The hype has hit in full swing and I'm so looking forward to Swancon!

Given everything I'm glad this yearly anticipation has not deserted me!!

My committee meeting today was great, and once again, I love them lotses!

No love to the who responded to my reminder email thinking that since the Ditmar closing date was Friday, that having postal votes needing to have tomorrow's postmark at the latest is unreasonable. It's not. Thursday I'm out at the con from then onwards, no snail mail for me, and the Friday in question, public holiday. That's really only allowing two days if it was post marked 17th for it to make it's way to my letter box.

I've politely responded explaining the situation, thanking them for their feedback and suggesting the official forum to provide feedback and if they were interetsed in volunteering to run this thing next year.

I will be very glad to finish with the Ditmars - I've learned so much, but overall, I think that my love will always be for the Tin Ducks, it's not that they're easier - though they are... but they seem to bring out less 'wank' in people, and have more heart content. That to me is the most important thing.

To end on a good note, let me gush to you about the awards ceremony! I have people lined up to present the awards - I'm waiting on some final emails, but I'll be emailing out the 'how to' and logistics to most people tomorrow. The room will hopefully look something like an old Doctor Who set, thanks to wolflullaby and madradish who have both put supreme effort into helping this thing come together. Also there will be robots. I've planned things so that the ceremony will, if everything happens as I want it to, run under an hour and a half - more time to congratulate the winners and mingle. WASFF are also doing stuff for their 15th anniversary, but I won't spoil that surprise :)

Right now, I'm going to go and finish my book (finishing Cybermancy - probably tonight). Then there will be sleep.

Tomorrow after work there will be alkland and the_informative which will be awesome!

Minor annoyances aside, life is good right now.

Especial love to strangedave and angriest because in their own ways they make me proud to know them and be friends to them. (If you like just call it another one of the many moments I'm expressing sentimentality).

Where am I? home Feeling... tired Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, ditmars, sc2009, sentimental, stupidity, swancon, tin ducks

Well not necessarily.

But I'm less pissed off in that it doesn't hang like a miasma around me. Even K was concilatory and wary of my mood last night when I read the emails that provoked said mood.

This morning things are better because:

- I slept
- I sent the email slightly tweaked
- I don't feel constrained by my own good behaviour or others' bad behaviour
- It's Friday which means the company of my favourite people tonight.
- I have time to watch songvids from cupidsbow this weekend!
- I am being productive, though not quite so much as I should be.

Really the reason I was pissed off is that when you spend a few months doing a huge amount of work, make a concentrated effort to do the best job possible, it really does get tired, old and offensive when people casually dismiss the effort involved, the work and skills required as not being worth recognition, and if not that, then commenting one of the few other things that is largely overlooked, undervalued and goes by the wayside as far as recognition and appreciation go.

Also, my impression of 3/4 of the people who are making regular references in this direction? Do very little of the actual work they're so dismissing.

My aim today, is to find a quote for hair that costs less than $180! Because omg! *dies* I need to do this, and spend money on it - as I'm soon to be a bridesmaid and being that I'll be part of the permanent record of people I love's special day, I actually need to do something with the mop of washed out colour that is my hair. But given I've just started earning again after 4 months of job hunting? Between the outfit, my hair and my half of my room cost for Swancon (which given how busy it looks that I will be, is not a luxury but will be a necessity!) So if anyone knows where I can get my hair done, that is reliable and trustworthy for less than $180 I WANT TO KNOW!

Where am I? DPC Feeling... thoughtful Compelled listening... nil Define... # better in the morning, bridesmaid, crappy, cynical, ditmars, fan wank, fandom, hair, pissed off, wedding

Today has been a great day for the most part - some parts definitely better than others. ( Rather long, but several chunks of information including the ditmar vortex, WA on Show and forays into study as consideration for myself. )

Wow... this got long. No apologies though... this is part of who I am, and being able to detail things here actually serves far more purpose than simple vanity of recording, or some misguided idea that people read what I write. It's for me. It connects me back to things that I don't wish to forget, things that I consider important, or may consider important in the future.

The downside of having had to deal with regressed memories, is that my mind still gets overzealous in protecting me sometimes, and there are things that I just don't wish to forget the words and feelings that were on the tip of my tongue at that given moment.

Where am I? House of Books and Ducks Feeling... excited Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, 2009, amazing friends, assertiveness, awards, convictions, ditmars, feminism, moments to remember, murdoch, perth city events, sadness, study, swancon, trust, women

The short summary before I go into detail for those who don't have the time/interest/patience to read below the cut.

* Tin Duck nominations have been drafted into spreadsheet, this has been sent to Other Relevant People for checking.
* Some eligibility emails have been sent re Tin Ducks if it was easy enough to do as I was transcribing.
* More discussion on the Ditmar Google group - some huge amount of email has passed through this group in the past week, and while at times it's been painful, frustrating and exasperating, I also feel like we're generally circling in the right direction.
* NAFF race is over, waiting on replies from candidates and then I can announce the outcome.
* Discussion/meeting with cupidsbow has happened and we've mostly nailed down our OTW panel for Swancon, including having drafted black_samvara onto it.
* Gynaecon Panel for Swancon with dalmeny has been finalised.
* I've registered for the sf.org.au wiki so that I can offload various masses of information that should be recorded other than in my head, or email or journal. This resource is aimed at being a massive source of information as a resource for the Australia wide community, and has languished unloved a bit for a while - I'm encouraging YOU all to help that change.
* Put in my own nominations for the Tin Ducks.
* Managed to get K's in too.

I have yet to:
* Call Supernova person for 2009.
* Make a couple of venue phone calls for Swancon 2009
* Check eligibility of Tin Duck list
* Publish Tin Duck Shortlist, and open the voting.
* Finalise the other potential panel items that may go ahead.
* Publicise the details of this year's NAFF race finalisation.
* Organise the NAFF delegate to get here, and associated stuff.
* Remind people to vote for Tin Ducks and NAFF
* Write my Ditmar Admin Report
* Draft my proposal's for the WASFF AGM and Natcon Business Meeting
* Finalise the Swancon FAQ for printing.
* Finalise my NAFF Con report for printing.
* Follow up on how my props for the awards are going and try and find more time to actually do stuff for it, also, make grateful and appreciative noises in wolflullaby's direction for taking this on for me.
* Update the sf.org.au wiki
* Finalise the WASFF site so it's ready to launch.
* Follow up on awards trophies.
* Organise someone to take photographs of the 2008 Swancon Art Show to publish online ready for the Ditmars and Tin Ducks next year, this is in line with the eligibility list that girliejones wishes to publish online at ASiF! and what I'd also like to have on the sf.org.au wiki.

Gods knows what else - that's the top of my head.

( And here the detail starts... Ditmar Vortex )

Other than the above, I'm seriously counting down to Swancon, and the fun, the people, the madness and rushing, the relaxation, the sleep deprivation, the masses of cuddlyness and sensuality, the games, the discussions and conversations, the Box... parties - the whole lot. I can't wait till it's here, till I'm immersed... and then I will be glad for it to be done, as for someone not on the committee, I seem to be spending quite a bit of time on things at present. By quite a bit I actually mean reasonably a lot. I'm not working nearly as hard as the committee is though :) I'm reassured by this :)

Okay... bed time.

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted and yet happy Compelled listening... nil Define... # 2008, 2009, achievements, amazing conversations, awards, changing the world, ditmar vortex, ditmars, dot points, lists, making the world a better place, nominations, social, swancon, the box, tin ducks, to do, voting

This wasn't the first part of my evening, but it did wholely make a difference.

Curled up with ascetic_hedony and there was that sense of being 'home' which is neither the wrong nor right word, but it was just wonderful. I was loved and there was much needed sharing of energy. We were playful and plotty and evil at moments, there was laughter and stress relief... and joy. Because I am loved, because I am celebrated. Because this is mutual and it is unquestioned. I am lucky. I am grateful. I am smiling and peaceful.


Facets of the world make me sad, hence the juxtaposition. ( More on the awards and my feelings... )

Though really right now, it's all about the love. Truly the greatest gift, to love and be loved - and to trust in this.

I don't quite feel like the night has ended - it's a little strange, as it really has. But I have the desire to be out in the middle of nature, away from electronics and lights, just with the stars and the breeze, ascetic_hedony and conversation, purry cuddles, energy, dreaming and phillosophy... and yet....

The seductive beast named 'sleep'... how tempting and soothing the creature.

Where am I? home Feeling... enthralled Compelled listening... nil Define... # amazing conversations, amazing friends, aspiration, awards, career, discussions, ditmars, eligibility, events, intimacy, love, sadness, sensuality

At the very least, it will be of very low concentration - promise!

First of all I have to mention the most beautiful and unexpected gift from cricketk. She has given me this exquisite piece of jewellery on pretty ribbons, it is glass that is clear, and black and purple and sparkly and seems to be embedded with something that sometimes in my mind resembles a rose, and other times a fossil. It's amazing and I'm utterly touched by the gift and love it to pieces! What was also unexpectedly heartwarming was that juffles decided to cycle his way up to give it to me for her... there was conversation and much in the way of watering, before he headed off home again (sacrificing keys in the process). It is one of those things that just has just made it for me - I don't have a time period to offer, I'm just so amazed and touched by it. Thank you, thank you, thank you again cricketk - I really don't have the words.

I was meant to be catching up with e_dan before he headed off to Melbourne, and while our original plans fell through, we did catch up briefly for dinner with madradish on Wednesday night. I made redbraids easy peasy bbq pork recipe with some pork belly and accompanied by salad for dinner. It was unfortunately still too hot to really be eating.

Thursday was the night I took entirely OFF from fannish commitments. I caught up with livelurker while we waited for syncretin to join us. Following that _fustian and wildilocks turned up, and we fled the Belgian for the airconditioned comfort of the Moon and Sixpence. Later shrydar turned up as well as three others that I don't have appropriate tags for. It was a gorgeous evening of conversation, relaxed and just... easy. Meandered, is a good word. Arguably the most fun of the night was the baileys and lemon juice cement mixer that syncretin decided to try after being told of it's potential uses - highly amusing. No I didn't try the concoction - I was happy to accept that three of those at the table agreed that it tasted like vomit.

Arrived home at the sensible* hour of midnight. Checked email quickly, found that a certain google grouplist hadn't exploded while my back was turned :P Went to bed before 1am.

The working week has been good - I'm slowly finding my feet and getting the hang of things. The job is very busy and I'm hoping to alleviate some of that by improving some of the admin systems, but it will be slow going for a while, and really some things will just be a hard slog till after the new financial year.

There is the WA on Show event this weekend, including free public transport Perth wide on Sunday 2nd March! There are several presentations/stall things put forward by the GLBTI community - I'm hoping to get down there on Sunday - anyone want to meet up and wander through with me?

This afternoon I have managed to snaffle the lovely cupidsbow for coffee, we're discussing our OTW panel (anyone want to join us for this at Swancon?) and also so that I can learn how to construct a water tight argument. (somethings are important enough to me right now to do it right, and not leave it to chance.)

Later there will be the wonderful company of my usual Friday night companions (I keep feeling we need another name other than 'Friday Night'), and I can't wait! It's still a highlight of my week over a year and a half later - we're coming up close to 2 years actually I imagine. I am also hoping that prk may be able to take me out for another driving lesson :)

Now, to get some more work done so that I can catch up with lady_niav for lunch :)

Tomorrow my loose plan is the laptop, Exomod, coffee, aircon and shuffling through the Tin Duck nominations to get the short list together, and possibly tackling my report for the business meeting and also look at starting my proposal for the business meeting.

( Paragraph on awards stuff for those who wish to skip it )

Oh last thing - I'm interested in seeing Tina Cousins at the Court on Sunday... anyone else remotely interested? (No eye rolling, it's not Roxette nor Darren Hayes so be thankful!)



*Bedtime of late has been post 1.30am because I've been that damned busy

Where am I? DPC Feeling... and busy!!! Compelled listening... "I like the way" - The Bodyrockers Define... # 2008, amazing conversations, amazing friends, awards, coffee, concerts, ditmars, friday night, general, gifts, intimacy, moments to remember, music, social, swancon, tin ducks, update

This is via editormum and girliejones:

http://asimmum.livejournal.com/73722.html

http://girliejones.livejournal.com/865745.html
Tehani Wessely and I were talking on the phone last night and mulling over Ditmars stuff, as our ilk are wont to do. And she mentioned that she thought there should be a package of the short stories and maybe the novellas that are nominated on the ballot that could be sent out with the Ditmar Voting Ballot. They do it with the Oscars - it's one of the coolest aspects of being in the guild and being able to vote - you get all the movies sent to you to watch before you vote.

So we mulled it over and thought ... hey! that's not so hard to do! And really, most of us never see all the art that's nominated either, how hard is that to include? And the other stuff? What if the best new talent contenders each provided a little mini bio that you could read? And what if all the relevant links to all the online material were compiled and readily available for voting perusal?

And so, at 11.30 last night she and I were emailing and googling away. And I have to say, the response has been overwhelming. Authors and artists are giving permission left, right and centre and already this morning we have a pretty decent-looking package compiled. We're still waiting for a few items but for those of you eligible to vote on this year's Ditmars ballot we will be presenting: Your 2008 Ditmar Ballot!!! A package of fiction, nonfiction, artwork, links and bios. It will be winging it's way to your inbox very very soon.
---

girliejones writes tonight with regard to the above that there are some good things about Ditmars, and she's right - certainly this is one of them!

As Admin, I've enjoyed much of the correspondence I've had with people throughout the Australian scene. Additionally, I've gotten to see what people nominated before anyone else - which was rather cool and it appealed to me :)

Also, I love things that celebrate talent and inspire others, which I think is one thing that the Ditmars do.

Here's to the good things about the Ditmars, and to there being more of them!

Where am I? home Feeling... cheerful Compelled listening... "The Only One" - Darren Hayes Define... # 2008, awards, ditmar voting package, ditmars, positive things, voting

The day was better.

I don't really know what to say, or how. So I'm just going to write, and hope that it makes some sense. ( Read more... )

Where am I? home Feeling... thoughtful Compelled listening... "Weight of the World" - Evanescence Define... # awards, community, ditmars, fandom, organising, reflection, thoughts

punkrocker1991 has organised the following, and I think it's brilliant. If you're interested in making the Ditmar process easier for everyone involved, clarifying things that are confusing then this forum is a place to discuss it, I also think that he's the perfect person to host the discussion (certainly I'm not, I'm not objective at all).

-----
Recent discussions have made it completely obvious that people think that there are many problems with the current Ditmar guidelines.

To promote discussion, I've created a googlegroup where interested parties can request membership (membership only denied if you're an evil spammer) and debate these in a fairly relaxed forum that will hopefully avoid the misunderstandings that can come from public debate.

I would like to state that I'm not intending to use this to force, push or promote any agendas I may have, but to be a fairly neutral host and moderate thoughtful discussion among others who do have definite ideas and opinions on these awards.

I will moderate this where necessary, but my goal is to promote constructive debate. For more info go here:

http://groups.google.com/group/ditmar-amendments2008?hl=en

Russell B. Farr

Where am I? home Feeling... optimistic Compelled listening... "Let's Go" - Darren Hayes Define... # amendments, business meeting, ditmars, fandom, organising

Voting is open to members of Convergence 2 and Swancon 33 (2008) members.

Details have been emailed out, but if you missed it, or are interested then comment and I'll pass details on to you.

I'm about to go to bed, I'm feeling tired, but have had a spark of happy energy running around my system from unexpectedly chatting to a loved one. I may even have had some coherence and made some sense, perhaps was even useful.

My care is slowly creeping back.

My rant on why the awards matter is still forthcoming. As is the possibility of another one that looks at the reasoning behind the distinction between fan and professional, and the connotations therein. (This via black_samvara who also mentioned cupidsbow)

Maybe I should do a FAQ on how to care for your local fannish volunteer (ala caring for your introvert etc).

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... "Casey" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, ditmars, fandom, moments, swancon 2008, thoughts, voting

* Survived first week of new job, am glad for flexible working hours meaning I can start at 9 - also, this seems to be preferable right now based on the habits of the person I'm learning from. Significant achievement this week: not killing the nice lady who's giving me a hand over. I am grateful, really I am, but I am chafing under the frustration of her method of teaching. It's not for that much longer though - 2-3 weeks.

* Like the people at job, am trying to learn a very odd system in place for purchasing... black_samvara I plan on having discussions with you when I understand the current system enough to explain it, so you can help me improve on it (I am positive this is possible). For my first time dealing with purchasing, I'm not doing too bad, especially when you throw in the transitional period of strangness between old and rolling into Shared Services.

* One more question, just one more question to get answered before I can release the Ditmar Shortlist - I can't wait! It feels like it must have been longer than a week... but no, 7 days 8th February - 15th February. I'm immensely pleased with this turn around time given the 90-something emails I waded through to transcribe into my spreadsheet the nominations of approximately 67 people. I then had my transcription checked, and yes, I took last night off to watch a movie with my beloved for Valentines, but I have also been working on the eligibility queries and I think I've got it nailed, but for this one question. It will be out later today by my guess :)

* Torchwood S2, making me happy. Especially Ianto.

* Had dinner and a drink with e_dan tonight before heading to the House of B&D, which was lovely as we've not managed to catch up save Friday nights for what feels like ages! Was just what I wanted and it was lovely :)

* I'm now going to go and cuddle up to my beloved and take advantage of the fact that it's not a stinking hot night, and it's cool enough to snuggle!

* Tomorrow is madradish's housewarming, she's interested in meeting new people, so if you my dear flist have nothing to do and are interested in meeting a great friend, comment and we'll talk :)

Where am I? home Feeling... tired Compelled listening... nil Define... # amour, ditmars, general, jobs, nominations, s2, shortlist, social, torchwood

Nominations list for the Ditmars is very close to being ready for release. Many thanks to those who have provided masses of time to help me clarify and organise and understand the process.

By many thanks, I mean very sincerely that I am grateful beyond words.

My experience with the Ditmars has been relatively kind - I know a few others whom have had major issues with their time as Administrator. That said, I am feeling bruised by it.

( Politely thoughtful but still slightly ranty )

Also, I should point out that this is ALL opinionative on my part, and that others who have Administered the Ditmars over time may not share my opinion, similarly with the natcon business committee, the Swancon committee and those whom have nominated for this year's awards, of which there was approximately 67 of you.

Where am I? DPC Feeling... thoughtful Compelled listening... nil Define... # ditmars, fandom, nominations, rant, thoughts

Whatever decision I make, it will be messy. Also, the choice of buckets isn't being forthcoming.

I am filled with speechless joy over the prospect of being proud to be an Australian...

I am also very tired, and going to bed.

Have made tentative arrangements to have someone go over my accuracy for my Ditmar spreadsheet, then I can finish the eligibility checking and post the nominees list.

I would like to be going into the esplanade tomorrow, but I don't know that it's going to happen... it depends on how hard the morning is.

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... nil Define... # apology, being australian, ditmars, federal government

* First day was good - initiative is a good thing :) People are nice, the work is a little more purchasing than I expected - this will be the biggest learning curve.

* Handover = much awesome.

* e_dan there is no chance of me becoming enamoured of this job - it's just not that kind of job, and I don't think it's something I can forget, but it will do what I want it to do (namely pay bills, allow me to tick other boxes).

* NAFF con report has been dragged, kicking and screaming into something resembling not ridiculously bad. agoodliedown is amazing and I love her dearly for her dedication and sacrifice to edit it for me. I am now more convinced than ever that I lack some key elements that are important for being a writer - I'm happy to let other people do it and appreciate them.

* NAFF - VOTING IS NOW OPEN! VOTE ALL OF YOU! www.swancon.com/naff (now updated)

* Got the phone call I was waiting on from someone, much better than in wildest hopes for the outcome.

* Windy night = hopeful sleep!

* OMG Ditmars. (pleasedoverwhelmedeyescrossingspreadsheetofdoomlotsofnomineesyay)

Where am I? home Feeling... exhausted Compelled listening... nil Define... # ditmars, fanfunds, friends, general, goals, naff, new job, sleep

I'm still awake - I should be in bed, but but I was on the home stretch for the initial drafting of my Ditmar spreadsheet. I neeeeeeded to finish it.

I'm immensely ecstatic over the sheer amount of nominations - the response has been extremely positive, and that's understating things.

Now, I need to check that I transcribed things right, and then check for eligibility before posting the list of nominees for Voting! Hopefully those won't take too long...

If I've emailed you for clarification on your nomination - please reply asap! I need to move on with this very very shortly.

And now to bed, I have work tomorrow.

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished and relieved Compelled listening... nil Define... # ditmars, nominatoins, spreadsheet of doom

I woke up reaosnably early today after much much needed sleep. I crashed hard Saturday night, after a very full day, and sleeping very badly on Friday night.

I had my first driving lesson with prk today, my second ever lesson, but the other was so long ago that I needed to essentially start from scratch. I really love him as a teacher for this, that I'm nervous is to be expected, but I never once felt anxious, or silly or anything like that. No damage to car or any surrounds, no actual mishaps (stalling doesn't count!). I got better the hang of starting, stopping, turning - even a tight one was okay, on slow after a while! Also the changing into first, and into second gear and back and forth. I began to get a little more comfortable with it, though I feel despaired of ever getting competent at this at times. At others I'm extremely confident of ultimate competent-ness. We shall see. I'm very grateful to him, and am very pleased with what I achieved today. Including that I'm willing to do it again, and that he is.

Swancon meeting, went really well, and once again I love my committee. They are the awesomeness!

I am now sighing resolutely and intent on getting on with my Ditmar spreadsheet (of DoooOOooOoooOoooOom).

Also, NAFF voting is now open - we have three awesome candidates and you should vote to bring them to Swancon - all votes cost $5 and this goes directly into fundraising to make this happen.

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... "Dublin Sky" - Darren Hayes Define... # ditmars, learning to drive, naff, sc2009, swancon

I've been flat out this week. After Wednesday's day of loveliness, I had lunch with black_samvara - and yes there was the joyful laughing cuddles, I was slightly damp from the rain (oh how I loved it!)

I cooked for lady_niav and we had an awesome bean and tomato, vegetable soup. It was utterly a win and I'm looking forward to having it for lunches next week :) I have quite a bit extra that I think I will try to find a way to pass on to splanky.

We also played 'Catopoly' which was fun! I do enjoy playing it when someone is interested in playing with me :)

Friday I was up early and fred_mouse and I went off investigating awards thingumy's with reasonable amounts of success. It was a fun morning in any case :)

The afternoon I spent like a mad thing sending emails and inputting information into my Ditmar spreadsheet (of DoOOooOOoooOOom!!) which I'm also doing now, will do tonight, and while I'd hoped to have it finished this weekend, I don't know that it's happened, I got an extremely positive number of nominations, so colour me a happy Administrator! :)

Today I have a SwanCon 2009 meeting, lunch with ,lj user="prk"> who is also giving me a driving lesson (!!) which will hopefully go well *fingers crossed*.

I'm looking for someone for our committee who is friends with/has contact with a range of people over the different social groups and ages of people who come to or are involved in Swancon. I need someone reliable to take on the Volunteers wrangling - it's not a huge job, but it's one of the specific and important jobs that takes a huge weight off another committee member if they don't have to do it, it's some work, but mainly being organised and talking to people, asking them to be involved - I can provide support and assistance in learning this if you're unsure of it. Comment and let me know if you're interested.

Tomorrow is my first day with Prem & Cab, I haven't heard from RAC again yet, which is a shame, but I'm okay with settling on something right now in the short term. This may not be a platform for me to further my career in an obvious way, but it is going to provide me a place where I can do many other things that will be fulfilling my goals and expectations of myself. Thanks to e_dan, and the thinky thoughts that he's been prodding in me about jobs, and their value and fulfillment etc, I have a plan for what I want to do beyond being an Events Manager. Up till a couple of years ago, I didn't even have that plan, there wasn't anything I had a burning ambition to do... I've been working solidly over the past 2 years towards events management, and I'm teetering on the edge of it now. I also now have new plans to formulate, involving many discussions to be had and some serious thought in terms of committment and what and how etc... but I'm excited and hopeful! More on this with less ambiguity later. :)

I can't wait to see my committee today, they're so awesome!

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... "Maybe" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, cooking, ditmars, general, jobs, nominations, social, swancon, tin ducks, volunteers, waiting

'Nights Edge' convention from last year under 'Best Fan Production'

Also, the artwork on the Tin Duck Awards from last year - Kaneda's 'Cutest little space duck ever' image.

Expect me to add to this list over the course of the day :)

ETA: correction of Wastelands to Nights Edge.

Also elligible is the Cypec Cyberfeminism conference that happened during NightsEdge last year. Link: http://cypec.blogspot.com/

Where am I? home Feeling... busy Compelled listening... "Addicted to Bass" - Josh Abrahms Define... # ditmars, nominations

Hi all,

This is the last call for nominations for the Ditmars 2008! Nominations need to be emailed to me by COB today, or be postmarked today to be counted.

Please pass this on as widely as possible as I don't have access to everyone!

Cheers,

Ju
Ditmar Administrator 2008

Where am I? home Feeling... busy Compelled listening... "Niles Edge" - VAST Define... # awards, ditmars, ditmars 2008, nominations

* Coffee from my barista Dave, from Bocelli's. It's just easy enough to catch the yellow cat from Wellington street hospital entrance, down to forest chase, go get coffee, and hop on the red cat back, which takes me right outside the building i'm working at the hospital. Awesome!

* Long conversation with strangedave, involving somewhat the discussion on eligibility of nominations and reasonings and clarification and laughing (soemwhat cyncially) over the fact that most of the rules or precedence's set, seem to have evolved as the result of notable past arguments. This fascinates and horrifies me in equal measure. We also talked about some of the stuff I've been doing here - how in 2007, the first year interns seem to have consistently enjoyed the emergency medecine term moreso than many of the other terms. We also talked about the awards ceremony and how I'm trying to coordinate three seperate aspects of it and finding it quite hard. It was just a nice conversation, which could only have been made better by a hug from the person in question.

* I'm about to have lunch with rabbit1080 which will be awesome, plus I have the last slice of the 'cheats lasagne' i made during the week, which is yummy! I'm so going to make this againg.

* The sentimental and soppy and squeaky part of me is looking forward to seeing e_dan and ascetic_hedony tonight. Also, there will be much of the cuddling madradish to help her on her job hunt (energy is important for this!).

* OTW newsletter, and the first of the FAQ posts, which I was able to contribute to very minorly! But it's enough to make me squeak with happiness :)

I have a chunk of work I still hope to get done this afternoon this temp job before heading to the House of Books and 'Ducks' but it's doable, and if not by me, there is a new secretary starting next week :)

My application for ARACY is in second draft form, thanks to madradish and black_samvara who rock awesomely.

I have amazing and cool plans for foil, chicken wire and other geeky bits to dress up the awards ceremony this year!! I'm so excited!! Art sculpture - me?!

Where am I? RPH - wonderful freezing aircon Feeling... cheerful Compelled listening... "Silence" - (remix) Delerium Define... # amazing friends, art, awards, coffee, ditmars, jobs, otw, tin ducks

More people making lists of Ditmar eligible stuffs:

http://martinlivings.livejournal.com/182848.html

http://angriest.livejournal.com/216990.html

Where am I? RPH Feeling... bored Compelled listening... "Missing" - Evanescence Define... # awards, ditmars, fandom

I'm so pleased to see so many reminders about nominating for the Ditmars flying around! It's good timing as there isn't that much time left to submit your nominations! This is where you share your opinion on the stuff you've read or seen this year - so many people have created and achieved so many amazing things, this is your chance to be a part of that.

It's also very easy, pretty much as simple as emailing the address on the website below and send in your form. Given that I'm the Administrator, I can assure you that I'm not taking a hard stance on 'active in fandom' - trust me, I want people involved, not to turn them away.

Details on the awards and downloadable nomination forms are available on the Swancon website.

ASiF! has done a comprehensive list that you can find here:
http://www.asif.dreamhosters.com/doku.php?id=ditmar_eligibles_list_2008

Also there are a number of people who have listed their eligable works:

http://stephen-dedman.livejournal.com/168897.htm

http://agoodliedown.livejournal.com/8599.html

http://ratfan.livejournal.com/58784.html?view=188064#t188064

http://benpayne.livejournal.com/249613.html

http://community.livejournal.com/asim_discussion/11365.html

Where am I? home Feeling... hot Compelled listening... "Casey" - Darren Hayes Define... # awards, ditmars, organising

Swancon 2009, I'm the Vice and we launch at Swancon this year.
Ditmar Administrator 2008
Tin Ducks Administrator 2008
Awards Ceremony organiser 2008
NAFF for 2008 (nominations to go out real soon now)
Swancon FAQ
NAFF con report

Just for my reference really, and interest for others if by chance you are :)

Where am I? home Feeling... busy Compelled listening... "Little Black Heart" - Aha Define... # awards, ditmars, naff, organising, projects, swancon, tin ducks

Or, if you like - my desire to passively educate fandom on the etiquette of complaining.


Feel free. No really, I'm all ears. But I reserve the right to take your complaint with a grain of salt if you don't offer anything constructive to alleviate, fix or redirect the problem/issue/difficulty, and moreso if I actually ask you to be involved and do something constructive to fix what you've complained about, and you refuse.

I should point out that as a practised organising person, I am well able to take into account people's mixed timetables, competing committments and general inertia/laziness. I'll almost always offer you a choice of things to assist with, and I'll always offer you my own support to help things stay on track or get done, and that if things aren't working the opportunity to back off, stop and no harm done.

So what is prompting my little vent aka education session?

A number of you won't be surprised to hear that it's the Ditmars. ( cut for mild rant )

Where am I? home Feeling... irritated Compelled listening... Muse Define... # ditmars, fandom, rant

(and now in my own lj...)

Greetings all,

This is just a short friendly message to let you know that I have been appointed the Administrator for the Ditmar Awards for 2008, and that the nominations are now open. The Ditmars will be presented at a ceremony during SwanCon 33 "The State of the Art" in Perth, Western Australia.
( Details )

Where am I? home Feeling... accomplished Compelled listening... the night time Define... # awards, ditmars, nominations, organising, swancon

* Job interview tomorrow for something that is soul food. I daren't hope. Paying less, but don't care cos it's doing what I have been aiming for.

* Saw 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' last night and loved it wholeheartedly. The chipmunks totally won my heart. Oh the love :)

* Have been uber productive today including failing at technogeekery at a computer store, but despite the trouble (with thanks to juffles for helping..) I managed to pick up a new powersupply....in a case of its own. My old pc will be transported to its new home as soon as i can organise it, and then I will have all my access to documents and stuff back.

* Ditmar nominations will be opening in a matter of hours, I'd say minutes but I'm waiting on the website stuff to be finalised. I have discovered as Administrator that the rules are worded in just the right way that whoever is the Administrator cannot avoid making judgement calls based on experience, information and support of the Ditmars committee. I can see why those who've Administered before would refuse to do so again, or try and avoid it mightily, and I can see and understand the frustration of those in in the community seeking clarification on categories and eligibility criteria. Certainly as an advocate for change within the community I hope to be in the thick of it fighting for the changes that would see the job be far less harrowing.

Where am I? home Feeling... tired Compelled listening... nil Define... # ditmars, movies, social, swancon, tech

* Still job hunting, some prospects including job for prem and cab, hopefully will get confirmation that my application has been received any day now. Or you know, an interview request.

* Interviewed for an ongoing temp job this afternoon at DPI, really liked the guy I interviewed for, and the girl whose job I'd be taking over was lovely too :) She's leaving to pursue a singing career - so no bad blood here :)

* Am dying of summer. *hands all the extra summer that is unappreciated by me, to dr_k. I'm up to something like my 6th cold shower tonight... i doubt it will be the final one either. It's hot enough that I offered to sleep in the spare bed so K could get some sleep...

* Have spent wonderful time with prk and agoodliedown recently to do with hotel and budget wrangling... now if only the effort counted we'd have it made baby. Hotel meeting tomorrow, I hope that it will go well. Damn Perth and it's lack of growing hotel industry *shakes fist*

* Have also spent wonderful time recruiting people to do specific roles for Swancon 2009 - am enjoying this a lot, especially as I am finding a number of people who have not had the opportunity to work with a committee before, I'm enjoying meeting some new people thanks to this.

* Again with the wonderful - much there of, coffee time with girliejones and editormum, the latter of whom is feeding my book reading by lending me 'A touch of frost' which is my favourite of the Merry books so far, and 'Kushiel's Justice' which I've been pining over. Also, in my spate of rereading Anita, realised that I don't think I have books 9, 10 or 11... or the beginning Merry books.

* wolflullaby is coming over tomorrow afternoon to keep me company and type for me while I try and sort out my study, including the dust and clutter - wish me luck, I may not come out alive.

* I think I may have found somewhere to buy my powersupply for my pc from - fingers crossed. I'll go in and see them on Wednesday if I can manage it, then I just need to get my pc thingy back together again.

* I'm looking forward to having a new job so that I can buy a laptop to replace my desktop system.

* Nominations for Ditmars will be out as soon as I can get the feedback/go ahead I need to send out the form. Tin Ducks won't be far behind. NAFF nominations for all you non WA people out there is waiting in the wings.

* I cooked dinner tonight for the first time in forever... with daylight savings and the heat it seems that K and I prefer to snack rather than eat a solid meal... now if I can just get that to be more healthy with the snacking I'll be doing well.

The way things are going tonight I'll not be sleeping much, will have finished 'Incubus Dreams' and will be cursing the heat something fierce tomorrow on my way into my 'early' meeting. It's half nine, so it's not actually early, but given my prospects for sleep, it feels like it is.

Where am I? home of hotness Feeling... stupidly hot Compelled listening... nil Define... # amazing friends, ditmars, general update, naff, sc2009, social, tin ducks