[Deptheads] RPGs and the new placement

[DB]

I wanted to address a couple things regarding the RPG department.

A couple of you have sent me private e-mails pretty much accusing me of
disregard of the convention's finances with regards to rpgs and their cost
to the con.  I'm not going to name names but I didn't appreciate the snide
remarks at all.

In fact, I've been after Eric Aldrich since we moved to the hotel to
reconsider the room situation.  After talking with him at the end of the
last OrcCon and hearing the money spent on the rooms, I sent him an e-mail
to consider getting rid of 3rd floor rooms and we'll make an open space
work.

So folks, please don't think I'm bitching and moaning about an inevitable
financial decision.  Ask Eric himself -- I've fully supported this.

The So Cal community is used to private rpg space.  It's a tradition --
they've been around for decades and my hat is off to Rocky for somehow
making those financially viable for the con previously all those years (yes,
I know the hotel deal was different which doesn't change the fact that they
made that deal happen in the first place).  Times change, though, and so do
priorities at the con.

Keep in mind that many of roleplayers came to the con to roleplay in a quiet
environment, something that's hard to get at home if they have families or
their local gaming stores where space might be limited.  I know that Victor
says that California gamers are spoiled.  Well..yes.  They are.  I guess
we'll teach them!

RPG folks will either learn to adjust or not bother to come back.  If the
con doesn't give them a reason to come back (and a huge reason has just been
eliminated) then don't expect them to pay admission for a con where they
feel marginalized, are lumped altogether in a noisy environment with no
prizes, no product support, no nothing.

RPGA is the future of roleplaying at this con and, if I were you, I'd make
them as welcome and as comfortable as possible.

Now...as to placing RPGs in the circle drive rooms:

I would like to place six tables in each of those rooms for a total of 18
tables in those 3 circle drive rooms.  As rpg attendance falls off at future
cons, I'm sure we'll be able to get by with less rooms.

Partitions are unnecessary because sound-proof partitions are too expensive
(and I know the con doesn't have have the cash to spend) plus they don't
really work.  "Curtain" partitions are an option but are worthless except as
sight-blockers.  I don't think it's worth us subsidizing their manufacture
and, importantly, the work required at the con to set them up.

 - Denys