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Important => Calendar Event Discussion => Topic started by: Priscellie on May 25, 2011, 06:23:21 PM
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Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 7:00 PM
Harvard COOP B&N
1400 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-499-2000
http://harvardcoopbooks.bncollege.com/
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and I'll there
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So will Chiana and myself!
I am pretty sure I can convince 2 others as well. I might have to go plant little signs in the local bookstores...
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Nothing in Boston until I leave, then....this.
*sigh*
I'm thinking my parents will not be thrilled if I announce I'm coming home.....to go to a book signing.
When they're visiting me not even a month prior.
Oh, well, I suppose I'm happy for all my Dresdenphilic friends still in the area....
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I. Am. There!!!
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So maybe we can do some kind of dinner thing before the main event?
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I would love to get together!
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i'm up for something before or afterhand
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Yay!
Add one more to the party. Polka Will Never Die! has said "YES!" to coming with me, so now its just one more from this state that I know of - and he's my friend too, so I will be kidnapping him. So thats 4 from here, plus imp, maybe one other from Boston. 6 wonderful NE fans! bwhahahahaha!
Do you think a small fan "tea" (4pm-ish) would be good? The signing is at 7p, which is damn inconvenient for dinner. (It would be cool to invite the Jim and entourage.) Either way, suggestions would be most appreciated.
I am even taking the day off, which I never do for social things. ;)
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I'll try to be there. If people are interested in tea beforehand, there are no shortage of places for it nearby.
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Another New Englander? Woot!
I'll try to be there. If people are interested in tea beforehand, there are no shortage of places for it nearby.
Any suggestions?
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i can point in the direction of good bars and greasy food...
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Another New Englander? Woot!Any suggestions?
New-Englander-in-exile, and lived in Cambridge for a few years.
LA Burdick (i.e. "Burdicks") has legendarily good hot chocolate.
There's a Peets Coffee/Tea in the square, as well as a Ben and Jerry's and a Starbucks in The Garage. Not much seating or ambiance in the Garage, though.
Farther away from Harvard Square (about halfway between Central and Kendall), there's Toscanini's-- ice cream and coffee and such. And Cafe Luna-- the same, but with (at least, the last time I was there...) gelato frappes.
And there's also 1369 Coffeehouse on the Harvard side of Central Square proper.
For slightly more substantial food (and greasy, too!) there's Bartley's burgers on the Central-square-facing side of Harvard Square, and Crazy Dough's pizza in the Garage. Border Cafe isn't really worth it-- New England-style "Mexican" food.
There are lots of other restaurants up and down Mass Ave., but these are the places that I've actually been to.
Bring up Google Maps centered on Harvard Square and I'm sure that you'll find someplace you want to go.
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Thank you!
It helps to have someone who has been to these places.
I was thinking maybe something pub-ish but I'm not sure everyone is of age.
Whatever we decide, it needs to be within walking distance since I don't plan on driving. (Or even being mostly sober, but thats still up in the air...)
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"Walking" is a matter of time and fitness. I used to walk to Harvard Square from MIT along Mass Ave-- takes forty minutes, or so, at a fairly purposeful pace. There's also the number 1 bus, which goes along Mass Ave., and the Red Line, which will take you all the way out to Route 2, or all the way in to downtown and out the other side. (But I take your point.)
I can't help you with bars/pubs-- those aren't really places I frequented. But again, google maps has most of the area restaurants marked and gives a decent compilation of reviews and comments on a place if you click on the label on the map. There are some real dive-y looking places along Mass Ave., especially near Central Square, but since I've never been inside, I can't say what they're actually like. (Central Square is an...interesting...place at night. I don't recommend solo travel in that area, especially if sobriety isn't guaranteed. Though you'd fit right in with some of the nightlife if you weren't sober.)
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anyone know if we have to sign up in advance for this or if we just show up?
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anyone know if we have to sign up in advance for this or if we just show up?
For the signing or the pre-signing 'tea'??
I doubt there is a signup for the signing, although there might be a purchase requirement. There's nothing about it on the store's website events.
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for pubs/bars in stumbling distance that i can do, my fav place is right in the square.
Tommy Doyles, good food too
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for pubs/bars in stumbling distance that i can do, my fav place is right in the square.
Tommy Doyles, good food too
Sounds like a plan.
I'm not sure about time-how early we should be there if there is a line or whatever. Is 4p too early? Meet at T-Doyles at 4 and then head over to the singing about 5 (or later or earlier, depending)?
Can everyone do that?
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I've never been to a book signing before. How early should one arrive to guarantee a spot? Do you bring your own copy of the book, or are you expected to buy one there?
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I've never been to a book signing before. How early should one arrive to guarantee a spot? Do you bring your own copy of the book, or are you expected to buy one there?
Depends on the store. I would expect that they would want you to purchase at least one book if you want something signed. Depending on the crowd there might be a limit on the number of things you can get signed. I plan on arriving early-but HOW early remains to be seen. Some of Jim's past signings have exploded out of the planned space and others were too big. I expect the crowd to be big.
I have contacted the store and hopefully will have an answer to these questions! Inquiring minds want to know.
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I hope to be there! :D
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I'm gonna do everything I can to go. I was gonna bring my sketch book to get some work done/do some life drawing before the signing.
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Ok ... this is from the store:
I am checking with Jim Butchers publicist to see if there are any specific guidelines to the event, I can tell you that tickets are not necessary and you do not need to purchase the book here but there will be a 30% discount on Ghost Story.
I will let you know if there are any restrictions when I hear back from his publicist.
Voila.
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Ok ... this is from the store:
Voila.
Thanks for doing the "legwork!" Hopefully the Sun will come out before then! Seems like the Winter Queen won't leave this area. ;)
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Thanks for doing the "legwork!" Hopefully the Sun will come out before then! Seems like the Winter Queen won't leave this area. ;)
She hates me.
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OK! All Maine peeps planning on this trip please PM me if you are interested in a REALLY REALLY good hotel deal at the Lenox for us if you are going to stay overnight. (Same for the Boston folks if you want to get fancy for a night...) Also, a few of us are planning on taking the train the morning of the event. There is an 8a and 1230 departure from Portland. I'm checking to see if we can get a group of seats or something...
Please let me know in the next week!
Thanks!
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It looks like I will make the signing, the stars and vacation all aligned for me. Thanks Fyrchick for asking the bookstore for the info. I hope to see you guys there.
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Here's hoping I get to head over there that evening.
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Woot for forum peeps coming to the signing. Maybe we should all wear propeller hats or something.....
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Propeller hats?
definitely not.
Burger King crowns.
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...or we could wear our normal clothes and that way we would be able to spot each other right away.
just look out into the crowd and see someone wearing normal clothes and "ah that must be someone from the forum" try it, it works all the time 60% of the time
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...or we could wear our normal clothes and that way we would be able to spot each other right away.
just look out into the crowd and see someone wearing normal clothes and "ah that must be someone from the forum" try it, it works all the time 60% of the time
You have a point.
You assume that I have normal clothes.
Propeller hats?
definitely not.
Burger King crowns.
And so do you. But that means I'd have to go to to a BK.
Decisions, decisions...
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i am taking the night off ;D i will be there comming up from newbedford and looking forword to seeing u
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another forumite! yay!
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Don't suppose we could put this signing off until the end of August?? I will be there over Labor Day weekend. Pretty please??
:D
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What? After all of the um.. "favors" we had to do to get him to go further north than NY?
We'll take pictures for you.
:D
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/sigh. This is just going to be my first ever trip to Boston and it would be really cool if I got to meet JB while I was there. Would it help if I told you that I will be having my birthday while I am there? ;D
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Well, seeing as how its your first trip, don't forget to see the USS Constitution. And have some baked beans and beer for your birthday.
And NO. Doesn't help.
If you live in MA and this is your first trip then WHAT?
If you live in NH, again WHAT?
or even ME... what?
But we'll forgive you if you live further away.
Still not changing the date. Maybe you can offer "favors" to Jim's publicist?
<.<
>.>
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What is the name of that hot dog place where they insult you? You should go there. Or, I bet Fyr would give you hot dogs and insult you, too. ;)
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What is the name of that hot dog place where they insult you? You should go there. Or, I bet Fyr would give you hot dogs and insult you, too. ;)
[/b]
For a small fee, of course.
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I live in Seattle and the closest I have ever lived to Boston was Arkansas, so it is not entirely surprising that I have never been there. I am really looking forward to it. Although I was thinking of having lobster for my birthday. I mean really, how can I go to New England and not have lobster? I am definitely open to suggestions about sights to see while I am there though. I know next to nothing about Boston.
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What is the name of that hot dog place where they insult you? You should go there. Or, I bet Fyr would give you hot dogs and insult you, too. ;)
Dicks Last Resort... not a a hot dog only place it has a good amount of good food and yes you will get insulted and possibly have a penis hat put on your head by your server
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good ribs though.
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Hm, glad I checked the forums out. Looking forward to getting what I can signed. See all you folks there, I guess!
I live in Seattle and the closest I have ever lived to Boston was Arkansas, so it is not entirely surprising that I have never been there. I am really looking forward to it. Although I was thinking of having lobster for my birthday. I mean really, how can I go to New England and not have lobster? I am definitely open to suggestions about sights to see while I am there though. I know next to nothing about Boston.
Been living in the Boston area my whole life and served as a tour guide for several summers. I suggest that you start off with a Duck Tour (http://www.bostonducktours.com/tickets_main.aspx) It's the best way to see the town as an overview; you can then pick a few places that you see on the tour to come back to visit. Definitely get an MBTA pass too (details: http://mbta.com/fares_and_passes/passes/). It's the best and least expensive way to get around town and catch the sights. Definitely check out the North End as it's sort of a mecca for good Italian food (Mike's and/or Modern Pastry for cannoli should be a must). I like visiting the New England Aquarium personally but that can be a bit pricey. The Back Bay is one of the trendier spots in Boston...sorta like Boston's version of Fifth Avenue. That's a nice pleasant street to walk on to check out some really cool/unique shops. I also suggest checking out Harvard Square (just off the Red Line).
If you're feeling extra adventurous, take a ferry up to Salem and explore that town for a day as well.
If you're looking for good seafood, check out Legal Seafoods. There are several locations. Personally I like The Daily Catch, which is in the North End. If you can somehow make it out to a Kelly's Roast Beef (there's one in Allston, which is on the Green Line), definitely do so as they have good, well-priced seafood. I'd say that Kelly's is very much a restaurant that represents the local flavor.
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I think I'm in info overload!
I wish I had more time to poke around town before the big event.
I also just saw that William Gibson will be there Thursday night. ARGH!! I wish I had known before I got train tickets! He is also a fav author. The gods are just playing with me now...
Still wondering about meeting before the event... I think we'll probably end up finding somewhere once we get there and post it here. If anyone is interested in a pre-signing beverage and food of some sort then that would be very cool! PM me if you have ideas or just want a heads up when we figure it out!
Looking forward to meeting other forum peeps....
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I'll be driving down from Nashua, NH (about an hour's drive) with my son, Gary, and his wife and 5-year-old son. Gary is the one who got me to read the books and now I'm a bigger fan than him! Maybe I'll even pick up some Burger King crowns! My son is about 6'5", so if you see a really tall, kinda husky guy with longish brown hair and glasses, that is probably him ... and I'll probably be close by.
So, what is this "pre-signing tea" someone mentioned in an earlier post? I won't be able to get there until 6:30 if I'm lucky, since we can't leave Nashua until 5:15 then need to find a parking spot. I hope I'll get to meet all of you who are attending!
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for pubs/bars in stumbling distance that i can do, my fav place is right in the square.
Tommy Doyles, good food too
I think this is the 'tea' since timing puts us at either late afternoon or AFTER the signing. Both of which are agreeable options!!
I'll be driving down from Nashua, NH (about an hour's drive) with my son, Gary, and his wife and 5-year-old son. Gary is the one who got me to read the books and now I'm a bigger fan than him! Maybe I'll even pick up some Burger King crowns! My son is about 6'5", so if you see a really tall, kinda husky guy with longish brown hair and glasses, that is probably him ... and I'll probably be close by.
So, what is this "pre-signing tea" someone mentioned in an earlier post? I won't be able to get there until 6:30 if I'm lucky, since we can't leave Nashua until 5:15 then need to find a parking spot. I hope I'll get to meet all of you who are attending!
The signing starts at 7p. I have NO IDEA how crowded it will be so we (myself and 2 other Mainers) will probably try to be at the bookstore around 5-5:30ish. We will most likely be honoring our Celtic heritage by hitting the Tommy Doyles by 4 or so.
Hopefully we will see other forum-ites there! If not look for the people with crowns. ;) (Crowns made of what I can't say, but there will be crowns. Oh yes, there will be crowns.... )
Also, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize in advance. (Blanket apology, just in case.)
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Hi,
Pardon the N00b. :o Does anyone know if Mr. Buther will only sign one book or if he will sign 2?
If it helps, there is a long sobbing backstory involving a sister-in-law who died before Ghost Story came out, and her 16 year old son who is just now reading books his momma loved.
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Hi,
Pardon the N00b. :o Does anyone know if Mr. Buther will only sign one book or if he will sign 2?
If it helps, there is a long sobbing backstory involving a sister-in-law who died before Ghost Story came out, and her 16 year old son who is just now reading books his momma loved.
I think it depends on the crowd. The contact person at the store said there wasn't a purchase requirement, but all of the other B&N stores have one. I'm pretty sure that given the situation the books will be signed. Considering Jim dedicated 2 books to the forum and then one of the forum members who died I think you shouldn't worry.
Don't worry... we'll get them signed. :D
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I think it depends on the crowd. The contact person at the store said there wasn't a purchase requirement, but all of the other B&N stores have one. I'm pretty sure that given the situation the books will be signed. Considering Jim dedicated 2 books to the forum and then one of the forum members who died I think you shouldn't worry.
Don't worry... we'll get them signed. :D
Well. It's complicated. DH flew up to Cambridge for the signing. He and my BFF were supposed to go to the signing. BFF isn't really into Butcher's books. DH and I discussed it a couple of months ago and said we'd get BFF to get the book for nephew and see if we could possibly get some kind of "To Dear Nephew for Dear SIL" inside. I thought DH and BFF discussed it; that was the impression I was given.
Well, I found out TODAY that DH and BFF did NOT talk; BFF promised a signed copy to another of our BFF's a couple of weeks ago. This wouldn't be a big, huge deal, except that nephew visited with us last week and I let the news about the book signing slip.
DH said he'd give up his copy for nephew, but I know this is a big, huge major deal to DH. I'd be there if I could, but I have to work.
My DSIL was an avid fan; I think she was on these boards, but don't really know. I know this isn't a big thing, but for some reason, it's just got me all verklempf and upset. For some reason, every time I think about how much DSIL was looking forward to this book I get weepy and mildly irrational.
DH won't ask for special favors. I suspect he'll just silently give up his one chance at having Mr. Butcher sign his book rather than ask for a special favor. I am a different story, however. I'll give you his name and someone can embarrass him if necessary, but I really hope I can get two copies signed.
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PM me! I can buy 2 copies and get one signed for you.
Let me know who it is... I am not afraid to do a loud "Excuse me but is ______ here?"
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I've never been to a signing. Is there going to be Q&A or only book signing? I guess I'm just wondering what to expect.
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I will also be there this afternoon, along with one or two other friends. :0)
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I thought I would be able to get out of the doctors appointment my wife made, but no such luck. Sorry, I wont be in attendance tonight.
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Hi,
Pardon the N00b. :o Does anyone know if Mr. Buther will only sign one book or if he will sign 2?
If it helps, there is a long sobbing backstory involving a sister-in-law who died before Ghost Story came out, and her 16 year old son who is just now reading books his momma loved.
At the signings I've been to, and what Priscellie always says--Jim will sign 3 items at a time per person, and if you have more than 3, he's more than willing to sign them, but you have to go to the back of the line.
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At the signings I've been to, and what Priscellie always says--Jim will sign 3 items at a time per person, and if you have more than 3, he's more than willing to sign them, but you have to go to the back of the line.
Aha, good to know.
*leafs through his collection* Since my girlfriend will be with me, I could get Welcome to the Jungle, Sidejobs, and my Science Fiction Book Club collection signed. Good enough for me.
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making my first post because I'm going to the signing tonight! Just a recommendation for food/beverage, Russell House Tavern is a half block away from the Coop and has great food and drink choices.
I'll probably be getting up there around 5:30 or so, will everyone already be in the store?
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I can't *wait* for tonight! So far I have a list of the following forum members attending:
dagaetech
Bayani
dawnsister
usndonut
Fyrchick
Imp
starzchild508
doh573
Paine
KJKid
Kellhound
Crow
Did I miss anyone?
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I am at Tommy Doyles now . The space at the coop isn't very big so best to get there early to get a spot
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Hopefully my lunch hour will last long enough & pending nothing blows up, I'll be there!
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I am at Tommy Doyles now . The space at the coop isn't very big so best to get there early to get a spot
So my attempt to get there was thwarted by meeting a friend on the street and an unplanned nap. At the store now and all seats are already taken. I'm pretty sure the crowd will be signficantly larger than they expect.
I am debating if I should stand up and ask forum peeps to raise their hands!
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Im just sitting in the back. I think 'm the only person who didnt bring ghost story to have signed.
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Sadly could not make it
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I was sorely tempted to leave without getting anything signed but stuck out the two+ hour wait. It was hot, crowded (and some folks really needed to shower) and a pair of women to my left kept talking throughout the Q&A in annoying, giggly tones and I couldn't hear half of the questions or responses.
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was there. had fun. bought a copy which i wasn't going to d but did, took a picture so i have pics that it happened. now to wait for the next shot. hopefully he does Hartford sometime.
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What a great time... Although I was hoping to get more Q&A time to see what information we could pull from his brain!! I atleast got to ask the first question(s)... What is Tot-tot's real name (which he didn't answer), and What do people see when they soulgaze Dresden (which again he didn't answer). Good time, got a picture with the man and got Ghost stories and Storm Front signed!! Until next time Mr. B, Until next time!!!
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I was there tonight and it was *so* worth it to me! Even though we got there 5-10 minutes late, had to stand in a packed room (which I swear had no circulation at all!) and strain to hear Jim's answers, then waited in line for 2 hours ... it was worth it! I was wearing my Burger King crown (the Transformers version) and hoping I'd see Fyrchick and friends, but I must have missed them. A man in the row in front of me asked me if I was from this Forum and if I was Fyrchick ... I said "no" of course, but totally forgot to ask him who *he* was! Duh.
I have a picture of me with Jim and a panoramic shot of all the people waiting in line - it was pretty packed. I hope someone will have a video of the Q&A with good audio so I can hear what I missed!
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Wow... 2 hours in line... I got there at 4:25ish and I sat in the front row. I agree... Well worth taking the day off from work. Glad that he stayed and signed everyone's stuff!! I know that someone had brought some larps in to give to Mr. Butcher, wonder how that went!!
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Hi all, I was also there and managed to record the second half of the Q&A. Posted at http://www.jimbutcheronline.com/bb/index.php/topic,28032.0.html. sorry that its only half, I dropped the camera and apparently lost the first half. Ah well.
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That was me you talked too Del. I think the heat was getting to me I just didn't think to mention my screen name to you
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Wow... 2 hours in line... I got there at 4:25ish and I sat in the front row. I agree... Well worth taking the day off from work. Glad that he stayed and signed everyone's stuff!! I know that someone had brought some larps in to give to Mr. Butcher, wonder how that went!!
Wow, front row! I probably didn't even see you at all because there were so many people! Good to know Jim has that many fans.
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That was me you talked too Del. I think the heat was getting to me I just didn't think to mention my screen name to you
Ahhh, I thought you might be. Did you have Jim write anything special in your book(s) when he signed them? I couldn't think of anything in particular. I was going to ask him a few (dumb) questions and totally forgot! Grrr. There *were* still about 30 people still waiting in line, so it's probably good I didn't.
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Ack!
I saw you Del!! I was looking around and saw the crowns and was going to make my own but I kept getting distracted. ('Cuz that NEVER happens). I was a few rows up but it was so crowded after the Q&A I lost you. I got to the Square later than planned so I didn't make it to any pub to meet anyone! RustySurfKing, Polka Will Never Die! and I were all sitting adjacent to the last shelf of sociology.
We talked to a bunch of cool people sitting around us, but I can't remember if we even asked names! argh! I was hoping to find other people but to those who asked... WAY crowded! It was HOT and it made me a tad cranky.
I did get my books signed, and got a picture of RSK and JB (who also seemed a little cranky by the time we got to the table). But it was a lot of fun and JB was cool.
The only negative thing I have to say is that whoever plans the signings should be prepared for a crowd. Considering that over the last few years he has consistently filled rooms to overflowing this space was WAY to small. Other than that it was awesome.
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Ack!
I saw you Del!! I was looking around and saw the crowns and was going to make my own but I kept getting distracted. ('Cuz that NEVER happens). I was a few rows up but it was so crowded after the Q&A I lost you. I got to the Square later than planned so I didn't make it to any pub to meet anyone! RustySurfKing, Polka Will Never Die! and I were all sitting adjacent to the last shelf of sociology.
We talked to a bunch of cool people sitting around us, but I can't remember if we even asked names! argh! I was hoping to find other people but to those who asked... WAY crowded! It was HOT and it made me a tad cranky.
It *was* incredibly hot and crowded. When I called the store to ask if we were going to need tickets or book purchase, the young guy seemed taken aback, like "why would we need to do that?" I told him that Jim was a popular author and that I knew people were coming from all over New England to see him (thinking of you, of course). Guess they didn't listen to me. ::sniff::
I did get my books signed, and got a picture of RSK and JB (who also seemed a little cranky by the time we got to the table). But it was a lot of fun and JB was cool.
My son took one of me (wearing my silly Transformers BK crown) and Jim; it came out pretty good. How do I get it to show up in this Post? I clicked the Insert Image button but didn't know what info to put between the brackets. I have it uploaded at Snapfish.
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=4131237028/PictureID=170479202028/a=6488259028_6488259028/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
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There should be a direct link address with your pic on S-F. Just put that inside the [ IMG ] tag and it will link it.
"Why would we need to do that?"
What?
I even emailed the store and got a response. It seems they didn't do their research. BAD booksellers! BAD! *swats pasty New England bookseller butts*
*edited cuz I didn't have a pic for the image tag
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At least everyone who waited patiently got their stuff signed. The signing experiences at other stores were far more draconian. On top of that, it was free. I got more than what I paid for so, despite the heat and not so fresh odors that some peers/fans brought, it was worthwhile to me.
Even with research, I doubt there was much the book store do on the fly to improve the situation. Like alot of other buildings in Cambridge, it's old, spacing's tight, and moving shelves would've resulted in safety violations. I don't know how these are organized exactly, but off the top of my head, I can't think of any bookstores in the Boston metropolitan area that are located better, would not have charged visitors, and have enough space to comfortably seat 300+ people.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/AngBayani/281942_2294651373782_1474000118_32631543_5571226_n-1.jpg)
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Nice pic. I too got my pic taken with him
(http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3268/butcherf.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/684/butcherf.jpg/)
Was a great experiance and I hope he comes back to the Boston area for Cold Days!!
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At least everyone who waited patiently got their stuff signed. The signing experiences at other stores were far more draconian. On top of that, it was free. I got more than what I paid for so, despite the heat and not so fresh odors that some peers/fans brought, it was worthwhile to me.
Even with research, I doubt there was much the book store do on the fly to improve the situation. Like alot of other buildings in Cambridge, it's old, spacing's tight, and moving shelves would've resulted in safety violations. I don't know how these are organized exactly, but off the top of my head, I can't think of any bookstores in the Boston metropolitan area that are located better, would not have charged visitors, and have enough space to comfortably seat 300+ people.
I had despaired of Jim ever going anywhere further north than NYC, so I am happy I got to see him and get books signed, regardless of the venue. I think the signing was a success. Any issues I have are from the perspective of a former operations manager of a large metropolitan bookstore. We had signings all the time for authors of all genres. Big or small, it's all about the 7 'P's.
I am not familiar with stores in the Boston area... so I have no idea about the availability and quality of venues. I don't know what sort of information the store had when this was scheduled, but I would expect Penguin/Roc would schedule these things after making sure the venue is appropriate AND to give the stores accurate and appropriate info as part of accepting the booking. "Just FYI, his events have been consistently drawing at least a few hundred fans. We suggest planning for at least 250 people." (Or something like that.) Jim is a NYT bestselling author. His popularity shouldn't be taking anyone by surprise at this point in his career.
I wouldn't expect them to change plans the night of the event. However, given attendance at signings the last few years it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a fair size crowd and plan accordingly (again, I feel this ball was dropped by people higher up than the folks at the Coop.) That might mean finding a venue that isn't necessarily at the store or at least a little pre-planning for a couple scenarios. (I had to ask staff where the signing was going to happen, since there wasn't any obvious signage in the store. That indicates to me they really had no idea what they were getting into. The place is surrounded by various institutions of higher learning- surely there was a place that would fit a few hundred people, is within walking distance of the campus bookstore, has already met the requirements of NFPA 101, have good acoustics and is already designed for a lot of people listening to a 'lecture' and then talking to the speaker afterward...) *ponders*
(I will not get into safety things. Other than not have so many people in such a small space, I saw a few code violations before I even got to the third floor!)
Not being required to purchase a book was excellent, considering that most other places do want you to buy something before you can get anything signed, get a ticket or both. I was prepared to have to buy something, and I got a HC of GS, which was then signed with 2 books I brought with me. It was awesome.
I just wanted to put the info out there for anyone who wanted to pre-plan for themselves.
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Does anyone know if this signing got recorded?
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No idea. Unless someone was within 10' of him it would have been almost impossible (and it was almost impossible to see him from where I was so perhaps the store has something?).
I didn't see any obvious recording-other than the occasional smartphone pics.
If it helps, there were only one or two questions that hadn't been asked before- at least as far as already published Q&A.
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Conversation of B&N workers overheard by me at the DC signing as they were setting up in between two aisles of books: "how many chairs do you think we need to set up? 50? Do think there will be more than 50 people here?"
This being said as 100 people are standing outside in a torrential hailing downpour because security wouldn't let the line wrap around inside...