"Global Atheist Convention: ticket sales re-opened!"

[David Nicholls]

Dear AFA members and Supporters

Most of you will be aware that, after launching the Global Atheist Convention ticket sales last week, sales were suspended. This has caused some concern for people who purchased their tickets and booked flights and accommodation, as well as those who missed out on the early release.

As our discussions with various people and our convention partner, Atheist Alliance International, have had to range over multiple time zones, the situation took longer than expected to resolve.

We are delighted to report that the Global Atheist Convention will proceed with a small change to the schedule. Richard Dawkins will now present on Sunday 14 March, not on Saturday 13 March as originally advertised. PZ Myers will present on Saturday 13 March, not on Sunday 14 March as originally advertised

Given this schedule change, the Global Atheist Convention will sell Sunday-Only Passes instead of Saturday-Only Passes. All Saturday-Only Passes will be transferred to Sunday-Only Passes, however anyone who is unable, or unwilling, to change their ticket to Sunday will receive a full refund. Please contact the AFA if you wish to arrange a refund.

We apologise to anyone who has been caused inconvenience or concern by this small hiccup. However, we are delighted that all has been resolved, ticket sales will be back online today, and the Global Atheist Convention is now ‘all systems go’ again.

We look forward to seeing you all in Melbourne in March.

Be there and make history!

David Nicholls
President
Atheist Foundation of Australia Inc.

[Chrys Stevenson]

Great to hear everything is back on track, David!

[David Nicholls]

Allow me to quote Catherine Deveny, Chrys. Since re-igniting the Global Atheist Convention system, it is "going off like a frog in a sock" :) I hope those folk who really do not want to miss out, purchase their tickets now.

David

[two dogs]

GLOBAL ATHEIST Convention Ticket Sales ‘Resurrected’
Excellent work, given that it was "dead" for a lot longer than Jesus. :D

[Chrys Stevenson]

Excellent work, given that it was "dead" for a lot longer than Jesus. :D

Resurrection after three days is so last millennium - David decided to go for the Guinness Book of Records on this one. ;-)

[David Nicholls]

Kristy, the guy who took six days to create the world and the universe and possibly the multi-universes did not have different time-zones to contend with. A flat earth would be far more sensible and workable. But we achieved our resurrection without that advantage anyway. Bet he is smarting! :)

David

[David Nicholls]

People,


Atheism will not stand or fall because of the Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne, but it is a promising event more so than anything before it and it carries the expectation of having a powerful influence on society and government. We have been ignored for many decades with the Atheist influence on parliamentary process stymied by many politicians abiding only to their indoctrinated upbringing.

Opinion polls on many of the social issues Atheists see as necessary for an egalitarian society overwhelmingly support our majority positions. We are winning with the polls but politicians are disregarding our cries for social justice.

The Global Atheist Convention is a chance for all Atheists to be seen as a force to be reckoned with. It is a time when we can all state emphatically that we no longer want the religion of a minority of citizens to indoctrinate our children in state schools, to preen billions of tax-payer dollars in supporting religious fantasy at the expense of everyone and most importantly we do not want religion making rules in government at the behest of faith driven initiatives.

The Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne next March is not just a talk fest of preaching to the converted; it is a drawing of a line in the sand that we will not tolerate religion encroaching upon secular values, mores and laws anymore. It is our stand against the tail of a minority dog opinion shaking the rational majority dog of common sense.

This is not an occasion to be dismissed by apathy, it is not an event of no consequence, it is a circumstance unique in history that we must all positively react to or forever bear the brunt of the consequences of inaction. It is a chance to make a statement that does not come along very often and if we do not grasp it with all our might, our place in history will be diminished by it.

This is one of the very few chances thrown up by history where we can make positive change by just our presence. Be there and make history.

David

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

The other good bit here David is the Internet is a useful to our advantage. Do you think there will be some sort of relay to other parts of Australia or broadcast to Youtube or live media stream etc? There should be one of those things.

[Digitalos]

Maybe I'll see you there. :)

[Praxis]

Thanks to everyone for their hard work in getting everything sorted. I suspect that tickets will sell out very quickly.

I can't wait to be a part of this, from the obvious social meet'n'greet and catch up with old mates perspective, to getting the opportunity to hear such esteemed, intelligent speakers, through to, as David says, being part of a united front of "ordinary Australians" who feel strongly enough about the issues to publicly make a stand.

My ticket is pinned to my noticeboard here in my office, where I can see it.

The countdown to March has begun :D

[davo]

The other good bit here David is the Internet is a useful to our advantage. Do you think there will be some sort of relay to other parts of Australia or broadcast to Youtube or live media stream etc? There should be one of those things.

Things are being recorded (Dawkins crew for instance are filming), the costs and worked needed to do this is just too much for little effectiveness once weighed up.

There's so much we would like to do, and there has to be a balance so that the conference is run smoothly and with the best 'bang for buck' as there are a huge amount of costs and logistics in running it as is. All things are being considered however, this has, unfortunately we are just in the position that we do have to draw the line on some things :(

[David Nicholls]

Thanks for answering that for me, Davo. You sure are correct about the cost and logistics. It would be OK to use every bit of the medium out there but we have had to draw the line at what is affordable.

The best way to see the show is to come on along to one of the best Convention centres in Australia, so I am told. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has been described to me by someone’s whose opinion I trust, as a jaw dropping experience just to visit it.

To be there for a few days with the top-notch speakers we have lined up is going to be beyond incredible.

David

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

I can't guarantee to make it but we'll see what happens. I was hoping it would be on Youtube or some other video. This convention looks like it is going to be cool.

[Andrew Rawlings]

I'll be there. :)

[davo]

Gudday Andrew ;) Have you drunk the wine I left at your place yet? :)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

<HIC/>Nope.<HIC/>

[eccles]

I just booked my ticket. I have to find the money now for the Dinner. A couple of weeks I shall have enough thanks to my benefactors, you tax payers and our kind friend Kevin Rudd M.P. for my pension increase.

See ya all.

[Praxis]

Just got off the phone with my young brother-in-law. A die-hard atheist (right down to his regrettable tattoo on his arm), he got very excited upon learning about the convention and begged/conned/talked me into booking two Sunday-only tickets for he and his best mate, amidst great promises of payment in full in a few weeks. So I did.

And we'll see :rolleyes: (nah, I'm sure he'll pay me).

He's a big Dawkins fan and he couldn't afford a whole weekend pass so he decided Sunday-only was the best option for he and his mate.

:)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

A tattoo being regrettable? What tattoo was that?

[Praxis]

A tattoo being regrettable? What tattoo was that?
hehe - this one is regrettable insofar as it was poorly done, way too big and just looks dodgy as all get out. It's a crucifix with a big red circle around it and a strike-through - like the no smoking signs you know? Much smaller, it could have been quite nice but even he admits it's too big and just looks like a high school kid did it.

[Durro]

I'll be there...

:)

[Praxis]

I'll be there...

:)
Indeed you will be my friend :D

(I'm giving serious thought to staying a night in town on the Saturday - such a long way to drive home after the dinner).

[Chrys Stevenson]

Indeed you will be my friend :D

(I'm giving serious thought to staying a night in town on the Saturday - such a long way to drive home after the dinner).

Oh do stay! There is sure to be partying long into the night.

[Praxis]

Oh do stay! There is sure to be partying long into the night.
I think that's something I wouldn't want to be betting against! And I definitely want to be having a drink or three and I just as definitely do not want to drive home.

So I will look into it for sure :D

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Hopefully a certain reptile will be on his P's by the time the Atheist convention is on... maybe even before that...

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Now that provides quite a bit of camouflage. Unfortunately I don't exactly have a car license...

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

http://thepirata.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/croc_bike_01.jpg

[Andrew Rawlings]

Gudday Andrew ;) Have you drunk the wine I left at your place yet? :)

Yes thanks, it was delicious.
Elida says 'hello'.

[Praxis]

Now that provides quite a bit of camouflage. Unfortunately I don't exactly have a car license...
Are you in Melbourne, Crocodile? If you are, I'm sure a lift could be organised with someone :)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Unfortunately not. I am in New South Wales. However I suppose one of my options would be interstate train. I just need to see if it is possible with my schedule for university and all.

[Praxis]

Unfortunately not. I am in New South Wales. However I suppose one of my options would be interstate train. I just need to see if it is possible with my schedule for university and all.
Yes, the train is an option, also a bus (although I have memories of a bus trip to Sydney many years ago and I vowed NEVER AGAIN!! :) )

I hope you can make it.

Cheers.

[davo]

I'm close to the border VIC/NSW Croc, dunno if that is a big help, but my gf is coming down from QLD by train, your welcome to get off near me, and get a lift into town :)

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Is that anywhere near Sydney? If not I may well just take the CountryLink - in any case I'll have to see my schedule for uni and stuff first.