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Why I'm Going to TAM. (And you should too).

Is this the only way we can thank James Randi for his life-times work? A person who changed the world not by power but influence and persuasion? Changed the world, though his efforts alone, more than all but a few hundred people who lived in the last 100 years.
 
rjh01 said:
Is this the only way we can thank James Randi for his life-times work? A person who changed the world not by power but influence and persuasion? Changed the world, though his efforts alone, more than all but a few hundred people who lived in the last 100 years.
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It's certainly not the only way to thank him, but it is one way to do do.

I attended my first TAM five years ago because I wanted to meet Randi, who was the most important influence early on (as just an early teen) in my journey toward skepticism and a critical thinking outlook (thanks for 'The Magic of Uri Geller', Randi!)

I am attending this one for a similar reason--and because I want to show my continued appreciation for his life's work, especially now that he is retiring.
 
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AdMan said:
It's certainly not the only way to thank him, but it is one way to do do.

I attended my first TAM five years ago because I wanted to meet Randi, who was the most important influence early on (as just an early teen) in my journey toward skepticism and a critical thinking outlook (thanks for 'The Magic of Uri Geller', Randi!)

I am attending this one for a similar reason--and because I want to show my continued appreciation for his life's work, especially now that he is retiring.
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I wonder if anyone will write anything similar about any given rage blogger in 30 years? Doubtful.
 
rjh01 said:
Is this the only way we can thank James Randi for his life-times work? A person who changed the world not by power but influence and persuasion? Changed the world, though his efforts alone, more than all but a few hundred people who lived in the last 100 years.
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Oh, that is worth a thread for you to educate me on how James Randi "changed the world", because I think it's nonsense. He even failed getting Oxford to recognise the word "woo", and we can even leave aside his refusal to come out of the closet until it no longer mattered.

Please go ahead, I'm all eyes.

Popular thread, I see. That's four or five people going!

Party on, dudes!
 
Some people seem to be having second thoughts since Michael Shermer was announced as a speaker (apparently at Randi's insistence).
 
I deeply wish I could go! Maybe next year, if there is one. I hope there is one. :)


ETA - I mean I hope there's a TAM, not that I hope there's a next year. Though I certainly hope for that as well.
 
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zooterkin said:
Some people seem to be having second thoughts since Michael Shermer was announced as a speaker (apparently at Randi's insistence).
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I haven't been following this whole thing too closely, but is it because of the sexual misconduct allegations against him, or for some other reason?

Shermer's been a speaker at almost every TAM since (and including) the first one--long before DJ came and went--and his organization has been a TAM sponsor for years as well, so I can't see how this is a surprise.

Why not do like many and just visit the bar during his talk, if you don't care to listen to him? That's how Rebecca Watson handled Richard Dawkins. :D

This is still a TAM well worth attending, IMO. I'm going for James Randi, and whatever I may think of Shermer being there won't change my mind.
 
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bumlet5 said:
He wasn't on the speaker list until a week or two ago (after the Early Bird discount had ended), and then it was a quiet addition. I had hoped that with DJ gone it had changed.
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I had heard something about the whole business with Shermer, and just now did a little research on it.

I always find it so disappointing when prominent people in the community I identify with, and deem important, behave badly, or even criminally sometimes. I guess I'm just an optimist, wanting to always see the best in people. Especially people who's work I've enjoyed. :(

I guess it's unrealistic to expect that any group - even one so ostensibly rational - would all be above such things, and be virtuous not only in identifying woo, but in their interpersonal dealings as well.

Given what I've learned of the whole sorry business, I too think it would be better if Shermer didn't attend. Though if and when he does, his behavior is likely to be very closely scrutinized, and he must know it too.

I am going, as I've kinda wanted to attend TAM for a long time, and could never afford it. This year, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I can, and so I will. One thing is sure though; my attendance will add one skeptical guy into the mix who doesn't harass anyone, drunk or sober. I can only hope that this TAM will be an environment in which every attending woman can feel safe.
 
The Central Scrutinizer said:
Then they probably shouldn't come.
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And here I would have bought you a beer. Now that I know you would prefer I didn't go, that may change.

AdMan said:
I haven't been following this whole thing too closely, but is it because of the sexual misconduct allegations against him, or for some other reason?

Shermer's been a speaker at almost every TAM since (and including) the first one--long before DJ came and went--and his organization has been a TAM sponsor for years as well, so I can't see how this is a surprise.

Why not do like many and just visit the bar during his talk, if you don't care to listen to him? That's how Rebecca Watson handled Richard Dawkins. :D

This is still a TAM well worth attending, IMO. I'm going for James Randi, and whatever I may think of Shermer being there won't change my mind.
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It is that reason. At the very least I will not be showing up at his talk or speaking to him in any fashion. Above that we'll see.

Swordfishtrombone said:
I had heard something about the whole business with Shermer, and just now did a little research on it.

I always find it so disappointing when prominent people in the community I identify with, and deem important, behave badly, or even criminally sometimes. I guess I'm just an optimist, wanting to always see the best in people. Especially people who's work I've enjoyed. :(

I guess it's unrealistic to expect that any group - even one so ostensibly rational - would all be above such things, and be virtuous not only in identifying woo, but in their interpersonal dealings as well.

Given what I've learned of the whole sorry business, I too think it would be better if Shermer didn't attend. Though if and when he does, his behavior is likely to be very closely scrutinized, and he must know it too.

I am going, as I've kinda wanted to attend TAM for a long time, and could never afford it. This year, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I can, and so I will. One thing is sure though; my attendance will add one skeptical guy into the mix who doesn't harass anyone, drunk or sober. I can only hope that this TAM will be an environment in which every attending woman can feel safe.
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Thank you for your support.

I understand that people like this will show up in any group, but it's the reaction that matters when it does happen. Many people's reaction to the Shermer thing has seemed very similar to the fundamentalist Christian responses to Josh Duggar's recently publicized molestation charges - doubling down and defending them because they're "one of us" instead of shaming and condemning their actions.
 
Jeff, I read your description of TAM2. It was my first TAM ... and my last. My experience was quite different than yours. I'm not good at such meetings but recognized that's my problem and tried to open up to others. First night, I went up to a table where some folks were milling around and introduced myself, mentioning the forum. They went back to their conversation.

Another time there was an open seat where Schermer and Randi were chatting so I sat down and said hi. They didn't even acknowledge my presence.

I sat next to Teller at one of the workshops; he was too busy to say hi.

I did strike up a conversation with some guy from Australia sitting next to me at one of the sessions. Nice guy - never saw him again. These are just a few of the experiences I now remember. I met no one who I stayed in touch with, on or off the forum. I made no friends. Now, that could well be my problem and I fully acknowledge that. But rebuffed at every turn?

I hear all this "community" stuff and "you're with friends" crap. Not my experience. Same damn insider/outside hierarchy common to every other group. And it's got nothing to do with the fracturing you talk about. I don't know about that and don't care.

Last TAM? No thanks.
 
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SezMe said:
Jeff, I read your description of TAM2. It was my first TAM ... and my last. My experience was quite different than yours. I'm not good at such meetings but recognized that's my problem and tried to open up to others. First night, I went up to a table where some folks were milling around and introduced myself, mentioning the forum. They went back to their conversation.

Another time there was an open seat where Schermer and Randi were chatting so I sat down and said hi. They didn't even acknowledge my presence.

I sat next to Teller at one of the workshops; he was too busy to say hi.

I did strike up a conversation with some guy from Australia sitting next to me at one of the sessions. Nice guy - never saw him again. These are just a few of the experiences I now remember. I met no one who I stayed in touch with, on or off the forum. I made no friends. Now, that could well be my problem and I fully acknowledge that. But rebuffed at every turn?

I hear all this "community" stuff and "you're with friends" crap. Not my experience. Same damn insider/outside hierarchy common to every other group. And it's got nothing to do with the fracturing you talk about. I don't know about that and don't care.

Last TAM? No thanks.
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Sorry to hear this was your experience at your only TAM. I wonder if it was just bad luck. I have been to five TAMs and my experience was very different to yours. I made friends and had friendly conversations at every one (and I've volunteered, too, which helps meeting people--you could even chat with Randi at the volunteer lunch. Randi really will gladly chat with you, BTW). Perhaps if you were willing to give it another chance..?
 
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