GWSIG Monthly Meeting Minutes/GWSIG Meeting8

International Game Developers Association

Steve Jacobs: Hi Guys
Steve Jacobs: Done messing with space now :-)
BenServiss: Good morning/afternoon/evening!
Coray Seifert: Ooo, nice agenda
Coray Seifert: Hey Ben/Steve/All
Jennifer Hepler: Mornin' everyone.
Beth: Heeello.
BenServiss: This chat looks a mite spiffier since the last one
Steve Jacobs: There's been an upgrade from Breeze 4 to 5 from Macromedia
Steve Jacobs: Not 100 percent up on all the new featurea yet, but should be by next time out.
Jennifer Hepler: So, congrats to everyone on Austin. I was sorry not to be able to make it.
Steve Jacobs: Next time
Steve Jacobs:  :-)
Steve Jacobs: It was a good event for all concerned I beleive
Coray Seifert: Indeed, wish I could have made it too
Beth: Definitely.
Steve Jacobs: SUsan jhas asked folks who attended to send her comments directly
Jennifer Hepler: Yeah. The heads of Bioware's design department went and were very impressed, so I think there'll be a big Canadian contingent next time.
BenServiss: Thanks for grabbing the quarterly re-order Steve
Steve Jacobs: I live to serve :-0
Coray Seifert: Yes, thanks from me too Steve
Coray Seifert: :D
Beth: Hey! Jennifer, do you work for BioWare?
Jennifer Hepler: As of three weeks ago :)
Andy Walsh: Hello?
Beth: So cool.
Jennifer Hepler: That's why I couldn't make Austin.
Andy Walsh: Hooooray! I can talk!
Steve Jacobs: I see you ANdy :-)
Andy Walsh: What happened in Austin?
BenServiss: Hi Jen, how's the frozen north treating you guys?
Beth: Kevin sent me the submission guidelines and all that good stuff.
Andy Walsh: Did I miss something?
Jennifer Hepler: Pretty well. Right now it's just the dark and wet north, but frozen is coming soon enough.
BenServiss: Heh, all in due time.
BenServiss: Mornin Andy, Rich
rdansky: Hello, folks
Jennifer Hepler: But yeah, anyone who wants to move to the North Pole and work in Santa's workshop, Bioware is apparently hiring like mad right now.
Beth: Yeah so I was told.
Andy Walsh: Oh,no...who invited the Dansky, quick! Run before you're pillaged and swashbuckled!
Beth: Would you recommend it?
Andy Walsh: Hi Ben :0)
Steve Jacobs: THey weren't making any secret of it at the conference
rdansky: Pillaging and swashbuckling? Of course.
Jennifer Hepler: Working at BIoware? Oh, yeah. You've never seen a place where so many people are working at their dream job.
Steve Jacobs: "Hello, we need writers and we need them now, please come by our booth"
Beth: Yeah they did announce it to the whole conference, ha ha ha!
BenServiss: Oh man, I can't wait for the humorous anecdotes part of the agenda
Steve Jacobs: Clearly it was a mistake to leave friday am
Jennifer Hepler: Just don't try to bring a car from the US to Canada. Not worth the hassle.
Beth: Okay now to just make a NWN mod.
James Swallow: hey gang¬
Beth: I'll harass you about questions directly through e-mail or something.
Andy Walsh: It was on Wednesday lunchtime that they put out the call Steve :0)
Andy Walsh: Hi James!
Paul Marzagalli: I am here...sorry. The affairs of state must take precidence over the affairs of state
Steve Jacobs: ALright, I'm gonna bang the virtual gavel here and get us rolloing down the agenda quickly
Jennifer Hepler: Feel free. :)
James Swallow: hope you crazy kids are all dried out from the wacky hijinks at Austin
Beth: ORDER!
Steve Jacobs: so there's plenty of time to embarass andy and richard towards the end :-)
Coray Seifert: Since Steve has the most producerly looking icon, does that mean he's in charge? ;)
Paul Marzagalli: For whoever is the Bioware person on this thread (quickly trying to catch up), I am working on my NWN, as well!
BenServiss: Ooh, are there pictures? :D
rdansky: I second the motion of putting Steve in charge. Also, he had the coolest hat.
Beth: We're all competing for the same job, ha ha.
Beth: Hey Steve. We never did see the green one.
Paul Marzagalli: ah, I don't expect to end up at Bioware right off. I will eventually :-)
Andy Walsh: And the best colour coordination
Steve Jacobs: Saved the green one for the plane :-), anyhow....
Andy Walsh: Yes, Ben...plenty...he...he...he
Steve Jacobs: COray, are we moving ahead to quarterly #2?
Coray Seifert: Yes sir!
Andy Walsh: Thanks for Quarterly one, it was very well received
rdansky: Kudos to everyone who worked on Quarterly #1. It was a big hit.
Coray Seifert: Ben and I are discussing new topics and the special feature now
Paul Marzagalli: It was fantastic.
Beth: Yeah good feedback.
Coray Seifert: thanks guys...kudos to Ben for really putting in the legwork!
BenServiss: Great, thanks for all the comments guys
Jennifer Hepler: Where can I get/see a copy of this?
Steve Jacobs: Are you putting out a call for others to contribute? are we planning to distribute at GDC?
Beth: In my pocket!
BenServiss: We'll have it posted online soon
Andy Walsh: Who's the next centrefold?
Coray Seifert: Just getting it into a page-by-page view
Jennifer Hepler: Game writer centerfolds are kind of a scary prospect :)
BenServiss: Andy- I'm not saying anything official but two words- Marc Laidlaw
Coray Seifert: That is a scary question that I will refer to Ben
Coray Seifert: lol
Beth: Oo.
Paul Marzagalli: lol
Andy Walsh: I've got just the shot for you
BenServiss: Just fold it in half (life)
Paul Marzagalli: only so long as he has his Valve posse with him.
BenServiss: ....anyway, we've started pinning down some topics for the next issue
Andy Walsh: Damn...that was too many tequillas. Anyways, behaving and businesslike from now on, sorry Steve
Steve Jacobs: I found that hardware sticking out of his eye disturbing
Coray Seifert: We'll definitely be looking for contributors, although I think we're about half full with people who want to contribute last time
Steve Jacobs: What's your timeline Ben?
Coray Seifert: that said, Quarterly 3 is right around the corner ;)
Beth: What about editors?
BenServiss: We're working on getting it out in time for GDC
MaureenMcQ: When is GDC?
Coray Seifert: Well, we're looking for a layout person, as it looks like Mandy isn't available for the next one
BenServiss: GDC is in March
Steve Jacobs: Wendy? Graeme?
BenServiss: BTW, hello to Maureen and Paul (who seems to have left)!
Andy Walsh: As none of the WGA lot are here, I'll tip you off that they're supposed to be doing something there
Beth: March.
Paul Marzagalli: What program do you use?
Paul Marzagalli: for layout?
MaureenMcQ: <waves>
Andy Walsh: Hi Maureen and Paul!
Jennifer Hepler: I'm still loosely part of the WGA lot, actually?
BenServiss: So while we're flush with interviewee volunteers, if you can volunteer your time to be interviewed eventually by all means shoot me or Coray and email
Steve Jacobs: Langdell and crew will have one panel with Name writers from other media talking about games
Coray Seifert: yes, definitely do! We're keeping a solid base of future interviewees ready.
BenServiss: But we're also looking for feature writers to write pieces having to do with each edition's overall theme
rdansky: So what is the theme of the next one?
Paul Marzagalli: I will certainly volunteer to write a column, but I'll follow up via email.
Steve Jacobs: Coray and Ben I'm happy to to help when you need it
BenServiss: As of now, the next issue's theme will deal with caring for and creating original IPs
Andy Walsh: Falls over the rush to offer help as well
BenServiss: But it may change as we see what how GDC's writing offerings will fill out
Coray Seifert: Email people, email! ;)
Coray Seifert: coray@largeanimal.com or ben@creoludus.com
Coray Seifert: thats your email, right ben?
BenServiss: Correct-o sir
Jennifer Hepler: The WGA proposal for GDC was a roundtable discussion of why writers should be included as part of the team from the beginning of a game's conception, instead of brought in to doctor the dialogue at the end.
Steve Jacobs: If we're done with quarterly I'll use ben's comment to segue to GDC
Jennifer Hepler: We wanted something that would make the case for all writers having a greater involvement in the games they're working on.
Andy Walsh: Sounds great...a much needed drum banging
BenServiss: Thanks for all the help, definitely send me or C an email for any quarterly-concerned business
Steve Jacobs: Jennifer, Tim told me that he'd submitted two and he and Jamil told me that one of the two was accepted
Steve Jacobs: I thought he'd said the one I described but will find out from tim
Jennifer Hepler: Cool. I've been out of the loop for the last two months or so, but that's great to hear.
Steve Jacobs: Re GDC, here's the latest in my discussions with Jamil
Steve Jacobs: 1. He's got most of what he's looking for for writing for 06, though he's
Steve Jacobs: considering inviting the sig to offer something if he feels he's still short 1 or 2
Steve Jacobs: he'll be making a decision there in the next week or so, when I talk to him again next week
Steve Jacobs: He's flying back from serious games today
Andy Walsh: Is it worth following up E3's call for submissions?
Steve Jacobs: Once we've got 06 taken care I assume we'll move to 07
Beth: I'll go and kidnap the Booth Babes.
Steve Jacobs: Richard, you're E3 Point man , aren't you?
rdansky: In theory, yes.
Paul Marzagalli: chuckle
Beth: And then we can cover ourselves in mud and take their booths to advertise writers.
Steve Jacobs: aside from co-opting booth babes, anything going on in that direction?
Jennifer Hepler: I just found out that I can't be at E3 this year, because it's my brother-in-law's wedding. So I think my ability to help there is going to be much more limited than I first thought.
rdansky: Nope. I wasn't able to connect with Tim in Austin, and I've been unbearably slack otherwise on this one. Mea culpa.
Andy Walsh: I back Beth's idea and offer to help with the whole mud issue
Paul Marzagalli: I have a question - is this a matter of figuring out if we can BE at E3 or if we should be at E3 at all?
Beth: Heh heh heh.
Andy Walsh: I've been in touch with Tim, but haven't heard anything post Austin.
Beth: I'm definitely not going to E3 unless our SIG has something going on their.
Beth: THERE!
Beth: TYPO! Kill me now. Kiiiiill meeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Andy Walsh: I just saw a general open call for submissions and wondered if we were missing an opportunity
Jennifer Hepler: Originally, the idea was to do a co-branded event with the WGA since E3 is in LA, but I was the point person on the Guild side, and I'm gone now, so I don't know the deal.
Steve Jacobs: Paul the main thrust was to get some more focus on writing in their meager presentation/education offerings
Paul Marzagalli: Well
Steve Jacobs: Either as the SIG, Through or partnering with the WGA or both
Beth: When is the deadline for submissions?
Steve Jacobs: SOunds like I should ping tim
Paul Marzagalli: since E3 is the largest industry event and is populated solely by industry and press types, it would be the opportune moment to promote the organization, no?
Jennifer Hepler: It can't hurt to make a submission if there's time and willing volunteers.
Steve Jacobs: yah
Paul Marzagalli: the more people we can get involved, the more leverage we have this year and next and so on to create opportunities
Steve Jacobs: We should look at submitting something
Jennifer Hepler: If GDC isn't doing the panel on involving the writer at a project's conception, I would push for a panel on that.
Steve Jacobs: We should also look at getting a booth out of them if we promote the show in advance as a media partner and a lowly non-profit
Jennifer Hepler: I think that's the single biggest hurdle to becoming respected in the industry.
Paul Marzagalli: It would be a natural follow-up theme to the Austin conference
Beth: Yes and I'll bring the pins this time.
Andy Walsh: Can we post E3 of GDC at the front as the lines are getting tangled. E3I agree, but are there enough industry names within our ranks for them to listen?
Steve Jacobs: The question there is also IGDA proper going to have a presence there
Paul Marzagalli: I'll quote Reagan: If not us, who? If not now, when?  :-)
Paul Marzagalli: of course, I can't be there, but I do think that we have no reason to miss any more big conferences. Our goal should be to become as fixed as the Northern Star.
Andy Walsh: Once more unto the promotion dear friends!
rdansky: My feeling on E3 is that there are enough names in the org - or who are org-friendly - who have big enough games coming out that will be hyped at E3 that it would be worthwhile putting together a push for a piece of programming. The more I dig around trying to do a side conference, the more I am convinced we will get swallowed up by the noise.
Steve Jacobs: ok, sounds like an e-mail thread between richard, tim and Jason needs to get going about what form of presence we might have cooperatively on the one hand
Paul Marzagalli: I agree with that - at events like that, you are either the pomp and the circumstance, or you are the confetti on the floor that everyone steps over on their way to the pomp and circumstance
Jennifer Hepler: There are certainly writers from Bioware who would be happy to talk on any writing-heavy-games panels.
WendyDespain: (hi, sorry I'm late.)
Beth: I think I can bring confetti.
Paul Marzagalli: Hi, Wendy!
James Swallow: rich makes a good point
Steve Jacobs: and that SIg Members with games that are going to be promoted there anyway might want to work together to submit something to the conference
Paul Marzagalli: Beth, you're on Booth Babes and Confetti duty then.
Beth: Excellent!
Steve Jacobs: does that sound like an appropriate 2 tiered approach?
Beth: I am so dragging you with me, Wendy.
Jennifer Hepler: There's a big company meeting here that I need to go to now, but please keep me in the loop on E3 plans. I can't be at the conference, but I'm happy to dig up some name writers here who will.
Andy Walsh: i Wendy :0)
Beth: Yes, Steve.
Jennifer Hepler: Bye all!
WendyDespain: confetti sounds fun
James Swallow: bye
Beth: Bye!
Raphael Robbins: Good morning, everyone.
Paul Marzagalli: Rich, I'll be happy to help you coordinate and write up the E3 effort up and until the conference itself. Just be in touch if you need a hand.
BenServiss: Hi Wendy, Raphael
Andy Walsh: Great stuff. Let me know if I can be of help in organising anything in anyway or provide support from the WGGB
rdansky: It sounds like a great approach, and hi Wendy, Raphael
Andy Walsh: Hi Raphael
rdansky: (Sorry for being distracted, folks - getting pulled in six different directions at the office)
Paul Marzagalli: btw, can I offer one oddball suggestion? The Microsoft folks
Paul Marzagalli: at the game writers conference were a large part of its success, I thought. They were approachable and helpful
Andy Walsh: (Ah the rumours about your work place are true then...)
Paul Marzagalli: do you think we could use them as a kind of sponsor for our event?
Paul Marzagalli: after all, they are already ahead of the curve somewhat on integrating writers into the process and they might enjoy the kudos
WendyDespain: They did say they use writers
BenServiss: There's a few M$ writers that would probably want in
Paul Marzagalli: and now we know people we could contact
Steve Jacobs: Sponsor what per se
Paul Marzagalli: well
Paul Marzagalli: basically work with them to use their pull to elimiate any bureaucratic roadblocks that would preclude us from participating
Paul Marzagalli: ie - we've got this great presentation, and Microsoft has agreed to partner with us
WendyDespain: bah. if there are any roadblocks we just tunnel under them
Steve Jacobs: Hmmm
Paul Marzagalli: If it comes to that, I'll tap my inner Charles Bronson
Andy Walsh: Or hit them with the missile from the launcher hidden under the bridge in level 5
rdansky: Easy there, Quickdraw :-)
Paul Marzagalli: is that a spinning missile launcher or one that an NPC gives to you?
Steve Jacobs: Re call for presentations, dunno that they would be much help in that it's basically an editorial decision
Andy Walsh: THe NPC got cut during Alpha, he got a better offer and went off to star in the new series of ER
Steve Jacobs: I think being part ot the E3 Program is a longshot, primarily because the conference aspect of the event is so ligt to begin with
Beth: November 18th is the E3 deadline.
Beth: So we'd have to move quickly on a decision.
WendyDespain: I'm in favor of the E3 adjacent party concept
WendyDespain: we seem to be pretty good at the party thing
Raphael Robbins: I'll be there.
rdansky: It's worth a pitch, not worth major investment. Steve, if you could send the initial email linking everyone up, why don't we get the ball rolling and see what we get - time is tight.
Andy Walsh: Maybe it's a thought to look outside the box and present something informative but which is presented in a more grabby fashion to help the brain glazing that sets in after a while at conferences
Steve Jacobs: The real thread that would interest the E3 market the most, to my mind, would be "Reasearch Proves Professional writing staff improves your profits"
rdansky: As for sponsorship, I'd much rather have MS sponsor our party at Austin next year :-)
Steve Jacobs: Very business oriented there
Beth: HEH! Nice one Steve.
James Swallow: nail on the head, steve!
Beth: Yeah Microsoft will give us tons of shiny free stuff, and hats.
Andy Walsh: I vote for more beer cosies
Steve Jacobs: My take on the best approach to E3 is a floor presence, alone and/or with WGA, WGGB and IGDA proper to push the agenda and. perhaps do some on the spot research
Raphael Robbins: At the end of our lives, at least we'll all have extensive free hat collections.
WendyDespain: do we have any research that proves professional writing staff improves your profits?
rdansky: We have two weeks to get some.
Steve Jacobs: create a survey with a mix of professionaly written and not games and have the average E3 attendee rank 'em
Beth: I don't even have an official job other than game journalism, so as much as I can offer is to be there and support our booth if we have one.
Steve Jacobs: Ideally we'd show that goood writing = popularity
Steve Jacobs: and then re;lease the results as part of the post-e3 press storm
Andy Walsh: WGGB would be an additional rather than a front piece for selling it, we'd add weight, but we're not a major enough name in the US to tip E3, but an event with blah blah and the WGGB should help. That would also bring the WGA and Agw with us post-Austin chatting
WendyDespain: can we afford a booth at E3? Even in conjunction with our allies?
Steve Jacobs: Dunno Wendy
Steve Jacobs: I'd first take the tack we did with AUstin
Andy Walsh: That we're good party animals?
Steve Jacobs: we're pre-promoting the show, we're a sad little non-profit, etc
Steve Jacobs: etc
Steve Jacobs: etc
Steve Jacobs: and see where it gets us
James Swallow: you dont ask you dont get
rdansky: OK, so rounding things back in, we're focusing on A)proposing a presentation and B)getting a booth?
Andy Walsh: Yep, that's it
Steve Jacobs: Almost any magazine that has a booth at a show has it cuz they swapped out ad space for booth space
Beth: Yes.
Steve Jacobs: I think its a reasonable plan
WendyDespain: If we do get a booth, I'd like to be in on the plans for decorating said booth.
Andy Walsh: Does my name appearing in italics mean I'm 'special'? And if so can I get funding for that?
WendyDespain: Italics identify who you are in the list, in case you forget
rdansky: OK. Steve, you are taking point on booth, and if you set up the initial email, I will tackle the presentation?
WendyDespain: you know, if you're posing as someone else or something
Andy Walsh: Yeah, the booth was good, but I think we'd have to up the ante and go glossy with things at future events
Steve Jacobs: will do Richard
WendyDespain: I like me my glossy
James Swallow: a big sign too
Andy Walsh: Damn, I thought it was like a gold star at school....
Beth: I like decorating.
Steve Jacobs: Austin pushed the edge for IGDA into thinking about how they need to support sigs at events like this
Steve Jacobs: might help
Beth: If you set up a booth, I can definitely get some color coordination going on.
rdansky: And if we can get a banner, that would be brilliant.
Andy Walsh: We had an excellent sign thanks to Rich...the most highly visible sign at the place...if only we hadn't been behind that wall....
Beth: I'd be happy to design/print one.
Steve Jacobs: Ok so that takes E3 off the agenda for now
James Swallow: "Will Write For Food"?
WendyDespain: oh, somebody is running this meeting
Beth: Heehee.
Steve Jacobs: Re the writers book, CHris says everyone has their marching order there, so no news
rdansky: For those who don't know, our banner at Austin was a collaborative effort between Andy printing out a lot of letters, and my running down the block to get some safety pins so we could hang them. I'd be in favor of something a little less thrift shop next time :-)
Andy Walsh: One last ? before we tick off E3 - who's coordinating it and b) by what deadlines?
Paul Marzagalli: R. Dansky/ Nove 18
Steve Jacobs: I think 3 items total...
Steve Jacobs: 1. e-mail between SIG, WGA, WGGB and IGDA about some kind of floor presence coordination
Andy Walsh: Okay...I'll put that on me action list :0)
Steve Jacobs: 2. SOme kind of e-mail started by RIchard of writers with products going to the show to propose a presentation
Steve Jacobs: 3. Steve goes begging for a free 10 X 10 :-0
Steve Jacobs: I'll send the first e-mail for #1 and then likely walk away
Beth: 3. Beth uses her Book Publishing program resources to get free banners
Steve Jacobs: Richard, are u up for #2?
WendyDespain: mmmm.... free banners
Steve Jacobs: Anyhow, we'll work yhat out
Steve Jacobs: Chris isn't here to cover the dirty words committee :-(
Steve Jacobs: so that's out for now :-)
rdansky: I've taken care of dirty words with the ESRB, and to answer your previous question, yes.
Andy Walsh: He's normally such a clean spoken lad, I don't know what came over him
WendyDespain: I have something on the dirty words actually
Steve Jacobs: I'm not surprised Wendy
rdansky: Do you want to talk dirty first, Wendy? Err, as it were?
WendyDespain: well, maybe Richard has better stuff on the dirty words
Andy Walsh: I got a few of them when sharing the booth
Beth: Heehee.
WendyDespain: you go first Rich
WendyDespain: I only recall giving you dirty looks, Andy. :-)
rdansky: Grazi. I had a long talk with Bill Garrity of the ESRB yesterday, and he said that they absolutely do not have a list of dirty words for several reasons. The ones he cited included the fact that the ESRB doesn't want to be dictating creativity.
rdansky: He will, however, be doing a round table at GDC on that and similar topics.
WendyDespain: if they don't have a list, can they at least tell us more about the process?
WendyDespain: (in writing, not just in a presentation)
rdansky: I asked about that and the word "context" came up a lot.
WendyDespain: well, at least that's something
Andy Walsh: I think the British Board of Classification do have a list (have I said this before)? We could get theirs and compare sensibilities/cover games that have been released in one place and not another.
WendyDespain: I decided to go the "I'm jjust a poor writer trying to understand the process better" method and applied to join their online ratings system
Steve Jacobs: Ok Rich 'll keep us posted on ESRB and maybe we want to attend their round table.
Andy Walsh: i.e. sex okay in UK and Europe, not in US and Oz
Steve Jacobs: I declare this topic done for now :-)
WendyDespain: So far, it seems they don't believe I'm a real person
Andy Walsh: In games I mean
rdansky: I think the ESRB is being very sensible by not compiling a list, as the last thing they want to do is open themselves up to a lawsuit if a games with similar language get different ratings, but that's me speaking as a private invididual here.
Paul Marzagalli: Gotta do some work here for a couple of minutes. I will be lurking for a bit.
Steve Jacobs: I tididn't work :-9
rdansky: OK, all hail Steve - we're moving on :-)
Steve Jacobs: Wanna hit a few quick but vital issues...
Andy Walsh: The UK bunch just has a sliding scale of profanity rather than a specific this is banned type list
Andy Walsh: Ooops sorry Steve...moving on
rdansky: --->hits Andy
Steve Jacobs: 1. There's the issue of outreach to large groups of writers of other mediums to get them into games
Steve Jacobs: I think that's a big one and I'd like to suggest we table it for next time
Steve Jacobs: all in favor...
rdansky: Aye
James Swallow: aye
Andy Walsh: Didn't feel a thing...Still numb from jetlag...:0)
BenServiss: aye, table away
Steve Jacobs: ok
Andy Walsh: Ate
WendyDespain: it's your baby. if it can be tabled, table it
Steve Jacobs: There seems to be a vote called for to put Andy Walsh on the executive committee
Andy Walsh: How did that get in there? Ummmmm....
BenServiss: executuve committee or vanilla committee?
WendyDespain: Do we have enough committee members here?
Steve Jacobs: Dunno if only exisitng exec members can vote or not, so I'll leave this for next time with the public announcement that I'd vote yes anyway :-)
James Swallow: What, are we letting anyone on here now? Sheesh!
James Swallow: just kidding andy
rdansky: Anyone who can cover the brib....err, entrance fees.
Steve Jacobs: Not sure Wendy that's why I'm thinking of putting it aside til the hobo wanders back :-)
Andy Walsh: I'll start saving...where's my piggy bank?
MaureenMcQ: Andy, I know some sf writers who might be interested in talking to you.
WendyDespain: he does a good job of the procedural stuff. we'll let him orchestrate that vote and declare its validity. though I don't doubt it'll pass.
Steve Jacobs: Wendy, something from you about multiple mailing lists
WendyDespain: Yeah
Andy Walsh: Grand :0) What would they like to talk about?
MaureenMcQ: Being writers from other media who are interested in games. =) Oh executive committee.
WendyDespain: Since we have so many new members, and have started using the list a little more for socializing and a little less for business-only, I'd like to propose that we get a new list for the committee members (and drafted worker bees if necessary)
Andy Walsh: Grand. I'm actually doing a number of talks next year on switching from one medium to another, just got to get TV and film to take games writers seriously now....:0)
WendyDespain: so people can socialize and the one, and do the boring stuff on the other
Beth: Oh yes.
James Swallow: I second wendy's idea
Steve Jacobs: all in favor
James Swallow: y
rdansky: Aye
Steve Jacobs: aye
BenServiss: An aye for an aye
WendyDespain: my only concern is that people may feel left out of the committee mailing list, but I don't want to exclude them - just allow them to opt-out of the party line :-)
Andy Walsh: Volunteers as a worker bee refugee
Steve Jacobs: ok, next issue is meeting day/time
WendyDespain: Okay, if there are no objections, I'll start trying to find out our mailing list options
Andy Walsh: That can be a big problem, as long as the 'official committee one' is a business one and Austin reports, chit chat etc still appear on the other
WendyDespain: I'll take responsibility for information crossover between the lists
Andy Walsh: The friendly email exchange helps draw people into the IGDA and long may that continue
Andy Walsh: Hurrah for volunteers, thanks Wendy
rdansky: Folks, I need to scoot for a meeting here. It's been a pleasure, as always.
Steve Jacobs: Weds at 12:00 EST I'll be in a classroom next quarter and Spiral has requested I be at as many meetings as possible to dodge any tech issues that may arise
WendyDespain: quick rich, any thoughts on day/meeting times?
Andy Walsh: Have a great one RD! :00)
James Swallow: l8r rich - congrats about the amazon short, btw
BenServiss: Take care Rich!
Raphael Robbins: See you later rich!
Steve Jacobs: My window of time is closing :-(
rdansky: Quick thought on meeting times - we're going to inconvenience someone no matter what we do. For my part, I can't make Tuesdays. Other than that, whatever works, works, and I will bend schedule to be there when I can.
Beth: Bye Rich!
rdansky: And thank you, James!
Steve Jacobs: Wendy, I think we'll handle this one via exec committee e-mail
Steve Jacobs: makes the most sense
WendyDespain: I agree, i think we all need to have time to study our schedules and the international clock
James Swallow: any day except tuesday for me
Paul Marzagalli: See you, Rich.
WendyDespain: although Tuesdays look like they're not an option
Steve Jacobs: Thanks you all for your input here :-)
Steve Jacobs: Yah Wendy, does look that way :-)
BenServiss: Good call on that time zone-translator site as well
WendyDespain: yeah, yay to the person who posted that to the list
Beth: Ha ha.
James Swallow: that is a very useful page
WendyDespain: so, next item?
Beth: Clean cup, clean cup, move down, move down!
BenServiss: Looks look I've got to be heading out, class beckons
BenServiss: Good meeting all, till next time!
Beth: Bye!
WendyDespain: bye Ben
Andy Walsh: cya Ben :0)
James Swallow: bye
Raphael Robbins: Bye bye.
WendyDespain: Who put up the item about the Journalist request?
Steve Jacobs: Me, I'll do it via the list
Beth: I'm a journalist.
Steve Jacobs: Yah this is a journalist looking to interview folks on QOL issues
Beth: Oh pff.
Andy Walsh: Yeah... that does sound like it's got a centrefold...and in this weeks issue a sinclair spectrum...with rubber keys!
Steve Jacobs: He's got a 3 part series in Play mag starting in December
WendyDespain: heh
Steve Jacobs: looking for more interview subjects for parts 2 and 3
Beth: Meh!
Paul Marzagalli: I spoke with him recently, actually. He's looking for people that left the industry b/c of QOL issues.
Beth: I thought it was a job for me.
Steve Jacobs: That's one thing he's looking for, yes
WendyDespain: you'll have to pitch your own articles, Beth :-)
Beth: Yeah so sad.
WendyDespain: okay, quick. Any other business? Steve, could you send me the transcript? I missed the first part of the meeting.
Andy Walsh: I left the Mayor's party due to QOB issues, does that count?
Beth: Heh heh heh.
Paul Marzagalli: I'd like a transcript as well, just for record-keeping.
James Swallow: Rhianna and me are still scouting for positive press comments re: good writing in games.
WendyDespain: the transcript gets put up on the wiki for future reference. I'll send out the link to everyone when I'm done.
Steve Jacobs: Can send the transcript. Really you can just copy all in the browser window and paste into an empty doc :-)
Andy Walsh: Thanks James
James Swallow: I've also just done an interview for X360 magazine about the movie/game crossover and writer involvement therein
WendyDespain: I can, but this time when I logged in it didn't show me what I missed before I joined the meeting, and I know I missed at least one agenda point
Steve Jacobs: happy to send it to you now.