I have been thinking about this idea for a while, ever since the Pov-Ray
festival idea came up and ever since my friend told me how he met his
newsgroup friends.

One day, probably not very soon (5 years or so) from now, I'd like to
organise a REAL pov-ray festival. It would be something like an actual
real-world (yes, there exists something like that. I heard the rendering
times are amazing over there...) meeting of all us POV enthusiasts
somewhere. It would be really nice to actullay meet the people here and
for a few days, do nothing but talk about pov, learn about pov, and
teach about pov. It would be great.

I think that this is not at all unrealistic, only not in the near
future. I'd say the 2006-7 would be reasonable. The main reason I'm
putting it off so long is that I'm actually going to be in the army for
4 years AT LEAST, so I can't really do anything for the next 4 years...

This may sound crazy, but heck, why not?

The main problem with this idea is that people don't have money to fly
around the world. This location problem can't really be solved in any
reasonable way. I, for one, don't see a way I could go anywhere futher
than Europe, and I doubt that as well. Right now, I can't go anywhere
(money, and besides I'm getting drafted).

That's all, I just like to dream and like the song says - "Dream on,
dream until your dream comes true."

Looking forward to meet you all (hehe) -

 Noam Lewis

Post a reply to this message

Nice sentiment, and yes you are probably right about the logistics of
getting a group together someplace, anyplace. Breaking it down into
regions might fare well. A North America region for instance. In fact, the
Europeans among us seems all the better situated for such a occurance. A
central hub there would be within a thousand miles or less for all. Or
about a 3 day drive, plus extra for the crossing of waters. The U.S. would
have a central meeting place of around 1250 miles of all.
Nearly the same goes for Australia but the distance or money and hardship
needed for travel gets to a certain point there. I prefer driving (okay, I
hate planes).
Anyway, a good idea if it were feasible somehow. There's a few people on
AOL who talked of getting together sometime also. At least a few of us are
within easy reach, that is to say, within a few hundred miles of a central
location.


Lewis wrote:
> 
> I have been thinking about this idea for a while, ever since the Pov-Ray
> festival idea came up and ever since my friend told me how he met his
> newsgroup friends.
> 
> One day, probably not very soon (5 years or so) from now, I'd like to
> organise a REAL pov-ray festival. It would be something like an actual
> real-world (yes, there exists something like that. I heard the rendering
> times are amazing over there...) meeting of all us POV enthusiasts
> somewhere. It would be really nice to actullay meet the people here and
> for a few days, do nothing but talk about pov, learn about pov, and
> teach about pov. It would be great.
> 
> I think that this is not at all unrealistic, only not in the near
> future. I'd say the 2006-7 would be reasonable. The main reason I'm
> putting it off so long is that I'm actually going to be in the army for
> 4 years AT LEAST, so I can't really do anything for the next 4 years...
> 
> This may sound crazy, but heck, why not?
> 
> The main problem with this idea is that people don't have money to fly
> around the world. This location problem can't really be solved in any
> reasonable way. I, for one, don't see a way I could go anywhere futher
> than Europe, and I doubt that as well. Right now, I can't go anywhere
> (money, and besides I'm getting drafted).
> 
> That's all, I just like to dream and like the song says - "Dream on,
> dream until your dream comes true."
> 
> Looking forward to meet you all (hehe) -
> 
>  Noam Lewis

-- 
 omniVERSE: beyond the universe
  http://members.aol.com/inversez/homepage.htm
 mailto://inversez@aol.com?Subject=PoV-News

Post a reply to this message

Bob Hughes wrote:

> The U.S. would have a central meeting place of around 1250 miles of all.

  I would say closer to 1800 miles would be the extremes not including
the tip of Florida and the extention up in Maine. It is 1150 miles from
Los Angelus Ca to Denver Colo. and Denver is not mid country. La to
New York is aorund 3600 miles best route. I think the location that
would probably fit as the closest center would be of all places Lincoln
Neb. or maybe Kansas City Kansas neither one of which is the garden spot
of the nation in my been to both and care not much for them opinion.
Aspen Colo. would be an inspiraitonal location with lots of beautiful
landscape around to try to render :)

> I prefer driving (okay, I hate planes).

  How can someone living in the last year of this century manage to
have a hang up about planes ? I find that almost inconcievable.
I worry a bit about privately owned and maintained aircraft but
commercial airlines have my vote for the safest transportation
vehicle available. You are safer flying on an airline than walking
down a sidewalk on a busy street. You are not obligated to answer
to any of that. I just struck me as odd.


-- 
Ken Tyler

mailto://tylereng@pacbell.net

Post a reply to this message

>  How can someone living in the last year of this century manage to
>have a hang up about planes ? I find that almost inconcievable.

There are also things called phobias...

I find it almost inconceivable to believe someone could have a problem with
open spaces too... but it happens...

--
Lance.


---
For the latest 3D Studio MAX plug-ins, images and much more, go to:
The Zone - http://come.to/the.zone
For a totally different experience, visit my Chroma Key Website:
Colorblind - http://listen.to/colorblind

Post a reply to this message

On Sat, 08 May 1999 23:00:23 +0300, Lewis <ble### [at] netvisionnetil>
wrote:

>It would be really nice to actullay meet the people here and
>for a few days, do nothing but talk about pov, learn about pov, and
>teach about pov. It would be great.

  I suggest an alternative - various members of the POV-Team and
POV-Ray enthusiasts have been getting together at the annual SIGGRAPH
event. This provides other entertainment and educational values as
well as forming a meeting place for discussions. It meets in a
different north American city each year.

  SIGGRAPH99 will feature a discussion by Jensen on his photon mapping
technique and he will talk about material not covered in existing
papers written by him. This might make for some neat additions or
modifications to Nathan's existing photon mapping beta.
-- 
Alan
------------------------------------------------------------------
povray.org - official home of the Persistence of Vision Ray Tracer
news.povray.org - where POV-Ray enthusiasts from around the world
                - get together to exchange ideas and experiences
------------------------------------------------------------------

Post a reply to this message

Alan, this is exactly how our online group of telescope makers got
together, we did it at a professional convention for optical engineers.
It worked out quite nicely with about 20 or 25 of us showing up.

steve

Alan Kong wrote:

> On Sat, 08 May 1999 23:00:23 +0300, Lewis <ble### [at] netvisionnetil>
> wrote:
>
> >It would be really nice to actullay meet the people here and
> >for a few days, do nothing but talk about pov, learn about pov, and
> >teach about pov. It would be great.
>
>   I suggest an alternative - various members of the POV-Team and
> POV-Ray enthusiasts have been getting together at the annual SIGGRAPH
> event. This provides other entertainment and educational values as
> well as forming a meeting place for discussions. It meets in a
> different north American city each year.
>
>   SIGGRAPH99 will feature a discussion by Jensen on his photon mapping
> technique and he will talk about material not covered in existing
> papers written by him. This might make for some neat additions or
> modifications to Nathan's existing photon mapping beta.
> --
> Alan
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> povray.org - official home of the Persistence of Vision Ray Tracer
> news.povray.org - where POV-Ray enthusiasts from around the world
>                 - get together to exchange ideas and experiences
> ------------------------------------------------------------------

Post a reply to this message

Poor little me. Stuck in Panama. I'm probably the only person who uses
POV-Ray in this country. Well, I taught a friend, but he prefers his 3D
Studio. *sigh*

I can fly to the USA for a convention, but don't expect me to go to Europe
or Australia (though it would be very cool), and much less to pay to get in.
I don't think I could meet anybody at any non-POV conventions, since I don't
think I can afford it. It would have to be a 'freeware' convention with no
entry fee. OR, we could meet just outside of the SIGGRAPH convention! ;)

It would be nice if we could meet on an anniversary of POV-Ray. How old is
it anyway? 1999 - 1992 = 7 years! OK, so let's say on it's 10th anniversary
(day, month, and year) we could all meet somewhere. Hey, why not here in
Panama? (...brain to Anthony... ...brain to Anthony... dream on...) All you
would have to buy is a 2-way plane ticket. After that, things are pretty
cheap here. You wouldn't have to bring a lot of cash. I hope to see you in
twenty-two (2002)! It rimes. Cool.

Post a reply to this message

There is no way in hell I'm going to fly to the US. It's too far.

Post a reply to this message

Why don't we just calculate the center of Povulation (pov population) in
Europe and US, and then decide on locations?

Next year is 2000, and an estimated 3 million tourists are to come to
Israel (the holy land etc.), so why don't you all join the party and
we'll have a little party here? ;)

Well, anyway, I must remind you not to do anything between June 2000 and
2003, because I can't come.

Post a reply to this message

Speaking of open spaces, Kansas City or there abouts isn't that bad a
place of the country, unless of course in terms of nice heightfield
territory :) I was thinking of distances as the crow flies and leaving out
the extreme corners of the country to boot. But yes, I guess one way or
another it would be more like a week and a half round trip for some in the
U.S.
Yeah, I know, fear of flying. Oh well, and even after more than a half
dozen car accidents to compare with so far. But I've never gone over a
cliff yet either, and that would still be a far different thing than
plummeting several miles (sky diving or bungee jumping? no way!). Actually
it's even moreso to do with my inability to let others drive the vehicle.
I'd fly in a plane I was piloting much sooner than cram myself into a bus
or train load of people.


Lance Birch wrote:
> 
> >  How can someone living in the last year of this century manage to
> >have a hang up about planes ? I find that almost inconcievable.
> 
> There are also things called phobias...
> 
> I find it almost inconceivable to believe someone could have a problem with
> open spaces too... but it happens...
> 
> --
> Lance.
> 
> ---
> For the latest 3D Studio MAX plug-ins, images and much more, go to:
> The Zone - http://come.to/the.zone
> For a totally different experience, visit my Chroma Key Website:
> Colorblind - http://listen.to/colorblind

-- 
 omniVERSE: beyond the universe
  http://members.aol.com/inversez/homepage.htm
 mailto://inversez@aol.com?Subject=PoV-News

Post a reply to this message

The "official" POV-Ray 1.0 executable I have here is dated July 3, 1992.
So, good timing for a 4th of July holiday in the U.S. anyhow. Well,
maybe... it's actually a Wednesday in 2002. Also on Wednesday of 2001, May
16, is the anniversary date of DKBTrace 2.12 (8 years old next week),
which I suppose is the true father of POV; though someone with the
POV-Team surely knows this better. Still, the POV version 1.0 sounds most
likely to be called upon as the anniversary celebrity.


TonyB wrote:
> 
> Poor little me. Stuck in Panama. I'm probably the only person who uses
> POV-Ray in this country. Well, I taught a friend, but he prefers his 3D
> Studio. *sigh*
> 
> I can fly to the USA for a convention, but don't expect me to go to Europe
> or Australia (though it would be very cool), and much less to pay to get in.
> I don't think I could meet anybody at any non-POV conventions, since I don't
> think I can afford it. It would have to be a 'freeware' convention with no
> entry fee. OR, we could meet just outside of the SIGGRAPH convention! ;)
> 
> It would be nice if we could meet on an anniversary of POV-Ray. How old is
> it anyway? 1999 - 1992 = 7 years! OK, so let's say on it's 10th anniversary
> (day, month, and year) we could all meet somewhere. Hey, why not here in
> Panama? (...brain to Anthony... ...brain to Anthony... dream on...) All you
> would have to buy is a 2-way plane ticket. After that, things are pretty
> cheap here. You wouldn't have to bring a lot of cash. I hope to see you in
> twenty-two (2002)! It rimes. Cool.

-- 
 omniVERSE: beyond the universe
  http://members.aol.com/inversez/homepage.htm
 mailto://inversez@aol.com?Subject=PoV-News

Post a reply to this message

This sounds very difficult to pull off with any level of satisfaction.
  I envision a day when our newsgroup browsers will have a plug-in for video
conferencing. Maybe just a photo, but live video preferred, as you are
online and posting. It's not the same, I realize. Still, the starving artist
profile still applies here. :(

GrimDude
vos### [at] arkansasnet

Post a reply to this message

Sadly so. Just like Australia etc. I can't imagine undertaking such a trip
just for this purpose. Unless I'll strike it rich within the next few
years... Yeah, right.
Let's face it, the POV community is just too international. Local
conventions - perhaps. But a universal one is not likely to happen anytime
soon. If not in a video-conference form. But many people lack the necessary
connection speed for this.

Margus

Lewis wrote in message <3735ACE8.F215E5EF@netvision.net.il>...
>There is no way in hell I'm going to fly to the US. It's too far.

Post a reply to this message

Margus Ramst wrote:
> 
> Sadly so. Just like Australia etc. I can't imagine undertaking such a trip
> just for this purpose. Unless I'll strike it rich within the next few
> years... Yeah, right.
> Let's face it, the POV community is just too international. Local
> conventions - perhaps. 

Well then, there you have it. Since Lewis won't be back for a couple of years
(poor guy) I suggest he starts arranging a festival situated on the moon or
somewhere else in space scheduled as soon the average POV-er can afford such a
trip. 

But a universal one is not likely to happen anytime
> soon. 

Never say never.

If not in a video-conference form. But many people lack the necessary
> connection speed for this.

Nah. That's what you have these groups for.
> 
> Margus
> 
> Lewis wrote in message <3735ACE8.F215E5EF@netvision.net.il>...
> >There is no way in hell I'm going to fly to the US. It's too far.

BTW if anyone is interested in local get-togethers why not start organizing such
a thing at a smaller scale and see where that leads. Imagine: you've spent
you're last nickle on a ticket to the POV-convention somewhere on Easter Island
to find once you get there the whole group consists of even greater buttholes
then you had imagined.
There has been a very feeble hint of some sort of small convention on the low
lands. But that was Enschede, they would do anything there to get to a party ;-)

Groetn,

Remco

Post a reply to this message

You speak wisely, maybe moreso than you realize. Think of the cost to
travel then compare with a video conference upgrade. By that reasoning
alone a "real" conference, even at local levels, would be nonsense.
Whereas the continued useability of such hardware/software could finally
get some of us penny-pinchers into the 21st century at long last. Only
thing stopping me right now is the money I'm afraid to waste. Well, that,
and the fact I'm not sure I could hook it all up okay and actually see
anyone or them me.


GrimDude wrote:
> 
>   This sounds very difficult to pull off with any level of satisfaction.
>   I envision a day when our newsgroup browsers will have a plug-in for video
> conferencing. Maybe just a photo, but live video preferred, as you are
> online and posting. It's not the same, I realize. Still, the starving artist
> profile still applies here. :(
> 
> GrimDude
> vos### [at] arkansasnet

-- 
 omniVERSE: beyond the universe
  http://members.aol.com/inversez/homepage.htm
 mailto://inversez@aol.com?Subject=PoV-News

Post a reply to this message

> 
> Well then, there you have it. Since Lewis won't be back for a couple of years
> (poor guy) I suggest he starts arranging a festival situated on the moon or
> somewhere else in space scheduled as soon the average POV-er can afford such a
> trip.

First of all, although I *am* a poor guy, IF I get to do what I might be
doing in the army, then I'm gonna have fun.. I might work in
Intelligence as a programmer or developer, and maybe even get to be the
on writing the next-generation military 3d simulation applications. Who
knows?

What am I saying? I should face it. A poor guy.

Post a reply to this message

>Well, anyway, I must remind you not to do anything between
June 2000 and
>2003, because I can't come.

:) Getting pretentious?

Julius

Post a reply to this message

>>If not in a video-conference form. But many people lack
the necessary
>>connection speed for this.

>Nah. That's what you have these groups for.

And for real-time conversation... isn't there an irc-box for
povray?

>BTW if anyone is interested in local get-togethers why not
start organizing such
>a thing at a smaller scale and see where that leads.

Seems to me this is the only realizable sort of
get-together.

>Imagine: you've spent
>you're last nickle on a ticket to the POV-convention
somewhere on Easter Island
>to find once you get there the whole group consists of even
greater buttholes
>then you had imagined.

Add that to the fact that you're stuck on Easter Island and
you're sure to have a great time! :)

>There has been a very feeble hint of some sort of small
convention on the low
>lands. But that was Enschede, they would do anything there
to get to a party ;-)

And Enschede (do not try to pronounce this correctly unless
you're a Dutchy, it might result in serious throat damage)
is not one of my favourite hangouts either... al die boeren
:)
By the way, I believe the number (and density) of pov users
is relatively high in Holland, so it might be much easier to
realize a meeting than in the USA... I could be wrong though

Just wondering... would I really like to meet you all?
Hmmm.. I'll have to think that through thoroughly... :)

Julius

Post a reply to this message

Julius Klatte wrote:
> 
> >>If not in a video-conference form. But many people lack
> the necessary
> >>connection speed for this.
> 
> >Nah. That's what you have these groups for.
> 
> And for real-time conversation... isn't there an irc-box for
> povray?
> 
> >BTW if anyone is interested in local get-togethers why not
> start organizing such
> >a thing at a smaller scale and see where that leads.
> 
> Seems to me this is the only realizable sort of
> get-together.
> 
> >Imagine: you've spent
> >you're last nickle on a ticket to the POV-convention
> somewhere on Easter Island
> >to find once you get there the whole group consists of even
> greater buttholes
> >then you had imagined.
> 
> Add that to the fact that you're stuck on Easter Island and
> you're sure to have a great time! :)
> 
> >There has been a very feeble hint of some sort of small
> convention on the low
> >lands. But that was Enschede, they would do anything there
> to get to a party ;-)
> 
> And Enschede (do not try to pronounce this correctly unless
> you're a Dutchy, it might result in serious throat damage)
> is not one of my favourite hangouts either... al die boeren
> :)
> By the way, I believe the number (and density) of pov users
> is relatively high in Holland, so it might be much easier to
> realize a meeting than in the USA... I could be wrong though
> 
> Just wondering... would I really like to meet you all?
> Hmmm.. I'll have to think that through thoroughly... :)
> 
> Julius

If you're ready thinking:
  we could set up something in Rotterdam. I think I can arrange a place to stay
for a couple of people (should be ± August) and there's plenty to do here.
Perhaps even visit V2.  
Any interested lowlanders? 
(no, that's not lowlife)

Remco

Post a reply to this message

Alan Kong wrote:
> 
>   SIGGRAPH99 will feature a discussion by Jensen on his photon mapping
> technique and he will talk about material not covered in existing
> papers written by him. This might make for some neat additions or
> modifications to Nathan's existing photon mapping beta.

I seriously considered going to Siggraph this year, but the cost of the
trip changed my mind.  :-(

-Nathan

Post a reply to this message

Hi Nathan Kopp, you recently wrote in povray.general:

> I seriously considered going to Siggraph this year, but the cost of the
> trip changed my mind.  :-(
Pity, it would have been a blast (it probably still will be<g>).
Thomas Baier and I are going this year and are looking forward to
meeting with a few other raytracers and POV-ers at the conference.

- Lutz
  email : lut### [at] stmuccom
  Web   : http://www.stmuc.com/moray

Post a reply to this message

Remco de Korte heeft geschreven in bericht <373### [at] xs4allnl>...
>If you're ready thinking:
>  we could set up something in Rotterdam. I think I can arrange a place to stay
>for a couple of people (should be ± August) and there's plenty to do here.
>Perhaps even visit V2.
>Any interested lowlanders?
>(no, that's not lowlife)
>
>Remco

yes, interested.

Oh, Enschede.......er is altijd nog Almelo, ....het stoplicht springt op rood,
het stoplicht.....

ingo

--
Met dank aan de muze met het glazen oog.

Post a reply to this message

On Thu, 13 May 1999 09:15:34 GMT, lut### [at] stmuccom (Lutz Kretzschmar)
wrote:

>Pity, it would have been a blast (it probably still will be<g>).
>Thomas Baier and I are going this year and are looking forward to
>meeting with a few other raytracers and POV-ers at the conference.

  I thought you might be attending again this SIGGRAPH, Lutz.
Unfortunately, some unexpected and expected expenses have surfaced
(had to buy a new computer, among other things). Won't be meeting you
guys this year, either :(

  Maybe Eduard can meet up for a BOF get-together since he is not too
far of a drive from the conference.

  I hope you guys have a great time! Take pictures!
-- 
Alan
------------------------------------------------------------------
povray.org - official home of the Persistence of Vision Ray Tracer
news.povray.org - where POV-Ray enthusiasts from around the world
                - get together to exchange ideas and experiences
------------------------------------------------------------------

Post a reply to this message

ingo wrote:
> 
> Remco de Korte heeft geschreven in bericht <373### [at] xs4allnl>...
> >If you're ready thinking:
> >  we could set up something in Rotterdam. I think I can arrange a place to stay
> >for a couple of people (should be ± August) and there's plenty to do here.
> >Perhaps even visit V2.
> >Any interested lowlanders?
> >(no, that's not lowlife)
> >
> >Remco
> 
> yes, interested.
> 
> Oh, Enschede.......er is altijd nog Almelo, ....het stoplicht springt op rood,
> het stoplicht.....
> 
> ingo
> 

Ok, that's one. Any more?

Ik zag laatst dat ze in Almelo zelfs computergestuurde stoplichten hadden, via
de satelliet of zo. Vast ook nog real-time gerendered.
Nee, gelukkig is er nog Haaksbergen, met die fijne landingsbaan voor
straaljagers...

Remco

(sorry for the off-topic Dutch blabbering)

Post a reply to this message

>Ok, that's one. Any more?


Interested, yes. But I'm not sure I'll be able to come in
August (hope to have started my great big effe-uit-de-sleur
travels by then...)

Julius

Post a reply to this message

Lewis wrote in message <373873E4.4C8AAE19@netvision.net.il>...
>First of all, although I *am* a poor guy, IF I get to do what I might be
>doing in the army, then I'm gonna have fun.. I might work in
>Intelligence as a programmer or developer, and maybe even get to be the
>on writing the next-generation military 3d simulation applications. Who
>knows?


Don't be too successful, else whoever gets to use that software might well
have killed most of the POV-international people before you get a chance to
visit <grin>

(As a small aside, if you were being serious, it's unlikely that anyone will
work in military intelligence if they announce to the World they've applied
(or they intend to apply)...doesn't exactly go down too well given the usual
secrecy you're expected to adopt. Well not here, at least, where you are may
be different I guess)
--
Michael

Post a reply to this message

Organisation of the event would take some time, and would best
achieved by someone organising in their home town. So it's got to
be central and in the home town of one of the hard core POVers.

Europe would have some other considerations, centrally placed and
POV population wise Germany would be the best choice, but Germany
is very expensive, and we have language/border barriers it might
not be too easy for some of our friends from eastern countries to
get into say Holland or Germany.

Just a few thoughts.

Ken wrote:
> 
> Bob Hughes wrote:
> 
> > The U.S. would have a central meeting place of around 1250 miles of all.
> 
>   I would say closer to 1800 miles would be the extremes not including
> the tip of Florida and the extention up in Maine. It is 1150 miles from
> Los Angelus Ca to Denver Colo. and Denver is not mid country. La to
> New York is aorund 3600 miles best route. I think the location that
> would probably fit as the closest center would be of all places Lincoln
> Neb. or maybe Kansas City Kansas neither one of which is the garden spot
> of the nation in my been to both and care not much for them opinion.
> Aspen Colo. would be an inspiraitonal location with lots of beautiful
> landscape around to try to render :)
> 
> > I prefer driving (okay, I hate planes).
> 
>   How can someone living in the last year of this century manage to
> have a hang up about planes ? I find that almost inconcievable.
> I worry a bit about privately owned and maintained aircraft but
> commercial airlines have my vote for the safest transportation
> vehicle available. You are safer flying on an airline than walking
> down a sidewalk on a busy street. You are not obligated to answer
> to any of that. I just struck me as odd.
> 
> --
> Ken Tyler
> 
> mailto://tylereng@pacbell.net

-- 
Cheers
Steve

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
%HAV-A-NICEDAY Error reading file mailto:sjl### [at] ndirectcouk

Post a reply to this message

Believe it or not but real life is still there even when the
computer is turned on.

Lewis wrote:
> 
> Why don't we just calculate the center of Povulation (pov population) in
> Europe and US, and then decide on locations?
> 
> Next year is 2000, and an estimated 3 million tourists are to come to
> Israel (the holy land etc.), so why don't you all join the party and
> we'll have a little party here? ;)
> 
> Well, anyway, I must remind you not to do anything between June 2000 and
> 2003, because I can't come.

-- 
Cheers
Steve

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
%HAV-A-NICEDAY Error reading file mailto:sjl### [at] ndirectcouk

Post a reply to this message