How to describe TAM to "squares"

[articulett]

I'm so glad she had a great time...

We will assimilate the masses eventually.

Until then, I don't mind having something that others probably won't understand.

 

[Wolfman]

I just tell people its the "Tits & Ass Meeting".

 

[arthwollipot]

I just tell people its the "Tits & Ass Meeting".

I might use that too!

 

[Geek Goddess]

On the other hand, now Paulina is experiencing culture shock from TAM. She thought she was all alone in town, now she found Stirling and me. But she feels even more odd in her family that is very religious. I told her to tell her family that she is attending a science educational conference, and that went over well to her family.

Susan

Elaine has a good term for this, which I co-opt freely: I found my tribe.


My friend Eric and I were trying to explain to one of the other execs at my company, the CFO, what TAM was about. In his usual manner, he cut to the chase and said "give me a 2-3 word descriptive of the average attendee". After a bit of thinking, Eric said "science geek". The CFO answered "like Star Trek fans?"

Sigh.

I then expanded and told him it was more like critical thinkers, scientists, college professors, people educated (although not necessarily 'degreed'), who were interested in science literacy, rational thinking, and blowing things up.

 

[Wolfman]

Elaine has a good term for this, which I co-opt freely: I found my tribe.


My friend Eric and I were trying to explain to one of the other execs at my company, the CFO, what TAM was about. In his usual manner, he cut to the chase and said "give me a 2-3 word descriptive of the average attendee". After a bit of thinking, Eric said "science geek". The CFO answered "like Star Trek fans?"

Sigh.

I then expanded and told him it was more like critical thinkers, scientists, college professors, people educated (although not necessarily 'degreed'), who were interested in science literacy, rational thinking, and blowing things up.

...and are Star Trek fans

 

[Dicon]

Tell 'em it's an Amway meeting. That'll shut 'em up.

 

[Geek Goddess]

...and are Star Trek fans

Of course!

Except Scrut, of course.

 

[UnrepentantSinner]

I'll definitely be using this one.

Shouldn't you actually attend one before you start using phrases that people who have been do?*

...and are Star Trek fans

Uhhh, not quite. I have my own particular version of nerd cred (when I go see the Tut exhibit in Oct. it will be my 2nd 18th dynasty exhibit {Hatshepsut was the first} and I use Horemheb as my yahoo ID plus I saw Rameses the great back in the 80s and despise Las Vegas except for the kitsch of the Luxor and Caesar's Palace, - plus on the TAA2 was the only one of us I was aware of and lingered at the USS Juneau monument {apart from Hutch}), but while I appreciate Star Trek, especially TNG, I am not a fan.

Not every nerd who attends TAM is a stereotype.

* No, I'm not mocking you or making fun of you... find a way to schedule/finace your way to TAM 7 dammit!!!

 

[GUS]

I second that: I reallly dislike star trek

 

[brodski]

I second that: I reallly dislike star trek

I'm not a big star trek fan, but I had fun a Quarks Bar, the Cybermen looked cool, but I'm disappointed that they didn't have a TARDIS there, though they did sell light-sabers in the gift-shop, so that was OK.

 

[grayman]

Oh well, back to biting my tongue. I already miss the company of those where I can say anything and not worry about offending.

Oddly enough, I do the opposite: I hold my tongue at TAM for fear of offending the people I admire the most.

I second that: I reallly dislike star trek

Splitter!

 

[Kochanski]

I'm not a big star trek fan, but I had fun a Quarks Bar, the Cybermen looked cool, but I'm disappointed that they didn't have a TARDIS there, though they did sell light-sabers in the gift-shop, so that was OK.

I was going to bring my sonic screwdriver and my empty child mask, but they are just two more things I forgot to pack.

 

[phyz]

Star. Trek. ROCKS!

ETA: TsarBomba? That is NOT the name you were set on when dining at Quark's.

 

[arthwollipot]

Shouldn't you actually attend one before you start using phrases that people who have been do?*

* No, I'm not mocking you or making fun of you... find a way to schedule/finace your way to TAM 7 dammit!!!

I've just this minute sent an email enquiring about scholarship for TAM7. I may be able to get the flight on points, but it's going to be tricky. Local expenses are going to be the biggest thing. I don't really want to go to Vegas with no spending money. How will I do the "tip" thing?

 

[UnrepentantSinner]

I've just this minute sent an email enquiring about scholarship for TAM7. I may be able to get the flight on points, but it's going to be tricky. Local expenses are going to be the biggest thing. I don't really want to go to Vegas with no spending money. How will I do the "tip" thing?

I'm going to tell you the same thing I've told Michelle Lyon and a number of others who were a few bucks short one way or another - get there. After that, don't worry. DON'T ◊◊◊◊◊ WORRY! Once you are registered and on the ground in Las Vegas you will be taken care of one way or another. We had in impromtieu telethon during TAM 6 and as far as I know more than sufficient money was raised within a day. It's not charity Arth... it's Community. We've been doing this **** since the currency collapsed for a prospective attendee collapses and for forumites who have needed rent or the cost to replace a stolen laptop.

Just make it there and apart from that DON'T ◊◊◊◊◊ WORRY!

 

[grayman]

I've just this minute sent an email enquiring about scholarship for TAM7...[snip]

Even though some complain about the catered food, you will get breakfast and lunch at TAM, so you won't have to worry about food.

And just hold an empty glass as you stand near the bar and say, "Love to continue chatting but I can't afford another drink". No one at TAM will let another go thirsty. Ever.

And bring Minties. You can barter quite a bit with those.

 

[Nankay]

Ok, I just overheard my 9 yr old describe the conference to his friend as, "a big group of super-funny smart people". (He's been watching a LOT of Phil Plait and Richard Wiseman on youtube)

 

[paperskater]

^^ I like that one! Although I'd modify it to: "A big group of super-funny and SUPER-smart people!"

I totally felt like an idiot during the whole time I was at TAM and it was AWESOME.

 

[TsarBomba]

ETA: TsarBomba? That is NOT the name you were set on when dining at Quark's.

True. What can I say? Whimsy struck me.

 

[Piggy]

I just told everybody "It's an educational foundation conference". After that, no one expressed any more interest or curiosity.