AFF8: The Final Decision

[drewbles]

Exactly. Unbelievable that a group of people who supposedly like to travel are unwilling to expand their horizons. Failing a willingness to explore you're 100% just hold these things in Sydney and Melbourne. Saves the polls, save that hassles with dates just set to a fixed date. All done and dusted boring predictable events for those who don't like change.

Stupid quote thing in the AFF app.

Whilst I can't speak for others on here, that is 100% not true of me. I've travelled to London via LAX and JFK for less than 24 hours, in the name of a meet and social event.

The main objection for CNS that was in the 'offline conversation' (which I had the distinct feeling was 'MEL won, let's leave it at that, not 'let's have another vote') was the cost. CNS is not a cheap destination to get to, unless you want to go JQ (which most of us won't).

Just for the record, I probably wouldn't have said yes to a BNE event either. PER, MEL, SYD, ADL sure. PER is cheaper to get to/from for me than CNS with better frequency too.

That said, the 'offline conversation' also noted there has not been one in MEL or a major city since 2008. I think that's a pretty reasonable spread personally.

 

[Cynicor]

While I didn't participate in the original poll, I feel this is a bit like having preferences. If everyone who voted for "not MEL" would prefer CNS, then it is probably fair that CNS wins. I can't guarantee attendance, but the best odds for me are in MEL, with better timings and frequency from PER.

 

[dfcatch]

Well I think I'm reasonable qualified to comment -

1/ I live in CNS

2/ As members are well aware - I've never been shy in jumping on a plane to attend interstate/out-of-town AFF events.
(In fact - I have to, never been an AFF do in CNS during my membership time).

I've never had the option of attending an AFF event without having to get on a plane.

3/ I'm not sure what happens at an AFF # event compared with any other limitless number of AFF social meets (particularly the larger ones).

4/ For the record - I couldn't care where you hold AFF8, if Penegal wants it in Outer Mongolia - I have no objection. It's probably closer and easier for me to fly to than Hobart .

5/ I will say to my esteemed friends on this thread one thing however - "Don't even think about moaning that it's too hard to get here". Guess what we have to do every time we want to come and see you.

Same goes for everyone who doesn't live in the Golden Triangle.

Regardless of where the official AFF # events have been held - a quick perusal of the Social threads reveals no shortage of MEL based events, many well attended. Perhaps someone could do a ratio-analysis of MEL vs CNS events?

6/ As I said - I'm not fussed - quite happy to hold it in Melbourne, but Sam - you da man now - make a decision, and then people can decide whether to attend or not.

PS. Qantas advises that there are plenty of Qantas Group flights between MELand CNS (and SYD/BNE) for those concerned. In fact, QF never fails to trumpet the increase in seats

 

[JohnK]

While I didn't participate in the original poll, I feel this is a bit like having preferences. If everyone who voted for "not MEL" would prefer CNS, then it is probably fair that CNS wins. I can't guarantee attendance, but the best odds for me are in MEL, with better timings and frequency from PER.

That would be fine if the original poll was to select 2 finalists for a final poll.

But I wasn't. It was a poll to choose the location.

 

[samh004]

I feel I should clear up a few things. I did think my OP was clear, but when I posted I did so because I felt that if I didn't, we'd let the event fall through the cracks. The reality was that a member had been prepared to take up the reins and simply state a location, much like OzFest this year. As things were fairly close, I didn't see an issue with having a second poll, and certainly didn't expect to cause any strife, for that I'm sorry.

As it stands right now, we've picked up 2 more votes than the last poll with Melbourne still in the lead. It's looking like there will be no change to the outcome of the first poll. In the future, we won't have a run off.

Apologies I haven't been more vocal about things, I've been on what looks like my once a year holiday and have been too busy trying not to be hit by trams than reading what's going on. I get back to OOL on Thursday, so that'll be my big catch up day. Poll closes Saturday I believe.

 

[medhead]

Whilst I can't speak for others on here, that is 100% not true of me. I've travelled to London via LAX and JFK for less than 24 hours, in the name of a meet and social event.

The main objection for CNS that was in the 'offline conversation' (which I had the distinct feeling was 'MEL won, let's leave it at that, not 'let's have another vote') was the cost. CNS is not a cheap destination to get to, unless you want to go JQ (which most of us won't).

Just for the record, I probably wouldn't have said yes to a BNE event either. PER, MEL, SYD, ADL sure. PER is cheaper to get to/from for me than CNS with better frequency too.

That said, the 'offline conversation' also noted there has not been one in MEL or a major city since 2008. I think that's a pretty reasonable spread personally.

Yep but then you have a stated objection to all things "Queensland". I managed to get to and stay in CNS cheaply twice last year from ADL. Have you actually investigated options or is expense an excuse for your dislike of Queensland.

 

[turtlemichael]

Perhaps Sam should come up with a World Cup type decision. eg Russia and Qatar. Sepp Blatter got a lot of criticism too.
Why is a vote needed anyway? A bit of authoritarianism never goes astray.

 

[blackcat20]

Yep but then you have a stated objection to all things "Queensland". I managed to get to and stay in CNS cheaply twice last year from ADL. Have you actually investigated options or is expense an excuse for your dislike of Queensland.

I investigated flight prices for the time of year that I had heard discussed and found $600 return to be pretty normal. So for some of us, expense is the issue rather than a like or dislike of QLD. I have no issue with Queensland, my family are from there, and I'd really love to go to Cairns. But not at that cost for only two days.

 

[medhead]

I investigated flight prices for the time of year that I had heard discussed and found $600 return to be pretty normal. So for some of us, expense is the issue rather than a like or dislike of QLD. I have no issue with Queensland, my family are from there, and I'd really love to go to Cairns. But not at that cost for only two days.

Which dates have been mentioned?

 

[blackcat20]

Which dates have been mentioned?

Nothing that was discussed specifically, but times of the year that have been mentioned eg September.

 

[JohnK]

Nothing that was discussed specifically, but times of the year that have been mentioned eg September.

School holidays!

 

[penegal]

I know that there are a "lot of other" MEL events, but frankly the vast majority of MEL events are drinks and dinner only (with no sightseeing), so it is a little unfair to compare these with a major "weekend" dos.

 

[blackcat20]

School holidays!

Exactly!
....

 

[serfty]

I know that there are a "lot of other" MEL events, but frankly the vast majority of MEL events are drinks and dinner only (with no sightseeing), so it is a little unfair to compare these with a major "weekend" dos.

Actually, there's a lot of Melbourne that denizens don't see much.

Have you ever had a walk in the region bounded by Alexandra Ave, Anderson Street, Domain and St. Kilda Road's?

On a nice Spring day, one should set aside 3 or 4 hours!

 

[medhead]

Exactly!
....

There is a very easy solution to that. There are also 30 days in September. Not sure why the do needs to be limited to the last 3rd of the month.

 

[penegal]

Actually, there's a lot of Melbourne that denizens don't see much.

Have you ever had a walk in the region bounded by Alexandra Ave, Anderson Street, Domain and St. Kilda Road's?

On a nice Spring day, one should set aside 3 or 4 hours!

I have - an excellent area of parks and gardens (and a music venue, war monuments and government house). All right on the city's doorstep and ignored by most of the inhabitants.

Perhaps we should have an AFF BBQ in the park

 

[penegal]

Perhaps we should have an AFF BBQ in the park

It would be cheaper than drinks in a bar, and also allows for BYO of Epiqure wines

Flinders St Station and St Kinda Road trams are a short walk away.

 

[froggerADL]

Actually, there's a lot of Melbourne that denizens don't see much.

Have you ever had a walk in the region bounded by Alexandra Ave, Anderson Street, Domain and St. Kilda Road's?

On a nice Spring day, one should set aside 3 or 4 hours!

Oooohhhh! serfty just volunteered for the organising committee
.

 

[JessicaTam]

There is a very easy solution to that. There are also 30 days in September. Not sure why the do needs to be limited to the last 3rd of the month.

There has been absolutely no decision on the timing for AFF 8. It is location first, date second. Just because someone mentions school holidays, doesn't mean that the month has been set. It has merely been added to the conversation.

 

[medhead]

There has been absolutely no decision on the timing for AFF 8. It is location first, date second. Just because someone mentions school holidays, doesn't mean that the month has been set. It has merely been added to the conversation.

Which is my question. Why have they assumed a date, then looked at coatings and then decided it's too expensive?