Wikipedia talk:Meetup/NYC/December 2006

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old meetup stuff (pre Nov. 2006)

Archived here are the runnings-up and execution and post-op summaries of previous meetups in New York City.

Help us decide on a restaurant (Meetup: Saturday, 9 December 2006)

Choices

• Cassidy's (Irish Pub & Restaurant)

65 West 55th Street, New York, New York 10019 (between 5th and 6th Avenue), phone: (212)397.0814

Menu and details: here

• Dallas BBQ (Barbecue, Chicken, Wings)

241 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036 (between 7th and 8th Avenue), phone (212)221.9000

Menu and details: here

• Cucina Vivolo (Italian)

222 East 58th Street, New York, New York 10022 (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue), phone (212) 308.0222

Menu and details: here

Votes

Cassidy's

1. UtherSRG (talk) 04:38, 6 November 2006 (UTC)
2. --SB_Johnny|^talk|_books (always a fun spot)
3. --Aude (talk) 20:01, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Dallas BBQ

1. I'm the king (unsigned vote by User:Kingboss)
2. Uncle Ed 12:52, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Cucina Vivolo

1. Doc ♬ talk 02:00, 6 November 2006 (UTC) Cassidy's would be my 2nd choice
2. Morris 17:39, 6 November 2006 (UTC)
3. JamesMLane t c 14:49, 8 November 2006 (UTC). Cassidy's would also be my second choice.
4. --Aude (talk) 20:01, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
5. —ExplorerCDT 01:34, 14 November 2006 (UTC) (cassidy's is my second, but i've been to them all several times...and just have to put my vote here)

Vote Results

As of my vote at 8:30 this evening (i hate UTC thinking i voted tuesday)...it's 5 for Cucina Vivolo, 3 for Cassidy's and 2 for Dallas BBQ. And as I write this five minutes from midnight...the voters have spoken, causa finita est. While all good restaurants, we can only have one winner. And by executive decision, with 50% of the votes, the location will be Cucina Vivolo. —ExplorerCDT 04:55, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

Reservations

I've found that the restaurant can accomodate a large group and serve us better if we make reservations. Even if we're not sure how many people are coming.

Do we want a "back room"? Or one large table? Do we want a side table for computers? --Uncle Ed 18:07, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

• Well, I spoke to Linda at Cucina Vivolo to make a tentative reservation for 5 to 17 people. She pointed out that if we have more than 15 people it will be hard to get served all at once and suggested we choose from a limited (more expensive?) menu in that case.
• We'll be seated at two adjoining long tables.
• They won't throw us out, if we linger after dinner. Even 3 hours is still okay! Of course, if we keep ordering drinks and desserts that would be nice, too (hint, hint).
• We're welcome to move into their lounge area after the meal where they have ottomans, etc. --Uncle Ed 18:17, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

• • Ed, thanks for taking the initiative and making reservations. I was intending to do that this afternoon, and you beat me to the punch. Just in case, I'm going to call Linda and give her my contact information just so there's another person on point if she can't contact you for whatever reason. Your comments regarding the above, now gives people an idea of why I selected those three places for consideration. (not only great food but great accomodations, service, space, etc.) The limited menu (rather than a la carte) for larger groups just makes it easier for them...instead of messing up orders from the entire menu, they give us a truncated menu with selection of like a half-dozen or even up to a dozen entrees, etc. It's a typical business thing with restaurants when scheduling larger groups. We should also exchange phone numbers/e-mail/etc. in case you have to contact me or me contact you for whatever reason. —ExplorerCDT 18:50, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

Things to do in New York before the meetup

Uh... are these things to do by yourself, or things that people are going to meet up for before eating? — Omegatron 19:34, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

• I'll be at St. Thomas Church (my parish church) at 4:00 p.m. for Evensong, about 10 pews from the front on the right if anyone wants to join me. I've been to the opera too many times, and I live too close to the Metropolian Museum of Art so I see that too often. —ExplorerCDT 20:57, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
  • • Hm, I might join you, I'm always meaning to go, I love Evensong and a couple friends of mine are in the choir. Mak (talk) 01:40, 14 November 2006 (UTC)
      • The more the merrier...it's an amazing experience. —ExplorerCDT 04:49, 14 November 2006 (UTC)
  • On the opposite side of the coin, I'll be drinking at Slainte in Greenwich Village. :) Kafziel ^Talk 21:27, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
    • oooh! Where's that? Actually, I'll probably be going for sushi somewhere... the local sushi here in the styx is of questionable freshness (I will ever be spoiled sushi-wise because I made the mistake of living in New York for a while, thereby ruining the less-than-fresh-sushi experience). --SB_Johnny|^talk|_books 21:49, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
      • Slainte is at 304 Bowery, just across the street and half a block south of CBGB (well, where CBGB used to be, I guess). Definitely not the place if you're looking for sushi, though; unless it's made with Guinness gravy and potatoes! Kafziel ^Talk 03:40, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

I'd like to point out

We should aim for a restaurant/meetup point that has WiFi! ★MESSEDROCKER★ 03:18, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

I think you miss the point of the meetup. It's not to get together and collectively edit Wikipedia. It's more to provide a respite from the work and meet the people who you might be getting into edit wars with and see that they are more than a clever username.—ExplorerCDT 16:52, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

That wasn't my point. I was just saying, it'd be nice to have Internet access whilst on the meetup. Chances are some Internet addicts (such as myself) will be attending. ★MESSEDROCKER★ 18:23, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

My BlackBerry works pretty much everywhere in Manhattan these days, although I try not to edit while eating. :) Newyorkbrad 18:26, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Not sure that I will bring my computer, but its' equipped with wireless broadband. In NYC, I also usually find a wi-fi hot spot around, no matter where I am.--Aude (talk) 19:05, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Don't tempt me to show off what Santa brought me this year: a new Dell XPS M2010 laptop! --Uncle Ed 15:40, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

JimboWales?

Anyway we can get the big cheese to the meetup? I put an invite a few weeks back on his talk page, but anyone know how to get to him directly to invite him? Supposedly he was in NYC earlier this week. —ExplorerCDT 18:34, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

He gets e-mails sent to his "e-mail this user" address, and he's even been known to answer them :) Mak (talk) 18:40, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

Are you signed-up for the mailing list? He regularly chimes in there, and who knows, others might be interested. --Aude (talk) 18:48, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

I invited Jimbo Wales. He said he couldn't come. ★MESSEDROCKER★ 20:59, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

Pre-meetup

Danny and I are interested in holding a pre-meetup at around 2pm at the Museum of Natural History. I've decided that it's not worth having one of those group party dealies organized, be prepared to come (as an individual) and bring money for admission, etc. See [1]. How does this sound? ★MESSEDROCKER★ 04:30, 19 November 2006 (UTC)

Seeing as there doesn't seem to be much interest in this pre-meetup, it doesn't seem like it'll occur. However, if you'd like to go there on you're own accord, feel free. ★MESSEDROCKER★ 02:36, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Museum trip is on. Let's do it. Danny 15:22, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

• Which entrance were you planning on meeting at?--Pharos 17:17, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
• I'll be there with Gmaxwell (though Danny can't make it)... we'll be up by the street from a bit before 2 until, say, 10 minutes after. (I'm wearing a long beige jacket, he's in a gray sweater, both with backpacks.) We're sitting in the Starbucks on Columbus Ave and 86th right now. Kat Walsh (spill your mind?) 17:40, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

Shabbat issues

A suggestion: would people possibly be ok with moving it to an hour or 1.5 later so that Shabbat observers could join? Avi and I would like that, and possibly others... - crz crztalk 02:28, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

That'd be fine with me. It seems like it was a somewhat randomly chosen time, so I don't see why not. Mak (talk) 02:31, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

If I come, it would probably be ~6 pm. --Aude (talk) 02:40, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm agnostic, so my god/G-d/Great Spirit/Flying Spaghetti Monster says any time of day is a good time for veal parmigiana! Any time, earlier or later, is okie dokie with me. Kafziel ^Talk 04:31, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Ahead means later, yes? If so, I would like that. --Robth^Talk 06:22, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Later. Changed. - crz crztalk 06:49, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

It still would be difficult for me, CZ, as its over an hour drive. I can try, but please don't move it just on my account, as I cannot be certain if I can make it. :} -- Avi 14:23, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Sunset on 9 December 2006 is at 4:28 pm (16:28), the time was chosen after considering Shabbat, and other concerns. If it's still to early, you can come late...some people will be showing up an hour or so late, and you should know in NYC that no one comes on time and the fashionable thing is to show up at least 30 minutes after the designated starting time. Also, we won't be leaving until likely 11:00 pm/23:00.. —ExplorerCDT 15:44, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

That sounds good to me, but does the restaurant know? :) Newyorkbrad 00:01, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

Ed said above that they will be ok with us hanging around, particularly if we keep ordering drinks and the like. I think we can manage that... --Robth^Talk 07:54, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

• If I get there at 4:30, with 3-4 drinks an hour, by 11 o'clock I just might start to get buzzed. —ExplorerCDT 15:35, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

OK no problem. I didn't mean no harm. - crz crztalk 17:13, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Earlier is easier for me, although I am not a "definite" anyhow. -- Ssilvers 18:09, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

The after-dinner discussion worked out great. The manager was very pleased to have us all, especially as we ordered a fresh round of drinks every hour! He even let us stay past the nominal closing time of the restaurant. --Uncle Ed 15:23, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

Transportation

I'm probably just going to take the train in, but if anyone here is in Orange or Rockland counties and wants to split tolls and parking then I don't mind driving. Just figured I'd post this in case someone needs a ride; it would be a shame for transportation issues to keep someone from the meet. Kafziel ^Talk 14:43, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

If there'll be carpooling that'd be better, but seriously you're better off not driving -- that way you don't have to be attached to a car and you can just go home on a whim instead of having to go from where you are to your car then drive home in the horrid traffic. ★MESSEDROCKER★ 20:28, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

Oh, I'll definitely take NJT to Penn Station if nobody needs a ride. I'm just offering to chauffeur if anyone needs it. Kafziel ^Talk 20:46, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm coming in from Passaic by car. Any takers? - crz crztalk 16:05, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Reservation

It seems like more and more people are signing up. Should the reservation be increased? -- Ssilvers 04:35, 8 December 2006 (UTC)

Our next meetup

Propose a bring-your-own-picnic-basket meetup on the Great Lawn in Central Park, after Memorial Day. Sunday June 3rd 2007 (rain date Sunday June 10th 2007) makes sense - it's after everybody's finals, and not yet crazy hot. And afterwards those who wish to do so may go and whet/wet whistles. If people think it's a decent idea, I'll start up a page about it. A little early, but ... never too early. - crz crztalk 18:48, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

That plan is fine with me. However, given the number of attendees, as well as those who wished to attend but could not make this particular date, I was thinking in terms of doing something like this perhaps every 3 or 4 months rather than every 6 months. Therefore, perhaps this idea should not be used for our next meetup, but for our second-next one. Newyorkbrad 20:48, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

• Actually, I'm thinking of organizing a monthly get-together. —ExplorerCDT 22:27, 11 December 2006 (UTC)
• Support per above. Newyorkbrad 22:28, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Too much. - crz crztalk 22:28, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

Would be too much if the same people came every time. But we had almost as many people this time who couldn't come as who did come, so I suspect we'd have a different group each time. Monthly might be too much, as I said I was thinking every 3 or 4 months, but anyone can plan and announce anything, and people will either come or not come, depending on interest level and other commitments and, in a few cases, the availability of chauffeurs. Newyorkbrad 22:31, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

My goal, which I should have elaborated on, would be to organize a New York Chapter, or like a Wikipedia Club of New York. I had discussed it with another user briefly before the meetup (it was initially his idea, but I've been dancing around with it). And I think we have enough people in the NYC area to make it viable, and above all, vital. —ExplorerCDT 16:22, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

• P.S. We could also plan events, like a trip to a museum, to the opera or a musical, or dinner, or Crzrussian's picnic idea (which I think is a killer idea) among the myriad of possibilities NYC has to offer. —ExplorerCDT 16:23, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

• Support per above. I regret not having been able to attend as I was in the country at the time of this last meeting. I would very much like to be involved. A monthly meeting would offer the opportunity for many more options for a variety of editors to be involved. A quarterly meething could always be tagged for focused attendance. It's great that we got the number of participants that were able to make it. Any recap of discussion? Doc ♬ talk 21:59, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

• Doc, sorry you couldn't make it. I was (and still am) looking forward to meeting you since we butted heads earlier this eyar. I wrote down a few notes after the meetup regarding discussions, but haven't had the chance to upload them...will do so in a day or so. —ExplorerCDT 22:05, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

• A partial recap of discussion is on the meetup page. I concur with Doc. Meanwhile ... any Gilbert and Sullivan fans here? I'm planning to see the NYGASP productions of The Mikado and The Yeomen of the Guard next month, and would be glad to attend with some Wikipedians. There must be some interest inasmuch as W.S. Gilbert was a the featured article just a couple of weeks ago. Newyorkbrad 22:02, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

• Keep me updated on that brad...I love G&S. —ExplorerCDT 22:05, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

I turned out to be out-of-town during much of NYGASP season this year, but let's put this on the ideas list for next year. Newyorkbrad 15:51, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

Club and meetup are distinct ideas. I like CDT's idea of forming a club that meets monthly. Perhaps the club could then help organize semi-annual or quarterly meetups. Since I live in Manhattan, I'd be happy to participate in both types of meeting.

We raised a lot of issues in the after-dinner talk, with discussion continuing through several rounds of drinks (we "closed the bar" and stayed past midnight). A club could meet regularly to work on these concerns, in addition to being a social outlet. --Uncle Ed 15:21, 11 January 2007 (UTC)