JohnT in Baltimore

[JohnT]

Sweet.

[JohnT]

By the way, by this time next week we will know for a fact whether everything is a 100% go. On the trip, KH and I will be meeting with representatives of both Big Huge Games and Firaxis, confirming attendence at specified Convention functions for representatives from both companies (Brian, Sid, Soren, Tim Train, whomever). We will also meet various hotel people, getting final quotes and contracts, accepting one of the RFP's and "regretfully" declining the others.

It's going to be a busy time. Convention updates will appear on the ApolyCon forum.

[JohnT]

We're off!

[JohnT]

We made it fine and I've already taken walking tours of all three hotels.

Three?

Yes. On our way up here, I noticed a "Holiday Inn Convention Center" next to the offices of BHG. I think it was mentioned earlier, but as to why I didn't pursue it... I have no idea.

Anyway, we checked into the Marriott and had their Thanksgiving dinner, after which Laura and Sophie retired to the room and I went to work.

First thing I did was check the wireless signal throughout the entire hotel. I have a chart that I can scan into a PDF and upload when I get back, if necessary, but overall, with a couple of spots, the signal is quite strong in all corners of the hotel.

Except for two corridors, first and second floor, in which there was no signal at all. The same corridor, on the third floor, was at full strength. Go figure - I'm pretty sure I was doing something wrong, but I can't figure out what.

Anyway, I then drove down to that Holiday Inn... and my nebulous misgivings of the Marriott were crystalized. The Marriott was no fun, being a rather stuffy "executive" type resort, with dark oak trim and a very well-mannered staff. The Holiday Inn, however, was a place to have fun in... I mean, a clean, well-lit hotel with a bar, pool tables, and an indoor heated pool is a lot more appealing than the Marriotts heavy-oak dining room, which dominates their entrance.

The HI's wireless connection was never strong anywhere except near the elevators - a lot of 1's and 2's (out of 5) on my little meter. As the Marriott, it was based upon rooms along a line of corridors, but it wasn't as... well kept as the Marriotts. Not seedy, no, but you could tell it's been a hour+ since housekeeping last made a sweep of the room service remains.

Another thing about the Holiday Inn - it's right next to Big Huge Games - literally.

Lastly I went to the Embassy Suites. The atrium layout was similar to the Holiday Inn, but what made it appealing was that all the rooms were oriented towards the atrium - it gave the hotel a far more cozy and friendly feel, especially for our purposes as we would all be right there.

Lots of bad spots on their wireless network - the number of "0" readings in there was far more than either of the other hotels, combined.

Anyway, that's my first impression. The Marriott is impressive, but too formal. The Holiday Inn is party-friendly, but seemingly the dirtiest. The Embassy Suites, like the third bears bed, chair, and porridge, was just right.

[Jon Miller]

when/where should I go Sunday to meet up?

JM

[JohnT]

I'll leave that up to KH.

[Jon Miller]

I think I might have to say that I will see you next time you come arround these parts. I have a lot of stuff to do (last night went a lot slower then I expected, and I got very little done Friday).

I would delay my work if plans had been made, but since no plans have been made, I shouldn't be inconveniencing anyone.

Jon Miller

[chequita guevara]

Are you really sure you want this many computer geeks in one place? Thank of the smell?