CommVEx v4 -- first report

Started by RobertB, August 21, 2008, 04:14 PM

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RobertB

----------Forwarded message-----------------
Commodore Enthusiasts in Las Vegas
By Yul Haasmann

(This is the first contribution I [have] submitted to a Commodore-related publication, and I do it, enjoying every moment of its creation.)

I have been for years hoping to do more with my Commodores, but what I have done has left me nice memories. [The] last CommVEx 4.0 in Vegas was no exception. This time was no Jeri Ellsworth skating on wheels, nor a Pontiac Aztec packed with 11 attendees going back to the plaza after seeing the [roller] girls crash on the track, but this time we had something that I had not seen before (which is in no particular order...).

We were able to hear by telephone an interview with Bil Herd and [Andy] Finkel. Great memories, questions and answers... over hour and a half long... great... Jack Tramiel [was a subject in] the conversation... Robert Bernardo recording it so could be made available.

Dave [Moorman] showed us something about machine language [DotBasic]; I've retained only a small percentage of the content; I was daydreaming probably.

Josh [Shiflet] showed us the Ultimate 1541 Plus, a device which will change the playing field for the Commodore universe. Now we can have hundreds of floppies in a small card that you attach to one of the ports. Great! We were a lucky few to hear Josh's presentation and comments from the audience.

And then, out of the blue, Michael Battilana from Italy gives us his presentation of the Amiga Forever DVD -- another stepping stone for Amiga -- an emulator that allows you to use the Amiga from the PC or the Mac.

I promised a presentation and barely managed to keep my promise, because I was saved by the generous participation of Al Jackson, president of the 5C's, who demoed the midi interface and music program. The audience had to endure one of my songs, "One Thousand Tons of Tuna" (I took the liberty to create an English title for the song, "atuneros de Ensenada".)

Justin [Pope] showed us the capabilities of the Amiga Toaster, and we enjoyed looking at our pictures transformed by color and other functions.

And Dick [Estel] shared with us his work on [GEOS] fonts..... Am I missing a presentation? I don't think so, and of course, Robert Bernardo showed us his videos and how he made those. Do I have to mention that he has been like the core engine for CommVEx? I am glad to see him solving technical and logistic problems.

Paul Armstrong was there and also Connor [Krantz] with his dad. [The boy] Connor brings the freshest blood to the meetings, and he picks the tickets for the raffle. Also there, Justin's wife, Dave's wife, and Keith [Henrickson] who won the SX64 and resisted the temptation of a $150.00 offer for it. Brian [Lehman] from [Orange County] won the 128D.

But no matter how many or how few [days], I personally had a great immersion in the Commodore universe. Two days of listening, reading and playing the machines I have loved for so long without regrets, because it feels good, and it is good. Money matters not many times in life, and this is one of those times. Why do I say that? Because I want to, and I want to share it with all of those who could not come. Was this CommVEx 4.0 a memorable experience for those there, and did we make history as we have been doing for years? Yes. A resounding yes.

Would you like to see dozens of our friends who could not [attend this time] come to the next CommVEx? You bet. I love creating and living what will be history, memories and anecdotes. That's why I wrote this fresh, after it just happened. In this writing of mine, I [don't] apologize for a lack of perfection, since that is a given. I compensate with feelings which abound. So, I am more than ready for CommVEx 5.0.

airship

I hope Robert and gang keep these things going, because if my health and finances ever improve to the point that I can go, I plan to.
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RobertB

Quote from: airship on August 22, 2008, 12:49 AM
I hope Robert and gang keep these things going...
This year I felt iffy about CommVEx and its future prospects.  The usual friends did not attend.  Attendance was down (as was the case with the C4 Expo).  We barely broke even with the show, and thus, there was no carry-over money to finance next year's show.  It's a lot of trouble to deal with the hotel and get things together for the show.  As usual, it's difficult to gather the funds throughout the year; sales of software and hardware are how we do it, and I don't really like being a salesman.  Organizing a show is a tough job.
     That being said, I have the support of the CBM engineers with their video/audio presentations every year.  I marvel at the dedication of some who have come from afar -- Justin P. with his scads of Amiga equipment, Michael B. with his Amiga Forever and C64 Forever presentations, the Moormans with their Loadstar presentation.  And then there are the personal thank-you's given to me by the attendees at the end of this year's show.  That is enough to keep me going once again.
Quote from: airship on August 22, 2008, 12:49 AM
...because if my health and finances ever improve to the point that I can go, I plan to.
You'd be more than welcome.  Thank you for giving our show a vote of confidence.

            Truly,
            Robert Bernardo
            Fresno Commodore User Group
            http://videocam.net.au/fcug

Andrew Wiskow

Robert, I'd also encourage you to keep CommVEx going.  It's the ONLY Commodore show left anywhere on the western half of the U.S.  I have a feeling that record high fuel costs probably discouraged many people from going this year.
Cottonwood BBS & Cottonwood II
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RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on August 22, 2008, 11:54 AMIt's the ONLY Commodore show left anywhere on the western half of the U.S.
Well, there's the tiny MossyCon in Astoria, Oregon.  The Sacramento, California AmiWest Show is coming up in October, but that's only Amiga.

             Truly,
             Robert Bernardo
             Fresno Commodore User Group
             http://videocam.net.au/fcug
             The Other Group of Amigoids
             http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/

Andrew Wiskow

Yeah, there's MossyCon, but that's still considered to be an "informal gathering" and not a full-fledged "expo" like CommVEx.  ;)

And I don't count Amiga gatherings...  :P
Cottonwood BBS & Cottonwood II
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Andrew Wiskow

Hey, I just had a thought...  Perhaps, if you don't feel there's sufficient interest in CommVEx, then you could devote your time and energy into making MossyCon become "the" Western US Commodore show.  Expand on it, perhaps even move it to the summertime, and make it a joint venture between FCUG & ACUG.  Maybe you've already thought about this?  Anyway, it's just a thought...
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RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on August 22, 2008, 06:41 PM
...then you could devote your time and energy into making MossyCon become "the" Western US Commodore show.  Expand on it, perhaps even move it to the summertime, and make it a joint venture between FCUG & ACUG.
As Dick Estel said in his CommVEx v4 report, "Las Vegas was chosen, because it's a "happening" place, and the local club was able to provide support and equipment."  If I may elaborate a bit more, Las Vegas is a transportation hub; roads and air routes lead to it; good, inexpensive accomodations are easily found; other entertainment is plentiful.  Astoria is no transportation hub -- narrow, winding highways; no air routes, no inexpensive accomodations, few entertainment possibilities.  The 5C's easily provides plenty of extra hardware and software and has its members helping us out at times.  ACUG cannot easily get to its extra hardware and software and its members have trouble just getting to the MossyCon meet (think shaky reliability).
Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on August 22, 2008, 06:41 PMMaybe you've already thought about this?
Thought about it years ago.

           Las Vegas 6 hours away (much less by air), Astoria 14 hours away,
           Robert Bernardo
           Fresno Commodore User Group
           http://videocam.net.au/fcug

Andrew Wiskow

Quote from: RobertB on August 23, 2008, 05:05 PMThought about it years ago.

Well then obviously, you're way ahead of me.  ;)

Seriously though...  You make valid points.  I wish there was an easy answer...  I really just don't want to see the last remaining annual organized meetings in the western half of the U.S. disappear.  If it weren't for your continued efforts, I'm almost certain that both CommVEx and MossyCon would both die out quite suddenly.
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airship

Shucks. I've always wanted to visit Astoria, Oregon.  ::)
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History of INFO Magazine

RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on August 22, 2008, 11:54 AM
Robert, I'd also encourage you to keep CommVEx going.  It's the ONLY Commodore show left anywhere on the western half of the U.S.
At the end of the SC3 Arcade Party this last Saturday, I talked to co-organizer Jeff.  We discussed the organizing of shows (hmm, I did the same type of talk with co-organizer Ron S. after his June Netherlands C= Show) -- the hurdles and insights into putting on an event.  He told me that years ago at first he was going it alone but now has 5 or 6 others with whom to share the organizing responsibilities.  He told me about another member who had founded the the SC3 Arcade Party; that member quit after being burned out.
     I then realized that what I'm talking about is the first stages of burn-out!  Is there a cure?  I'd better be careful.
Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on August 22, 2008, 11:54 AMI have a feeling that record high fuel costs probably discouraged many people from going this year.
Yeah, Jeff and his people thought the same.

              Truly,
              Robert Bernardo
              Fresno Commodore User Group
              http://videocam.net.au/fcug

airship

The unemployment rate is up, too, and it looks like we're going into a recession. Combined with high gas prices, that's going to make it tough for everyone when it comes to discretionary spending like attending Commodore get-togethers. :(
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History of INFO Magazine

Blacklord

Quote from: airship on October 01, 2008, 12:10 AM
The unemployment rate is up, too, and it looks like we're going into a recession. Combined with high gas prices, that's going to make it tough for everyone when it comes to discretionary spending like attending Commodore get-togethers. :(

Move to Australia - strong economy & the best regulated banking environment in the world :)

(And all the Vegemite you could possibly want!)

Andrew Wiskow

Quote from: Blacklord on October 01, 2008, 05:57 AMMove to Australia - strong economy & the best regulated banking environment in the world :)

I checked the exchange rates today, and the Australian dollar has slipped to $1.29 for 1 US dollar.  Wasn't it nearly on par with the US dollar a few months ago?

Anyway...  I do hope that there's a CommVEx v5 because there's a chance that I might be able to extend here for another year.  If I do, then I'd definately go.  Of course, my extension isn't for sure yet, but if there isn't another CommVEx, then I definately won't be able to go.
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http://cottonwood.servebbs.com

RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on October 04, 2008, 09:31 AMI do hope that there's a CommVEx v5...
Of course there is a CommVEx v5.  It's kind of hard to turn back now.  However, whether there is a CommVEx v6 for 2010... well, we'll see.

                          Glad to have you attend the show next year,
                          Robert Bernardo
                          Fresno Commodore User Group
                          http://videocam.net.au/fcug
                          The Other Group of Amigoids
                          http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/

Andrew Wiskow

Quote from: RobertB on October 04, 2008, 12:01 PMOf course there is a CommVEx v5.  It's kind of hard to turn back now.  However, whether there is a CommVEx v6 for 2010... well, we'll see.

Like I said, my extension request hasn't gone through yet, so it's still up in the air.  If it doesn't get approved, it's likely that I may get stationed in Guam, so that'd be a bit far to travel.  But if I'm here, I'll go.  As for CommVEx in 2010, it's very likely that I won't be able to make it to that one.
Cottonwood BBS & Cottonwood II
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RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on October 04, 2008, 12:23 PMIf it doesn't get approved, it's likely that I may get stationed in Guam, so that'd be a bit far to travel.
Ooo, we'd have our first club member in Guam!  Or you could start up a user group in Guam... how about CUGG?  Commodore User Group of Guam.  :)

                         Truly,
                         Robert Bernardo
                         Fresno Commodore User Group
                         http://videocam.net.au/fcug
                         The Other Group of Amigoids
                         http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/

Andrew Wiskow

I just found out that my extension request HAS been approved, so I'll be here in southern California until June 2010.  So barring any unforseen events, it looks like CommVEx v5 is a "go" for me!  :)
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http://cottonwood.servebbs.com

RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on October 12, 2008, 09:47 AM...it looks like CommVEx v5 is a "go" for me!  :)
Hurrah!  Our first confirmed guest.  :D

                  Truly,
                  Robert Bernardo
                  Fresno Commodore User Group
                  CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

Andrew Wiskow

Quote from: RobertB on October 12, 2008, 02:11 PMHurrah!  Our first confirmed guest.  :D

I could give that Lt Kernal demo, if you like.  I will, of course, need to borrow yours.  :)
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RobertB

Quote from: Andrew Wiskow on October 12, 2008, 02:13 PMI could give that Lt Kernal demo, if you like.  I will, of course, need to borrow yours.  :)
Ooo, that would be great.  I still have your Lt. Kernal presentation on video which never got shown at this year's CommVEx due to time constraints.

                    However, a part of it was shown to
                    the C= crowds in Europe this summer,
                    Robert Bernardo
                    Fresno Commodore User Group
                    CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX

airship

Now I have to go.

I can't miss seeing Andrew in his Lt. Kernal's uniform. :D
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Andrew Wiskow

Quote from: airship on October 13, 2008, 02:15 AMI can't miss seeing Andrew in his Lt. Kernal's uniform. :D

The only uniform you'll see me wearing is my t-shirt with a big Commodore logo on the front.  ;)
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RobertB

Quote from: airship on October 13, 2008, 02:15 AMNow I have to go.
If you were to come to a little shindig, I would buy you dinner!  (at the $7.77 hotel buffet... big spender I am)  ;)  And you would be able to talk as long as you wanted on the glory days of Info 64!
Quote from: airship on October 13, 2008, 02:15 AMI can't miss seeing Andrew in his Lt. Kernal's uniform. :D
No Lt. Kernal's (lt. colonel) in the U.S. Navy.  But a Commodore... well, a long time ago.  :)

                     Truly,
                     Robert Bernardo
                     Fresno Commodore User Group
                     CommVEx v5 info - http://www.commodore.ca/forum and click on ComVEX