Need to know Edmonton Lodging Plans.

[Devhux]

Rich, I think you missed the following quote:

If you can't find other arrangaments, let me know and I won't screw you over lol. Meaning I will opt to stay with you after all, because it would not be fair to expect you too take on the full cost of the room if you can't find alterante arrangements in time for the Con.

I don't see why everyone always insists on attacking Darrin every chance they get. This same thing happened during the 2008 summer conference. Plans can change for everyone but at least Darrin did offer to stick with the original plan if it was going to be an issue. Furthermore, I was willing to try and figure out something that could have worked for both of us as well.

As for your comment about cancelling the side tournaments, perhaps that is probably why your tournaments generally have gotten little interest (you get frustrated or something and then say "screw it - event cancelled.")

I do understand your concerns about budgeting. Heck, it's going to be very tight for me to attend (hence me trying to look at options once Darrin made his original post).

[Dman]

Alright so this could be interesting to arrange. (am going to use 3rd person, so sorry in advance if it seems impersonal!)

So if Dennis can work out staying with Rich, then Dennis will be able to attend the Conference longer. Correct?

However, both Rich and Dennis want their own beds for that to happen. Correct?

So I guess the question is:

Is $74 divided by 2 x 5 feasible for both of you cost wise? Lets see that would be $185 each for the Conference, but if Dennis leaves early, then Rich will be unneccesarily screwed over (finance wise)... which is not good.

So in this scenerio, Rich would need to find a new roomate for Sunday/Monday to keep the cost at $185. (I would be willing to be that roomate for those 2 days if you feel $185 is feasible, Rich).

_______________________________________________________________

These are my other proposals, and I will have to talk to Matt which will determine whether we take route a)/c) or route b)/d)

Route A

Dennis and Rich find a cheaper hotel near the downtown core in Edmonton on expedia.ca. Lets say it is the one that is $74/night. As Dennis only plans on staying until Sunday, you will book out this hotel for 3 nights only (Thurs-Sat). So the est. cost each is $74 divided by 2 x 3 = $111 each for the first 3 nights.

After Dennis leaves the Conference, Rich will join Matt and I at his house and totally eliminate any further lodging expenses for Sunday and Monday night.

Route B

Same as First paragraph.

After Dennis leaves the Conference, I will gladly drive Rich home after Conference stuff finishes up, and also pick him up in the morning from the Fort before Conference stuff begins. For a cost of $20 per day, the extra cost towards travel/lodging for Rich is $40, making his total cost $151.

Route C

http://www.gohostels.ca/rooms.html

Dennis and Rich check out one of the Downtown Hostel Dorm rooms (provided your comfortable with that, as you do get your own bed but you'll be potentially bunking with 4 other random strangers in the same room...) the dorm is $27 a night + tax so probably close to $30/night. This works out for 3 days to $90 each.

The private rooms are more expensive then route a) thus not worth investigating.

After Dennis leaves the Conference, Rich will join Matt and I at his house and totally eliminate any further lodging/travel expenses for Sunday and Monday night. (Alternately, Rich could stay at the dorm room by his lonesome if he feels comfortable with that, and have a total lodging cost of $150)

Route D)

http://www.gohostels.ca/rooms.html

Dennis and Rich check out one of the Downtown Hostel Dorm rooms (provided your comfortable with that, as you do get your own bed but you'll be potentially bunking with 4 other random strangers in the same room...) the dorm is $27 a night + tax so probably close to $30/night. This works out for 3 days to $90.

The private rooms are more expensive then route a) thus not worth investigating.

After Dennis leaves the Conference, I will gladly drive Rich home after Conference stuff finishes up, and also pick him up in the morning from the Fort before Conference stuff begins. For a cost of $20 per day, the extra cost towards travel/lodging for Rich is $40, making his total cost $130. (Alternately, Rich could stay at the dorm room by his lonesome if he feels comfortable with that, and have a total lodging cost of $150)

_______________________________________________________________

I think one of the four above would be the best alternative, as this would allow Dennis to stay the extra night for the Conference, and at the same time keeps cost fairly respectable for Rich. If I stick to the original plan, then Dennis won't be able to stay that extra night.

I will talk to Matt to see if I can arrange you a spot to stay at his place, Rich. If it gets cleared, you'll end up sleeping on a couch though Rich since Matts house only has 1 guest room. Let me know if thats an issue, in which case we'd definitley go either route b) or route d)

So in order of least expensive to most expensive:

1) Route C (Total $90 lodging for both Dennis and Rich)
2) Route A (Total $111 lodgign for both Dennis and Rich)
3) Route D (Total $111 for Dennis, $130 for Rich)
4) Alt. to Route C/D (Total $90/$111 for Dennis, $150 for Rich)
5) Route B (Total $111 for Dennis, $151 for Rich)
6) Original Plan using Hotel ($111 for Dennis, $74 for Darrin only ($99 for Darrin and Jen), $185 for Rich ($160 for Rich with Darrin and Jen)
7) Original Plan using MacEwan (Total $131.25 Dennis, $87.50 for Darrin only ($117 for Darrin and Jen), $218.75 for Rich if only Darrin ($190 if Darrin and Jen)
8) Original Plan using Hostel (Total $90 Dennis, $60 for Darrin only ($120 for Darrin and Jen), $150 for Rich.

Using the original plan it would be this:

Thursday-Saturday night: Rich and Dennis at venue. Darrin and Jen @ Matts.
Sunday-Monday night: Rich, Darrin and Jen at venue.

Anyway, the original plan is the least appealing for both Jen and I, and Rich since it works out to be more expensive then the other proposals. The only factor affecting Dennis would be whether he'd prefer MacEwan, Hotel or Hostel. (Most expenive to least expensive.)

PS: Rich sorry to make you upset about it. But as Dennis quoted above, I have offered to stick with the orginal plan in the event that we are not able to work out respectably priced lodging/travel for you. But I also should note that there is a high chance Jen is not attending, and therefore if we stick with the original plan we would be splitting a 2-bedroom suite at MacEwan for 5 days 50/50, and it would work out to $218.75/each, which is the most expensive option for both of us .

Anyway, so the final decision will depend on a few factors. But I'm hoping one of the 4 proposals above will be fine for both you and Dennis. As I would appreciate being able to save of lodging costs myself.

Anyway, once we get the decisions comfirmed from both you and Dennis, I will cancel the room at MacEwan (Heck, I could probably do that now since I highly doubt either of you will opt for MacEwan given the other proposals.) But just incase, I'll hold off until I get your decisions.

-Dman

EDIT: I am assuming Hotel is probably the most desirable option between MacEwan, Hotel and Hostel. So I found these for you guys if you go the 3-night route with Rich either staying @ Matts and/or Forts after.

http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search-AJAX ... d8814a170&

Goes least expensive to most expensive. If you opt for the hotels that are like 5+ km away from AG, then I could always arrange picking you guys up and taking you to AG and area and back each day for say $5 each/day?

But of course you could easily figure out bus routes also, since that would be cheaper.

Anyway, let me know your final decision. And make sure you guys decide which one of you books the hotel room, and ensure you book through expedia in order to get the discounts listed.

2 double beds at Edmonton South Travelodge is $70/night, so that is probably the best deal on the page.

[goatee_guy]

Kudos to you on all that research Darrin... (I think my head exploded a little going though all that *laughs*, especially your list of 8 options.)

Also Rich, there may be other people during the weekend who are able to support you (and others) in your need for rides. I know I won't be able to be around all day every day for the entire weekend, due to other things happening. But I'm sure I can give a few people rides as needed. (at this point I can't commit to much because well, I won't know what's happening and when it's happening until pretty much that weekend). But yeah, don't want to speak for the other people here, but I'm sure things will work their way out. =)

[Rich!]

I don't see why everyone always insists on attacking Darrin every chance they get. This same thing happened during the 2008 summer conference. Plans can change for everyone but at least Darrin did offer to stick with the original plan if it was going to be an issue. Furthermore, I was willing to try and figure out something that could have worked for both of us as well.

I wasn't trying to attack Darrin in this really, and if I did sounded like I did then I am sorry about. Going to remove that rant to prevent more problems. =(

As for your comment about cancelling the side tournaments, perhaps that is probably why your tournaments generally have gotten little interest (you get frustrated or something and then say "screw it - event cancelled.")

Have you really looked at the past tournaments or are you just guessing that EXG Rebirth is a copy paste of all of my past events. O_o
I'm getting alittle frustrated about this Dennis to be honest because it sounds like I'm the one that should be blame for all the canceled events and that my successful ones should not matter. =O

Other then EXG Rebirth, all of my cancelled events were done for very strong and good reasons. Yes EXG Rebirth's cancelled state was a mistake. Most of these past reasons I was unable to control as well.

But if I must, I will go offtopic for a second and explain to the community on why these events didn't go.
I felt like I should clear some things up anyways...


December Strawberry (Decemeber 2006)

Tournament Format = Was to be the first Custom Tournament in Edmonton.
What happen that made it failed = On the day of the tournament, I came into Edmonton under the idea that I was going to have a tournament with 14 man (with 10 or maybe from the maybe list), instead by tournament time only four showed up.
Reasons it happen = Weather and last second Money problems is what I heard for out of towners, for those closer to Edmonton, I heard many things. Also wanted to point out that the community was going thur alot of drama and flamewars due to the resulting Konami Lawsuit which was at that time very recent along with the fact that Edmonton itself was having extreme drama problems which cause the older Edmonton Part 1 topic to be closed and may have a impact on the tournament somewhat

Final Thoughts There was nothing I could have done to prevent what happen. But what really upset me was the fact that I was inform by a few sources that a good chunk of people that stated that they were coming were not planning on going to begin with or didn't show up for really silly or stupid reasons such as drama or other things O_o

After some time has passed, I seen some tournaments over by DDRFreak that started using Pre-Reg Rules and after seeing them work, I used them for Edmonton Xtreme Groove 1 which worked.


Edmonton Xtreme Pump (Early-Mid February 2008)
Tournament Format A Pump It Up NX Tournament at Galaxyland, this is when the new Pump Cabs were still new and NX1 was the newest game.
What happen that made it failed Galaxyland sold the NX Machine like two weeks away from tournament day. Tried to switch over to a ITG Tournament in CC but the community found out the ITG Machine at CC has gone into a real garbage state for the pads...a real bad state. I think me and Darrin made a joke once on how we should make a show called "World's Worst Pads"
Final Thoughts Sadly there was not much I could do to get this event going, can't really hold a Pump Tournament when the Pump Machine is no longer there, worst of all there was alot of interest in this event as well.

Any try on having a Tournament in CC from 2008 to CC's Closing Down
Final Thoughts None of these events got off the ground. You can't hold a tournament when one side barely works and the other side gives out so much pad crap. No one is willing to go to a tournament with bad pads. And I don't blame them one darn bit.
Blame CC for this one. Not me. O_o

Pump Tournament at APG
Final Thoughts The Edmonton Community wanted a ITG. Not a Pump. Pump NX by this time was not a interesting game for most of the Edmonton Community. Most of the ITG Crew told me in person they will not take part in a Pump NX tournament. Since most of Edmonton is part of that crew. I had to call the event off for such I knew it wouldn't go at this point.
I may be a tournament host but I cannot force people to play games they don't like/not really in to. It's just not right.

Edmonton Xtreme Groove Rebirth
Final Thoughts In EXG 1, the Pre-Rules work but in this one they were not so great. But the reason for this was due to something I did miss. Over the last few years the community has become smaller and less and less people used these fourms. As a result, I wasn't fully aware on who would showing up and such and thus I turn and used a outdated method to figure out the answer, the Pre-Reg System. When the system told me that no one would be showing pretty much, I took it as "well no one is showing up, might as well cancel this event.

But we all know later on that yes this was a mistake and yes I do take blame for this one. Rebirth was the tournament that shouldn't been canceled like that.

Something to add as well but Whenever I cancel a tournament event like this, this is what I am thinking when I do it.'

"Better cancel this event so the very few that do go don't lose work/time/travel/money into coming into a tournament that doesn't go"

Not this....

RAWR!!! I R ANGRY AT COMMUNITY!!, RICH GET EVEN AND SMASH TOURNAMENT UP!! RAWR! TEACH BIG WEENIES TO NOT COME TO TOURNAMENT

Sometimes you make it sound like I'm cancelling these events as a form of revenge but in truth I cancel them to save time and money for the few that do show up, not too mention that it's not fair to those who do show up and found out it's not happening.
The people who did show up at Strawberry were upset towards those who didn't show up but they were also upset that they spend time and money only to found out it was for nothing.

As for your comment about cancelling the side tournaments,

The reason I would cancel my Side Events would be If I was unable to take part in the conference due to not having a place to stay or having a way to get home and back each day. And that would be for a very good reason...I can't host or give out prizes if I'm stuck at my house Dennis. O_o
Clearly to stay in Edmonton is gonna cost money, but without my new job, I wouldn't be able to afford the more pricely options at all
But instead again you making it sound like I'm using this as a threat or a way to get revenge, which I am not.
Money doesn't grow on trees and some of us don't as much or have more important things to do with it other than the music game world. If I was still stuck on my old income, I wouldn't be able to use most of the options here because that would mean getting into the "bills" money which would be a bad thing.

However this is not the case but I still would rather not spend alot money if it can be helped.

perhaps that is probably why your tournaments generally have gotten little interest

Another thing I would like to add would be the fact that this is 2010, and not 2005/6. The ITG Scene is not as big as it used to been for reasons I rather discuss in another time and topic (since this post is kinda long as it is). A ITG Edmonton Tournament can easily get 20 plus back during the early ITG days but now would be lucky to get more than 13 in today's scene.

Anyways enough of this.

Darren and G.Guy, I seen your latest posts on the topic on lodging plans and I'll reply to that once I read them over. Just needed to clear something up about my more "unsuccessful" tournaments.

[Rich!]

I have a idea if we are doing the Matt's house thing or the Darrin Drives me for 20 for the final two days.

Currently to use the Taxi Service from the Fort Solo would mean 80 dollars a day to get there and back.
5 days of that would mean 400 dollars.

However I thought over some stuff and came up with this.

Thursday and Friday's evening bus service won't be usefull because the last buses leave around 6:30PM which is pointless and too soon in terms of the conference.

The Friday Morning however can work.

So here's my first plan.

Thursday:
-Rich takes 7:50AM Morning Bus to Clareview, goes have breakfast at U of A, heads down to WEM, waits until Pump Tournament is ready.
-Thursday Night. Rich and Dennis heads down to Clareview pays 20 each for taxi back to the Fort, Dennis stays at Rich's place for the night.
-Friday Morning. Rich and Dennis takes Morning Bus.
-Friday Night. Copy and Paste from Thursday Night
-Saturday Morning, Taxi to Clareview
-Saturday Night - Same as Friday and Thursday Night
-Sunday Morning - Same as Saturday Morning
-Rest of Conference, Rich stills at Matts.

In totally there will be 5 taxi trips meaning 100 dollars max if me and Dennis split the cost. Still cheaper than most hotels and we don't have to share hostels with odd people.

Here's my second plan.

People staying at Rich's Place

I have a coach for one person and I can arrange my room so two people can sleep there. We also have arrange the main room for people to stay with their sleeping bags. I can make sure the apartment is clean and there will be food/drink those who are staying.
We also have a shower open for those as well. And there will be a computer open for those who need to go on RGC as well.
Then we can all got together to and from the conference, each donate into the gas and shouldn't worry about costs from hotels.
We can even do something like my place for three days, Matt's for two or have Dennis stay with Matt while Darrin stays with me or something like that.

[Devhux]

OK, firstly, I guess I was a bit out of line as well... remind me not to post at 3am again (or at least think things through before posting). My apologies to you Rich (and everyone else who happens to read this thread).

Anyways, it looks like Rich may have found a way that can benefit both of us. I'd have no problem staying with someone and splitting a cab if needed - it would indeed be cheaper than a hotel. I will say that if I were able to stay at Matt's, I'd probably even be able to attend the whole conference (a first for me since..... WCDDR 04?) - but am willing to work out a deal either way.

[Dman]

Hmmm well I know Matt definitely wouldn't be able to host that many people. (aka myself, Jen, Rich and Dennis.)

I'm thinking more like this? Let me know what you think.

Jen and I stay @ Matt's Place
Dennis you stay @ Rich's Place

Other than Thursday morning, I am more than willing to drive both of you to Rich's place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night, aswell as pick you up on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning.

As Matt's place isn't crazy far from Rich's, it would not be that big of a hassle at all. (like you said only like a 15min drive)

We all get forsure cheap lodging, saves me from hassling Matt about it (whom I know would be weary on the idea probably and can predict his answer to be no.), and will save you some money on Taxi rides.

Pay me $200 total each (or alternately if you both in total donate $200 towards the Conference) then consider it done. Not $200 each, but $100 each so $200 total. (Feel free to donate more though jk I know money is tight but if you feel generous )

Let me know what you think?

Some nights may be pretty late (depends on when the final ITG competitor finishes which could potentially be midnight), and I may be stuck doing a little bit of maintenance afterwards if they get a bit wonky. So its possibly some nights may go to like 1-2AM aka getting you to Rich's for like 230-3AM.

I know thats probably pushing it too late for you guys, so... if Matt and Joel can hold the fort late @ night, I could easily get them to finish off the late competitors and do pad maintenance if needed actually, which would free me up to get you to Rich's at a respectable hour.

Anyway, we'll probably play that part by ear a little bit depending on how you end up feeling the day of etc., but arranging you rides back and forth each day of the Con should be definitly manageable.

-Dman

[Rich!]

So 100 each to be picked up and dropped off at my place for the 5 days.
I don't know about you Dennis but I'm up for that =)

[Devhux]

That would definitely work for me.

Darrin, just curious when you were looking to drive up to Edmonton.

[Dman]

Possibly Wednesday Night, August 4th. Either that or really early Thursday Morning, August 5th.

I need to confirim with AG whats happening forsure, since unless I can get in AG before open I won't bother going until 1PM. Which is also why I'll probably go Wednesday night, to get AG keys from Matt so I can get into the building early to do maintenence but that depends on Chris's response if hes fine with that.

-Dman

[Rich!]

So is the plan still confirmed?
I have my 100 saved up already for Darrin's gas.
Darrin are you still going to pick me and Dennis up in the morning and drop us off at the end of each night as planned right?
And Dennis, you are still staying over right?

[Dman]

Yup good to go.

-Dman

[Rich!]

Darrin and I are talking about changing the plan into getting a room at MacEwan due to the recent change of conference plans.
Dennis, if we three man it, the price of the room will be only 20 dollars more at most and there will be no need to head back to the Fort every night. However with a fourth person, it will be cheaper for Dennis and I since we only need to pay about 90 for each person for all four nights instead of me and Dennis paying 100 for gas for the Fort.

If Darrin and Dennis are up for this, we could use a fourth person to stay with us at the MacEwan Place.
Dennis and the fourth person can take the two beds if needed since me and Darrin will be using the floor.
And going by the prices at the Lodging Topic on the topic, it will be around 90 dollars max for all four days.
Please let me or Darrin know asap.