Happenings of meeting on 8 Dec 2009

We had another good turnout at Gordon Biersch with some returning and new folks who were interested in our chapter.

By the way, notice that our chapter name was changed?  We're now the DC Metro chapter instead of DC & Vicinity, partly because of some technical issues with the IGDA website, and also it better represents our location.  Vicinity seems so vague anyways.  Thanks to all who attended, especially the new people who hopefully will join IGDA if they already weren't members.  Though our meeting was social, there were some items that were discussed by us in the continuing efforts of regrouping the chapter back into a regular active status.

Regrouping Efforts / Elections - When we talked about these things, it seems that the DC chapter has mostly been social gatherings as a way for folks to network, let off steam, or just enjoying some good discussions with each other.  The 'officialness' of the chapter was a good question brought up since we are just doing social things.  IGDA bylaws stipulate that for a chapter to be 'official' they need to elect a steering committee with a pres, vice pres, secretary, treasury, etc.  But the question remains, what are the benefits vs. politics of being an official chapter?  Certainly there were some perks about getting support from IGDA like money, sponsorship, etc if the chapter is official, and also due to the current economic status of jobs does it take an official chapter to have IGDA supported health benefits?  Something for us to research on.

Chapter Web Site - The changeover of IGDA's web sites provided some interesting tools for the chapters to utilize and communicate to its members.  But it also was not seamless and has had some growing pains that are still being worked out.  Members who can't post on the blogs or forums is a problem and hampers the community spirit of sharing in the games industry.  One thing that we in the chapter can do is really flush out the system by having members post things in the forums.  We have found out that it takes a web site admin account to post a blog entry, but it seems that forum threads are doing ok.  So I would encourage our chapter to continue to use the forums and let me know what other problems you're having with the web site.  I've got IGDA working on some issues now, so let me know how we can do better.  If you have any interesting things going on with gaming, shoot me an email if you can't post yourself and I'll do my best to help get the word out.

Interesting Things - Thanks to Trey for bringing up some items.  He's posting blogs now so be sure to check them out.  He wanted everyone to know about MAGFest, coming soon.  It should be some pretty cool things for those of you out there wanting to know more about how music and games go together.  For those of you who frequent IGDA or have attended GDC, there is a discount of $75.00 off for the next GDC being held in San Francisco in March 2010.  I went to my first during this year and had a real blast.  It's expensive, so save your pennies and take advantage of your IGDA membership to get the discount.  Registration is open now and of course there are discounted registration fees if applying early.  If anybody in our chapter has some interesting tidbits, please post on our forums or blogs and I'll try to help however I can.  I mentioned during our meeting about a chapter newsletter and that I think if we have enough articles, then I would try to send one out to everyone.  So, let me know about your adventures and let's share.

We were of the hive mind set that likes our current meeting times/dates of the 2nd Tuesday of each month for get togethers, so that would put our next meeting on 12 Jan 2010 @ 7:30pm.  We are looking for a better venue than Gordon Biersch however, the noise level is pretty high and we really need a quieter place.  A few of the folks mentioned that they would search out some possible venues for us.  We need consistency in finding a place though.  I've mentioned before about my company helping out, but alas it seems that HR is putting some stop gaps in the way in the form of Liability Issues.  Whoa! fancy term, but I'll keep knocking on their doors to see if I can get a foot in.  Meanwhile, if you or someone you know has some places in mind, drop us a line once we have some potential spots, I'll put it up for a vote.

Well, that's about it.  It was nice seeing folks come out during the week and sharing.  Remember, our next meeting is scheduled for 12 Jan 2010 @ 7:30pm somewhere in a 50 mile radius of DC.  Where's Waldo?

Pat

P.S.  Anybody want to contribute a logo or graphic to identify our chapter?  Something nice like the capitol building being assaulted Halo style?