Comments for Norwescon 35 http://www.norwescon.org The Pacific Northwest's Premier Science-Fiction and Fantasy Convention: April 5-8, 2012 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:15:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Blaine Burgess http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-1066 Blaine Burgess Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:15:27 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-1066 So I reserve my room and just before con my son or daughter has to go to the hospital and I cannot make it, you keep my $120.00 and say thanks for 20 years of patronage? Nice! Another example is groups like ours that utilize 20+ rooms have to shell out $2400.00 plus Uncle Sams cut 6 months before the convention during a recession? Somehow I think there is a solution without punishing your patrons. Blaine Burgess So I reserve my room and just before con my son or daughter has to go to the hospital and I cannot make it, you keep my $120.00 and say thanks for 20 years of patronage? Nice! Another example is groups like ours that utilize 20+ rooms have to shell out $2400.00 plus Uncle Sams cut 6 months before the convention during a recession? Somehow I think there is a solution without punishing your patrons.

Blaine Burgess

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Tamara http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-1060 Tamara Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:46 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-1060 Dear Mr. Black: Thank you very much for assisting in the running of NorWesCon. But the fact remains that since this is the first year of this new system you have absolutely no idea how fast the reservations will go, so the only way to guarantee myself a room in the Doubletree for next year is to make my reservation on Sunday. I have limited mobility and in practical terms cannot stay in any other hotel and still enjoy my convention (I've tried) -- so you're reassurance of an "excellent chance" of getting a room at the 90-day-out mark doesn't exactly cut it for me. I've been attending NorWesCon for over 20 years, I have never ghosted and I would never cancel a hotel reservation without a genuine emergency being involved. I'm not mad at the con or anybody else (and obviously there's nothing personal about a policy change) -- I just can't help but get frustrated whenever I feel like I am, yet again, being punished for the irresponsible actions of other people. Dear Mr. Black: Thank you very much for assisting in the running of NorWesCon. But the fact remains that since this is the first year of this new system you have absolutely no idea how fast the reservations will go, so the only way to guarantee myself a room in the Doubletree for next year is to make my reservation on Sunday. I have limited mobility and in practical terms cannot stay in any other hotel and still enjoy my convention (I’ve tried) — so you’re reassurance of an “excellent chance” of getting a room at the 90-day-out mark doesn’t exactly cut it for me. I’ve been attending NorWesCon for over 20 years, I have never ghosted and I would never cancel a hotel reservation without a genuine emergency being involved. I’m not mad at the con or anybody else (and obviously there’s nothing personal about a policy change) — I just can’t help but get frustrated whenever I feel like I am, yet again, being punished for the irresponsible actions of other people.

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Kevin Black (Norwescon 35 Hotel Liaison) http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-1038 Kevin Black (Norwescon 35 Hotel Liaison) Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:47:22 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-1038 Jazilee, Handicap rooms are available from the hotel on a first come, first serve basis. You will be pleased to know that the Doubletree has just completed a renovation which added additional accessible rooms in the tower. Jazilee,

Handicap rooms are available from the hotel on a first come, first serve basis. You will be pleased to know that the Doubletree has just completed a renovation which added additional accessible rooms in the tower.

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Jazilee http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-914 Jazilee Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:04:47 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-914 From what I have always been told - in previous years I have even been told I was placed onto it - that there is an actual waiting list of people who are waiting for cancellations to get into the NorWes Con reservation block. I know with me and my family(and friends) between us we have 3 rooms reserved - and back-up people in line to take them if we can not take them. perhaps if a policy was made to get the Con rate people reserved through the Con Hotel Liaison - then cancelled through them also - a waiting list could work with a shorter grace period of 45 days? But that would mean more work for our poor Liaison staff - ( I would volunteer to set up and run the list for NorWesCon 36 and beyond if needed - I have been looking for some new volunteer opportunities) Also - how does this affect the people like myself who need the handicap accessible rooms? there is a HUGE demand for them but very FEW of them available? From what I have always been told – in previous years I have even been told I was placed onto it – that there is an actual waiting list of people who are waiting for cancellations to get into the NorWes Con reservation block.

I know with me and my family(and friends) between us we have 3 rooms reserved – and back-up people in line to take them if we can not take them.

perhaps if a policy was made to get the Con rate people reserved through the Con Hotel Liaison – then cancelled through them also – a waiting list could work with a shorter grace period of 45 days? But that would mean more work for our poor Liaison staff – ( I would volunteer to set up and run the list for NorWesCon 36 and beyond if needed – I have been looking for some new volunteer opportunities)

Also – how does this affect the people like myself who need the handicap accessible rooms? there is a HUGE demand for them but very FEW of them available?

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Bill Brown http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-894 Bill Brown Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:54:11 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-894 "This year, the room block for Norwescon 36 in 2013 will be open on the last day of Norwescon 35, which is Sunday, April 7, 2012." Sunday is April 8. I'm sure this is all over & done but the shouting, but with regards to 'if we cut off the grace period at 45 days, there would only be 24 days to get the canceled rooms into the hands of other members', I have to wonder: with almost everyone seemingly living connectedly minute to minute on their smartphones, and with your regular emails, why do you consider three-plus weeks too short a time for getting canceled rooms back to attendees? “This year, the room block for Norwescon 36 in 2013 will be open on the last day of Norwescon 35, which is Sunday, April 7, 2012.” Sunday is April 8. I’m sure this is all over & done but the shouting, but with regards to ‘if we cut off the grace period at 45 days, there would only be 24 days to get the canceled rooms into the hands of other members’, I have to wonder: with almost everyone seemingly living connectedly minute to minute on their smartphones, and with your regular emails, why do you consider three-plus weeks too short a time for getting canceled rooms back to attendees?

]]> Comment on New Year Updates by Michael Hanscom http://www.norwescon.org/2012/01/04/new-year-updates/#comment-741 Michael Hanscom Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:39:06 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=998#comment-741 Hi Linnell, We're glad you found us! I'll pass your question on within the organizing committee, someone should be able to get back to you soon. Thanks much, and if you do decide to come by, we hope you enjoy your time at Norwescon! Hi Linnell,

We’re glad you found us! I’ll pass your question on within the organizing committee, someone should be able to get back to you soon. Thanks much, and if you do decide to come by, we hope you enjoy your time at Norwescon!

]]> Comment on New Year Updates by Linell Jeppsen http://www.norwescon.org/2012/01/04/new-year-updates/#comment-740 Linell Jeppsen Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:24:08 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=998#comment-740 Hi. My name is Linell Jeppsen, author of The Hunt, and my new novel, Story Time, a post-apocalyptic SF novel, which has recently been nominated as the best read of 2011 by the reviewers panel of the PRG. I'm seriously considering coming to the convention. I would like to hear the speakers, the music, and see the newest sights in the field of science fiction. I would also enjoy the opportunity to sell some of my books. Is it alright to set up a table at the convention, and if so, is there a person, or group I need to contact? Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. Linell Jeppsen Hi. My name is Linell Jeppsen, author of The Hunt, and my new novel, Story Time, a post-apocalyptic SF novel, which has recently been nominated as the best read of 2011 by the reviewers panel of the PRG. I’m seriously considering coming to the convention. I would like to hear the speakers, the music, and see the newest sights in the field of science fiction. I would also enjoy the opportunity to sell some of my books. Is it alright to set up a table at the convention, and if so, is there a person, or group I need to contact? Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. Linell Jeppsen

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Kevin Black (Norwescon 35 Hotel Liaison) http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-727 Kevin Black (Norwescon 35 Hotel Liaison) Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:35:33 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-727 Krisha, I received the following response from the hotel: I spoke with David and to answer the question below – there would be a charge if they altered their arrival date after the cancellation period. If they shortened their stay there would be no charge but if they changed the arrival date to come in later then they would be charged for that night like a cancellation. So if they had a reservation for Thursday – Sunday and they decided after the 90 days they wanted to check out on Saturday there would be no charge / penalty. If they made a reservation for Thursday – Sunday and then after the 90 days expired decided to arrive on Friday they would be charged for that Thursday night as it would be considered canceling a night. <b>Me again:</b> I asked a follow up and this is apparently a limitation of their reservation software. Krisha, I received the following response from the hotel:

I spoke with David and to answer the question below – there would be a charge if they altered their arrival date after the cancellation period. If they shortened their stay there would be no charge but if they changed the arrival date to come in later then they would be charged for that night like a cancellation. So if they had a reservation for Thursday – Sunday and they decided after the 90 days they wanted to check out on Saturday there would be no charge / penalty. If they made a reservation for Thursday – Sunday and then after the 90 days expired decided to arrive on Friday they would be charged for that Thursday night as it would be considered canceling a night.

Me again: I asked a follow up and this is apparently a limitation of their reservation software.

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Kristin http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-723 Kristin Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:54:51 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-723 Thanks so much for your help in getting my reservation fixed-- and over the holiday's! Thanks so much for your help in getting my reservation fixed– and over the holiday’s!

]]> Comment on Norwescon 36 Room Cancellation Policy by Krisha http://www.norwescon.org/2011/12/11/norwescon-36-room-cancellation-policy/#comment-645 Krisha Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:34:01 +0000 http://www.norwescon.org/?p=887#comment-645 What happens if you have reserved 3 nights and then find out you can't make it Thursday night (and have to arrive Friday instead)? Are we allowed to cancel only 1 of our 3 nights less than 90 days in advance without penalty? I'm asking because half the time I think I can arrive on Thursday and then I get pulled away on business and can't arrive until Friday. Will I be forced to pay for Thursday even though I'm only using the room on Friday and Saturday night? Or am I exempt from the penalty since I'm still keeping my Friday night and Saturday night reservation? What happens if you have reserved 3 nights and then find out you can’t make it Thursday night (and have to arrive Friday instead)? Are we allowed to cancel only 1 of our 3 nights less than 90 days in advance without penalty? I’m asking because half the time I think I can arrive on Thursday and then I get pulled away on business and can’t arrive until Friday. Will I be forced to pay for Thursday even though I’m only using the room on Friday and Saturday night? Or am I exempt from the penalty since I’m still keeping my Friday night and Saturday night reservation?

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