Who plans on attending "The Rise of Atheism | Atheist Convention 2010"

[paul]

Hi All -

I'm curious. Who actually plans on attending this event? And, where are you from? The reason I ask is I will definitely be attending but don't fancy being a loner - not that I am socially inept. If there is a group of South Aussies that plan on heading over, I'd love to catch up with them beforehand so there will be some familiar faces over in M-Town.

Cheers

Paul

[Chrys Stevenson]

You won't be a 'loner', Paul. This is going to be a huge event, and many of us are planning to attend. I'll be there, along with many of my friends from the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Atheists and Atheist Nexus's Aussie/Kiwi forum - many of whom are also members here.

[davo]

You can hang with my crew, Darwins Posse.

Seriously tho, look for the bloke that looks like santa claus, it will be either Protium or David Nicholls ;) , they will know where all the cool people are hanging :)

You'll have a ball Paul, if ya see anyone wearing the t-shirts below thats me, say gudday :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3460832963_1ae59ef678.jpg

[Praxis]

You couldn't keep me away from it.

Don't worry Paul, there'll be PLENTY of people to meet and hang out with - and then some! I have a good mate from Qld coming down for the event - they're coming from everywhere.

:D

[Chrys Stevenson]

Closer to the event, I'll provide my mobile number to anyone attending the convention who is interesting in getting in touch.

[GenericBox]

Everyone should be coming just to meet the most important and spectacular guest of them all: Me!

How could you pass the opportunity to be graced by my presence?

[Chrys Stevenson]

Everyone should be coming just to meet the most important and spectacular guest of them all: Me!

How could you pass the opportunity to be graced by my presence?

It's certainly the only reason I'm attending. There's some Dawkins bloke, and someone called Myers speaking, but who's ever heard of them?

[paul]

Yes, and some bloke is singing. I heard something about a Singer?

[Chrys Stevenson]

Yes, and some bloke is singing. I heard something about a Singer?

Yeah he's singing his hit single,

"Don't eat meat!
It just ain't sweet, to eat that meat.
You know it's true,
the path to truth is to eat tofu."

[GenericBox]

I forget the comedian, but he once sung:

"A message to the palestines;
If you don't eat meat,
And they don't eat meat;
Why not,
Not eat,
Meat together!"

[Chrys Stevenson]

I forget the comedian, but he once sung:

"A message to the palestines;
If you don't eat meat,
And they don't eat meat;
Why not,
Not eat,
Meat together!"

Tim Minchin - Peace Song for Palestine

"You don't eat pigs,
We don't eat pigs ...
Seems its been that way forever.
So, if you don't eat pigs
And we don't eat pigs,
Why don't we not eat pigs together!"

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Maybe poor people have intentionally did something similar for Islamic faith:

You don't eat for a while on Ramadan
They don' eat for a while on Ramadan
Seems like it's been that way forever.
So why not fast for a while on Ramadan together and see who can cope the longest without eating or drinking. I bet we can.

[Praxis]

Maybe poor people have intentionally did something similar for Islamic faith:

You don't eat for a while on Ramadan
They don' eat for a while on Ramadan
Seems like it's been that way forever.
So why not fast for a while on Ramadan together and see who can cope the longest without eating or drinking. I bet we can.
How do diabetics go during Ramadan? Dreadful practice, this fasting business.

Tim Minchin! Now that would be the cherry on the icing of the cake if they could get him to the convention. Imagine it!! *swoons a little at the thought*

:D

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

How do diabetics go during Ramadan? Dreadful practice, this fasting business.

Tim Minchin! Now that would be the cherry on the icing of the cake if they could get him to the convention. Imagine it!! *swoons a little at the thought*

:DI kept on asking such questions to my mother who tried to slide in exceptions - which I never saw in the Quran or learnt in Madrassa.

Bottom line: if your handicapped then a strict difficult religion such as Islam is definitely not for you.

[Chrys Stevenson]

How do diabetics go during Ramadan? Dreadful practice, this fasting business.

Tim Minchin! Now that would be the cherry on the icing of the cake if they could get him to the convention. Imagine it!! *swoons a little at the thought*

:D

Unfortunately Tim is performing overseas at that time. I've just been chatting to the rapper, Greydon Square, though and he said he'd love to come and perform. I guess it will depend on what funds are available.

[eccles]

I just posted about the convention here:

http://forum.firstchurchofatheism.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&p=658#p658

I am an ordained Minister of the First Church of Atheism.

[Chrys Stevenson]

I just posted about the convention here:

http://forum.firstchurchofatheism.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&p=658#p658

I am an ordained Minister of the First Church of Atheism.

Thanks for helping with the PR, eccles!

[Chrys Stevenson]

Unfortunately, I'm told the programme is already filled, and the Greydon request came too late. Pity, but there are still so many great speakers, it's hard to be disappointed. Maybe next time ....

[davo]

I have Greydon Squares album ..

[OzAtheist]

I have my ticket! WOOT!

Who plans on going to the Dinner on the Saturday night? See you there.

[Chrys Stevenson]

I have my ticket! WOOT!

Who plans on going to the Dinner on the Saturday night? See you there.

Booked for convention and dinner. Woot indeed! Will book accommodation at the Hilton first thing in the morning (I rang tonight, but they said convention concessions bookings can only be made 'on site' during office hours.)

Can hardly wait!

[davo]

heya OzAtheist, yea .. got myself and partner a gold pass, and the dinner saturday night .. I got my order in first thing! :)

Probably try and organise the Hilton too Kristy, tho gonna be a week or so before I can afford it now ;)

[GenericBox]

Jesus H Christ. It's going to be $1500 just to go to this thing.

:O

[GenericBox]

If anyone with decision making abilities is listening, why not get travel partnerships with airlines?

VB is founded by an atheist, see if that matters ;)

[davo]

If anyone with decision making abilities is listening, why not get travel partnerships with airlines?

VB is founded by an atheist, see if that matters ;)

All that can be done is being done ;)

[davo]

Jesus H Christ. It's going to be $1500 just to go to this thing.


I do the trip vic to bris a fair bit, by car and train .. train is heaps cheap, a flight is also quite cheap.

I'm just going the Hilton probably as my partner in qld is coming down, and we having special us time spoiling ourselves :) otherwise I would do the backpackers on Spencer st

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Jesus H Christ. It's going to be $1500 just to go to this thing.

:OSounds quite cheap compared to the amount the religious leads con from their subjects every microsecond...

[GenericBox]

Why would we want to compare with Religious Leaders ;)

And that's not very convincing either lol ;) I wouldn't be conned out of $1500 no matter who it was.

I'll just have to start saving.

[davo]

lol I wouldn't call it conned, you wouldn't believe the costs involved with 2,500 people ;)

[Chrys Stevenson]

lol I wouldn't call it conned, you wouldn't believe the costs involved with 2,500 people ;)

Compared with most conventions of this size and quality the registration fee is at bargain basement price.

[Praxis]

I have my ticket! WOOT!

Who plans on going to the Dinner on the Saturday night? See you there.
I'm so excited! I just got my email (dammit, I need to check my Hotmail more - to think I might've missed it!).

Lucky I live in Melbourne or I couldn't afford it - as it is, it'll put a dent in the old credit card but I'm not missing out on it - and I definitely want to go to the dinner! Oh! A dinner! Dress code? Does this mean I get to buy a new frock and shoes? Hang on - I can wear an old one as no one has ever seen me before and who'd know?! So much to think about ;)

Will be buying my ticket today - full weekend pass (really can't stretch to the Gold).

W00T indeed!! :D

EDIT TO ADD: I just booked!!!

[Logic]

Jesus H Christ. It's going to be $1500 just to go to this thing.

:O

Cheap as chips compared to most conferences this size. I went to a one day workshop that cost me more than the 3 days this one will.

Now, just need to organise my finances and book before it sells out!

[Praxis]

I just had my sticky post about the convention over at RDF made into a major announcement so it is now seen right at the top of all the forums and sub-forums, thanks to a Global Mod who likes me a lot.

Good publicity for the convention.

Is the attendance cost tax deductible, by the way? I ran my AFA membership fee through my business as it's tax deductible - I'm hoping the convention fee is as well.


Now, just need to organise my finances and book before it sells out!
Yes - hurry up!

[Logic]

I have a question about times (seeing as I'm coming from Brissie).... it looks like the conference will be Friday night (not day), all day Saturday and most of Sunday. Is this right? Any ideas if it would end Sunday arvo and I could fly out Sunday night?

[Chrys Stevenson]

I have a question about times (seeing as I'm coming from Brissie).... it looks like the conference will be Friday night (not day), all day Saturday and most of Sunday. Is this right? Any ideas if it would end Sunday arvo and I could fly out Sunday night?

The convention begins with drinks and canapes on Friday evening. There are convention sessions all day Saturday and a dinner Saturday night (optional - costs extra). The convention ends at 1pm on Sunday.

I'm also coming down from Queensland. I'm booking into a hotel from Thursday night, checking out Monday morning.

[Logic]

The convention begins with drinks and canapes on Friday evening. There are convention sessions all day Saturday and a dinner Saturday night (optional - costs extra). The convention ends at 1pm on Sunday.

I'm also coming down from Queensland. I'm booking into a hotel from Thursday night, checking out Monday morning.

Thanks - am trying to work out how to combine the convention with a longer holiday!

[OzAtheist]

I'm also thinking of coming down (from Newcastle) early (Wed or Thur, haven't decided yet) then leaving Monday.

Perhaps we can have a get together of AFA forum members on Thursday evening for the early arrivers?

[Jazzotron]

Being new on these boards, announcing my attendance will be of no consequence, but - I will be in attendance! :D

I'm ridiculously excited (and have been since the announcement, and will continue to be until it is over)! I feel like a giddy school kid all over again!:o

[eclectic]

Urm, I keep getting an 'internal server error' when I try to log in... I don't know if I can afford it though anyway. :( Will see what I can do.

[Chrys Stevenson]

Urm, I keep getting an 'internal server error' when I try to log in... I don't know if I can afford it though anyway. :( Will see what I can do.

I believe there's a glitch on the site at the moment. Might need to be patient while the techies see to it. Still plenty of time before the convention.

[GenericBox]

You need a "Poor as !@#$ Student" Fee.

[Chrys Stevenson]

You need a "Poor as !@#$ Student" Fee.

There is a student concession, but you can't expect to get a weekend of speakers of this calibre - plus meals - for nothing.

Speakers are not being paid, but require airfares, accommodation and meals. The AFA have to hire the convention space, and the cost of food is much higher than you would imagine. I have no inside knowledge of the budget but, believe me, having organized several international conventions, the margins on this must be minuscule. No-one's getting rich off this convention, I can tell you.

Tickets for a 90 minute Christopher Hitchens lecture at the Opera House are $65. The Convention offers a weekend of of top speakers from overseas and Australia plus meals and entertainment - it's really a bargain at the price.

Believe me, I understand it's hard to get together money as a student, but you can't expect the Convention organizers to run at a loss because you happen to be broke. That's an unrealistic expectation.

[GenericBox]

Lol it was a joke ;) Obviously not a very good one.

[Praxis]

Any news on when the booking site will be back up? Seems like lots of people want to book and not miss out :)

[two dogs]

Any news on when the booking site will be back up? Seems like lots of people want to book and not miss out :)
It's a bit strange that the Tickets page at the convention web site says that "sales of tickets have been temporarily suspended", when it appears that you can still buy tickets at:http://atheistconvention2010.eventbrite.com

:confused:

[Praxis]

It's a bit strange that the Tickets page at the convention web site says that "sales of tickets have been temporarily suspended", when it appears that you can still buy tickets at:http://atheistconvention2010.eventbrite.com

:confused:
Perhaps it's just the link from the site to eventbrite that is broken but the eventbrite site itself is fine?

[Chrys Stevenson]

It's a bit strange that the Tickets page at the convention web site says that "sales of tickets have been temporarily suspended", when it appears that you can still buy tickets at:http://atheistconvention2010.eventbrite.com

:confused:

My understanding is that ticket sales have been suspended while a technical problem is sorted out between the AAI and the AFA. No-one will miss out and I'm sure as soon as everything is sorted another email will be sent to those who received them last time.

The online ticket sales had not yet been publicly launched (just a limited launch to AFA members and those who had registered interest). I assume that was intentional, not only to give those people priority, but also to test the system in case a glitch occurred. Seems that was a clever move. Mr Nicholls must have ESP. ;-)

I think the AAI is in the process of getting ready for their LA Convention so I suspect it's pretty hard getting hold of AAI people at the moment - and then there is the time difference.

Be patient - as far as I know it's only a hiccup but one that might take a day or two to sort out.

[Seamus]

Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesess. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan#Fasting



Not all diabetics have to eat every few hours. I don't; I have non insulin dependent type 2 diabetes. I eat three meals a day,seldom any snacks and fast up to 12 hours from the evening meal to breakfast. Many diabetics would be perfectly able to observe fasting during Ramadan.

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Seriously tho, look for the bloke that looks like santa claus, it will be either Protium or David Nicholls ;) , they will know where all the cool people are hanging :)http://www.beyond-the-pale.co.uk/LongestBeardEver.jpg

[two dogs]

It's a bit strange that the Tickets page at the convention web site says that "sales of tickets have been temporarily suspended", when it appears that you can still buy tickets at:http://atheistconvention2010.eventbrite.com

:confused:
That loophole has since been plugged; it now gives a message stating that "This Event is Currently Unavailable.".

[Jaar-Gilon]

Glad you all think $1500 is cheap, it's way out of my affordability at the moment :(

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Glad you all think $1500 is cheap, it's way out of my affordability at the moment :(Same here.

[Praxis]

Glad you all think $1500 is cheap, it's way out of my affordability at the moment :(
$1500 isn't cheap - at least I don't think it is :confused:

I'm in Melbourne and I've gone for a full weekend pass and decided I want to go to the dinner as well. It's come in at just under $400, which I can stretch to.

Where did the figure of $1500 come in? (yes, I'm being lazy and haven't read back through the whole thread to see if I'm missing something).

If you're in Melbourne, you won't have airfares and accommodation to worry about so you should be able to get a weekend pass for $260 or so. There are also other booking options such as just the Saturday, etc.

[Logic]

It will probably cost me nearly $2000 for myself and my partner to come down from Brisbane. I don't think anyone is saying $1500 is a small amount of money, just that in the scheme of things for a convention this size it is reasonable. I think the poster who first mentioned it was also including travel and accom costs.

[eclectic]

yeah, that confused me too! I believe it was genericbox, including all the extra costs.

Still trying to scheme a way to go to at least some of it...

[Chrys Stevenson]

yeah, that confused me too! I believe it was genericbox, including all the extra costs.

Still trying to scheme a way to go to at least some of it...

Hope you can make it eclectic!

[AWarGuy]

*Wishes I had more freedom*

Um where is it?
I need details!!!

[Jaar-Gilon]

Praxis cheers for the under $400 info mate, I am indeed in Melbourne. The official site http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/registration/ has bugger all info about prices etc. although I guess it is still like 6 months away. I have a habit of forgetting things or misunderstanding when ticket sales are on.....only got a ticket to see the Pixies because they announced a second show and I was positive I had the right date for when they went on sale!! So don't want to miss out on something I could afford.
AwarGuy it will be at the Melbourne convention and Exhibition centre (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Melbourne+Convention+and+Exhibition+Centre&fb=1&split=1&gl=au&cid=0,0,5813265834657883138&ei=3IOxStuYIqii4gaVtK3YBw&ll=-37.823955,144.95945&spn=0.027628,0.066047&z=15&iwloc=A)

[Chrys Stevenson]

*Wishes I had more freedom*

Um where is it?
I need details!!!

The Rise of Atheism Global Atheist Convention will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday evening, 12 March to Sunday afternoon, 14 March 2010.

Details are available on the convention website (http://www.atheistconvention.org.au).

Because of a technical glitch, ticket sales have been temporarily suspended but it's expected that online registrations will resume again very soon.

Registrations (from memory) are around $260 for the whole convention (concessions available) or about $150 for one-day registration for Saturday when many of the major speakers are scheduled.

Tickets include access to convention sessions plus meals and refreshments.

There's a conference dinner on the Saturday night, but this as been made an optional extra at $100.

Accommodation deals have been made with some major hotels in the vicinity bringing the cost of four or five star accommodation down to around 50% or less off their 'rack rate'. Of course, if you're on a budget, Melbourne has a huge range of accommodation choices - you don't have to stay at the Hilton!

It's a once in a life-time event and it's going to be history making, huge - and a lot of fun! Hope you can make it!

[Chrys Stevenson]

The official site http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/registration/ has bugger all info about prices etc. although I guess it is still like 6 months away. [/URL]

A full list of prices and options will be up as soon as the ticketing glitch is resolved. I'm sure Pro can be persuaded to make a big announcement in this forum as soon as the site is up and running on all cylinders again.

[GenericBox]

Yeah my 1500 was including tickets, accomm for 3 nights, the dinner, travel and spending money. - which is realistically everything I need to consider.

From QLD btw too.

[Chrys Stevenson]

...
Patience my friends you will get to abuse me in Melbourne... remember I only drink German beer brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516 ;)


Ahhh! I've been wondering about the dress code for the convention dinner. Now I know what's required!

http://www.bsbrewing.com/blog/wp-content/beerfest_02.jpg

[Unsacred Cow]

Yep... got my outfit sorted....

http://marklipinskisblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/drunk-santa.jpg

Wow! You have to wear socks? Seems a bit of a toffee affair to me!

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Is it just me or does Protium's outfit look kind of expensive and rare?

[Chrys Stevenson]

Is it just me or does Protium's outfit look kind of expensive and rare?

Well he certainly has a very nice (and rather large!) pom pom.

[Unsacred Cow]

Is it just me or does Protium's outfit look kind of expensive and rare?

Oh it definitely looks designer to me. I'd say it's Karl Lager-filled.

[Chrys Stevenson]

Never mind Pro - I have the perfect outfit in mind for you ...

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/090708/Sacha-Baron-Cohen/Bruno-lederhosen_l.jpg

or this one if the weather's a little chilly ...

http://www.ksta.de/ks/images/mdsBild/1244222289627l.jpg

[two dogs]

Absolutely. We are close to sorting the issue. The sales we're not actually official anyway, the invitation was only sent to people who had registered interest on the site. When the glitch reared its ugly head it was lucky we hadn't made it public :)
...

What exactly is the "issue"; the ticketing site seemed to be working OK, and I expect that the tickets that I purchased therefrom are valid? :confused:

[Chrys Stevenson]

Of course your tickets are valid. I bought my ticket as soon as they became available too, and I've booked my accommodation. I have no concerns whatsoever.

The launch of ticket sales was a 'soft launch' precisely because of the possibility that there may be a glitch. As Pro said earlier, luckily there hadn't been a big public fanfare. It's just a hiccup made a little more difficult by the fact that the two parties trying to resolve it are in different time zones.

I know that David and his team are working with Atheist Alliance International to resolve the problem and they expect tickets to be back on sale within the next day or so.

[two dogs]

Of course your tickets are valid. I bought my ticket as soon as they became available too, and I've booked my accommodation. I have no concerns whatsoever.

The launch of ticket sales was a 'soft launch' precisely because of the possibility that there may be a glitch. As Pro said earlier, luckily there hadn't been a big public fanfare. It's just a hiccup made a little more difficult by the fact that the two parties trying to resolve it are in different time zones.

I know that David and his team are working with Atheist Alliance International to resolve the problem and they expect it to be up within the next day or so.
Thanks Kristy; I didn't really doubt the validity of my tickets (I booked into the Hilton the morning after buying my tickets). :)

Rather, I'm intrigued as to the nature of the "issue". Given that the ticketing site was still "up" for some time after the convention web site stated that there was a problem, it would appear that the "issue" is political, rather than technical?

[Chrys Stevenson]

... Rather, I'm intrigued as to the nature of the "issue". Given that the ticketing site was still "up" for some time after the convention web site stated that there was a problem, it would appear that the "issue" is political, rather than technical?

I'm not a part of the technical team and I'm afraid they're too involved getting the site back up to be posting in the forums. I'm sorry I can't give you a detailed explanation of what the problem is - I'm just not that involved in that side of things.

Just because the system appeared to be working from the buyers' point of view doesn't mean that 'back of house' there weren't technical problems occurring. Part of the problem, I understand, involves a breakdown in AFA's systems networking with AAI's. That's really as much as I know. It's a big conference with a whole slew of software, networking, technical, accounting and computer programmes that all have the potential to stuff up. I don't have any more detail for you than that.

I spoke to David yesterday and he sounded upbeat and positive that they had identified the key issue and were working hard to resolve it.

We'll all just have to be patient, I'm afraid. The convention is still quite a way off and few days offline is not, at this stage, a crisis.

[AWarGuy]

The Rise of Atheism Global Atheist Convention will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday evening, 12 March to Sunday afternoon, 14 March 2010.

Details are available on the convention website (http://www.atheistconvention.org.au).

Because of a technical glitch, ticket sales have been temporarily suspended but it's expected that online registrations will resume again very soon.

Registrations (from memory) are around $260 for the whole convention (concessions available) or about $150 for one-day registration for Saturday when many of the major speakers are scheduled.

Tickets include access to convention sessions plus meals and refreshments.

There's a conference dinner on the Saturday night, but this as been made an optional extra at $100.

Accommodation deals have been made with some major hotels in the vicinity bringing the cost of four or five star accommodation down to around 50% or less off their 'rack rate'. Of course, if you're on a budget, Melbourne has a huge range of accommodation choices - you don't have to stay at the Hilton!

It's a once in a life-time event and it's going to be history making, huge - and a lot of fun! Hope you can make it!

The entire family are belivers!

And my extended family live in SA and there belivers!

The only atheist in the family apart from me is my Aunty Di but she's livin in the UK.

Also I dont have $260 like hell I would be allowed to go by myself and the parents would be pissed and say no if I asked for the money let alone allowed to go!:(:mad:

[gord]

I plan to attend, and very excited about it.

Kristy, I think the price is pretty fair, and your doing a great job, btw, so thanks for organizing the conference.


That was a great link to rapper Greydon Square, thanks Mr Black.

Apart from his excellent rap, he seems fairly well spoken and eloquent [when vlogging]. Would be wonderful if he happened to be making a tour down under at the time - I think he would really extend the reach of the conference even further.

I'm in melbourne, and would be happy to help in any way I can,

regards,

gord.

[Chrys Stevenson]

Kristy, I think the price is pretty fair, and your doing a great job, btw, so thanks for organizing the conference..

Hi gord. I must clarify! I am not organizing the convention. There is a very able committee doing that. I am working as an adjunct to the committee as the media and communications consultant. I'm just the 'front guy' at the moment doing the easy stuff while the others are doing the real work behind the scenes. The main person to be thanked is AFA President, David Nicholls, who is working 24/7 on the convention along with his partner, Lee.

I thank you for your vote of confidence, but alas, I can't take the credit.

Cheers
Kris

[gord]

Sure, in that case many thanks also to David and Lee and everyone else involved.

Looks to be a great conference!

[eccles]

The Convention will be invaded my me: Rev. Robert Tobin (Minister, First Church of Atheism). My convention and dinner tickets are booked. A kind friend of the same religious persuasion is putting me up for a while. He will have to put up with me for a few days after the convention. I want to see my old home town after 25 years of exile in the "Bible Belt" of Australia, Queensland where I was shanghied to by my father so he could vote for "Holy" Joh.

All I have to book now is a Virgin to fly me to Melbourne.

[Praxis]

All I have to book now is a Virgin to fly me to Melbourne.
... and good luck with that one.

[Feuerbach]

I'll be there alright. Coming from Sydney, "bible" (TGD) in hand hoping to scam an autograph. :D

[boxsey]

Despite all the reasons on the "no" side of my "should I go to the conference" ledger.....I've just spent an hour trying to find a work-related conference that i could go to on either side of the atheist conference...in which case, I mean, if i was in melbourne allready....I just, you know, couldn't not go, could I.

Unfortunately, couldn't find anything yet. Will keep looking.

[punktual]

I have my tickets for myself and my Girlfriend, both weekend pass and Saturday dinner.
I'll be coming from Canberra. Very excited, wish it was sooner!

I also posted a thread on the Bluelight website to promote the convention which seems to have started some fierce argument if nothing else:

http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?t=466854

[Blondin]

If I wasn't overseas I would definitely be there (come hell or high water)!

You lucky, lucky bastards!

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Rev. Robert Tobin (Minister, First Church of Atheism).Wait until the Google Spider finds that on an atheist forum. Surely we all know what happens when theists use Google right?

[Seriden]

considering attending buuuut don't know anyone who'd be interested coming along and am a little apprehensive of going by my lonesome... mind if i tag along with you and your girlfriend, punktual? ;) canberra buddies, local pride and whatnot... :)

[Praxis]

considering attending buuuut don't know anyone who'd be interested coming along and am a little apprehensive of going by my lonesome... mind if i tag along with you and your girlfriend, punktual? ;) canberra buddies, local pride and whatnot... :)
Hi Seriden, welcome to the forums and hope you do decide to cometo the convention. Lots of people are coming on their own - I know I am (leaving the partner at home) - and I'm sure everyone will be very friendly (I know I am :)).

In case punktual doesn't get to see your post, you might like to start a separate thread, maybe titled "anyone from Canberra going to the convention?" or something like that, which might be a little more visible.

Hope to see you there. cheers.

[Chrys Stevenson]

I have been speaking with David about ways in which members of the various organizations and forums might be able to find each other at the Convention.

Nothing concrete yet, but just to assure you that this is something that has been thought of.

[Random]

I am going. I've bought my tickets, but have to organise my accommodation (I'm from Sydney, NSW). I'm still deciding how much time to take off work to make it into a proper holiday.

[Praxis]

I know how you feel.. I have to close my business for a week.. in my busiest time.. doh!
It will be worth it.

Bali for a wind-down sounds ace (mad Muslims notwithstanding).

[Bruce Long]

I'll be taking my three children. Will they ahve a creche or something for a five year old?

[Skepticus]

Well, I know I'll be there with my ears back now I have the ticket. I mean - I have the email that says I have paid and that just the ticket. No? :D

[kazzaqld]

I'm still trying to arrange accommodation. No-one is answering my emails so I might have to *gasp* ring them! :rolleyes:

[Durro]

I'll be there...

Going to the dinner too.

[davo]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3381509659_43314a52ff.jpg

[Praxis]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3381509659_43314a52ff.jpg
Hey! Several of us can play that in the hallway as we're staying at the same hotel.

Gideons at 10 paces!

[robertkd]

Aargh! My coulrophobia is acting up!

This might help Mr Balck,... :p

http://www.phobia-fear-release.com/coulrophobia.html

[Unsacred Cow]

I will (along with my partner) be attending the Convention. I'll be the one with the udders.

[LeeC]

I'm curious. Who actually plans on attending this event?

Me... I'm planning, well - I got my ticket now, I would be silly not to plan to go now.

Though I am not sure why I am attending - strange?

Lee

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

HHaavvee II ggoott ddoouubbllee vviissiioonn??Lee
LeeHHaavvee II ggoott ddoouubbllee vviissiioonn??

[Praxis]

Me... I'm planning, well - I got my ticket now, I would be silly not to plan to go now.

Though I am not sure why I am attending - strange?

Lee
Hi Lee and welcome to the forum.

I suppose it is a bit strange, booking to attend something you're not really sure about.

Perhaps you could do an intro post in the new members forum and tell us a bit about yourself and how you stumbled into our cosy forum here. In the telling, you might discover why you are attending the convention (aside from the obvious of meeting a heap of fabulous people of course ... :D )

Cheers.

[LeeC]

HHaavvee II ggoott ddoouubbllee vviissiioonn??
HHaavvee II ggoott ddoouubbllee vviissiioonn??

Almost a trinity...

I'm the ugly one... not sure who is the good or the bad.

Lee(C) Copyrighted 2009

[LeeC]

Hi Praxis,

Hi Lee and welcome to the forum.

Thanks


I suppose it is a bit strange, booking to attend something you're not really sure about.

It is the idea of going to a building to talk about God... it does not feel right.


Perhaps you could do an intro post in the new members forum and tell us a bit about yourself and how you stumbled into our cosy forum here.

Good idea... but now I have to run for my train.

That tells a lot about me

Take care

Lee

[Praxis]

It is the idea of going to a building to talk about God... it does not feel right.
Is that what you think the convention is? :eek:

Well I'm most definitely not going to a building to talk about god! A whole three days to talk about something that doesn't exist?! The thought! *insert rolling on floor laughing icon here*

I'm attending so I hear thoughtful, intelligent and rational people discuss the rising tide of nonbelief around the world (and Australia in particular, since it's been held here), the whys and wherefores of secularism in society today, and to discuss ways in which we can work towards getting religion and its nonsense our of our schools, our governments, etc. Amongst many other things of course.

Trust me, I doubt that God bloke will be getting much airtime :)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

All this convention talk and all the cool things I hear about it makes me wish I had enough money and support as well as being non autistic.

[David Nicholls]

Hello folks,

There is an obvious disconnect here about the Global Atheist Convention. It is going to be a moment in Australian history, where for the first time Atheists are gathering en masse in one place to state very clearly to the world that we exist, we are growing in numbers and we vote.

Atheism is a planetary social phenomenon we are all living through with its importance something that will eventually alter the nature of humanity. Individuals are escaping the bonds of superstition in great numbers for the first time in history. This is a monumental change in psyche and one, which will have profound effects on all aspects of civilisation.

Probably no social revolution has happened or will ever happen which will equal this cultural epiphany taking our thoughts and desires from the heavens and planting them firmly on earth.

Atheism, more so than any other notion entering the minds of humans has the potential to have nations and people working together in unison for the common causes of happiness, safety, security with enough food and shelter for all to live a fear-free life.

Yes, The Rise of Atheism Convention will be an exciting, entertaining and a wonderful learning experience for all who attend, but it is more than all those things. Much more! It is a part of a revision of traditional attitudes keeping us hanging on to the Dark Ages. It is a public demonstration of the growing awareness that we are alone in the universe and that we had better make the best of it.

This is not just an Atheist Convention; it is a time when we all have the chance in playing a part in altering the course of human history. What other incentive to attend could be more persuasive?

This is a once in a lifetime moment that if missed, will be forever regretted.

David

[DelusionFreeGirl]

Hey David, saw you on the (Ugh!) Independent Australian site. Followed you here…not in a stalking way mind you :o I didn’t know atheism was so active in aus. Feel a bit of goose for not taking my own atheism seriously. You’ve won me over, I will be going to the conference! Off on holidays now! :cool: Yippee!!!… Cheers DFG

[Praxis]

I will be going to the conference! Off on holidays now! :cool: Yippee!!!… Cheers DFG
w00t :D

(welcome to the forum DFG!)

[Lee]

Hello Lee!

Cheers
Lee

[LeeC]

Hi Praxis

Is that what you think the convention is? :eek:

I wonder why it is called the atheist convention, there has to be a little God talk right? Even if it is why God probably does not exist?:confused:

Well I'm most definitely not going to a building to talk about god! A whole three days to talk about something that doesn't exist?! The thought! *insert rolling on floor laughing icon here*

We can talk about the weather if you like?

I'm attending so I hear thoughtful, intelligent and rational people discuss the rising tide of nonbelief around the world (and Australia in particular, since it's been held here)

So not the weather then? And if you want intelligent, probably not with me :(

the whys and wherefores of secularism in society today, and to discuss ways in which we can work towards getting religion and its nonsense our of our schools, our governments, etc.

Now that sounds a lot more interesting...

Trust me, I doubt that God bloke will be getting much airtime :)

So I should leave my bible at home then?:D

Take care... it should be fun.

Lee

[LeeC]

Hi Lee

Hello Lee!
Cheers
Lee

Thanks

Lee
PS
This could get weird:D
I need of picture of me to stop me getting confused with who I am talking to... oh, it's Lee right?

[Skepticus]

Hmm... Was I censored, or did I muck up the submit on my reply to DelusionFreeGirl?

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

I think you just mucked it up. I have instant email notifications turned on and it seems you didn't post a reply to her.

[Skepticus]

I think you just mucked it up. I have instant email notifications turned on and it seems you didn't post a reply to her.

Unbelievable EH!? :eek: Just amazing. I take reason as an article of the noblest providence and one of the highest virtues (after beer, prawns and uh.. pretending to make babies), but I manage to stuff up the simplest task. One I have performed umpteen sqillillion two hundred and and forty one boggins, forty twelve plenty and eleventy eight, times in my life. Even then I overlook the ideal diagnostic method (good thinking croc). Maybe I need to be slapped around a bit.:rolleyes:

[Skepticus]

No. I see no evidence of that. Most likely. I can't find any info that suggests you have replied to DFG in this thread.

Oh well. Ain't no neffa mind. I was just having playful dig about the stunning avatar, which turns out on closer inspection to be Pamela Anderson. :eek: Hey!! Ain't that false advertising? (in more ways than one). Then the story went some thing like: Blah blah... Any stalker that looked like that... blah blah... Landmark discovery: First real evidence of god... blah blah... ...then the guy says, "Great, now we can all get some sleep" ha ha ha chuckle chortle.. [The scene goes all wavy and a harp is strumed by a tallent-less vagrant called in from the back alley] Zzzzzzz [Skepticus falls a sleep, and dreams about hundreds of stunning honey blond stalkers, 'plastic Pamilised' with genuine replicas of Pammy's pups, all loosely draped in bath towels, which seem to be reffusing to stay put. Good towels! very good]. I mockingly retreat, to make them canter so they find it hard to keep the towels on and... "Woof Woof" Someones dog wakes me up.:confused: BUGGA!

In conclusion, I can only add a tentative hypothesis: That Rumplstiltkin's neighbors did not have barking dogs and now we can see why he may have wanted to stay asleep for 100 years.

Only admin can hard delete a thread or post.

Really? I never got behind a vBuletin board. RDFRS uses phpbb, and as I recall, any user can be granted admin priveledges. From there you can delete, lock or move any thread at will. But I suppose the advantage of having to log in as Admin, is that it forces you to do so only when you have maintnence to perform and in your regular account, you cant make such nasty mistakes. It's a bit like most non-Debian GNU/Linux distros. I prefer to run apps and be offered a box for root priveledges, but if you need, you can still use bash to get root priveledges (just like gods chosen people). :D

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

I reckon all forums can allow that. I know SMF allows this too.

[TING]

Just bought a weekend pass & have booked my hotel, can't wait to attend this convention, which is also my very first. :)

[Praxis]

Just bought a weekend pass & have booked my hotel, can't wait to attend this convention, which is also my very first. :)
I think it's a lot of people's "first" - certainly will be mine :)

I'm not publicising which hotel I'm staying at (can't be too careful on teh interwebz you know ;) ) but I got a pretty good deal for about the same price as you, TING, $170 per night (hooray for online and advance booking discounts!) and it's a pleasant stroll to the convention.

See you there!

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

There's the Heartbreak Hotel which seems nice...

[owheelj]

Will be attending. Bought a gold pass the day they were released :). I hope I receive an actual gold ticket in the mail so I can pretend to be Charlie Bucket.

[Praxis]

Will be attending. Bought a gold pass the day they were released :). I hope I receive an actual gold ticket in the mail so I can pretend to be Charlie Bucket.
Well I should have read this before I asked in your intro post, Jeremy.

Will be great to meet you at the Convention.

Oh, and I bet you're not the only person doing the Charlie Bucket thing with the gold tickets :D.

I couldn't quite stretch for the gold, but contented myself with an all-weekend pass and as a treat, am staying in town on the Saturday night. Woo hoo!

[wardsie]

I'll be there for the full weekend. Look for the short shy stocky person with salt-and-pepper hair and face fuzz. I'm a bit nervous but have bought my ticket too. Just have to hear these great people speak.

[Praxis]

I'll be there for the full weekend. Look for the short shy stocky person with salt-and-pepper hair and face fuzz. I'm a bit nervous but have bought my ticket too. Just have to hear these great people speak.
I'll keep an eye out for you wardsie. I'll be the shy, retiring little flower trying to be invisible behind the potted palm. No, really.

why doesn't anyone believe me? :(



(actually, I'll be the fat chick with the big tits and the loud voice :D )

[Skepticus]

Yes same.. Any user can be given admin or moderator permissions. Moderators have the ability to delete, move, lock etc but I was referring to "hard delete" which removes it from the database. I've made it so only admin can do that in case of accident or identity theft etc... I only mentioned it in this situation because if, for any reason your post was deleted, I would know of its existence :)

So it's just you and Gawd then. Bet he couldn't find it either. :p

Did you mod on the RDF forums?

I was the forum-admin for the first few months. I set up the first boards and helped put the first team in place. The site admin Josh Timonen, was busy setting up the rest of the site. At that time RD was still on the road promoting TGD. Nostalgic times. :)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

I figured things out myself about my timings. Are tickets still available. I was considering purchasing one "just in case" (I have spare time so I can more than likely go ahead with this!) I do end up showing up.

There's no rush for the tickets is there? :confused:

Yes same.. Any user can be given admin or moderator permissions. Moderators have the ability to delete, move, lock etc but I was referring to "hard delete" which removes it from the database. I've made it so only admin can do that in case of accident or identity theft etc... I only mentioned it in this situation because if, for any reason your post was deleted, I would know of its existence :)
Did you mod on the RDF forums?Surely vBulletin has a garbage can forum too? I've never done any admin on vBulletin so this is a bit of a curiosity question. :D

[Skepticus]

Surely vBulletin has a garbage can forum too? I've never done any admin on vBulletin so this is a bit of a curiosity question. :D

Croc you can view a demo here (http://www.vbulletin.com/admindemo.php)

I cant see any garbage can forum or Admin CP features. Come to think I don't recall any on phpbb either. I made a forum for garbage, at RDF to sort of quarantine spam, or other unwanted posts as I worked, then they would all be in the one place a out of the general members view. you could just go through at leisure and delete, ban, check ip's etc. It's just a regular forum, but only available to mods & admins. You still had to manually move posts into it. How would it work differently if it was built in?

Addendum: I realized how it would work differently when I finished writing the last sentence (you'd access it right on each post) and went back for another look and bugga me, you wouldn't read about it. lookit dat, ain't it purrdy? Damn that's a nice feature. Kids these days don't know how lucky they are. :D

http://www.box.net/index.php?rm=box_download_shared_file&shared_name=fh6uvfd616&file_id=f_352054402&webdoc=1

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

What is a garbage can forum? Do you mean a place where deletions are stored?Yeah that's what I'm talking about. Like the Windows Recycle Bin in a way.Lets take this chat to a new thread if you want to continue Croc. ;)Good idea.

[Skepticus]

Yeah that's what I'm talking about. Like the Windows Recycle Bin in a way.Good idea.

Lets take this chat to a new thread if you want to continue Croc. ;)


Ok boys, everybody grab a side 1, 2, 3, HEAVE....:eek: Damn!! It's still here. LOL

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Ok boys, everybody grab a side 1, 2, 3, HEAVE....:eek: Damn!! It's still here. LOLIf only Jesus was here to help instead of fucking up other peoples' lives. Some loving peaceful zombie he is...

[LeeC]

If only Jesus was here

Who is the 'Jesus' you speak of? Never heard of him :)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Who is the 'Jesus' you speak of? Never heard of him :)He's this zombie who is meant to come down and rescue us from this thing called sin but so far he hasn't done that yet. Despite all the rapture predictions of his second comming.

Not sure if he intends to show up at the convention though...

[Skepticus]

What is a garbage can forum? Do you mean a place where deletions are stored?

Stored deletions? Heh - That seems a tad oxymoronic at face value. If you have deleted it, then one might assume it has no remaining tangible traces of it's existence. But as you have illustrated Protium, the forum software has a level of existence in which the 'souls' of our posts are stored and can be resurrected by Go.. er..admin. I never had to think about the actual forum DB which Josh had set to be backed up daily. I had my own level of a kind of 'purgatory' where the removed post was stored in a forum with privileges set to admin/mod only. You might call THAT a garbage can, but then I still had to riffle through it after, to make more decisions. The only decision I would have to make while browsing, was whether it should stay in general member/public view or be removed.

There were some advantages (I don't exactly recall) to the posts now being located in the one sub-forum. The software as I recall, did allow you to view the ip of the poster, but to change the settings required you to use the admin CP. I think it also had something to do with remembering where the offending/questionable posts were, if you wanted for instance, to discuss the outcome with other admin/mods. The functions available to administer the forums, as the user features have improved quite a bit since then. I remember we didn't even have a spell checker, as I did a temporary mod to the forum to add a third party spell check. Now you have spell checking built into everything even the comments section of a blog. How cool is everything getting huh? :cool:

:confused: Are we still here?

[LeeC]

Not sure if he intends to show up at the convention though...

Now THAT would be funny...

Lee

[Skepticus]

Not sure if he intends to show up at the convention though...

Wouldn't that be an interesting meeting? Me and old Jeebugga. I'm getting all wet 'down there' just thinking about it. :p

http://skepticus.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/devilmaycare.jpg

[Sascha]

Saw the ad in the New Scientist yesterday morning, and scored myself some very disapproving looks from train patrons at my loud exclamation of something between delight and triumph.

I'm certainly going to be making the trip from Perth. Might have to cash in some of my holidays, though. Ah, retail. :p

[Praxis]

Saw the ad in the New Scientist yesterday morning, and scored myself some very disapproving looks from train patrons at my loud exclamation of something between delight and triumph.

I'm certainly going to be making the trip from Perth. Might have to cash in some of my holidays, though. Ah, retail. :p
Welcome Sascha - another one to meet at the Convention!

And thanks for the reminder to go get New Scientist. I really should subscribe but it's a bit pricey, so I just buy an issue every other week or so. Such a great mag! I have a pic of myself sitting in a camper van, outside the Homer Tunnel in NZ earlier this year, waiting for the lights to change (they can take up to 15 mins) and I'm reading New Scientist. My partner thought it was a good pic to take (to show how nerdy I am, even on holidays ... hmph).

See you in March! (will be worth using up some of your hols - lots of great retail here in Melbourne too ;) )

[Sascha]

Thanks guys, tis good to be here!

Aw, Praxis, the New Scientist isn't nerdy, it's worldly! And that almost rhymes, thus proving my point beyond reasonable doubt. :)

[Praxis]

Aw, Praxis, the New Scientist isn't nerdy, it's worldly! And that almost rhymes, thus proving my point beyond reasonable doubt. :)
Almost rhyming is good enough Sascha!

I read a book a few months back which contained the wonderful, if slightly provocative line:

"Mum wore her atheism like a badge, reading New Scientist like it was the New Testament"

I loved it!

[Sascha]

I wonder how hardcore the Old Scientist is then!

[DanDare]

I'll be there. Comming down from the Sunshine Coast in Qld. I'm making a name badge with my avatar and forum name "DanDare" so you can link the guy with the typing. ;)

[Praxis]

I'll be there. Comming down from the Sunshine Coast in Qld. I'm making a name badge with my avatar and forum name "DanDare" so you can link the guy with the typing. ;)
Excellent Dan! I'll look out for you - will be nice to see the other 3/4 of your face!

[Caio]

I want to go, and I am going to uni next year, I have enrolled and all that, but I don’t have my student card yet. Will the acceptance letters I received from the uni and a drivers license suffice for me to get a concession ticket?

[Caio]

No problem, thanks mate

[Annie]

See you there. I have at least 8 other friends from perth hitting awl melbourne town for the conference. should be great. Praxis is right..... we have all grown very familiar with your left eyebrow :p.

[Annie]

Sorry, still getting used to the quick reply stuff..... definately Dan's left eyebrow - 15% is a good estimate. Do you think he'd mind if i sat him down at the conference and did a bit of tweezing on it - just the strays of course? :D.

[Homosapien]

Definatately will be there. Looking forward to the speakers, and also meeting the many fellow Atheists. Should be a Great event! :)

[Praxis]

Definatately will be there. Looking forward to the speakers, and also meeting the many fellow Atheists. Should be a Great event! :)
Another Melburnite! Excellent 'cos it looks like we're going to be swamped by these interstaters at the moment :D

[Annie]

he he. If you wish to reply to a post, click on the http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/images/buttons/quote.gif button and place your cursor after all the text in the edit window and type your message. This will quote the original text with your reply after it so it is obvious who you are replying to. (as in this post)

We can move on to the multi-quote feature at a later date, perhaps over a nice red ;)

I was pretty sure it wasn't my eyebrow as it hasn't grown yet as I am only a baby ;) Thanks for the tip with the quick reply stuff. It was a bugger i couldnt make it to the Lake today. Had a family day at the V8s. Looking forward to the next get together though. For a baby, your left eyebrow is very grown up. ;-)

[Annie]

Again, I'm working on pure speculation, but I suspect Mr Dare is either a Forester or a member of the Singe Party. :) or a philosopher.... it's the curvature of the eyebrow.:)

[DanDare]

or a philosopher.... it's the curvature of the eyebrow.:)
:rolleyes: They are just falsies. Makes it easier to brow beat people on the internet apparently.

[Annie]

Ooops......Hello Mr Dare. Forgot you'd be popping in sometime soon. ....... Nice eyebrow! :D

[jimdene]

I would love to attend, but too expensive for me

[gj83]

I will be attending next year with my boyfriend. We will be coming in from the east coast of the USA and staying in Melbourne for the week preceding the convention also.

I am open to suggestions for places to see in the melbourne area and willing to meet up with people for coffee/drinks/dinner.

We land in Melbourne on the 8th which is my birthday so after the long flight I hope to still get a bit of partying going.

[Logic]

Just booked my tickets for myself and my partner - hoorah!

[Chrys Stevenson]

I will be attending next year with my boyfriend. We will be coming in from the east coast of the USA and staying in Melbourne for the week preceding the convention also.

I am open to suggestions for places to see in the melbourne area and willing to meet up with people for coffee/drinks/dinner.

We land in Melbourne on the 8th which is my birthday so after the long flight I hope to still get a bit of partying going.

Hi gj83! I know you'll enjoy your stay in Melbourne, it's a fabulous city. I'm sure there are many Melbournians here who can make better suggestions than I can. Some suggestions from an occasional visitor to the city:

Ride a tram. Or have dinner on one (http://travelblog.viator.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/melbourne-tram.jpg)!

Check out the shopping - Melbourne is famous for it.

If you're into food, visit the Queen Victoria Market (http://www.qvm.com.au/qvm/qvm_home.aspx).

http://z.about.com/d/studenttravel/1/7/-/N/queen-victoria-market.jpg

There's no better place in the world for restaurants than Melbourne. Try Chinatown on Little Bourke Street in the CBD. The Flower Drum (http://www.flower-drum.com/) is an iconic Chinese Restaurant. It's not cheap, but you can get a 5 course lunch banquet for $88 per person. (I had dinner at the Flower Drum once and had to spend 1/2 hour jogging around my hotel room before bed because I was so full!) If that's to steep there are hundreds (probably thousands) of cheap and cheerful ethnic restaurants to choose from.

Try Lygon Street for great Italian and also Chapel Street for a good choice of restaurants.

Melbourne's gardens are beautiful. Just stroll around them.

Take a cruise (http://www.viator.com/tours/Melbourne/Highlights-of-Melbourne-Cruise/d384-3013SIGHTAB) on the Yarra River.

Check out the Melbourne Zoo.

Melbourne is also famous for it's live theatre - especially musical theatre. Not sure what will be on in March but here's a link (http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.A2E47368-052F-44E9-A8AB18C6227A2D91/)to keep an eye on.

Don't forget the beaches! It will be hot in March. Try St Kilda Beach. Here's a good guide (http://www.smh.com.au/news/victoria/lifes-a-beach-in-melbourne/2006/01/02/1136050380503.html) to Melbourne beaches.

I will be arriving in Melbourne on Thursday, 11 March. I'll send you a PM with my cell phone number.

Cheers
Kris

[philphil1]

wow having no money sucks! or i would be over there like THAT!

[Annie]

Hi gj83! I know you'll enjoy your stay in Melbourne, it's a fabulous city. I'm homesick for Melbourne again now Kristy......:(

[jimdene]

I had an article posted in the Age last Thurs 3rd regarding the forthcoming convention and I apologize for the plagiarism of a previous article in this forum. I just thought that it was so well put and far better than I could possibly conceive.
James William

[Chrys Stevenson]

I had an article posted in the Age last Thurs 3rd regarding the forthcoming convention and I apologize for the plagiarism of a previous article in this forum. I just thought that it was so well put and far better than I could possibly conceive.
James William

Hi James

I read that excellent letter and thought to myself, "I hope he's one of ours!" Well done and congratulations!

Here's the text of James' letter (http://www.theage.com.au/national/letters/a-necessary-tax-20091202-k69u.html) as he was too modest to post a link:

One rule for all, whatever the 'faith'
WHERE is the funding for the Global Atheist Convention - Melbourne 2010? This is expected to be the largest gathering of atheists, rationalists, humanists, sceptics and free thinkers in Australia and possibly in the world (it is projected to attract more than 2000 people).

The Atheist Foundation of Australia applied for government funding months ago, but has not yet received a response. Compare how governments support religions and large religious conventions.

In Australia, exemptions or concessions apply to religious organisations for income tax, fringe benefits tax, GST, payroll tax, land tax, stamp duties, car registration fees and municipal rates.

Consider the millions of government dollars that will help fund the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne this month and the $120 million the World Youth (that is, Catholic Youth) Day in Sydney cost Australian taxpayers.

It's time our parliamentary representatives actually represented all citizens, and supported the Global Atheist Convention. Alternatively, they could stop using taxpayers' dollars to subsidise religion. At the moment there is an unacceptable double standard.

James Williams

James, I do hope you'll be joining us at the Convention - please make yourself known to David and me.

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

>CLAPPACLAPPACLAPPACLAPPA<
Excellent letter! Now if only they would be courteous enough to respond.

[Lita]

Anyone from Perth going to the convention can I tag along..... I don't wanna go ALONE either.....especially coming from so far.... :( (34, F)

Please drop me a line if ur interested..... Is it possible that human's innate fear of being ALONE - is related to our readiness to believe that we are not ALONE??? I just thought of that??? ummmmm

[Annie]

Anyone from Perth going to the convention can I tag along..... I don't wanna go ALONE either.....especially coming from so far.... :( (34, F)

Please drop me a line if ur interested..... Is it possible that human's innate fear of being ALONE - is related to our readiness to believe that we are not ALONE??? I just thought of that??? ummmmm Lita, if you cant get to the perth meetup to meet others going to conventon, you are welcome to join our group of 4. PM me if this is the case. :)

[Lita]

Will definately try to make the meet up....Annie u r fantastic . . . thanx so much . . . can't wait to meet everyone

[ZombieAlan]

The convention's going to be awesome!

It'll be great to meet atheists from near and far and it looks like there's going to be a lot of us!

I'm new on this forum, so hello everyone!

Are there parties or extracurricular events organised for the GAC?

[Chrys Stevenson]

The convention's going to be awesome!

It'll be great to meet atheists from near and far and it looks like there's going to be a lot of us!

I'm new on this forum, so hello everyone!

Are there parties or extracurricular events organised for the GAC?

Hi Alan

Welcome!

I'm sure there'll be plenty of 'extra curricular' events happening around the time of the Convention - some planned, some not.

There's a rumour floating around about an atheist book launch at Readings Bookstore on Thursday 11th March, possibly with a big name or two in attendance, but nothing confirmed yet as far as I know. I'd be surprised if everyone didn't head out for drinkies afterwards.

I expect those of us who will still be in Melbourne on Sunday night will undoubtedly find something to amuse ourselves.

I believe those who aren't planning to go to the Convention dinner may plan an alternative event, but really, the entertainment at the Convention dinner is shaping up to be too good to miss.

Stay tuned. I'm sure plans will firm up closer to the event.

Cheers
Kris

[Annie]

I'm new on this forum, so hello everyone!

Hi ZombieAlan. Im relatively new here too. It's a great place to hang. :)

[Dan]

I'll be there, I probably won't know anyone there unless I can convince some friends to come along. Unfortunatly that seems unlikely. But it doesn't really matter because it should be a good weekend anyway.

Unfortunately being in Perth makes travel expensive, I haven't decided whether I should fly or drive yet.

[Chrys Stevenson]

Hmmm, I've been thinking about the Convention and decided I just can't get enough of it.

I'd booked into the Hilton for Thu 11 March checking out Monday 14 March, but just rang and booked an extra night. Seemed silly to rush away so quickly post convention.

[Jin-oh Choi]

I've got tickets, flights and now accommodation. So unless for some reason I find "God", I'll be there. :)

[Praxis]

I've got tickets, flights and now accommodation. So unless for some reason I find "God", I'll be there. :)
I'm willing to bet my house on you being at the Convention, Jin-oh. I reckon it's a much surer bet than you "finding God" between now and then ;)

Well done on getting everything organised. See you in March!!

[Chrys Stevenson]

I booked my flights today - arriving on Thursday and departing on the Tuesday.

It was a difficult decision as my brother, who has terminal brain cancer, is now gravely ill and in a nursing home and I had to consider the possibility that his funeral may clash with the Convention. I was really in two minds as to whether to make that final commitment but, ultimately, after talking with my family, I decided that I will attend the Convention regardless - although I desperately hope it doesn't come to that.

Perhaps it is the ultimate test of my atheism to decide that I can only do everything I can for him while he is alive, and that attending his funeral, or not, will not make any difference to him whatsoever.

[Praxis]

Oh Kristy, I am so very sorry to hear about your brother.

Well done on navigating through what must have been a very tough decision for you and an undoubtedly difficult time ahead *hug* (and I don't give those out lightly ;) )

[DanDare]

Kristy, I hope you will accept a real hug at the convention. I think it is wonderful that your family can work with you on this. Funerals, after all, are for those left alive to help manage their grief.

[David Nicholls]

Kristy,

I totally support your decision. It is the Atheist way. You not only have a responsibility to friends and relatives concerning someone who has died, but you have a greater task of supporting a cause that will help secure the lives and happiness of those still living but are oppressed.

An awful decision, an unhappy one also, but you have made the best choice for your circumstance. Take heart in that no one will judge you harshly nor should they. Life sucks and that is inescapable.

David

[Chrys Stevenson]

Kristy,

I totally support your decision. It is the Atheist way. You not only have a responsibility to friends and relatives concerning someone who has died, but you have a greater task of supporting a cause that will help secure the lives and happiness of those still living but are oppressed.

An awful decision, an unhappy one also, but you have made the best choice for your circumstance. Take heart in that no one will judge you harshly nor should they. Life sucks and that is inescapable.

David

Thank you David, Dan and Praxis, your support means a lot.

[eccles]

I just performed the final task. I booked my flight with a Virgin (hope she is blond).
I depart the Gold Coast on the 10/3/2010. I am staying with a friend in Broadford until the 24/3/2010.

[Logic]

My partner and I are nearly sorted, tickets done, flights done, just need to do accommodation on wotif sometime soon. I'm getting pretty excited about it :)

[Caio]

I'm lazy and disorganized, so ill do it tomorrow :D...but i am getting really excited about it, cant wait

[Praxis]

I'm lazy and disorganized, so ill do it tomorrow :D...but i am getting really excited about it, cant wait
DOOOO EEEEEEIT!!

[Godless Ray]

Godless Ray and Godless Muriel have booked tickets. Can't wait.



Godless Ray

[Praxis]

Godless Ray and Godless Muriel have booked tickets. Can't wait.



Godless Ray
W00T !! Godless Praxis looks forward to meeting you both :D

[Kenji]

Is the event sold out, or are just the 'full weekend' tickets gone? :(

[Dan]

The Full Weekend Passes are gone but there is still some Sunday passes.

[Kenji]

Ah, will have to see if I can afford to get one. Would be lovely to go. :D

[JaimieM]

I will most certainly be attending. I'm from Newcastle NSW and there's a small group of Newcastle Uni students that I'm coming down with. It just so happens that a Student Atheist Society formed in the same week that I found out about the Convention. I would've come all by myself if I had to. It's going to be epic.

[Jin-oh Choi]

I will most certainly be attending. I'm from Newcastle NSW and there's a small group of Newcastle Uni students that I'm coming down with. It just so happens that a Student Atheist Society formed in the same week that I found out about the Convention. I would've come all by myself if I had to. It's going to be epic.

I am glad to see that you have a Student Atheist Society on campus. It was something I wish I had started while I was at Uni down here in Tassie. And your right, it is going to be 'epic'.

[OzAtheist]

I will most certainly be attending. I'm from Newcastle NSW and there's a small group of Newcastle Uni students that I'm coming down with. It just so happens that a Student Atheist Society formed in the same week that I found out about the Convention. I would've come all by myself if I had to. It's going to be epic.
I coming down from Newcastle as well, not a student at Newcastle Uni, but know a few people who work there. What's the details of the Student Atheist Society, I know someone who may be interested.

Cheers

[LeeC]

I booked my flight with a Virgin (hope she is blond).


You don't believe in blone virgins do you? Ha... Oops, sorry - I will get my coat

Lee

[LeeC]

The Full Weekend Passes are gone but there is still some Sunday passes.

So how many tickets have been sold for Saturday? Anyone know?

Too many atheists in a room could be scary - I mean, they say we are like herding cats so anything could happen

Lee

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

@LeeC: Too many theists in a room can be scary too. ;)

[Lee]

too many humans in a room is enough for me!

One room and two humans is more than enough for me! :D

[Praxis]

One room and two humans is more than enough for me! :D
Well you're in deep trouble then, aren't you Lee? ;)

[Joy]

Re: Who plans on attending "The Rise of Atheism | Atheist Convention 2010

Me- and I don't know anyone who is so I hope you guys are friendly!:cool:

[Praxis]

Me- and I don't know anyone who is so I hope you guys are friendly!:cool:
For a bunch of evil, immoral, going-straight-to-hell, baby-eating atheists, yeah, I reckon we're alright ;)

[Jin-oh Choi]

For a bunch of evil, immoral, going-straight-to-hell, baby-eating atheists, yeah, I reckon we're alright ;)

Does that mean "Babys with sauce". :) It reminds me of a show with David Strassman & Chuck.

[Rorschach]

The Pharyngula Horde will be there in force, see you all there !

[Made Of Stars]

I'll be there, with bells on. :D

[Joy]

For a bunch of evil, immoral, going-straight-to-hell, baby-eating atheists, yeah, I reckon we're alright ;)

Not sure about the baby eating :P, but evil, immoral and going to hell!!! Damn you all must be lots of fun :D :cool:

[Praxis]

I'll be there, with bells on. :D
Hey! I know you :D

(it's me - AA @ RDF, I go by a different handle here and besides, we have our own AA here!)

The Pharyngula Horde will be there in force, see you all there !
Woohoo! That's excellent. And welcome to the forums Rorschach (my fave character from the film ;) )

[kittymaehem]

Hi, This is my very first post on any form - ever!, though I have been a ferevent reader for the last 6 months of various blogs and forums.

I am relatively new to atheism and have just bought my ticket to the convention. All the weekend passes have sold out, so I am only going to the dinner on Saturday night and the Sunday session. I will be going on my own, so I am a bit nervous as I wont know anyone, and I feel like a bit of a dork going by myself.

I live in Melbourne, so at least I know my way around, but I am really looking forward to meeting like-minded people!
Kitty

[davo]

Hey Kitty, there will be a lot of people in the same boat, so make sure you introduce yourself around :) If there's people there that 'fob you off', they are probably the religious ones :)

[kittymaehem]

Thanks Davo,

I feel a bit better now! :) I haven't been able to find much information about the dinner. Does anyone know what time it starts? and where exactly it is?

I'm getting excited now!


Read fervent :o

[Rorschach]

Kitty, I think the dinner starts at 8, not sure where yet, there are tables of 10 each( I think the Aussie pharyngulites have about 4 tables alone lol), if you want to sit with us let me know here and I pass it on to the person who is organising our seating, otherwise I'm sure there will be plenty other interesting folks around !

[kittymaehem]

Roarschach,
That is really very kind of you, thanks! I think I might just take you up on the offer, as I don't know anyone at all. If you could pass my name along I'd really appreciate it.:)

[Praxis]

Hi kittymaehem, I have tables booked under the Richard Dawkins forum name and there's some seats available. We'd love to have you at our table if you like. Some very nice people will be there :)

[Jin-oh Choi]

Praxis , may I have the honour of joining you and our fellow free thinkers.

[kittymaehem]

Hi kittymaehem, I have tables booked under the Richard Dawkins forum name and there's some seats available. We'd love to have you at our table if you like. Some very nice people will be there :)

I have had an offer from rorschach to sit with his table, but thankyou very much. I look forward to seeing you there though!:)

Kitty

[Praxis]

Praxis , may I have the honour of joining you and our fellow free thinkers.
Absolutely! PM me your ticket number (the number for the dinner is slightly different) and I'll add you to the list :)

[DanDare]

Hey Praxis,

you have a spare seat?

[Praxis]

Hey Praxis,

you have a spare seat?
Indeed we do Dan! I booked two tables under the RDF name. I understand tables hold 8-10 people and I currently have 13 on the list - 14 now counting Jin-oh and you'd make 15, so there's plenty of room!

PM me your real name and ticket number and I'll send the details on to the Keeper of the Table Bookings :D

You'll know from the RDF thread that there'll be me, Durro, Starr23, JimC, Made of Stars, Lordpasternack, Witticism, xrayzed and Darwinsbulldog at the table, to name but a few!

[Lee]

PM me your real name and ticket number and I'll send the details on to the Keeper of the Table Bookings :D


Keeper of the Table Bookings understudy here.

So it was 2 tables you wanted Praxis. I thought you were gonna be sitting two to a chair. Will pass it on to the official KOTTB. :p

[Praxis]

Keeper of the Table Bookings understudy here.

So it was 2 tables you wanted Praxis. I thought you were gonna be sitting two to a chair. Will pass it on to the official KOTTB. :p
I was sure I'd said two tables Lee :eek:

Otherwise, yep, there'll be some knee-sitting going on for sure :D

[BlackCat]

I soo wish. My daughter is just about to have child # 3 and I can't really afford to go. I am so disappointed. But having talked to DN about it, there may be a chance a DVD will be made. I hope so.:o

I can't imagine the Dawk would come to Oz without making a DVD. I know the whole thing can't be filmed but some of the speakers are stupendous PJ for instance. Big fan.;)

I can only wish everthing goes well and the Victorian Government doesn't try to put any more snags in the works.:eek:

[LeeC]

Otherwise, yep, there'll be some knee-sitting going on for sure :D

I will just stand in the corner then... I am too big for knee-sitting, no one wants 120kg on their lap

So long as someone passes me a drink, I will be alright.

Lee

[Praxis]

I will just stand in the corner then... I am too big for knee-sitting, no one wants 120kg on their lap

So long as someone passes me a drink, I will be alright.

Lee
Is that your way of asking for a seat at our table? ;)

[A-Muse-ing]

We're all booked, packed, sorted - children and dogs catered for and just to add a little more joy to the whole occassion, the Melbourne food and wine festival is on!! This whole event must be 'heaven sent!' - Intellegence, insight, food and alcohol - the Australian Atheist Association is truly creating a heaven on earth!!

[LeeC]

Is that your way of asking for a seat at our table? ;)

If you have room for a little one :)

Thanks, that would be great... but corners are also great

Lee

[LeeC]

the Australian Atheist Association is truly creating a heaven on earth!!

Isn't that against God or logic, or something?:confused:

[Praxis]

If you have room for a little one :)

Thanks, that would be great... but corners are also great

Lee
You've got someting against under tables?

Oh alright then ... *grumble, mutter* ;)

PM me your real name and dinner ticket number and I'll put you on the table list.

[LeeC]

You've got someting against under tables?


Oh no... that is where I end up when I am drunk.

Lee

[starr]

Indeed we do Dan! I booked two tables under the RDF name. I understand tables hold 8-10 people and I currently have 13 on the list - 14 now counting Jin-oh and you'd make 15, so there's plenty of room!

PM me your real name and ticket number and I'll send the details on to the Keeper of the Table Bookings :D

You'll know from the RDF thread that there'll be me, Durro, Starr23, JimC, Made of Stars, Lordpasternack, Witticism, xrayzed and Darwinsbulldog at the table, to name but a few!

Hmmmmm some of those names look very familiar... :p:D

[Praxis]

Hmmmmm some of those names look very familiar... :p:D
Can't think why :p