Players wanted for this year's "Tips and Tricks" panel

[MDARULZ]

Hi everyone.  Jonathan Koolpe has generously put me in charge (as he did last year) of gathering 'talent' for the annual California Extreme "Tips and Tricks" panel.  This is basically a seminar that features presentations from some great players on classic arcade titles.  Usually 5 or so players talk about one or two of their favorite titles, and give (as the seminar title suggests) tips and tricks regarding playing the game that they're talking about.  In addition to an oral presentation, there's usually video footage of game play to augment what they're speaking about.  It's definitely a highlight of the dozen or so seminars that are held each year.

I'm currently asking players about their interest in being a part of the panel, and the likelihood of their appearance at this year's event.  Naturally, it's probably best to have a different set of players appear each year (to avoid repetitiveness), but, I'm open to considering anyone who's interested.  So, whether you just did the seminar, or have never done it, let me know if you want to be considered for inclusion in this year's event, and also what game(s) you'd like to talk about.  Oh, and there's another perk, besides the fame and adoration of the roomful of seminar attendees - you get free admission to the event, which is a $50 value.  Now that's a deal !!

[LJM]

Hey Mark,

                        Can you put me in the "talent" bracket so I can give some Q*BERT tips;and show off my patterns for the 4 random corners in mousetrap? I'am indeed proud of my mousetrap abilities over all the other games,with defender being 2nd.

                                  LJM

[MDARULZ]

You can count on everyone on the panel being in the 'talent' bracket, Kelly !  All of the gamers each year (even me, with my being just a one or two game specialist) have incredible gaming ability, with some from past years, like Dwayne Richard and Don Hayes, being masters of a dozen-plus titles !

I think the criterion, for the gamers that I'll pick this year, will depend more on their ability to tell others about their talents verbally, versus just their talent alone.  After all, if a gamer can't describe what they do, then the audience won't be able to get a grasp of all their talent, or abilities, on the game that they're talking about.

There will be video accompanying the presentation for most of the gamers, in order that they can show the audience what they're speaking about, but, the most important thing is in their description.  Also, I'd like to have panel members that can relate some interesting stories on gaming, or contests, from the 80's.  After all, that was the time that many of the most famous gamers (like Dwayne, Billy Mitchell, David Palmer, and others) did their stuff, and I'd like for the audience to get an idea of what it was like to play during arcade gaming's heyday.

Well, I'll let Jonathan know that you're interested, Kelly, and I also got potential interest from both Todd Rogers, and Christian Cram, when I told them about the panel at the Pompano Beach event this past week.  No doubt, I'll get further interest as I keep polling players, and I'll be deciding in June who will make up the panel, and who might be on as an alternate.  Stay tuned, and for the players who may attend CE (other than those mentioned above), keep chiming in on this thread, if you're interested.

[Xangalore]

I'd be interested in possibly contributing to a Star Wars panel.

[MDARULZ]

I'd be interested in possibly contributing to a Star Wars panel.

Thanks for the interest, Xangalore.  Each player on the panel (a total of about 5) can talk about a different game (or games, possibly), so the panel isn't specific to one game - each player can cover one or two titles.

Actually, Star Wars would be ideal, as I have some great footage already, from Brandon Erickson's DVD.  Are you in California, or did you just plan on being at CE ?  In any case, I'd need a firm commitment, no later than the early part of June (or sooner, of course !).  PM me your phone number if you want to chat about it...

Oh, a quick update for everyone on my progress.  I asked Donald Hayes if he'd be on the panel, but he has another commitment that weekend, and won't be attending CE.  Also, Mark Robicheck is considering it (he's juggling the planning of his wedding, due to happen in August), as is Mike Klug, plus I have Franz Lanzinger as a backup, if I'm short on people.  The latter three players all are in the San Jose area, where CE is held.

Thanks for everyone's interest, and I hope a lot of CAGDC forums readers are going to be there in July !  Be sure to look me up if you can make it out...

[jkoolpe]

Tell Mark R. that I'm also getting married (in September) and I'm helping to organize the whole show!

So that's no excuse...

Seriously, I hope he can make it.  I can speak on Tempest and/or Bubbles again, but it would be fun to get some different titles in there...

Sorry to here that Donald H. is busy...

Star Wars would be fun to have discussed certainly!

Jon (CE organizer/staff member)