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Important => Calendar Event Discussion => Topic started by: Priscellie on May 19, 2013, 06:10:57 AM

Title: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Priscellie on May 19, 2013, 06:10:57 AM
Jim will be a guest at Dragon*Con
Atlanta, GA
August 30 - September 2, 2013
http://www.dragoncon.org/
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: RandalBrown on June 04, 2013, 01:45:50 AM
A few years ago I asked for Mr. Butcher to come to Dragon-con and then contacted Dragon-con with the information on how to get him. Then the following year he was there. I got to where he was an hour early and was to late. I was told the line was to long already, so I left with my dreams crushed. I tried to make it to a signing in Atlanta but was in the hospital at the time. I try to keep a check on his signings hoping to get one close enough. Then I learn he will be at Dragon-con this year and I plan on getting to where he will be signing around 3 hours early. I just have one question is there a limit on how many books he will sign? My hotel is over a mile away and i don't want to lug all of these books around if I can't get them signed. I know some people would say that is not far, but it is for a one legged man.:) Does Mr. Butcher accept gifts? If so does he have a preference of adult beverage?
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Toe-mas on June 04, 2013, 01:02:57 PM
A few years ago I asked for Mr. Butcher to come to Dragon-con and then contacted Dragon-con with the information on how to get him. Then the following year he was there. I got to where he was an hour early and was to late. I was told the line was to long already, so I left with my dreams crushed. I tried to make it to a signing in Atlanta but was in the hospital at the time. I try to keep a check on his signings hoping to get one close enough. Then I learn he will be at Dragon-con this year and I plan on getting to where he will be signing around 3 hours early.
Three hours early is a good idea. I showed up for the DC Signing for Ghost Story about two hours early and might not have gotten tickets if it wasn't for some good hearted Forumites who gave me their extra tickets.  The line was already out the store, down the hall, and out into the parking lot of the mall. 

My word of advice when you get to the CON, look for someone dressed up as Dresden and HANG ON!   :P

Quote
I just have one question is there a limit on how many books he will sign? My hotel is over a mile away and i don't want to lug all of these books around if I can't get them signed. I know some people would say that is not far, but it is for a one legged man.:)
The traditional limit is three items.  It's considered bad form to bring more than that and some venue's have firm restrictions that are even lower.

Quote
Does Mr. Butcher accept gifts? If so does he have a preference of adult beverage?
Jim, like several others on the forum, has stated that he doesn't usually drink any adult beverages.  Nothing against other people drinking, just personal choice.  His usual beverage was Coca-Cola, then Diet Coke, but now... I don't know.

Good luck at DRAGON-CON, wish I could go...
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Priscellie on June 04, 2013, 03:45:05 PM
A few years ago I asked for Mr. Butcher to come to Dragon-con and then contacted Dragon-con with the information on how to get him. Then the following year he was there. I got to where he was an hour early and was to late. I was told the line was to long already, so I left with my dreams crushed. I tried to make it to a signing in Atlanta but was in the hospital at the time. I try to keep a check on his signings hoping to get one close enough. Then I learn he will be at Dragon-con this year and I plan on getting to where he will be signing around 3 hours early. I just have one question is there a limit on how many books he will sign? My hotel is over a mile away and i don't want to lug all of these books around if I can't get them signed. I know some people would say that is not far, but it is for a one legged man.:) Does Mr. Butcher accept gifts? If so does he have a preference of adult beverage?

Sorry you missed out before!

Jim's usual policy is to sign three books per person per trip through the line.  At most signings, if folks have more than three books, they can go back through the line for another three, and lather, rinse, repeat.  However, as there are so many folks at Dragon*Con that many can't get through the line even once, there can be no second helpings. 

Of course, when you see Jim, you're welcome to ask if he'd be willing to sign your remaining books afterward.  This isn't something I'd encourage, as Jim has to stop signing books sometime, and cons usually keep guests pretty busy.  He may have another commitment afterward that prevents him from lingering, and if he does have time to linger, he may prefer to prioritize fans who haven't gotten anything signed yet.  There's no guarantee if he'll say yes.  You'll have to decide whether the effort of carrying all those books a mile and back is worth the risk.

As for "gifts," Jim doesn't drink alcohol, but he digs Mexican Coke--the kind with real sugar, rather than high fructose corn syrup.  Coke keeps him ambulatory at cons! 

Also, side note: fans giving gifts should be aware that Jim likes to travel light, usually with one carry-on bag.  If the gift isn't something he can easily travel with, you might want to offer to ship it to him, so he doesn't have to worry about getting your awesomeness home.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: RandalBrown on June 05, 2013, 01:42:06 AM
Sorry you missed out before!

Jim's usual policy is to sign three books per person per trip through the line.  At most signings, if folks have more than three books, they can go back through the line for another three, and lather, rinse, repeat.  However, as there are so many folks at Dragon*Con that many can't get through the line even once, there can be no second helpings. 

Of course, when you see Jim, you're welcome to ask if he'd be willing to sign your remaining books afterward.  This isn't something I'd encourage, as Jim has to stop signing books sometime, and cons usually keep guests pretty busy.  He may have another commitment afterward that prevents him from lingering, and if he does have time to linger, he may prefer to prioritize fans who haven't gotten anything signed yet.  There's no guarantee if he'll say yes.  You'll have to decide whether the effort of carrying all those books a mile and back is worth the risk.

As for "gifts," Jim doesn't drink alcohol, but he digs Mexican Coke--the kind with real sugar, rather than high fructose corn syrup.  Coke keeps him ambulatory at cons! 

Also, side note: fans giving gifts should be aware that Jim likes to travel light, usually with one carry-on bag.  If the gift isn't something he can easily travel with, you might want to offer to ship it to him, so he doesn't have to worry about getting your awesomeness home.
Ok. Thank you. I will take what I can get. These 3 books will be cherished. This will probably be the only chance I will get to see him. It seems that Atlanta is as close as he comes to me and that's over 100 miles away. I want to thank you for your time in responding to me.
 
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Toe-mas on June 05, 2013, 10:04:25 PM
Ok. Thank you. I will take what I can get. These 3 books will be cherished. This will probably be the only chance I will get to see him. It seems that Atlanta is as close as he comes to me and that's over 100 miles away. I want to thank you for your time in responding to me.

No problem, and before I forget, Welcome to the board!
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Serack on June 06, 2013, 05:31:56 PM
As for "gifts," Jim doesn't drink alcohol, but he digs Mexican Coke--the kind with real sugar, rather than high fructose corn syrup.  Coke keeps him ambulatory at cons! 

Also, side note: fans giving gifts should be aware that Jim likes to travel light, usually with one carry-on bag.  If the gift isn't something he can easily travel with, you might want to offer to ship it to him, so he doesn't have to worry about getting your awesomeness home.

I have answered this question a few times in the past and this is the first time I've heard this option.  Pretty cool, I'll keep it in mind if I run into the question again, or if I want to gift him with something particularly interesting/cool.

*scratches chin*

Do you think he would actually wield a hand carved staff at his LARPS?
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Priscellie on June 07, 2013, 06:10:36 AM
Do you think he would actually wield a hand carved staff at his LARPS?

Illegal, unfortunately.  All weapons must be boffer-style. 
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Serack on June 07, 2013, 04:17:45 PM
Illegal, unfortunately.  All weapons must be boffer-style.

What if it was considered souly a casting implement?  I know Harry occasionally brains baddies with his staff but...
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Stiletto on June 08, 2013, 02:59:24 AM
Heh last time I went to Dragoncon all his events were just crazy. I got Changes signed by putting it at Jim's seat at a panel, along with the bribe of a Starburst!  ;) I'd love to get to ask him a few more questions, but I'm fairly sure I'd gnaw all my own limbs off slowly rather than deal with the crowds at Dragoncon again - particularly given the popularity of anything Jim spoke at. It was impressive how quickly the con realized Jim needed much bigger rooms though! And he was very nice, and Priscille was awesome at coordinating extra signings. But the crowds were just beyond insane.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Priscellie on June 08, 2013, 04:06:25 AM
Heh last time I went to Dragoncon all his events were just crazy. I got Changes signed by putting it at Jim's seat at a panel, along with the bribe of a Starburst!  ;) I'd love to get to ask him a few more questions, but I'm fairly sure I'd gnaw all my own limbs off slowly rather than deal with the crowds at Dragoncon again - particularly given the popularity of anything Jim spoke at. It was impressive how quickly the con realized Jim needed much bigger rooms though! And he was very nice, and Priscille was awesome at coordinating extra signings. But the crowds were just beyond insane.

I'd gladly take the credit, but I wasn't at that DragonCon. :D  I believe that may have been Pamela?
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Stiletto on June 08, 2013, 01:22:12 PM
I'd gladly take the credit, but I wasn't at that DragonCon. :D  I believe that may have been Pamela?

You were't there, but Jim was passing you word of impromptu signings which you passed along. (Unfortunately my internet access was pretty limited there so I didn't hear in time but oh well!)
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Shecky on June 08, 2013, 01:48:58 PM
Anyone going to this one who gets to meet the Jim-wrangling Pam would be well advised to hug her to within an inch of her life. She's beyond awesomesauce.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: whingnut on June 08, 2013, 04:08:10 PM
Anyone going to this one who gets to meet the Jim-wrangling Pam would be well advised to hug her to within an inch of her life. She's beyond awesomesauce.

^^ THAT! ^^

 One of the best people I know! Just tell her Shecky and I sent you or you might (read WILL) get slugged!  ;D
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: RandalBrown on July 06, 2013, 01:47:10 AM
I have noticed in the past some Authors (although in my opinion not as good as Mr. Butcher) have had booths in the dealer hall where they sold their books and games and would autograph them for you. Has Mr. Butcher ever thought of doing this?
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Priscellie on July 07, 2013, 04:06:22 AM
I have noticed in the past some Authors (although in my opinion not as good as Mr. Butcher) have had booths in the dealer hall where they sold their books and games and would autograph them for you. Has Mr. Butcher ever thought of doing this?

I'm sure there will be a signing.  Arrive early, though!  The last time he was at Dragon*Con, they had to cut off the line before the signing even started.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Stiletto on July 08, 2013, 05:51:24 PM
I have noticed in the past some Authors (although in my opinion not as good as Mr. Butcher) have had booths in the dealer hall where they sold their books and games and would autograph them for you. Has Mr. Butcher ever thought of doing this?

IIRC, he tried to do something like this at DragonCon a couple years ago, but the fire marshalls made him stop.  The marshalls were pretty proactive about crowd formation there.  Just go to his regular signing - 4 hours early.  ;D
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: MetalFae on August 05, 2013, 07:35:31 PM
I just got my book in the mail and I was SOOOO excited to see that Jim would be at D*C! I will be there...

Do we know yet the, "When and Where" about the signing/appearences? I couldn't find anything.  :-[
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: jeditigger on August 10, 2013, 12:27:17 AM
I'd gladly take the credit, but I wasn't at that DragonCon. :D  I believe that may have been Pamela?

In my wildest dreams do I get confused with you, Cellie. :) :)

Yeah, I was Jim's sidekick there. We ended up having impromptu signings after his panels, including one outside. Was fun and funny.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: jeditigger on August 10, 2013, 12:29:46 AM
Anyone going to this one who gets to meet the Jim-wrangling Pam would be well advised to hug her to within an inch of her life. She's beyond awesomesauce.

You are so far beyond awesomesauce, Shecks, that if you look over your shoulder I'm nowhere in sight. :) And *hug* to Rob too!

Seriously, if a forum-ite comes to DragonCon, please say hi. I'll be the pudgy redhead at Jim's shoulder. :)
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: jeditigger on August 10, 2013, 12:31:28 AM
IIRC, he tried to do something like this at DragonCon a couple years ago, but the fire marshalls made him stop.  The marshalls were pretty proactive about crowd formation there.  Just go to his regular signing - 4 hours early.  ;D
Yep, our darling friends at Buzzy Multimedia tried to host a signing at their booth in the vendor room and the fire marshals shut it down. It's that crazy "safety first" thing. :)
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: OrangeWolf on September 02, 2013, 04:34:30 AM
Dragoncon has been fun so far!  Got to go to the Q&A today and had a great time.  Missed the autograph session this morning but hoping to make the one tomorrow.  Got a lovely book ready to go.

Is it bad form to chat for a few seconds while the author signs?  In the past when I've gotten books signed by other authors I'd take the time to mention something I enjoyed about their books and sometimes ask a question (like "how did you come up with *some clever bit*).  It never occurred to me that it might be bad form until I overheard someone saying as much today.

Cheers dudes ^^ 
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: MetalFae on September 02, 2013, 02:10:46 PM
I was the chick during the Q&A that yelled, "The Building was on fire and it wasn't my fault!" From the balcony :D Jeditigger if I see you I shall say hi!
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Kodiakc on September 02, 2013, 05:16:32 PM
Jim was awesome at DC woot very glad i went this year  :D
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: jeditigger on September 03, 2013, 02:02:32 AM
I was the chick during the Q&A that yelled, "The Building was on fire and it wasn't my fault!" From the balcony :D Jeditigger if I see you I shall say hi!

And YAY I did see you!!!
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: ThriceISay on September 03, 2013, 02:45:08 PM
Anyone going to this one who gets to meet the Jim-wrangling Pam would be well advised to hug her to within an inch of her life. She's beyond awesomesauce.

Seconded and thirded. She found us and we hung on to her (literally, once!)  She was so far beyond cool she lost sight of it in the rearview.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: terioncalling on September 03, 2013, 04:28:39 PM
I went to the first signing he had on Friday (mostly to make sure I got in because I know D*C lines escalate as the weekend rolls on) and got the three books I wanted signed - SubPress Backup, First Lord's Fury, and the hardcover Storm Front that my boyfriend managed to finagle from the internet for a cheap sum. Also, my boyfriend ended up ahead of me (if you were in line that day, we were - I think - the only Harry/Murphy pair in line) and he got our Bob the Skull that I put together years ago from an aquarium skull and some orange sticky notes signed.

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk307/terioncalling/DragonCon/2013/130830_0014_zpsa3f86bc0.jpg)

Gotta find me a new skull now. XD This Bob's getting pride of place on the tall bookshelves away from kitties.

Also, do we have a photo sharing post? I've been looking for pics of us and I snapped a Maeve that was in line with us as well as a Michael and a Molly who teamed up together from different points in the line to take a picture.

I was the chick during the Q&A that yelled, "The Building was on fire and it wasn't my fault!" From the balcony :D Jeditigger if I see you I shall say hi!

I was wondering why that sounded so far away! We ended up towards the front but allllll the way to the left edge.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Stiletto on September 03, 2013, 05:49:23 PM
So....dish!!! What tidbits did you guys learn from the Q&A's? Did someone tape them? :)
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: terioncalling on September 03, 2013, 06:08:56 PM
So....dish!!! What tidbits did you guys learn from the Q&A's? Did someone tape them? :)

I did. Phone quality (because the battery charger for my camera went missing pre-Con) but we were near a speaker so the audio should be alright.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NEHTk0gVaQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpozw-HYBvpxoE1S_6C8d1A

Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: MetalFae on September 03, 2013, 07:06:25 PM
And YAY I did see you!!!

I KNOW! I was so excited! I was asking everyone "Are you on the Forum?!" And you were the only person I knew I had a possibility of seeing. I met no other person that was on the forum it was surprising! You are so sweet btw that hug you gave me made my day and was icing on the cake that was meeting JimButcher! :D lol
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: Priscellie on September 04, 2013, 05:10:02 AM
Sword and Laser posted their podcast, too!  Listening now.

http://swordandlaser.com/home/2013/8/31/sl-podcast-140-dragoncon-2013-with-jim-butcher
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: MetalFae on September 04, 2013, 05:16:25 AM
I went to the first signing he had on Friday (mostly to make sure I got in because I know D*C lines escalate as the weekend rolls on) and got the three books I wanted signed - SubPress Backup, First Lord's Fury, and the hardcover Storm Front that my boyfriend managed to finagle from the internet for a cheap sum. Also, my boyfriend ended up ahead of me (if you were in line that day, we were - I think - the only Harry/Murphy pair in line) and he got our Bob the Skull that I put together years ago from an aquarium skull and some orange sticky notes signed.

(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk307/terioncalling/DragonCon/2013/130830_0014_zpsa3f86bc0.jpg)

Gotta find me a new skull now. XD This Bob's getting pride of place on the tall bookshelves away from kitties.

Also, do we have a photo sharing post? I've been looking for pics of us and I snapped a Maeve that was in line with us as well as a Michael and a Molly who teamed up together from different points in the line to take a picture.

I was wondering why that sounded so far away! We ended up towards the front but allllll the way to the left edge.

Oh, I was on the right side of the balcony if you were facing the balcony. :) I couldn't help it. Word vomit.

Nice Bob the skull!

I was in line waiting to meet Jim and some dude had a Bob the Skull that actually SAID quotes from the book and lit up. It was totally awesome. :)
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: terioncalling on September 04, 2013, 06:25:00 AM
Oh, I was on the right side of the balcony if you were facing the balcony. :) I couldn't help it. Word vomit.

Nice Bob the skull!

I was in line waiting to meet Jim and some dude had a Bob the Skull that actually SAID quotes from the book and lit up. It was totally awesome. :)

So somewhere above and behind us. :)

And I saw a picture someone had taken of that! Alas, we are not that technologically advanced. The boyfriend wants to eventually finagle some lights into the eyesockets but we'll see how that works out.
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: MetalFae on September 04, 2013, 09:19:02 PM
I would totally buy a talking Bob the Skull. This needs to happen. Talking Bob the Skull needs to be mass produces. If my friend can have a Tribble snickering at her desk then I certainly want a talking Bob...

"Bob! Help me out here!"

"Can't. Boobs." Lol
Title: Re: Jim at Dragon*Con in Atlanta - Aug 30 to Sept 2, 2013
Post by: tialessa on September 06, 2013, 10:53:38 AM
Just wanted to say "thanks" to the magnificent jeditigger who was phenomenal at getting Jim where he needed to go (and on time)!

I've been a DragonCon volunteer for 16 years & y'all should know that most of the Senior Directors are huge Jim fans (but can't ever make it to see panels so watch things on youtube later - thank you DragonConTV + fans). This was the first year that the programming committee was able to schedule multiple signings (bigger room with more room to line up) & the first year authors had a chance to do a signing longer than one panel block (90 minutes) so I was extremely grateful. Last time I tried to get into the signing but they'd cut the line off SUPER early.

It was WONDERFUL to see a full house for his solo Q&A! I believe only a few folks were turned away per the security folks outside the door, but there were literally ZERO empty seats to be seen. (There could have been random empty seats where folks didn't move all the way to the end of the row, but we did all want the panel to start on time, right?) Since I've been on staff so long I know volunteers who know hotel staff so I was thankfully able to point them to a back way to get out to avoid the massive crowd leaving/coming in at the Westin.