Hatrack River Forum: A question that proves my noob-ness

This is topic A question that proves my noob-ness in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

What are all of these "fest" things? Nerdfest? What? I'm so confused. [Confused]

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Get togethers, we gather in person, and hang out being nerdy. Ask more questions, get more answers.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Who organizes them? Where are they? How can I get involved?

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Hatrackers organize them, there have been several in your area, we had a campout in Bloomington IN, I think there have been a few in OH too. Just read the board. But I think the biggest issue you would have, several of our board members that organize things are teachers or other public members, that really can't spend time with minors (I'm not explaining this well, sorry).

Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :

Well, you could always organize one yourself. [Wink]

Otherwise, just volunteer to show up at one someone else is organizing, if it's feasible for you to do so.

Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :

quote:
But I think the biggest issue you would have, several of our board members that organize things are teachers or other public members, that really can't spend time with minors

Teachers can't spend time with minors? [Confused]

Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Amanecer:
Teachers can't spend time with minors?

Not "minors", "miners". That is why the literacy rate is so low among the mine workers.

Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :

[Laugh]

Tante, you're awesome.

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

*laugh* We've had more than a few minors show up for clumps, cons, fests, etc. [Smile]

But, yeah, usually it's best if children attend in the company of their parents.

If you're in Ohio, Tinros, you're very close to a number of members who regularly gather, and at least one annual gathering for Ornery regulars.

Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :

quote:
Tante, you're awesome.

Can't argue with that! [Big Grin]

Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :

quote:
Teachers can't spend time with minors?

That would explain the poor state of education in this country. . . .

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

With the world being what it is today, many adults here at Hatrack would not be comfortable with meeting up with those under 18 without parents or guardians of said young adults present. In part it's about avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, but in part (at least, for me) it's about not encouraging patterns of behavior that may be dangerous in general, even if we're sure it's fine in this particular case.

That is, it's similar to why I don't "make friends" with small children I don't know unless I go through their parents, first. If a child runs up to me on the playground, I tell them "we need to find your mommy or daddy right away." If a child is crying in a public place (like a movie or airport), if it seems like it would be helpful, I offer a McDonald's toy (still wrapped) to the parent.* I don't want to encourage behavior that might otherwise (not with me, of course! but potentially with someone else) put a minor at risk. Being too trusting can, unfortunately, put one at risk, especially when one is in a vulnerable position. That includes being of young age.

*[I often carry these around just in case.]

In general, it's best for those under 18 not to be involved in such gatherings without their parents present. IMHO. And even though I'm sure they would be perfectly safe at any Hatrack gathering.

Many adults also won't drink with or near anyone who is not of age, even if the minors aren't themselves drinking. Same reasons.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

I knew minors did go to events, but I also knew it would be best to explain this to her. And CT explained it much better than I could.

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

breyerchic, I'm still editing to try to make it come out right! It seems so persnickety, but I can really see the sense in it.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Thanks

I eat kids meals at fast food restaraunts, and give out the toys on occasion!

Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :

CT, I understand what you guys are saying now. [Smile]

Out of curiousity, how would you feel about a minor whose parent spoke to the organizer of the event but did not attend? I think that would help remove the appearance of impropriety.

I'm also curious, are legal ramifications an important concern for you since the cut off age is 18?

*Note: I'm not a minor, I just am trying to understand how you feel about this issue. [Smile]

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

Amanecer, I think it varies from person to person. I would probably make that decision on a case-by-case basis, myself. (I know, not very helpful. *rueful look)

In general, I'd err on the side of being protective of my friends. After all, not getting together in person is really a small thing, and time will take care of that. I expect this general group of people will be around for a long while. *smile

And yes, legality is an issue for some of us, me included. It makes us additionally concerned, but the basic caring and concern is still there.

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

The whole "teachers with minors" thing refers to the extended trust society places in some people, along with a corresponding increase in the responsibility to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Because teachers (and some other persons) are in a position where they interact with and are responsible for young persons, then it is even more important that they take care. I'm not a teacher, but I am in a similar position, and I'd feel wretched if something I did made a parent fear for the safety of his or her children, or if I in any way aided a young person in making an unwise decision.

Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :

quote:
The whole "teachers with minors" thing refers to the extended trust society places in some people, along with a corresponding increase in the responsibility to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Because teachers (and some other persons) are in a position where they interact with and are responsible for young persons, then it is even more important that they take care. I'm not a teacher, but I am in a similar position, and I'd feel wretched if something I did made a parent fear for the safety of his or her children, or if I in any way aided a young person in making an unwise decision.

That was well explained (along with your other post).

Anyone wanna gather in the Pac NW? Are there even enough of you here?

Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :

Well, I'm near the Pacific. And I'm northwest of most of you. But no, I'm not close enough to get together with anyone. *grumble*

Posted by Princess Leah (Member # 6026) on :

Me! During summer/winter breaks, anyway.

Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :

CT, thank you for your explanation. It's sad that we have to be so mistrustful, but I suppose it's a necessary evil.

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

I wish it weren't so. We can, however, do everything in our power to be kind to and take care of one another, even if that means not having as much fun as we might otherwise. The caring and the kindness for people who are trying their best (both young and old, all of us) is a wonderfully important part of Hatrack, too.

And that's cool. [Smile]

Posted by starLisa (Member # 8384) on :

I thought it was spelled n00b; not noob. No?

Posted by aiua (Member # 7825) on :

I thought it was 'newb' here, n00b on aim, and noob elsewhere.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

n00b or newbie work for me.

Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :

Oh, [Roll Eyes]

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

what's wrong tante?

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

I'm okay with hanging out with minors-- if their parents have met me first and are comfortable with it.

That's what the rule was when I was growing up, that's what it will be with our kids, and so I extend that same courtesy to the parents of other children.

Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :

quote:
Originally posted by breyerchic04:
what's wrong tante?

Now, I don't mind a good debate, and I like when things get a bit intellectual, but this "n00b" vs. "noob" vs. "newb" vs. "newbie" is just a little too [Roll Eyes]

for me.

Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :

My vote goes to Newbert McGee.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Well, seeing as I'll be far too busy to do ANYTHING away from home for the next few months, and I turn 18 in May, the whole underage thing shouldn't be a big deal. Plus, as my parents are probably getting divorced sometime this summer, I'll be living on my own and they won't be in the picture. Sorry to make moot(is that a verb? "to make moot?") 20 something replies.

BTW, I never thought I would get this many replies to a stupid question like this.

<--pleasantly surprised

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

so now you just have to watch the board, and see what's going on, you're welcome in our clump, but I think we're about 3 hours away (you're in cincy right, or even further?)

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

I'm about an hour north of cincy- closer to dayton than cincy, actually. But I know someone(I think it's Noemon) lives in Dayton, so maybe we'll just have to organize a midwest gathering.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Of course, breyerchic, I could always use the excuse of going to watch BOA grand nationals in Indy, being a music ed major. Then I could take a few extra days and see who all is over in Indiana.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

When are grand nationals?

Posted by 0range7Penguin (Member # 7337) on :

Some one needs to inform me the next time there is one of these in the Chicago land area.

Posted by cheiros do ender (Member # 8849) on :

Someone needs to inform me the next time there's one in Perth, Australia. [ROFL]

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

quote:
Originally posted by breyerchic04:
When are grand nationals?

Usually mid-November. I might actually be on Christmas break by then. I'm not sure.

*Oops, sorry, *winter* break. [Wink]

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Dude, if there's one near Chicago, I'd take a week off and go to that! We went to Chicago in 8th grade and I LOVED it!

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Ok, next november I'll be about an hour north instead of an hour south of Indy, but still would love to meet you.

There was a huge (50 people) con/fest near Chicago (skokie?) in the summer of 04, sadly I didn't get to go, I was at leadership conference.

Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :

I think the correct term is "noobitity".

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

Stupid age!

Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :

quote:
(is that a verb? "to make moot?")

"to make" is a verb. "moot" is a noun, which I think in this case is used as an object. But not real sure about that.

Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :

...or an adjective in this case.

Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :

Wouldn't moot be an adjective?

[edit: She beat me.]

Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ClaudiaTherese:
With the world being what it is today, many adults here at Hatrack would not be comfortable with meeting up with those under 18 without parents or guardians of said young adults present. In part it's about avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, but in part (at least, for me) it's about not encouraging patterns of behavior that may be dangerous in general, even if we're sure it's fine in this particular case.

That is, it's similar to why I don't "make friends" with small children I don't know unless I go through their parents, first. If a child runs up to me on the playground, I tell them "we need to find your mommy or daddy right away." If a child is crying in a public place (like a movie or airport), if it seems like it would be helpful, I offer a McDonald's toy (still wrapped) to the parent.* I don't want to encourage behavior that might otherwise (not with me, of course! but potentially with someone else) put a minor at risk. Being too trusting can, unfortunately, put one at risk, especially when one is in a vulnerable position. That includes being of young age.

*[I often carry these around just in case.]

In general, it's best for those under 18 not to be involved in such gatherings without their parents present. IMHO. And even though I'm sure they would be perfectly safe at any Hatrack gathering.

Many adults also won't drink with or near anyone who is not of age, even if the minors aren't themselves drinking. Same reasons.

This coming from the woman who walked off with each of the children at CarrieCon at various points in the weekend LOL.

BTW, I'm suffering serious bacon cheddar speread cravings. I think the Goodlets and I will be hitting the road to head your way when Farmer's Markets start up again!

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

quote:
This coming from the woman who walked off with each of the children at CarrieCon at various points in the weekend LOL.

Yeah, well, the parents were there. *grin

Parents in control --> makes it okay.

quote:
BTW, I'm suffering serious bacon cheddar speread cravings. I think the Goodlets and I will be hitting the road to head your way when Farmer's Markets start up again!

Sweet! Or rather, salty. [Big Grin]

Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :

quote:
...or an adjective in this case.

Yeah, english isn't one of my strong points. But it didn't look like anyone was gonna answer the question and I knew someone would correct me if/when I was wrong.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Breyerchic, I'll have to see what my schedule looks like, and I won't have a car at college(freshmen aren't allowed to have cars, but my sister will be a junior, so I could have her take me home friday morning, then head straight to Indy). I'm going to try to arrange my schedule so I don't have classes on Friday(gotta love that Honors priority scheduling [Wink]

), seeing as my sister won't have classes on Friday. Probably. Eh, it all depends. But I'd really love to see if we could work something out. Or maybe I could take a week long trip during winter break or spring break and enjoy the GameWorks in the Indy mall. [Razz]

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

where are you going? OS? Whatever, just let us know here.

Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :

I think I'm specifically the teacher that has made an issue out of this. I really am more comfortable if a minor's parents attend. (And I use 18 as the cut-off in recognition of the fact that all lines are arbitrary, but that lines must nevertheless be drawn somewhere.) Talking with the parents of a minor would not really make me more comfortable if the parents were strangers to me themselves. If the parents and the child and I already all had a relationship of trust--not in the "oh sure I trust you" sense, but in the "I consider you a personal friend" category. I would trust Bob alone with my kids, and would feel comfortable being alone with his. (Whether the converse is true may be another matter altogether. [Razz]

)

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

I'm going to Ohio State.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Ok I thought it was you Icky, but I wasn't sure, and it totally makes sense to me. I think there is a problem with you being alone with Bob's kids, but we won't go there [Wink]

Cool Tinros, I'm pretty sure there are even a few hatracker's in Columbus, but maybe not anymore.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

I thought I saw one on that map... wherever it went... *searches*

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

I think Fiazko does or did live there, but I haven't seen her posting in a while.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Ohio State actually has a "make your own club" type thing, where you can create your own student organization. If I don't find a group of 'Rackers there, I might try to start a group on campus. I'm sure there are some closet fans in a school that size. [Wink]

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Possible, there are at least 4 at IU I think, but I'm not sure if Ohio State is bigger or smaller.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

Well, OSU is often referred to as the city within the city, so... I think there are about 50,000 students.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Ok, so a bit bigger, but not tons (of course someone can tell me I'm off the mark).