A Decision has been made...

Well, it seems Baltimore is no more for Historicon 2010.

It's now at Valley Forge

I am left with more than a bit of a bad taste in my mouth over this. And I for one, do not plan to attend. In my opinion, and it's my opinion alone, this matter was handled badly probably from the start. Let's not bring up the fact that politics probably reared it's ugly head.

Honestly, having gone to the location in Baltimore, I didn't think that it was that bad a venue, and from what I have heard as to what the proposed venue in Valley Forge will be, I am less than pleased as to the prospects. Supposedly, it's an even worse venue than the Host. Historicon was growing by leaps and bounds, and the Host, as venerable as it was, was straining to hold the con. So, HMGS-East has decided not to make changes and instead, took a step backward.

I wish them well, but I won't be there to see this debacle.

Pete Panzeri Resigns...MIght Historicon be moving again?

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=183831

My reaction to this on The Miniatures Page is one of shock, as I didn't know Pete was sick..Get well, sir. And, wondering if the BoD is about to anger the other half of HMGS who supported the move. I'm not saying anything will change before 2011. More than likely, it won't. The convention center contracts are usually iron-clad, and getting out of them usually include lots of money, and remembering the bad old days when HMGS always seemed on the edge of financial "dear god, dear god, we're all gonna die." land, I would hope any decision is made with due deliberation.

The following facts, however, need to be addressed.

1) The Host is running out of room and for many, is neither easy to get to, or easy to get around at. Hell, the last time I was there, I remember con organizers were limiting how many folks entered the Flea Market at one time because the Fire Marshal had been less than pleased.

2) Lancaster PA is not near major transportation hubs. Baltimore is. Are you going to pay a little more? Sure. But methinks it all comes out in the wash.

3) We need a facility that can grow with the con..From what I'm hearing, Historicon attendance is actually increasing by leaps and bounds. We need a facility that can grow with that.

That said, if there are financial matters that require review...then by all means, review. I simply ask that folks take a deep breath and not say Baltimore/Lancaster or Fight!

And, in an unrelated story! It's POST # 50! WHOOOOHOOO!!!!

Here are those long promised photos from HMGS Game Day

Wow, lots to say!

Ok, I attended the Gaming in Education day in Baltimore on Saturday, and I for the most part, liked what I saw. The vendors area was predictably blah, I was hoping Wargamers was going to bring some 20mm, but sadly, only their Essex 15mm made the trip. I did have a good day in the Flea Market, and found some items I could use for 20mm WWII. As for games..the pickings were good, if sparse, and I did three games yesterday. The first was an Ambush Alley game where we insurgents were pretty hapless till our mortar finally found the range. I then played a MTB game hosted by Buck Surdu..it was a bit confusing and the rules were a little too loosy-goosy and card dependent for me. Then, I played in a North Point scenario (there were THREE North Point games that day), it was fun, but the homebrew rules were meant to handle larger units I think and the scenario was a bit more smash mouth-frontal assault than most of the GMs work, but hey, I like buckets of dice games! But, yeah, the casualties were reaching ACW/WWI levels.

What did I think overall?

Pros:
- Easy access to public transportation and food, with good airy venue that was well lit.
- More space= More events
- Security was in evidence.
- Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.

Cons:
- Food at the convention hall wasn't cheap.
- It's a hike to the amenities (Starbucks, ATM, etc).
- Parking might be a challenge, though it is said the Orioles are going to be away this H-Con.

My recommendation? If you're coming in from DC/NOVA, or local..park your car at BWI or a point along the Baltimore Light rail. It's a real easy thing to deal with, passes are $3.50 all day and the stop's across the street. The train runs till 12:35 AM and if you're staying that late, you might wanna reconsider driving. BWI's parking is $8 a day uncovered and $10 a day covered..if you want to go totally public transport...take the B30 express from Greenbelt metro to BWI, and catch the light rail from there..be advised though..the last bus back to Greenbelt is 10:45 PM. But, it got me there and back with very little fuss. Cost one way? $3.50 for the light rail day pass, $3.00 for the express bus one way and $1.85 on the metro...$8.35 is my total 1 way cost for a trip of about an hour and a half, including wait time.

I'll have some pics up soon, but I think all in all, we're looking good for 2010 and 2011. I canceled my hotel room and plan on shuttling back and forth for my con attendance.