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This is an excellent idea. Thank you, JohnT, for bringing it to all of our attention and getting the discussion started. 
First, on the location point: I agree that efforts to arrange both a North American and a European meeting should be conducted simultaneously. I live in Canada, and Markos lives in Greece. It would seem most likely from a geographical, financial and time management perspective that ideally I would attend the North American meet and Markos the one in Europe. As DrSpike has already noted, a "Scenario League" meet is already being planned in Europe (thread reference above) so I suggest those looking at a European location look there.
Second, on the time of year: I am looking to become a full-time teacher in the public system in Ontario (a province in Canada for those unfamilar). While I do not have a full-time job yet, I need to be available September to June no ifs, ands or buts whether I have a full-time position or not. As such, I request that the meet be in July or August -- and preferably no later than mid-August. As this 6-8 week period is traditional time for holidays for many, it would seem ideal to get the greatest possibile attendance out. The immediate downside, of course, is that booking space for accomodations, events etc. would need to be timely as demand will likely be high wherever we go.
Third, the biggest obstacle for me (and I'm sure for many others) to participate: money. JohnT has already raised this point and is most generous in his suggestion that the travel and accomodation costs for Markos and/or myself be covered by others for us to attend. Nothing set in stone yet: the following suggestion is only a brainstorm at this point. What could happen is a special "ApolytonPLUS" promotion where subscription monies are 'earmarked' for the purpose of this cost-covering at the subscriber's request. This way, you can get the benefit of enjoying the length of a "PLUS" subscription that you decide even if you find either Markos or myself a total bore or ass in person
-- or even if you cannot attend the meet yourself.
Fourth, on the issue of families: as this is to be an Apolyton meet, it makes senses that only Apolytoners themselves attend in addition to any invited guests. If that includes members of their family -- and in which case they are Apolytoners themselves -- by all means.
Fifth: JohnT, I salute your initiative on starting a Google Group for this but if you don't mind let's keep discussions on the meet to this thread for now. We'll re-evaluate the need for a separate sub-forum within A/C as need be.
Sixth and finally for now, on Apolyton clothing. If this event takes place, and I hope that it does, with certain conditions applying those who participate and order a pre-designated Apolyton hat from CafePress could be 'reimbursed' with a one-year initial subscription or extension to their existing subscription to "ApolytonPLUS". There would need to be a method of verifying attendance at the meet, after which time the 'reimbursements' would be applied. You could order additional Apolyton 'wear' at the same time too if you like.
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Dan; Apolyton CS
First, on the location point: I agree that efforts to arrange both a North American and a European meeting should be conducted simultaneously. I live in Canada, and Markos lives in Greece. It would seem most likely from a geographical, financial and time management perspective that ideally I would attend the North American meet and Markos the one in Europe. As DrSpike has already noted, a "Scenario League" meet is already being planned in Europe (thread reference above) so I suggest those looking at a European location look there.
Second, on the time of year: I am looking to become a full-time teacher in the public system in Ontario (a province in Canada for those unfamilar). While I do not have a full-time job yet, I need to be available September to June no ifs, ands or buts whether I have a full-time position or not. As such, I request that the meet be in July or August -- and preferably no later than mid-August. As this 6-8 week period is traditional time for holidays for many, it would seem ideal to get the greatest possibile attendance out. The immediate downside, of course, is that booking space for accomodations, events etc. would need to be timely as demand will likely be high wherever we go.
Third, the biggest obstacle for me (and I'm sure for many others) to participate: money. JohnT has already raised this point and is most generous in his suggestion that the travel and accomodation costs for Markos and/or myself be covered by others for us to attend. Nothing set in stone yet: the following suggestion is only a brainstorm at this point. What could happen is a special "ApolytonPLUS" promotion where subscription monies are 'earmarked' for the purpose of this cost-covering at the subscriber's request. This way, you can get the benefit of enjoying the length of a "PLUS" subscription that you decide even if you find either Markos or myself a total bore or ass in person
-- or even if you cannot attend the meet yourself.Fourth, on the issue of families: as this is to be an Apolyton meet, it makes senses that only Apolytoners themselves attend in addition to any invited guests. If that includes members of their family -- and in which case they are Apolytoners themselves -- by all means.
Fifth: JohnT, I salute your initiative on starting a Google Group for this but if you don't mind let's keep discussions on the meet to this thread for now. We'll re-evaluate the need for a separate sub-forum within A/C as need be.
Sixth and finally for now, on Apolyton clothing. If this event takes place, and I hope that it does, with certain conditions applying those who participate and order a pre-designated Apolyton hat from CafePress could be 'reimbursed' with a one-year initial subscription or extension to their existing subscription to "ApolytonPLUS". There would need to be a method of verifying attendance at the meet, after which time the 'reimbursements' would be applied. You could order additional Apolyton 'wear' at the same time too if you like.
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Dan; Apolyton CS
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