Ok, back again to clear up some misperceptions. 1) Yes, I am subscribed to the list, but I have message delivery turned off. I still just don't have time to plow through the dozens of messages a day this list generates. I really would like to re-join the discussion as a regular but time prevents this. 2) I do scan the archives regularly to see what people are discussing. otherwise) misinterprets what I say, and chaos ensues. Sigh. 3) Gordon Pearce: I'm not getting "precious". I've put a lot of time, energy and MONEY into developing the Vintage Computer Festival. If someone wants to put on an event that celebrates vintage computers, fine! More power to you!!! Just don't use the name "Vintage Computer Festival" unless it's actually organized under the tutelage of the VCF. *IF* you put on an event of your own and choose to call it the "Vintage Computer Festival", *THEN* I will bury your event. Do what you like, but find your own name. I would love to, Gordon. Perhaps you'd like to offer to be the local coordinator? As I've said numerous times previously (why do some people seem to miss this part?) I am always happy to expand the VCF to locations throughout the world, where ever there is enough interest to have an event where enough people will attend to justify the enormous commitment of time and money that is involved. I will share with you my hard won experience and secrets in pulling off a successful event, share my large list of contacts to help book speakers, help attract and organize exhibitors and vendors, get the word out through the VCF mailing list, help with advertising, and even help with financing. 4) Jules Richardson: Indeed. Between the first two events I lost something like US$5,000. Aside from some occasional monetary sponsorship throughout the years (totalling maybe US$3,000) the event is completely financed by me and/or the local coordinators. The key is to find a venue sponsor: i.e. someone that would be willing to give you a space to hold the event for free or for very cheap. Otherwise, the admission you have to charge regular attendees and the fees you would have to charge exhibitors and vendors would be too high. Even in the early days I didn't believe charging too much for admission because I want as many people to attend as possible. Admission to the VCF has always been cheap (I think the most ever charged was $15 per person per day). The matter of TIME is the bigger expense. People don't realize how many little things need to get done, and how all those little things add up to hours and days and sometimes weeks of time. As an aside, I've had numerous discussions with Jules and Adrian Graham over the years regarding a VCF UK, but so far the stars have not aligned properly due to various issues and constraints (usually those dealing with TIME). All it takes is one person to say, "I will do it". Once that happens, the ball starts rolling: a date is selected, an announcement is made, and then it's just a matter of filling the blanks. So, again, if anyone is interested, just say the magic phrase ;) -- Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org [ Old computing resources for business || Buy/Sell/Trade Vintage Computers ] [ and academia at www.VintageTech.com || at http://marketplace.vintage.org ]