Wikipedia:Meetup/DC 4

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DC Meetup


2008-05-17 17:00 EDT


Who should come? You should. Really.
If you are interested in Wikipedia or other

Wikimedia projects, regardless of your level of experience or involvement, or if you are otherwise involved with free content
you are invited and welcome.

What, Where, When, and How?

Where

Uno's is at

Union Station
, one level up from the main floor.

Selecting a meetup location

Suggest some place in DC to eat and meetup, be sure to add directions.

I believe from discussion about the last meetup, we had already determined that this meetup would happen at Teaism, at their Penn Quarter location, due to a scheduling conflict related to when we were having the previous meetup. SchuminWeb (Talk) 19:55, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Which Teaism location in DC? Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 19:59, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I want to say the one at 400 8th Street NW, but don't hold me to that. SchuminWeb (Talk) 20:31, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Ok. 'Prolly I would suggest whichever is closest to Metro. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 20:46, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you, I appreciate that the choice is vegan friendly! --Steve Foerster (talk) 21:41, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Ok, I think the Penn Quarter was the one discussed previously, but the Lafayette location is also nice and close to Metro. Not sure about parking at either, though. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 22:00, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Teaism would be problematic for me; if chosen, I might have to bring my own dinner as I'm limited to a
desat 02:21, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply
]
Teaism has a location in Dupont Circle, which is good because it is metro accessible.—Perceval 22:29, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The Penn Quarter one is a block from the Archives metro, and has a much bigger dining area (the Dupont Circle one is quite unlikely to be big enough for our group). Kingdon (talk) 02:14, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Penn quarter Teaism is best, since Dupont Circle, while close, is WAAAYYY too small for the 20+ people we've been averaging at these meetups.

Son of the Defender 03:59, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply
]

LOL! The Dupont Circle location is indeed tiny, while the Penn Quarter location can accommodate us. On the weekends, they like groups (of our size) to order from the catering menu. So, it would be somewhat similar to last time, each person pay ~$25 and we get a set menu, with enough options I think to make everyone happy. If someone has a special diet, then I think it would be okay for you to just order something else. (I don't know what they have that's gluten-free) They also told me that they have a $500 minimum for catering, which means 20 people showing up. We also need to give them plenty of notice to reserve the space, since they don't like multiple groups on Saturdays. I don't mind asking, since I have the contact and am over there often anyway. If people want to suggest a different location, I'm open to that or whatever. --Aude (talk) 01:20, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I no longer have any objections to Teaism, the person I emailed was extremely helpful and sent me a list of all their gluten-free items. --
desat 21:08, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply
]
I retract any offer to help organize this. It's unlikely I will come this time. Also, I'm not comfortable with Teaism's minimum charge, it's a bit much. --Aude (talk) 12:53, 14 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Is this a minimum charge per head? How much is it? SchuminWeb (Talk) 18:49, 14 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It's $500 minimum for the group. We were slightly less than that last time, even though each person paid $30. Rocketrye12's suggestion below looks good, moving us in a more organized direction like the NYC group. Anyway, there is a small to zero chance I'll make this one. --Aude (talk) 21:49, 14 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah, that's a little steep, especially since we only had 17 at the last meetup. I much preferred the way the July meetup was handled - everyone went right off the regular menu and then covered themselves plus tip at the end. I'm also amicable to the GW idea, see below... SchuminWeb (Talk) 02:28, 15 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Everyone covering themselves sounds fine by me. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 14:43, 15 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Other suggestions:

Does a DC Meetup have to take place inside DC proper? If not, how about Chevy's, near Pentagon City Mall? That's in Arlington, VA … but it's inside the Beltway. If DC Meetup means meeting somewhere inside DC proper, how about a brown-bag event at Lafayette Park? –Micahbrwn (talk) 05:28, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'd prefer not to have something outside during the spring, as that's the height of allergy season. SchuminWeb (Talk) 11:20, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Pentagon City is just 3 stops from Archives-Navy Memorial. I think DC is good, since some people come from MD and some come from VA. --Aude (talk) 01:24, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

SUGGESTION: I have recently, over the past few days, been in contact with the George Washington University to hold a meetup at an appropriate place on campus. How many here would be open to coming to Foggy Bottom? The university could provide us light refreshments and/or a meal. I am a freshman at GW, still working out the details...but should I pursue it further?rocketrye12 talk/contribs 22:42, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'd be all for that (I go to GW as well, although I am the opposite of a freshman). bd2412 T 10:08, 20 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No problems here. Might get a better deal than at a restaurant. $25 per head at Skewers was a tad steep. SchuminWeb (Talk) 00:39, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
And I'm still amicable to the GW idea. Might be fun! SchuminWeb (Talk) 02:28, 15 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I posted a note at User talk:Rocketrye12, but he's gone off-wiki and doesn't have email enabled, so I'm not that hopeful we'll here anything soon from him. -- John Broughton (♫♫) 20:56, 29 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
You're right, we are running out of time. I'm more amicable to going to GW or something like that than I am anywhere that we have to get it catered. As I mentioned, Skewers, while very good, was pricey for one meal. SchuminWeb (Talk) 23:15, 29 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I guess what I'm saying is that I'd like something where I'm more in control of my own meal costs. The July meetup was optimal as far as the restaurant, since all of us ordered and then paid our share at the end based on what we got. SchuminWeb (Talk) 23:16, 29 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The July 2007 meetup was at the Uno Grill at Union Station in D.C. If that seemed to work out, why not have the meetup at that venue again? -- John Broughton (♫♫) 18:31, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No objections there. I thought that the food, service, and prices were excellent. If we're going to take this route, we need to determine this soon, and then call them and let them know we're coming. SchuminWeb (Talk) 18:40, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Echo Schumin. This sounds fine. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 19:48, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hello everyone! Sorry for my absence, this is a hectic time for me with exams, lectures, and some research endeavors that are occupying my time! Here's the low down with GW: Getting a space is not hard. The problem is, it is expensive. I had a meeting with 'University Conferences' last week, and they gave me a price list---- the smallest space (~50people) in the Cloyd Heck Marvin Center would be upwards of $450 for the smallest room, with tables/chairs and nothing more. In addition, if we wanted to bring food into the space (on the fourth floor of this building at 23rd and H), we would HAVE to contract with GW's catering service Sodexho. Keeping in mind, now, that this would require 1) an entrance fee for all participants JUST for the space, and, not to mention, for those of us who do attend, what if the turnout is not optimal. We could be looking at a large fee for each of us (not to mention myself, who would have to advance the money to the university in full), just for the room with no food. I don't know....does anybody still like the GW idea? It doesnt seem optimal. The unfortunate thing is, however, that there are many MANY meeting spaces within university buildings that are near-always vacant (e.g. the City View Room of the Elliott School's 1957 E Street, with a plush leather 7th floor view of the capital, wash monument and jefferson views that rents for a whopping $3500 a night). Rogue wikipedia meetup!? May not be prudent.rocketrye12 talk/contribs 20:21, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That's a lot of money right there... definitely more than I'd want to spend, and likely the same for others, so let's take GW off the table. SchuminWeb (Talk) 22:01, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Damn these edit conflicts. ;-) I prefer somewhere near a metro, so Uno works. If you guys and gals want to meet somewhere in Georgetown, it's within walking distance so I can do that as well. (Can you tell I hate cabs?) Also, if people want to hang out afterwards, I live in Dupont and dessert/music/wine at Kramerbooks is an idea.
yada yada 22:07, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply
]

My only problem with Uno is that they wanted us out real fast. OTOH, it was fun, and is convenient to everything on the red line. We could also go to capitol city brewing afterwards for drinks.

Son of the Defender 23:07, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply
]

As an aside, there's a "party room" in my building, I don't know the cost (I think it's about $300), but it's got a pool table, great furniture, a nice bar (but BYOB, it's just for serving), outdoor smoking platform etc. Might be worth considering.

Son of the Defender 23:09, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply
]

Oh and it can hold probably 100+ people so space wouldn't be an issue.
Son of the Defender 23:10, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply
]

Uno's at Union Station?

Unless anyone has any strong objections by the close of business Monday, I'm going to go ahead and make reservations at Uno's at Union Station for May 17. This was the place where we had the meetup in July, and they certainly seemed to do a good job taking care of us. So what does everyone think? SchuminWeb (Talk) 22:06, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds good to me. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 22:07, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'm sure they have salad, though it might be the only such option. -- Gyrofrog (talk) 22:59, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'm flexible. I can always try out Teaism on my own; I share the others' concern about the set price. -- Gyrofrog (talk) 22:59, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Sounds fine to me. No problems. --rocketrye12 talk/contribs 23:19, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
As an aside, for those on special diets, there are a lot of alternative restaurants in the Union Station food court.
Son of the Defender 23:32, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
]
You mentioning other places to eat made me think about the women that always yell out "Yummy, yummy!" and hand out samples of bourbon chicken. It's in the back right corner of the food court. Of course, I don't think the vegans will like that place too much. :-)
yada yada 23:38, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
]
Heh, well they can always go to that amazing Greek place in the food court. It's right near the yummy yummy place. You can get about 3 pounds of gyro shawarma, fries, salad, and kabob for about 7 bucks. And their vegan stuff is pretty good too (lots of greek salad stuff)
Son of the Defender 04:43, 2 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
]
I know there's plenty of other food at Union Station, but if Uno's can't accommodate those specific food needs, please make sure they won't make a scene about a few people bringing food to fit their diets. Many restaurants simply won't allow that. Maralia (talk) 13:39, 2 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I spoke with James, the assistant general manager over there, and he indicated that they have all kinds of specialty menus - gluten-free, low-fat, 600 calories or less, and low-carb, and they also have a kiosk that gives detailed information about all their foods. He also said that if they for some reason cannot accommodate anyone's dietary needs that those people are more than welcome to bring outside fare. SchuminWeb (Talk) 19:19, 2 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Support. Thanks for taking the initiative to set a deadline to keep things moving. -- John Broughton (♫♫) 12:02, 2 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, everyone. It seems that it's going to be Uno's. I'll call and make the reservations. SchuminWeb (Talk) 04:13, 7 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Attending

Yes

If you're driving and can give others a ride, please say so!

  • The Placebo Effect (talk)
    • Can't go something more important came up. Dut if we could start making these regular (Every two months?) I would love to attend. The Placebo Effect (talk) How's my editing? Please contribute to my editor review. 23:58, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
      • They're pretty regular, at around 3 or 4 months though. I've been in DC about a year and this will be my 3rd meetup.
        Son of the Defender 06:01, 7 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
        ]
  • SchuminWeb (Talk) - and possibly definitely bringing a friend with me!
  • -- John Broughton (♫♫)
  • It's on a Saturday, so I see no reason why I'd be unable to go. Also, I don't plan to be an hour late this time. ;) --
    desat 02:05, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply
    ]
  • Becksguy (talk) 13:52, 17 May 2008 (UTC) — Attended several in NYC, and got my Amtrak reservation for this one.[reply]

Maybe

  • Gyrofrog (talk). My wife has final exams around that time, which means I'll probably be watching our son that day.
Bring him. Never too early to bring the young'uns over to the Dark Side that is Wikipedia ☺ --Micahbrwn (talk) 12:44, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I have considered that in the past. He might enjoy it, though I don't imagine it would make for a productive meeting. -- Gyrofrog (talk) 01:15, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
What is there to be productive about? This is just a time for all of us to get together and chew the fat. SchuminWeb (Talk) 04:45, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Understood. But if one can "productively" chew the fat, then it was unlikely to have occurred while tending to a small child. ;-) That being said I (or we) will try and attend in any case. -- Gyrofrog (talk) 11:13, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I might be able to come. I'd have to make some hasty plans. --Jnelson09 (talk) 21:48, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • My summer plans are still up in the air as of this posting, so I will make a decision later--StevenL (talk) 22:44, 8 March 2008 (UTC).[reply]
  • We shall see. --Cyde Weys 00:11, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • That's my birthday, so I dunno. I might be in DC for my birthday, so we will see as time approaches. ^
    [omg plz] 02:08, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply
    ]
  • I'll keep it in my mind, and see what my schedule looks like as the time draws nearer.--JayJasper (talk) 22:23, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • My schedule's up in the air. Not sure if I'll be in town then, but we'll see. --Micahbrwn (talk) 12:44, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Maybe, if my schedule allows (I may be in Louisiana that month) Raul654 (talk) 22:31, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Pretty sure I can manage it, just need to double-check some things. Never been to one of these, and I'm looking forward to meeting you folks. TomTheHand (talk) 22:41, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Probably, but not definitely. Depends on factors beyond my direct control, but I hope to make it. Dar-Ape 19:44, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Maybe, I was going to be in Boston until the 19th, but can still advance that date. I will not know for sure until the beginning of May. --Matthew (talk) 00:28, 24 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Should be around, but not 100% sure of my schedule.  immunity  talk  19:46, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • --NBahn (talk) 01:10, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Sorry, I have final exams then, and am planning to leave on vacation pretty much as soon as they're done.
    a/c) 17:29, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
]
  • Maybe this time. I return from Bamako and Paris the evening before so it depends on the energization to fatigue ratio.--A12n (talk) 13:41, 7 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Would like to, but must pick up my wife at the airport. Norm mit (talk) 19:48, 8 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Sounds fun. I might come if there's no school conflicts. Just curious, what do people do at Wikipedia meet-ups besides make jokes about citation needed? -- LightSpectra (talk) 00:06, 10 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Right in the middle of writing my final papers, but I'll do my best to make it.—Perceval 01:03, 10 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I dont know, too intimidating, I do an article every once in a while, but those going are soo deeply involved i would get lost mijotoba (talk) 17:47, 11 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I will try to make it. Mark Sublette (talk) 18:39, 16 May 2008 (UTC)Mark SubletteMark Sublette (talk) 18:39, 16 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    • Those indicating interest at meetup.wikipedia.com

    Nope, but let me know about future events
  • I go back home on May 13. I can't make it, unfortunately. Nishkid64 (Make articles, not love) 19:24, 24 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Another commitment has arisen - I will definitely not be there (but the next one...) bd2412 T 16:48, 5 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Not in a position to attend this one, but please keep me on the notification list. --Foxhound (talk) 01:41, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Unlikely I will come this time. --Aude (talk) 12:51, 14 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • I can't, due to finals, but just found this.. would be interested to later on! Lyellin (talk) 01:54, 19 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • No can do, sorry. I'm working at a Senate campaign and won't be in the area then. Damn. —Micahbrwn (talk) 04:03, 19 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Argh, going to Jersey that weekend. But please put me on the list for next time. Staeiou (talk) 13:51, 21 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • I'd like to, but I'm planning to be be out of town that day. I'll update if I can make it. ~ Jeff Q (talk) 05:26, 5 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Not free for this one but would like to continue to get notices David in DC (talk) 16:31, 5 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Other plans interfere. —Adavidb 12:30, 8 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Unfortunately, it is my niece's birthday. Perhaps we could also consider moving them somewhere between DC and Baltimore???? --dashiellx (talk) 18:26, 9 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • I couldn't come until my baby is in bed, which is around 8 at night. Sorry.--ScreaminEagle (talk) 19:16, 9 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Not able to come around this time. Class just started for my MBA program. →Lwalt ♦ talk 12:29, 12 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Parents probably won't let me drive up to DC. Sorry. Va girl2468 (talk) 00:42, 15 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Probably not interested in future events - I don't particularly enjoy the dynamics of Wikipedia's "community" - but I won't say I'll never attend. - Scooter (talk) 03:24, 19 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    No, and don't contact me about future events
  • Not interested in face time with other Wikipedians. — Dennette (talk · contribs) 15:42, 20 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Something's come up, so I won't be showing up. I'm retired, so it's pretty obvious I won't be attending any additional ones. --
    desat 04:57, 5 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
    ]
  • Entirely uninterested. Nickersonl (talk) 21:02, 9 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I just don't feel I'm involved enough to warrant anybody meeting me. -Etoile (talk) 21:52, 9 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I think that my username says it all. :-) —The Bipolar Anon-IP Gnome (talk · contribs) 16:04, 11 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    • 5pm is late, I want to do something beforehand too.

    Want a pre-meetup outing? Suggest it here.

    The night will be young! I want to do something afterward too.That's cool, too. Suggest something when the crowd starts to disperse and you decide if you're sick of everyone or not! Or place suggestions here.

    Mr. Smith's Piano Bar in Georgetown might be fun for piano singalong, but history shows we generally only go to bars within very short distance.

    Son of the Defender 04:01, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply
    ]

    Well, we went to the Brickskeller after eating at Union Station. But some place not near Metro might be a problem for some folks. --Aude (talk) 01:25, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    Comments, suggestions, and graffiti
    I'll be having exams to study for! (but I'll probably be there). bd2412 T 15:36, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    Free booklet

    DC Area Chapter

    Reservations confirmed

    Thanks so much Ben. Unfortunately, as I mentioned above (under the 'No' section), I cannot make it this Saturday, due to some unexpected circumstances that require me to be in NY a weekend early. You can count me out from the reservation. Have a great time! --rocketrye12 talk/contribs 22:27, 12 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Well, we'll miss you, and hope to see you at #5, whenever and wherever that may be. I guesstimated how many I thought would be there based on signup numbers when I made the reservation, but I told them that due to the nature of how these things work, the actual number could be way off in either direction. So no worries. Plus these folks have hosted one of our meetups before, so they know what to expect. SchuminWeb (Talk) 01:54, 13 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    DirectionsUnion Station is also a stop on Metro's Red Line. From the description for Meetup 2:

    The DC metro system is one of the highest regarded public transportation systems in the United States. Normally this isn't saying much, but the system is rather good. All directions given will be provided in terms of the Washington Metro system. Note that there is also a decently-sized parking lot at Union Station itself, so you may just want to drive all the way in. Beware, however, that it can get quite crowded and the prices may be steep.
    Several Stations, including Silver Spring, Landover and others have significant amounts (as in hundreds of spaces) of parking, and it's free on weekends.

    Metro does allow bicycles on trains during off-peak times, and this being on a Saturday, it qualifies as off-peak.

    Metro is planning track work at the interlocking just south of the

    Mt. Vernon Square station, [1] so to avoid delays, I would recommend avoiding the Green and Yellow Lines, especially in the downtown area, where Metro will be single-tracking. Those coming from Virginia might want to take the Blue Line and transfer to Red at Metro Center, and then those coming from the Greenbelt/College Park area might want to switch to Red at Fort Totten. SchuminWeb (Talk) 04:25, 7 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
    ]

    Similarly, those coming from virginia via the south branch of the Green Line and Yellow line probably want to get off at Archives, walk 2 blocks to Judiciary Square and pick up the Red Line train there.
    Son of the Defender 20:41, 9 May 2008 (UTC)[reply
    ]

    After-action reportA bit over twenty people attended. The food seemed pretty good (based on a single data point). The initial food order was taken at 5:30; almost everyone had arrived by then (it turned out). There was a bit of noise from the main lobby of Union Station (special event?), but not overwhelming. The group adjourned about 7:00 p.m., with a number of people going as a group to (? Capital City Brewing?).

    A

    Washington Post freelance reporter was at the meetup, working on a story about how Wikipedia handled the disagreements over the content of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
    . He spoke to a number of Wikipedia editors, including some he had talked to previously.

    The proposed DC-Baltimore WMF chapter (see above) was discussed, not a much length, with focus on whether the chapter would be a separate organization (Form 990, etc.) or some other type of legal entity, and what activities the chapter might undertake.

    We should do this again in 3 months (IMHO). -- John Broughton (♫♫) 00:28, 19 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    Yeah, food was good, and the conversation was delightful. The noise from the main hall was indeed a special event, I believe related to GWU's graduation. Sorry I didn't get a photo this time, everyone... SchuminWeb (Talk) 04:25, 19 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    And yes, an August meetup would be great. Five months is too much of a gap. SchuminWeb (Talk) 04:26, 19 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Sounds like you had a good time. If it can be early August, I might be able to (finally) catch you guys before I go off to Virginia Commonwealth University for fall term :) Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs (talk) 11:43, 19 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

    I had a good time; it was nice meeting the ones I did, despite having to walk around with an invisible arm sling. By the way I'll have to come down to the Library of Congress soon to have a tour. (I was the green-splint thumb guy) --RWilliamKing (talk) 19:08, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

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