Things That Should NOT be Part of TAM

[Wowbagger]

These days, I am fairly sure that the fine TAM organizers, at JREF, have no shortage of genuinely good ideas for things that should be part of the conference. However, it might pay to remind everyone, every now and them, of the sorts of things that should NOT be part of TAM. This is a thread for listing them.

• A Beauty Contest
• Premium Seating / Attendee Caste System
• Mandatory Church Service
• Free Can of JREF-Branded Silly String for Every Attendee!!
• A Sweat Lodge
  

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I never did follow up on my trivia night idea, although I think I might have sent an email to Jeff.

Oh well, there's always TAM XIV

 

[Marquis de Carabas]

Refusing to buy the Marquis and Kate alcohol
DrBuzz0
The "Lick Scrut's Belly Button for a Dollar" booth

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

The "Lick Scrut's Belly Button for a Dollar" booth

Hey, you played last year!

 

[Marquis de Carabas]

Hey, you played last year!

Played? I won.

 

[Wowbagger]

Refusing to buy the Marquis and Kate alcohol

I'll buy you two a ginger ale. Does that sound good?

DrBuzz0
The "Lick Scrut's Belly Button for a Dollar" booth

Too many people might enjoy those things. Not me, of course. But, there is no reason to ban them, since they could be rather popular and mostly harmless.

 

[Horatius]

Free Can of JREF-Branded Silly String for Every Attendee!!

At this point, I must demand a Can of JREF-Branded Silly String!

The "Lick Scrut's Belly Button for a Dollar" booth

I could set up my "Hit a Guy in the Head With a Stick" Booth, if you'd like.

Just let me know.

And I'm serious.

I'll split it 50-50 with the JREF.

Srysly.

 

[NoZed Avenger]

Played? I won.

They only way to win is not to play.

 

[Wowbagger]

At this point, I must demand a Can of JREF-Branded Silly String!

Jeff would be annoyed.

There are many, many other free JREF-branded gifts that wouldn't be such a good idea, for much of the same reason:

Whoopee Cushions
Stink Bombs
Rubber Band Guns
Tasers
Etc.

But, most of those have obvious problems. I think Silly String would be the most plausible thing to warn them about.

 

[Horatius]

Jeff would be annoyed.

You've failed to consider the possibility that I want to annoy Jeff.

 

[Sc00ter]

You've failed to consider the possibility that I want to annoy Jeff.

Who doesn't!

 

[Horatius]

Who doesn't!

Wowbagger, apparently.

 

[RSLancastr]

Free laser pointers. (Worst. TAM. Idea. ever.)

Speakers who read their PowerPoint slides to the audience, verbatim.

Speakers who read their latest book to the audience, verbatim.

Speakers who go on and on about having a stroke.

 

[fuelair]

Silent prayer.

Old Maid game. For money.

A reading of chapters from the latest Twilight "novel" by the "author".

Showing of "2012".

Showing of any D. Avery film, unless he is present and securely bound to the podium next the screen/monitor.

An appearance of A. Conan Doyle to speak on why he was really right about the spirit world and fairies.

 

[Horatius]

An appearance of A. Conan Doyle to speak on why he was really right about the spirit world and fairies.

Were he available, I think this would be mandatory.

 

[paperskater]

Free laser pointers. (Worst. TAM. Idea. ever.)

I beg to differ. That was AWESOME.

 

[arthwollipot]

I beg to differ. That was AWESOME.

They're also illegal to bring in to Australia.

I think the JREF should have more branded merchandise, not less. So far I have a t-shirt and a sharpie. This is a pretty piss poor effort, in my opinion.

 

[hcmom]

Jeff would be annoyed.

There are many, many other free JREF-branded gifts that wouldn't be such a good idea, for much of the same reason:

Whoopee Cushions
Stink Bombs
Rubber Band Guns
Tasers
Etc.

But, most of those have obvious problems. I think Silly String would be the most plausible thing to warn them about.

Hell, I'd pay for one of each of these...

 

[paperskater]

I beg to differ. That was AWESOME.

They're also illegal to bring in to Australia.

See, that puzzles me due to the fact that you guys have wild animals running around in your backyard that can kill you easily... and laser pointers are illegal?

 

[RSLancastr]

I beg to differ. That was AWESOME.

tell that to all the blinded speakers.