I realize that not everybody who may be attending the 2006 Meetup hangs out at the same website.  Since we've got people from all over who are interested in attending, I've just parked an FAQ here to make it easier for everyone involved.

I will update this FAQ as necessary.

Q - What is the purpose of the Meetup?

The Internet gives us the opportunity to make many friends and acquaintances we’d probably never have made otherwise. While it’s possible to get to know each other pretty well this way, there is more to each of us than what we type on a message board or play in a composition. The Meetup is a way for us to all get together in person, hang out, and immerse ourselves in music, learning and relaxation for a few days. To that end, fighting, destructive behavior, or anything else that could kill the environment if unchecked will not be tolerated.

Ask anybody who attended the previous Meetups, and they will probably tell you that getting together in person does make a difference.


Q - Who can attend the Meetup?

We welcome anyone who is interested in attending, provided they can align with the purpose stated above. If you want to bring a friend, that’s fine. All I ask is that you let me know in advance so our list and planning are both accurate.


Q - Who is coordinating the Meetup?

The 2004 Meetup was coordinated by Chad (aka Kaizen), with the input of many of the attendees. The 2005 Meetup was coordinated by Chad and Tim (aka VaughnFats).  The 2006 one will also be coordinated by Chad and Tim.


Q - When is the Meetup?

The meetup is scheduled for March 24-26, 2006.  For international travelers, the meetup could start as early as the Tuesday night before the meetup.  Most of the event will take place on Saturday and Sunday.


Q - Where is the Meetup held?

The Meetup will be held in Griffin , Georgia , USA at Chad's house. Griffin is about 40-45 minutes southeast of Atlanta , Georgia .


Q - Which airport should I fly into?

You should fly into the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta , GA. The airport code is ATL.


Q - Are there hotels nearby?

There are a number of hotels, all within 5 minutes of the Meetup. A list of hotels will be provided..


Q - Can I stay at your house?

There will certainly be some people staying at my house. Potentially, there will be some staying with Tim as well. At some point though, we will run out of comfortable space. That said, we will prioritize based on factors like distance traveled (e.g. foreign attendees), date when lodging arrangements are made, and any special circumstances we are aware of.


Q - Can I camp in the woods?

Sure!


Q - Is there a fee for participating in the Meetup?

No. You will have already paid for travel and, if you stay in a hotel, lodging expenses, and we’d like to try to keep the overall cost for the event as low as possible for everyone. You will need to bring some money with you for things like…
  - Food: We will order out a few times, maybe go to a restaurant, or hit the grocery store. We ask that each person cover his or her own food costs.
  - Souvenirs: You might find things to buy in the airport or in town.
  - Shopping: For those staying extra days, there are some big malls around and they are extremely good at parting shoppers from their money
  - Musical supplies/toys: We have a local music store with exceptionally good prices.  Some of our past participants have learned this firsthand.
  - Emergency money: For, well… emergencies!


Q - What should I consider bringing?

Here is a short list. Some are more necessary than others, of course.
- Guitar, extra strings, any special tools
- Amp (if driving)
- Processor
- Money
- Clothes
- Personal grooming items
- Sleeping bag (depending on where you are staying)
- Passport (if international)
- Digital camera/videocamera and media
- CD of backing tracks
- Notebook/tab paper
- List of emergency phone numbers


Q - Won’t there already be guitars at the Meetup?

There will probably be a lot of guitars around, and many will likely already be in peoples’ hands. I will be moving many of mine over to friends' and relatives' houses for the weekend, just to create more space and get some of these irritating cases out of my house. If possible, you should definitely bring a guitar (or bass or whatever your instrument of choice is). That way, if you want to go nuts and smash it against something a’ la Pete Townsend, you are free to do so.


Q - I am traveling by plane and am concerned about flying with a guitar Any advice?

First, use a hard case if at all possible. Second, pad the interior enough to prevent it shifting in the case. Third, loosen the strings a little, either by unwinding them or placing a soft folded cloth under the trem. Fourth, make sure they label it “fragile,” (not that they will READ it). Sixth, put an extra wrapping lock around the outside. Last, be prepared for them to ask you to open the case so they can search it, since they are going to think it’s a firearm.


Q - If I am traveling from outside the country, I would like to spend more than one weekend in the US . Is there any plan for this?

Right now, I am planning on being available a few days before the event for those who are traveling internationally. That would make it a 5-day event for international participants. During the additional days, the plan is that we use the time to sightsee and do all the things you’d probably want to do if you’re visiting another country.

If, however, you plan to arrive early and do your own thing, then you are not dependant on any schedule we set.  Any special requests (e.g. ‘what’s the biggest music store in your region and can you give me driving directions?) are no problem. Al you have to do is email me.


Q - Can you pick me up at the airport?

There will be windows where I am available to pick up and drop off people. Since I will also have other responsibilities to handle, these windows will have to be relatively narrow. That means I will distribute a general schedule in advance that some of you can use to arrange your flights. That way, we don’t up with one person arriving Friday at 5:30 a.m., one at 2:45 p.m., and one at 11:15 p.m who all need me to pick them up.

Q - When should I arrive?

Here is a brief rundown of arrival arrangements (with some notes first):


*if we have enough confirmed interest from our international folks, I could arrange to do pickups on Tuesday morning and make Tuesday an entire extra day.

** A caveat. Some things are listed as, "not optimal," "not recommended," or not offered at all. However, if you absolutely MUST get in at a different time/day and have to be picked up, we'll figure out how to get you here. We don't want anyone to get left out.



Tuesday evening: Optimal for international travelers who want more time to sightsee and hang out.

Wednesday, any time: Not optimal for international travelers because they will have already lost night of jamming and we'll get a later start on Wednesday's activities (for morning arrivals) or will miss an entire day of activity (for later arrivals).

Thursday morning: Not recommended for anyone

Thursday midday: Not recommended for anyone, since we'll be out sightseeing.

Thursday evening: Optimal if you are renting a car and want to get a slightly early start on the meetup. Ok if you need a pickup, but I'll have to confirm.

Friday morning: Optimal for arriving at the meetup on the official start day.

Friday midday: Ok for arriving at the meetup.

Friday evening: Not recommended for those who need pickups.

Saturday, any time: No planned pickups, no planned dropoffs

Sunday, any time: No planned pickups (duh!), dropoffs only planned if absolutely necessary.

Monday morning: Optimal for airport dropoffs.

Monday midday: Ok for dropoffs. Please try to keep them as early as possible, though.

Monday night: Please do not plan to fly out Monday night if you need a dropoff.

To summarize, Tuesday night is best for international travelers, Friday midday and earlier is optimal for all other arrivals, and Monday is best for departures ("best" being determined by place of origin and mazimum amount of time at the meetup).

Q - What kinds of things can I expect at the meetup?

During previous meetups, we did a lot of jamming (both to backings and with a live rhythm section), hanging around, goofing off, eating, and a little sightseeing. Additionally, we had a live jam at a local establishment called GTO.  They were kind enough to provide a great stage and room for us, with live sound provided by our friend Tony.  There is a video available that will give you some idea of what it was like if you want to check it out.

For the 2006 Meetup, there are some plans we’re just now working out in order to make it even better than last year. As we solidify those plans, we’ll let everyone know about them.


Q - I still live with my parents and they are concerned about letting me travel to the Meetup. Any ideas?

Parents are welcome at the Meetup. However, I also realize that some participants live too far away to make this feasible, due to cost. Still, they are welcome.

Another option is that I can speak with them via phone. If you email me and we arrange a time for me to speak with your parents, I will be glad to do so, and will try to answer any questions they might have.