The upcoming 2008 CAGDC Tourney at Pro Putt FFC

[MDARULZ]

OK - the above post of mine was just to play catchup in this thread.  Now, for catching up on further updates, and important info.

As indicated above, we have three signups, and just a couple of days after the official e-mail about the event went out.  We also have two contest games (Rampart and The Glob already set, from the sign-up 'choose your game' perk !

I talked to a great local motel that's about 10 minutes from the event location, and they have some incredible rates for our group.  It's under $50 for the weekday rate, and under $60 for the weekend days !  That's a deal, friends.  I checked three other locations that were a few minutes closer to the event, and the cheapest rate was about $79 !  Anyway, the motel is a Super 8, and has wireless Internet for all the rooms (even some $100 a night places don't !), plus fridge and microwave in most rooms.  The big bonus is that for those who stay there, I (along with probably some others) will provide free transport to and from the event each day.  Well, all of this is reiterated on my updated tourney page, and the contact info to book your room is included.  I've also  updated the game list too, to reflect the 'locked in' games.

The final new thing of interest is my 'Locations' page covering the contest location - Pro Putt Family Fun Center.  Mark Boolman (Welby on these forums) generously took photos of the complete set of games at the location, so I've put those up, and included a complete game list, too.  Read all about it right here.

OK - final note.  I'll be busy with a project the next few days, and will be checking in a little less than normal on the forums.  So, please understand if I can't address something brought up here, or sent via e-mail, as quickly as normal.  Thanks in advance...

[Krankenstien79]

Mark wish I could go! You really set up this tournament. I work at a hotel/lodginga dn those rates are dirt cheap exspec for Motel 8 wich is my road pick.

[MDARULZ]

Mark wish I could go! You really set up this tournament. I work at a hotel/lodginga dn those rates are dirt cheap exspec for Motel 8 wich is my road pick.

Thanks for the input, Steven.  Maybe you will end up making it, if you can get a military flight into the area !

Yeah, I was surprised at the great rates for our group, and the good news is that it's not a 'dive', according to the description from the clerk.  Well, OK, he may be biased, but he said the rooms have had updates in the last couple of years, and the building photo on the website makes it look like the place was built in the last 10 years, so... it's a pretty nice place, at unbeatable pricing !

[Welby]

If you're into history or luxury, The Chateau isn't even too expensive($150-200/nt) for a room that Ronald Reagan stayed in...while President!  I like that place's architecture, and the tallest roof I've been on top of...great view.  I only really mentioned this to emphasize that even luxury hotels here are about what regular 'nice' places charge in many larger cities.  If anyone stays in a place on the West side of Bloomington, I can give a lift to/from contest.  Rates in town range from $42-250, and the place MDA suggests is decent and in a safe area.  I wouldn't suggest the cheapest 2 due to safety/health risk factors, but all the others are ok.

[Welby]

Just in case anyone doesn't care for a particular game selected, does NOT mean you have to play it.  MDA's system has 14 or so total games, 6/7 of which you choose to play for placement...ie: your best 6/7 scores by % are all that matter...right MDA?

[MDARULZ]

Just in case anyone doesn't care for a particular game selected, does NOT mean you have to play it.  MDA's system has 14 or so total games, 6/7 of which you choose to play for placement...ie: your best 6/7 scores by % are all that matter...right MDA?

Indeed, that's right - you choose 6 out of the 14 contest titles to play (although you can play more, and we'll take your best 6 results out of the ones you play).  The 'skim-readers' might miss this fact, so thanks for bringing it up, Mark B. !

Oh, two other notes; while the poll I put up is a vote, it's not 100% democratic.  I will likely put most of the top choices (as room allows) into the event, but I reserve the right to pick and choose a little, or veto a 'problem' title.  But, remember - if you want a certain game in the event, sign up, and note the choice in the comments box on the payment page.  The first seven people, as noted, get their choice, and two spots are already taken (Rampart and The Glob).

OK - my busy weekend starts today, so hang loose if you post a comment or question to me, or write an e-mail, and I'll get post and mail back as I can over the next few days.

[Burgrtm]

Alright, Pat, I confess. I choose Kangaroo.

[***PL***]

Alright, Pat, I confess. I choose Kangaroo.

That's cool.   The game wasn't very common and let's face it wasn't exactly a fave back in '82.   

But then again, are you a Kangaroo expert?  You've been practicing haven't you???

So if you sign up, we have Kangaroo (and Rampart) to look forward to!!    

[Krankenstien79]

man Zaxxon! That game is a killer! too hard to even play sometimes!

Great games to play on guys wish I could be there.

[Welby]

We need some fliers...maybe we could put them up in various arcades/game locations.

[MDARULZ]

OK - here's another update.  We now have four sign-ups, including the latest one - 'big-name' player Pat Laffaye.  Of course, that's not to cast aspersions at anyone else who's signed up, but Pat's the best known in the cag community, as far as those signed up so far.  He's a Frogger master, and has locked in that title as his contest game pick.

So... we've got Pat, Mark Boolman and his son Conner, plus Geoff Przekop, all signed up, and the games Rampart, The Glob, and Frogger locked in as contest game titles, from their picks.  There are still two picks each left for 'new to the tourney entrants', and for 'past tourney entrants', so sign up now to still be able to have a say in a game of your choice.

We do need to have quite a few more signups, however.  The deadline is just two days away (6 PM ET Friday the 22nd) to have 10 people registered, so we need to kick it in gear !  Please sign up ASAP to assure the event will go forward.

Now, on to some of the posts that have been made since my last post in this thread:

Alright, Pat, I confess. I choose Kangaroo.

Hey, don't feel bad about it, Bryan.  It's an OK game, but not one that has longevity of interest.  When a game is too hard at or near the beginning, like this title (and Donkey Kong), there's a problem to start out with.  Then, if it's more frustrating than fun to play, as a whole, the deal is done, for me.

But, there's a player for every game, and we all have titles that others dislike, so... all we can do is play, and show off our skills.  Maybe that might even get some people to give a title a second chance.

So if you sign up, we have Kangaroo (and Rampart) to look forward to!!    

Yikes !  Now no one will sign up with the scourge of Kangaroo and Rampart at the event !!  Well, actually, the saving grace is the fact that you can ignore those two titles (if you wish), and even six others too, since you only have to play 6 of the 14 ultimate contest title picks, in order to qualify for prizes, and ranking, in the event.  But, I'll again reiterate that you may play whatever number of titles you wish, including all 14.  If you play more than 6, your best six results will determine your percentile, and resulting rank, in the event.

Great games to play on guys wish I could be there.

I hope things change, and you can get a furlough, Steven !

We need some fliers...maybe we could put them up in various arcades/game locations.

When the event is a 'go', I'll have a web-based flier for Mrs. Nelson (the owner of PPFFC) to print up.  I'll give the link to you too, Mark, in case you want to print up a couple of dozen (maybe $4 at Kinkos ??) to distribute to good spots in the places you frequent in Bloomington.

[MDARULZ]

We're down to the wire now.  Even tho the original deadline for the 'early bird' discount, and the 10 sign-up minimum, has passed, I've decided to extend the deadline for both to the end of this weekend, meaning the end of the day tomorrow (Sunday the 24th), Eastern Time.  So, if you've waited to sign up, this is the last chance at the discounted price.

If we don't have the required 10 signups by the end of the day tomorrow, I'll have to decide next week whether or not things are a go, based on how many have signed up by that point.  I am holding out for one 'big-name' sign-up in particular, so I think things will hinge on that person.  They will decide by mid-week, so I'll have an update then (or, maybe sooner).

Thanks to those who've gotten on board, and here's hoping we'll get quite a few more by the time I need to decide for sure.

[Krankenstien79]

I hope this event goes threw guys. It sounds to be a great event! I can't go due to the main reason AWOL and then the cash is limited.

[MDARULZ]

We're up to 5 entrants for the event now - forums member Jason Spindler just signed up.  Jason will also likely be bringing in a game title from his home arcade (either Nova 2001 or Vs. Dr. Mario) for use in the tournament.

I'll be waiting for the 'big-name' entrant I mentioned in my last post to sign up for the event this week, to help me decide whether to proceed with things, since we are short on the number of entrants that I wanted at this point.  Right now, I think the big name will sign up, and then things are a lock to go forward.  Otherwise, it's about 80%.

As far as choosing the finalized list of 14 game titles, I'll be doing that around this Thursday, based partially on the vote, and partially on my feelings for what games will be best for the event.  Of course, the three persons who signed up and chose a game already have those titles locked in for the event - Frogger, The Glob, and Rampart.

Stay tuned for further info and updates...

I hope this event goes threw guys. It sounds to be a great event! I can't go due to the main reason AWOL and then the cash is limited.

Thanks, Steven.  Sorry you can't make it.  But, isn't a little AWOL charge worth attending this incredible event ??    Well, I suppose a military tribunal isn't very pleasant...

[Welby]

I wouldn't worry about any AWOL charges, as they are so short on people willing to toss their lives in the grinder, that they will just be happy that you came back at all.

Fingers are crossed, but I'm confident that we'll have enough to proceed.