For the past couple of years the ticket process has been a real mess. I think we all hope for
and expect something better next year.

I think it's a bummer that there were hundreds of unsold tickets this year.
Almost everyone who signed up on the website got a chance to buy tickets,
but over 1,000 people who got a chance to buy tickets did not buy.

Transformus takes place in a very conservative part of the country and has gotten
some undeserved negative local publicity and has had some locals try to shut it down.
That's one of the reasons it is an adults only, private event. No gate sales. I don't think
Transformus has ever sold tickets at the gate.

I understand your point Joe, but I think you misunderstand a few points.

"a) posting here is not helpful. If you want to say something about this then email the PC, post on the transforma list, or post on the ACTUAL transformus website. "

Then why did invites post here if its not useful? How do you know its not helpful? You just THINK its not useful. I disagree. *shrug*

If the PC doesn't read this, they shouldn't be on the PC. IMHO. You can I can read it, why cant they? Also, if I did contact them they wouldnt listen to me. I tried that last year. So I really don't care if they read it.


"b) I would hate to be the guy who gets to the gate expecting to buy one of the extra tickets only to find that they've already been all sold and I have to turn my butt around and go back home. I don't know the likelyhood of this honestly as it sounds like there might be 400 tickets left but I'm not sure how the number was calculated and don't care to speculate. "

I would hate to be that guy too. But who are we to deny them the chance to do that? Thats beside the point though because thats not what I'm suggesting.

To paraphrase myself: Why should we turn down people who are in Tier 4 AND CAN PROVE IT offering money at the gate?"

These people have tickets "reserved" and they couldn't possibly be turned away since there are fewer of them than there are available tickets. I think you may have misunderstood me. Thats what I was suggesting.

Some people in Tier 4 had only 3 days to get to a post office and pay. Even though thats not what I was suggesting... I'm not against open ticket sales for any extra tickets left above and beyond Tier 4 people and yes people may get screwed... some people live in Asheville... thats not that big a deal. People know there is a big chance it'll sell out at the gate and they're taking a calculated risk.


"c) everyone seems to be mad at the PC for this, how is it their fault?"

Because they designed a system that doesn't work. Did I design the system? No. Would they let me design the system? No. So I can't really do anything except point out TO THE PUBLIC that this is fucked up. Its not aimed at the PC because they dont listen. Swaying public opinion is my only option.


"d) lars, every year you throw a fit. I understand you feel you have good points. That's great. post it in a place that will actually do some good instead of on tribe. The PC/BOD doesn't regularly read tribe nor should they be expected to. You want change? Step up and do something about it, help out from the start, talk to the PC directly through proper channels."

I wouldnt call it a fit... But if you want to call it that... its your choice. And I only expressed complaints last time and this time. The two times "they" fucked the invite process up. I consider it constructive criticism. People think I'm upset... Why would it matter if I was or wasnt? Can we please be rational here? There is a problem, it needs a solution. This is nothing more than a systems analysis problem.

It got your attention. People read this. It changes public opinion. That alone is evidence that it does work. Like I said, the PC doesnt listen, the BOD dont listen. You're assuming I'm talking to them. I'm talking to the public at large. EVERYONE. This is the only public forum available to view and search by people who haven't signed up for any site or mailing list. This is indexed by google. THIS is where I want to post and I'm sorry you don't like it. I appreciate you trying to help me be more effective.


"I'd love to see all 1700 people get to go this year, however complaining on tribe will NOT make that happen. All it does is sound like attention whoring. Sorry if that sounds nasty, wasn't meant to be."

I'd love to see all 1700 people get to go as well. Which is why I post here. I don't want attention. In fact attention seems to get people to dismiss what I say. Again, your response is evidence of this. I dont know how to post publcly without getting attention. I dont think its possible. I said NOTHING about myself.... I dont know what more I can do to avoid people focusing on their assumptions about my emotional state and totally overlooking what I'm actually saying. I wish I did know.

Doesn't sound nasty... and even if it did, I wouldn't mind. I have thick skin. Still got Love for ya Joe.

Personaly I think that more people should talk about things on tribe. It definately keeps Tribe alive as well as inspires activism. Like now, the idea brought up to talk about it on Tfus site. Many people barely talk on tribe because of all the issues let alone on Tfus' site. Enough discussions and complaints will inspire some person to be active and act as a spokes person. (at least hopefuly). I would agree that information passing through an intermediary to the BOD would be a pointless idea though. (Information gets watered down)

I also think it would be a good idea to have a section on the site where ppl can buy or sell invites to eachother. Ya know to give ppl a chance to gift or attend.

*ahem* If anyone likes the idea and feels so inclined maybe you should mention it in town meetings and such ;-)

I dont know anything about Alchemy or Florida. I'm not from down south. Now I do know. :) Yay for learning new things.

People had a chance, yes... I know. I'm one of them. Coulda shoulda woulda. I'm looking forward.

The fact is people want invites now, there are lots of invites left, and now they DONT have a chance. Its totally possible to give them a chance without adding ANY additional workload for volunteers. Whats the difference between accepting a ticket at the gate and accepting a money order and a printout of their Tier 4 invite notice email at the gate? Nothing. You take the paper from them, cross them off a list. Done.

I understand that the venue charges per head. I'm sure they'd be happy to get MORE money even if it comes in at the last minute. I'm also pretty sure we're paying insurance on the CAP, not on the actual attendance. So you and I are paying for insurance for people who aren't even there. That sucks doesn't it? Less money for next year's Art grants and infrastructure... that sucks doesn't it?

Whatever, I got mine... I should stop caring about and trying to help other people, it clearly pisses people off. Sorry.