Where my nerds at? March 10, 2010 10:41 AM   Subscribe

PAX East meetup? Boston, MA, March 26-28. We discussed planning a meetup a month ago, and it generated a lot of interest but no solid plans, and a lot of people may have missed or forgotten the original thread.

It sounds like Saturday 3/27 is the day most people are attending, so that might be the day to plan for.

It's my first time going, and I'm not a very good planner and don't really know what's good near the convention center, so if anyone wants to take the reins or has any ideas of when and where to meet, feel free to throw your ideas out here.
posted by Metroid Baby to MetaFilter Gatherings at 10:41 AM (95 comments total) 3 users marked this as a favorite

*slips thread into Recent Activity*

Oh, yes, meetup, Saturday. Very good.
posted by grobstein at 11:04 AM on March 10, 2010


I think someone suggested in the previous thread to avoid places directly around the convention center. The #1 bus does pick up right outside Hynes and will take you into Cambridge, or the Green Line picks up there also and can take people into downtown or out into Brookline or Allston.

There are a bunch of bars right on Boylston, too - Pour House, Cactus Club, Dillon's, Whiskey's. They're all a little on the rowdy student-side of things and will be busy Saturday night.
posted by backseatpilot at 11:07 AM on March 10, 2010


Oh! There's Kings and Bukowski's right next door, too, but I haven't been to either of those places. Kings might be good (bowling and billiards!) but it's 21+ after 6, if anyone has a problem with that.
posted by backseatpilot at 11:10 AM on March 10, 2010


Where my nerds at?

42.373249,-71.115924 at present.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 11:16 AM on March 10, 2010 [1 favorite]


Nerdling 94701 reporting for duty, right on the heels of my related AskMe.
posted by Diagonalize at 11:29 AM on March 10, 2010


Once I know what/where I'm Enforcing, I'll update!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:32 AM on March 10, 2010


pour food in me then
posted by Eideteker at 11:34 AM on March 10, 2010


Can I cast a vote for anything but Friday night? I don't think I could choose between Metafilter and Frontalot.
posted by giraffe at 11:38 AM on March 10, 2010


Can I cast a vote for anything but Friday night? I don't think I could choose between Metafilter and Frontalot.

Seconding Saturday night, because I could choose, and, well, sorry MetaFilter!

I'm in for Saturday night!
posted by explosion at 11:44 AM on March 10, 2010


I wouldn't mind taking things to Cambridge, although considering how packed the schedule is I don't know how wise it would be to go out too far, unless there's a chunk of time when everyone's free. Probably a good idea to know what panels people don't want to miss, so we can plan around that. (There's nothing that I am definitely committed to seeing, yet.)

Saturday night's Jonathan Coulton - I'm not a Coulton fan, but I hear he's a pretty cool guy and I'm wondering if that's something we need to plan around, too?
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:50 AM on March 10, 2010


Uh, if anybody wants to grab a beer on Friday night in Cambridge I'm down. I unfortunately am totally consumed with being a homebody because my child does not sleep once the sun is down and consequently neither do I.
posted by mkb at 11:57 AM on March 10, 2010


Why do I feel the need to pop into these threads? I can't stop. Everyone loves my dog.
posted by Pax at 11:58 AM on March 10, 2010


The Miracle of Science bar (between MIT and Central Square) is walkable from the Hynes Convention Center (for certain city-dweller-centric values of walkable (1.4 miles)). The Asgard is only a little bit further.

I mention these because they are, in my estimation, far enough away to avoid immediate PAX overflow, while still being just over the river.
posted by explosion at 12:17 PM on March 10, 2010


Yeah, I don't want to miss either the Friday night or the Saturday night concerts, but if the timing is good I would go to a meetup.
posted by miskatonic at 12:20 PM on March 10, 2010


i'll be there at PAX with a saturday day pass, but i'm not sure i'm available for the meetup.
posted by rmd1023 at 12:23 PM on March 10, 2010


Schedulewise, three things are unmissable for me:

Wil Wheaton keynote, Friday, 3:00 pm
Get Lamp screening (MeFi's own jscott) Friday, 9:30 pm
Saturday night concert, 8:30 pm

If we can do something outside of those times, I'm in. Seconding the recommendation for a venue away from Hynes. I would imagine they will all be packed that weekend.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 12:23 PM on March 10, 2010


I'll be flying in Thursday with a friend. Neither know of us know a bloody thing about Boston, but I'd be interested in also attending meetup if the timing's right.
posted by jmd82 at 12:24 PM on March 10, 2010


Actually, does anyone know the logistics of how the concerts work at PAXen? The site's schedule says the concerts are from 8:30-1:30, and I know Frontalot's on last, and playing at around 12. So getting a drink on Friday night wouldn't be too bad for me, except that I would want to ensure I'd be able to get in to see Frontalot.
posted by explosion at 12:26 PM on March 10, 2010


Explosion - I read somewhere that - for the concerts on Saturday at least - the first 2000 PAX attendees will get a wristband that guarantees entry and it is first come, first served after that. I can't immediately locate the source but I'll report back if/when I find it.
posted by Diskeater at 1:13 PM on March 10, 2010


The info can be found on the schedule. Search for "Friday Night Concerts!".
posted by Diskeater at 1:16 PM on March 10, 2010


It's from the schedule:

The first 2,000 attendees at PAX Friday afternoon will receive wristbands for guaranteed entry, with the remaining seats being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
posted by giraffe at 1:22 PM on March 10, 2010


Gaaaah. I fail at preview.
posted by giraffe at 1:22 PM on March 10, 2010


Anyone have the remotest clue how many the concert venue holds? I would love to see Frontalot,, but certainly won't be getting one of those 2,000 wristbands, so I'm curious as to my chances.
posted by haveanicesummer at 1:37 PM on March 10, 2010


I'm in for a 3/27 meetup. I LOVE Miracle of Science, but it might be annoying for people to get out to Cambridge from Hynes.

Kenmore square is one option close to Hynes, or further out towards Brighton. It's just a little further than Hynes down the Green line. Alternatively Hynes is also nearish to Boylston.

Honestly, I like the Cambridge bars more than the BU area...but we should make sure people are willing to travel. Are people cool with a 30 minute travel time between Cambridge and Hynes?
posted by HabeasCorpus at 2:08 PM on March 10, 2010


I'm not going to anything, but I might be willing to venture into Boston for a meet-up as long as it's T accessible.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 3:01 PM on March 10, 2010


Totally cool that PAX is coming to Boston! I'm not going, but I'd probably show up to a meetup. I think Cambridge is a bit of a schlep for those attending PAX, personally. How about going back to Cornwall's in Kenmore? That was pretty spacious, and it's right on the green line from Hynes.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:02 PM on March 10, 2010


Cornwall's was good, but we did end up in the "long table" situation. Maybe we can congregate around the bar this time?
posted by backseatpilot at 5:16 PM on March 10, 2010


Saturday night is a maybe for me. I'm going to be out late at the MC Frontalot show Friday night, plus I convinced Mrs. Plutor to come to PAX on Saturday. That plus MetaFilter might tax her daily nerd allowance. But I'll be wearing my tl;dr shirt at least one of the three days, so feel free to come up and ask me why my scripts aren't reliably working in Chrome. No, really, don't actually ask me that.

backseatpilot: "Cornwall's was good, but we did end up in the "long table" situation. Maybe we can congregate around the bar this time"

The mistake was getting a table at Cornwall's. Stake out a corner in the pool room next time.
posted by Plutor at 5:33 PM on March 10, 2010


Get Lamp screening (MeFi's own jscott) Friday, 9:30 pm

Ooh, I wanted to see that but didn't realize it might conflict with Metroid Metal. There's going to be some tough choices here.

I also vote for prioritizing closeness to the convention center for the venue above all else. If we do end up at a table, maybe we could do some randomized seat shuffling every thirty minutes or something.
posted by ignignokt at 8:33 PM on March 10, 2010


If we can't figure out a time and non-Hynes location that works for everyone, how possible is it to gather up somewhere in PAX and just chat for a bit, at least? Or maybe a couple mini-meetups?

Probably lunch or early dinner would be best for an offsite meetup, since it sounds like no one wants to miss the concerts.

How do-able is Sunday?
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:30 AM on March 11, 2010


I'm with robocop!

(in that I'm 'working' PAX and don't quite know when I'll be free, not that I'm a crime fighting cyborg)
posted by anti social order at 7:57 AM on March 11, 2010


how possible is it to gather up somewhere in PAX

See a blue ribbon, know a Mefite?
posted by robocop is bleeding at 11:30 AM on March 11, 2010


I'll be carrying a red rose.
posted by Plutor at 11:32 AM on March 11, 2010


Thirding Cornwall's in Kenmore. Its a short ride from Hynes, and very transport accessible.
posted by HabeasCorpus at 11:43 AM on March 11, 2010


Wherever it is, I'll be there. I'll be in town with the boyfriend, and he'll be doing PAX-y stuff, so I'm totally up for dinner or drinks or whatever.
posted by brina at 4:10 PM on March 12, 2010


(Seriously. I WILL be there.)
posted by brina at 4:11 PM on March 12, 2010


Soo... where we meeting up? I'm not going to the Expo, but I do like people.
posted by Eideteker at 4:15 PM on March 12, 2010


^bump
posted by grobstein at 5:32 PM on March 18, 2010


OK, how about this:

Saturday
6 PM
Cornwall's
posted by ignignokt at 9:56 PM on March 18, 2010


I think I can make that. I do have to be out of town that day, but I should be home in time for an evening meetup.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:38 AM on March 19, 2010


6pm at Cornwall's sounds good to me.
posted by Metroid Baby at 7:22 AM on March 19, 2010


Pack it. Stamp it. Ship it. Sidebar it.
posted by Plutor at 7:38 AM on March 19, 2010


Working PC tourney in the AM so I will (almost certainly) be there.
posted by anti social order at 10:39 AM on March 19, 2010


bag it, tag it
posted by grobstein at 11:03 AM on March 19, 2010


I plan to attend.
posted by grobstein at 11:03 AM on March 19, 2010


Durf. Do you have to get a mod to add it to the sidebar? I am not good with computer.
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:11 AM on March 19, 2010


I think I just did it.
posted by mkb at 11:16 AM on March 19, 2010


How did you do that?
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:30 AM on March 19, 2010


Likely used this link (which is under the meetup list on the Metatalk front page)
posted by haveanicesummer at 11:35 AM on March 19, 2010


Waitasec.. the sidebar is showing up as 3/20 (tomorrow) and not 3/27 (a week from tomorrow)... When my nerds at where they at?
posted by not_on_display at 1:09 PM on March 19, 2010


I added the 27th to the sidebar, because that's when it is. (Unless people really want to meet tomorrow.)
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:14 PM on March 19, 2010


Augh, sorry.
posted by mkb at 1:41 PM on March 19, 2010


Have you sent a note to delete the 20th to the contact link, mkb? (Or anyone)

I am planning on being there, although I'm a little anxious about getting into the Saturday night concert. I may try to get a wristband in the morning.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 4:26 PM on March 19, 2010


I might be there. It would be my first MeFi meetup.
posted by KevCed at 9:22 PM on March 19, 2010


Looks like I'm on shift during the meetup (3-9 each day), but please swing by Tabletop and say Hi!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:10 AM on March 20, 2010


OK, I contacted the mods and the wrong date has been deleted. Sorry, sorry, sorry, and I can't even go!
posted by mkb at 6:45 PM on March 20, 2010


I was there tonight, totally alone. Where was everyone?

Kidding.

Holy shit, PAX is less than a week away?
posted by Plutor at 7:06 PM on March 20, 2010 [1 favorite]


Bit of a crazy weekend for me, but I should be able to make it.
posted by Ryvar at 6:56 AM on March 21, 2010


Sounds good!
posted by giraffe at 9:03 PM on March 21, 2010


I think...I may be able to join. Depends on if a buddy is coming into town and if he is, what he wants to do. So, um, big ole' maybe from me.

Also, maybe I shouldn't mention this, but I'm embarrassed that this nerd programmer who owns multiple game consoles including three (count 'em--three) Ataris spaced out on PAX. I guess I must be going through some changes or something.

Uh...you'll still all talk to me if I come to the meetup, right? Right??
posted by dubitable at 12:25 AM on March 22, 2010


On a somewhat related note, were any MeFites planning on going to the Playstation thing on Thursday?
posted by Diagonalize at 11:18 AM on March 22, 2010


Do we need to reserve a table (or corner)? By my very rough headcount it sounds like there will be at least 16 people coming, does that sound right?
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:15 PM on March 22, 2010


I might be able to attend this, so include me in any headcount taking.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 3:12 PM on March 22, 2010


I'm planning to attend.
posted by A dead Quaker at 6:18 AM on March 24, 2010


I just got off the phone with Cornwall's to see if they took reservations. Turns out they don't, but they expect it to be fairly quiet at 6 so we shouldn't have a problem getting a spot.
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:50 AM on March 25, 2010


Have they ever heard of PAX? Or do they assume a 14 minute walk is a significantly large impediment to video game nerds?
posted by Plutor at 12:35 PM on March 25, 2010


14 minute walk

That's enough time outside to get a pretty serious sunburn! And I don't think Cornwall's serves Cheetos and Mountain Dew.

I resemble that remark!
posted by backseatpilot at 12:51 PM on March 25, 2010 [1 favorite]


For those not running out for a concert - how late will you be hanging out?
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:23 PM on March 26, 2010


I think I will be there.
posted by Eideteker at 7:12 AM on March 27, 2010


Totally missed the posting. I may be there as well.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:58 AM on March 27, 2010


I've finished my science fair demonstration duties for the day, so I may be able to show up!
posted by nonane at 12:04 PM on March 27, 2010


Last minute plan change - we'll be there with glowsticks & bubbles.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:24 PM on March 27, 2010


SHIT. I missed meeting jessamyn because I couldn't be arsed to get on the train early. Way to hum, self. Way to hum.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:07 PM on March 27, 2010


THANKS FOR THE RIDE, CATPIEHURTS!

You are all lovely peoples, thanks for a lovely time.
posted by Eideteker at 8:11 PM on March 27, 2010


So much fun!

When can we do it again?
posted by zizzle at 8:51 PM on March 27, 2010


Fun was had!
posted by soplerfo at 9:18 PM on March 27, 2010


Man, I wish I had gotten to visit the other end of the table, too. Hi guys!
posted by grobstein at 10:21 PM on March 27, 2010


Thirty-one pictures added! I had a great time, even with the longtable. See you nerds next time!
posted by not_on_display at 3:43 PM on March 28, 2010


Well no wonder I never spotted Robocop at the con. He shaved his beard!
posted by Horace Rumpole at 4:08 PM on March 28, 2010


I actually had a Friendly Muttonchop going for a bit until banjo put her foot down on it.

And I mean that exactly as it sounds. Don't judge us!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 2:26 AM on March 29, 2010


Shoulda showed. Didn't. What was I doing Saturday night instead? Left 4 Dead 2 at the PC freeplay certainly took a surprising hold on me. Also, the arcade room was priceless. I was probably at one of those two things instead.

Sorry to everyone who I didn't see. Especially the out-of-staters!
posted by Plutor at 4:46 AM on March 29, 2010


Sorry I missed it; family had to take precedence this weekend. Next time, Gadget, next time!
posted by backseatpilot at 5:18 AM on March 29, 2010


It was fun, as always!

Also, I had some excellent chicken pie.
posted by ignignokt at 6:09 AM on March 29, 2010


Great time all.. but... just between us, do I really look like a crazed serial killer?
posted by anti social order at 9:12 AM on March 29, 2010


No you totally don't but not_on_display's camera seems to add extra redeye to everyone but Eideteker so this photo unfortunately does nothing to dispell that notion. It was great to meet new people and run into soplerfo and ants again after being at a meetup with them [and robocop is bleeding, and Ryvar] in 2005.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:49 AM on March 29, 2010


So cool to see you again, too, Jessamyn!
Sorry ants and I were antisocial at the beginning of the night - we were TOTALLY overwhelmed by the crush of people at PAX on Saturday. Great to hang out with the few Mefites we got to see at the end of the evening though.
posted by soplerfo at 11:36 AM on March 29, 2010


Great time all.. but... just between us, do I really look like a crazed serial killer?

You looked like a perfectly well-adjusted serial killer! Nice to meet you!
posted by grobstein at 1:18 PM on March 29, 2010


do I really look like a crazed serial killer?

That particular picture kind of reminds me of the face in the Doom status bar.

So I guess the answer is yes.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 2:13 PM on March 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


I'm sorry I missed it - I was barfing for 24 hours and that probably would have been No Fun for any of you.
posted by subbes at 4:12 PM on March 29, 2010


I look like my eyes are about to emit laser beams!

Also, anti social order, if you have any questions about how babies are made, I'm more than happy to continue our conversation.
posted by zizzle at 6:45 PM on March 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


That particular picture kind of reminds me of the face in the Doom status bar.

Haha I have a new favorite picture!

Also, anti social order, if you have any questions about how babies are made, I'm more than happy to continue our conversation.

daddy captures mommys base and she becomes a spawn point?
posted by anti social order at 9:26 AM on March 30, 2010 [2 favorites]


I was so wrapped up in PAX stuff that I barely stepped outside the convention center all weekend. Hope you guys had fun!
posted by miskatonic at 10:17 AM on March 30, 2010


daddy captures mommys base and she becomes a spawn point?

Pretty much!
posted by zizzle at 1:13 PM on March 30, 2010


Sorry about leaving so early. To make amends, here's the godawful video I took of the VGO's Castlevania dealie.

I should have pictures up on Flickr soon.
posted by giraffe at 6:13 AM on April 1, 2010


Sorry I missed this -- I was PAXing too hard. It's been too long since I made it to a Boston MeFi thing!
posted by danb at 9:04 PM on April 1, 2010


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