcg.htm
> 
> Perhaps one of those places might be interested in letting us use their
> facilities.  Though I would imagine the choice time slots have been taken.

I'm happy to host, but having two games at once last time showed me I
have a one-game-at-a-time house.  In the past friends and I have also
reserved meeting rooms in public libraries which are generally
comfortable but don't allow beverages stronger than coffee.  The
Roseville public library (near Lexington and Hwy. 36) even includes a
Dunn Brother's coffee shop and cafe.   I once attended the Minnesota's
First Board Gamer's group which meets on (some?) Friday evenings at _The
Source_.  They had plenty of tables * space, but the crowd was the sort
that dismissed Diplomacy as "requireing too much talking".  Just the
same if we brought seven people ourselves we'd likely have no problem
getting a table there.

-- 
Ry4an Brase - http://ry4an.org                                    /~\
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