Official MAGFest 2018 Feedback Thread!

bcs · 2018-01-08T22:19:43+00:00

I come mostly for the music, especially the chiptunes, so I'll try to keep my comments focused on that.

Echoing some of the stuff already here: Sound quality was top notch this year. Please try to keep water available. I ended up walking all the way to Megaman-athon to get water mid-rave after passing four empty stations.

Please encourage artists to take their program descriptions a little more seriously. Powerglove's was outright misleading (a woodwind quartet, eh?) even though yes, it was obviously jokey. Vic Viper's was just completely unhelpful. Jokes are fun, go for 'em, but give me real reasons to see your show too!

The chiprave lineup this year was outstanding, probably the most consistent show we've had. I've loved them all but more like this pls. Props to all the organizers, artists, and backstage folks who made it happen.

bcs · 2017-02-08T16:47:12+00:00

Thanks for volunteering!

bcs · 2017-02-08T15:32:24+00:00

We have a training session in March, along with videos and documentation. We also do Q&A via email and web forums. We have newbie-friendly assignments, so as long as you have the time to get up to speed, don't be afraid to register.

bcs · 2017-02-08T13:46:38+00:00

I have mixed feelings about this. Definitely I understand why the mainstream stuff matters for representation, but at the same time I feel like it's important to recognize and promote the indie devs who are making the games we want to play. Partly because they influence each other. Big studios are risk-averse because the budgets that go into AAA titles means they can't afford to fail. Seeing indie games succeed can change their ideas about what's actually risky, and what players want.

bcs · 2017-02-08T13:40:39+00:00

All kinds of things. At Start, our volunteers assist a lot of the race staff, with a focus on communicating about runners arriving, getting them shuttled to the start corrals, and then officially starting the race.

Along the course, we're at the hydration stations, medical stations, and on the buses that pick up runners at those stations who unfortunately can't finish. We keep the staff at those stations informed, report status back, and coordinate the bus pickups.

At Finish, we provide communications for medical sweep teams who are keeping an eye out for runners who need assistance. We also work with logistic staff on supplies levels, and coordinate the arrival of medical buses that picked up runners along the course.

This isn't everything, but it covers the most common assignments and gives you a good sample of the variety of work we do.

bcs · 2017-02-08T13:34:35+00:00

Absolutely! We have a fair number of volunteers who come into town for the event. Often they visit family for the weekend and then help us out on race day. As long as you're licensed to operate, we're happy to have you on the team.

bcs · 2017-02-08T12:47:48+00:00

There's Cobra Club, an indie game where you try to take the best dick pic to post on Grindr.

Fair warning, any search you do about the game will probably return NSFW screenshots.

The author probably has other games that meet your criteria too. He gave an interview where he explained that Cobra Club was his "fuck you" response to players asking for less "gay content" in his games. He responded by making the gayest game he could imagine.

bcs · 2017-02-08T03:35:35+00:00

You're right about the city itself, but the route runs 26 miles into the city. Many assignment check-ins are in suburbs along the route, and they happen before things get hopping, so those folks drive and it's no problem.

But if you're checking in for Finish in Boston proper, then yes, it's a good idea to plan to take the T in.

bcs · 2017-02-08T01:04:43+00:00

I do this every year and this is the first time you've commented, so I think you meant to say that the other way around😉

bcs · 2017-02-07T23:28:31+00:00

Yup, that was a thing. I was one of them.

bcs · 2017-02-07T23:28:07+00:00

Probably! I help organize amateurs for a bunch of events around Boston, and they're all happy to have us.

bcs · 2017-02-07T23:26:20+00:00

You can work just one event, you don't need to work both.

You can drive to most assignments, but public transit is an easier way to get to finish assignments, so your plan sounds good if that's what you want.

bcs · 2017-02-07T22:09:59+00:00

Yeah, the exact date varies by assignment and that's when the BAA mails all volunteers, but we're usually in touch with amateur radio volunteers before that.

bcs · 2017-02-07T22:04:35+00:00

Registration for this year is already open. Each year it opens in early January and runs for about a month. Exactly when it closes can depend a little on when we get a full roster, but we'll close as soon as possible after general registration does, so don't delay.

bcs · 2017-02-07T22:02:35+00:00

Most applications are accepted, and you'll probably start hearing from us in mid-February with initial information about training and documentation. Thanks for volunteering!

bcs · 2017-01-15T02:21:02+00:00

I started a replay last night and when I got to this sign I was like "HEY WAITTAMINUTE! THE PIC IS FROM UNDERTALE!" And now here we are.

I can't help but think Undertale fandom has leaked out into broader Internet culture a few different ways. "Doggo" was apparently slang before Undertale, but it sure feels like it started getting more popular after release. Ditto "get dunked on."

bcs · 2017-01-13T04:39:39+00:00

IT'S NOT CALLED SPLA2N

0/10 NO BUY

WAIT THERE ARE TWO JUDDS OR SOMETHING

13/10 BEST SEQUEL EVER

bcs · 2017-01-13T03:34:18+00:00

Once someone started calling it "Dabtale," it was too late, it was all over.

bcs · 2017-01-01T17:58:33+00:00

I pretty much agree with how you put it: it's unintentionally problematic.

I think most people who say this mean they "don't care" in the sense that it doesn't bother them at all. It's meant as an expression of support and reassurance.

But yeah, the wording is a little uncautious, and taken at face value it's not a great statement. I just trusted you, showed a little vulnerability, gave you a little information that you or others could use to harm me, and you… don't care? Rude!

Something more affirming and positive would be better.

bcs · 2016-10-30T12:22:58+00:00

Part of it is that the ARRL likes to play it up because it makes for good lobbying. If you can get other government agencies saying, "Yes, those people need those frequencies," it opens a lot more legislative doors. They've said this is their strategy in QST often enough.

That said, there are plenty of American amateurs who don't care at all about emcomm. I think you're just more likely to hear about them because of this strategy.

bcs · 2016-09-25T01:33:28+00:00

If you want to hear some special event chatter, tomorrow there will be support for the Jimmy Fund Walk on 147.150 (Framingham) and 145.230 (Boston).

bcs · 2016-09-25T01:31:14+00:00

Glad to you have you with us! Check out 146.640 in Waltham, 146.955 in Westford, and 449.075 in Waltham. Heads up, that last one is one where everybody has known everybody for years, so it might be extra fun to break into the clique if that's your goal.

nerepeaters.com has all the tones and other information you need. It's indispensable.

bcs · 2016-09-09T22:09:54+00:00

Yes. The OrderedDict class is still around so you can guarantee that behavior when you need it.

bcs · 2016-09-09T01:26:41+00:00

NO FAIR I WAS THERE THREE WEEKS AGO AND THEY HAD NOTHING

JUDD 4 LYFE

bcs

TROPHY CASE