Party RSVP for Portland

July 2, 2007 3:17 PM

Portland meetup party is less than two weeks away, and I need to do a head count. If you're attending the 8th anniversary party, please RSVP on this page. Thanks!
posted by mathowie (staff) to MetaFilter Gatherings at 3:17 PM (123 comments total)

Can I RSVP with a sock puppet account and bring two friends?

Note: This is totally a joke. Do not call out the sock puppet police.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 3:27 PM on July 2, 2007

Is there a place that Seattle Mefites are planning carpools/lodging/etc? Uh, I mean, online. Ergh.
posted by tristeza at 3:54 PM on July 2, 2007

It sure does look like fun! I expect lots of pictures.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:13 PM on July 2, 2007 [1 favorite]

MeFi's anniversary and Pips' birthday are the same day. That's eerie.
posted by jonmc at 4:17 PM on July 2, 2007

If anyone's looking for a place to stay, I recommend the Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214. It's a super short cab ride, and a medium drunken stumble from the party.

They often have rooms on hotwire for ~$50.
posted by rschroed at 4:21 PM on July 2, 2007

a medium drunken stumble from the party.

Important note: a medium drunken stumble across the river.
posted by dersins at 4:26 PM on July 2, 2007

yes, there is a bridge.
posted by dersins at 4:26 PM on July 2, 2007

I'd just like to point out that Ground Kontrol also has about 10 or so pinball machines as well (in case anyone was staying away because co-op videogames weren't old-school enough).
posted by blueberry at 4:41 PM on July 2, 2007

Ah, drunken stumbles across the Burnside Bridge. Good times. Good, blearly, kinda nauseated, glad for the 1am bracing wind and/or rain times.
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:43 PM on July 2, 2007

Nothing awesomer than drunken late night stumbles over the ross island bridge. Now THOSE were the days...
posted by dersins at 4:46 PM on July 2, 2007

What happens if 500 people RSVP though, seriously?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:09 PM on July 2, 2007

We panic, regroup, and improvise—hopefully in that order.
posted by cortex (staff) at 5:11 PM on July 2, 2007

if 500 people rsvp, we think of some way to limit it. I don't think it'll go much above 100 myself, but if we had say, 2x as many people, we could do something like have a $10 cover or something to limit it slightly.

If 50 people say they'd go, then we'll also have something to think about.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 5:25 PM on July 2, 2007

Don't forget that 50 portland mefites drink as much as 100 people from anywhere else in the country.

Hell, I can outdrink NYC all by myself.
posted by dersins at 5:34 PM on July 2, 2007

Don't forget that 50 portland mefites drink as much as 100 people from anywhere else in the country.
I hope you realize we are NOT talking about coffee here...

Hell, I can outdrink NYC all by myself.
No, at MetaFilter, you can outdrink a plate of beans.

And the recommended hotel is already full up for the night of the 14th... any other place a way-out-of-towner can stay where you won't be awakened by cortex's 24-hour drunken guitar marathon?
posted by wendell at 5:54 PM on July 2, 2007

I'm in Olympia, carless, and would love to join in a northern carpool.
posted by blasdelf at 5:56 PM on July 2, 2007

Who wouldn't want to be awakened by cortex's 24-hour drunken guitar marathon?

SRYSLY. I am all over that plate of beans.
posted by blasdelf at 5:57 PM on July 2, 2007

I'm thinking about hours 21-23 and 'Freebird' request 137, when it is sure to wear a little thin...
posted by wendell at 6:01 PM on July 2, 2007

Apparently the Jupiter is out of cheap rooms on the night of the 14th (on their site or Hotwire)....
posted by tristeza at 6:18 PM on July 2, 2007

Arrrrrgh, my lease in Portland doesn't start until the 17th, so I'm going to have to miss it after all. *sob*
posted by ugf at 6:28 PM on July 2, 2007

yes, there is a bridge.

Heck, we got a double-handful of bridges!
posted by Nabubrush at 6:41 PM on July 2, 2007

Any Seattle mefites want to start arranging carpool\lodging sharing?
posted by !Jim at 7:30 PM on July 2, 2007

I'd previously made plans to be in Portland for the weekend and was super psyched a few weeks ago to realize the Portland International Beerfest was coincidentally also taking place that weekend. And now, on that very same Saturday, a fun Metafilter party with free drinks?!

For those looking for a hotel, maybe check out the Embassy Suites right near by. It's definitely pricier than the Jupiter, but you're getting a suite (double beds + sleeper sofa) so if you find roommates, it's a little more reasonable.
posted by Carol O at 7:38 PM on July 2, 2007

You can read the earlier thread for some hotel ideas- check the middle to end section.
posted by Secretariat at 7:48 PM on July 2, 2007

Possible seattlite looking to head down on friday and come back on sunday. You may have to go to the PIB also. I have a 4 person car and a big trunk.
posted by mrzarquon at 8:09 PM on July 2, 2007

Is there an existing ask mefi thread which asks "Going to Portland Ore for the first time. Recommendations on things to see/do?" because if there is, I cant find it.

If not, I'll put one up tomorrow...
posted by vacapinta at 8:54 PM on July 2, 2007

vacapinta: given the timing of visit, i'd say Powells and then the portland international beerfestival. Should keep you occupied for your stay.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:10 PM on July 2, 2007

Poor planning on someone else's part means that I'll be at the coast that night, but dreaming of Ground Kontrol instead.
posted by lilithim at 10:41 PM on July 2, 2007

Is there an existing ask mefi thread which asks "Going to Portland Ore for the first time. Recommendations on things to see/do?" because if there is, I cant find it.

"TravelFilter: Visiting Portland, OR, for the first time in a few days. Recommended places to go, things to do, people to see?"

What to see/do and where to stay when visiting Portland, Seattle and Vancouver.

What to do in Portland, OR?


Where to chill
Things to photograph
Where to eat


Places to stay:
I (groups)
II (swank)
III (cheap)
posted by croutonsupafreak at 11:22 PM on July 2, 2007

For event calendars, check out
The Mercury
Willamette Week
The O
The O's beer blog.


Also, there's often interesting stuff posted to the Damn Portlanders community on livejournal.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 11:27 PM on July 2, 2007 [2 favorites]

Wow. Being under 21 hurts and all, but right now it hurts extra hard.
posted by rossination at 12:01 AM on July 3, 2007

You know, if I can find either someone willing to split cheap accomodations or offer a couch to crash on, and maybe find a computer to commandeer for Photoshopping... it's entirely possible that my cameras and I (and possibly carpoolers) can make the drive up from the SF Bay Area.

I don't know -- the stars managed to align themselves for jonmc's wedding in Vegas last year. But they are fickle, and I am but an underling.
posted by DaShiv at 12:54 AM on July 3, 2007

Err I meant to link: jonmc's wedding.
posted by DaShiv at 12:56 AM on July 3, 2007

This would've been so much better if organised as some sort of international MeFi meetup day. God damn liberal american mathowie bias.
posted by public at 2:13 AM on July 3, 2007

DaShiv, I think that your attendance is pretty much mandatory. So if you need to lean on a few folks, get leanin'.
posted by cortex (staff) at 6:28 AM on July 3, 2007

Thanks croutonsupafreak! Thats a great roundup.
posted by vacapinta at 7:34 AM on July 3, 2007

If I start walking now, I might get there in time.
posted by NationalKato at 7:44 AM on July 3, 2007

Hitching can cut down on travel time, NK.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:53 AM on July 3, 2007

I can be there for the 10th (are we doing anything special for that?).
posted by ODiV at 8:44 AM on July 3, 2007

Seattleite here with a "maybe", depending on lodging. I like to drive and I can head down on Saturday and head back on Sunday. I can take folks but I would prefer them to be people that I've met and know already (e.g., Tristeza). I need a place to stay.
posted by matildaben at 8:56 AM on July 3, 2007

P.S. Someone said something about "tickets" up above (too lazy to read the whole thread). Do we need to buy tickets to Ground Kontrol or do we just show up?
posted by matildaben at 8:59 AM on July 3, 2007

Afroblanco bought tickets because he lives in New York. The place doesn't require anything, but make sure you're on the RSVP list in case there's way too many people coming.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:04 AM on July 3, 2007

I'll do my best to be there, but, please, carry on without me if I don't show.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 9:16 AM on July 3, 2007

I'm going to be there.
posted by Specklet at 10:23 AM on July 3, 2007

Well then, RSVP!
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:52 AM on July 3, 2007

Oh, duh!
posted by Specklet at 11:40 AM on July 3, 2007

Seriously, woman.
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:41 AM on July 3, 2007

Another maybe (make it a probably) from Seattle. I can drive, and take one more, or carpool in someone else's car, or whatever (Amtrak?).

I'll still look for accomodations.
posted by qvantamon at 12:56 PM on July 3, 2007

DaShiv, I think that your attendance is pretty much mandatory. So if you need to lean on a few folks, get leanin'.

Thanks -- I should have the time available (though it gets a bit more dubious once I factor in the 10 hour driving time going each direction) but it's finding the last-minute lodging without ripping my bank account open that has me most concerned.
posted by DaShiv at 1:08 PM on July 3, 2007

stet & I might make it down from Seattle as well -- trying to line up either dog-friendly accommodations or dog sitting up here. Anyone know good places that'll have us with two mutts?
posted by librarina at 1:38 PM on July 3, 2007

Update: My transportation and time constraints have been settled. Is there anyone who's looking to split some costs by either looking for a roommate or are willing to add a cot to their hotel room (not too expensive of a hotel, preferably)? Or a local nearby with a couch to crash on? Because if I can find this, then I will be able to attend for sure. Saturday night for sure, Friday night as well if I can find accommodations.

Email's in my profile, or for a faster response, AIM at my MeFi username.
posted by DaShiv at 2:18 PM on July 3, 2007

What is coincidental, is that this is the weekend of the Seattle to Portland bike ride. There's a 60% chance that I am coming down to Portland but if I do, there's a 100% chance I am coming back with a car load of bikes and sweaty people.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 2:19 PM on July 3, 2007

It seems like this needs an associated wiki so that people could coordinate rides and places to stay. Also to pus in general recommendations from locals such as links to the threads that croutonsupafreak posted above.

I couldn't get a room at the Lucia (booked) but I can get one at the deluxe. Is that ok, location-wise?
posted by vacapinta at 3:03 PM on July 3, 2007

The one on SW 15th, vacapinta? If so, yeah; that's maybe a half-mile walk from the arcade.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:15 PM on July 3, 2007

Yeah that one! Thanks!
posted by vacapinta at 3:22 PM on July 3, 2007

It seems like this needs an associated wiki so that people could coordinate rides and places to stay.

Go nuts. Make sure you read this to make sure you can edit.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 3:24 PM on July 3, 2007

It's official: I'll be there.

party +1
posted by DaShiv at 4:20 PM on July 3, 2007

YAY! Best portraits ever!
posted by blasdelf at 5:21 PM on July 3, 2007

Hey, could anybody with a functioning miniDV camcorder consider bringing it? I'll haul mine along, but I'd love to have crazy varied footage.
posted by cortex (staff) at 6:47 PM on July 3, 2007

I booked a space also. Been laying low here, but I'm going to be in portland anyway that weekend for PIB, so there might have already had my drinks before showing up, i promise to play nice.
posted by mrzarquon at 6:53 PM on July 3, 2007

Decided, I'm going, will be driving.

I booked a 3-bed room (it was the same price as the 1-bed) at the Ace. Splitters welcome. Details at wiki.

By the way, jessamyn, I hope you meant July 14th on the wiki page (I changed it, it said August 14th) :).
posted by qvantamon at 7:42 PM on July 3, 2007

I hope you meant July 14th on the wiki page

Whoops! August 14th is Library Camp.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:51 PM on July 3, 2007

I'm curious: is there a plan to keep party crashers out? Will there be someone manning the door and will we need to present username-specific invites that we can print from our userpage or something? I mean, it is in Old Town, and I can easily imagine word of an open bar & free video games getting around, leading to people who have never heard of MetaFilter showing up.
posted by cmonkey at 1:31 AM on July 4, 2007

To the best of my knowledge the RSVP list is likely to be the guest list at the door, though we'll make some official announcement if that's the case.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:51 AM on July 4, 2007

This will be the first time I've presented my driver's license and not gotten a funny look.
posted by Nabubrush at 9:02 AM on July 4, 2007

We could just ask if people have cameras? Or if they know what a single period all by itself in a comment means? Or present a plate of beans?
posted by stet at 9:10 AM on July 4, 2007

Yeah, the staff told me since it's a private event, they have to lock the front door and let people in using some sort of system, so I'm guessing a print out of the RSVP + maybes list and if that fails, they could just ask for me and I'd let them in.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:57 AM on July 4, 2007

I know this meetup gets its own sidebar listing on the blue, but could we link the "Portland, Jul 14" listing on the gray sidebar to this thread, instead of the closed, antediluvian one?
posted by qvantamon at 2:16 PM on July 5, 2007

Good idea.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:01 PM on July 5, 2007

I'm confirmed. Been looking for an excuse to take a weekend trip to Portland. See you all there!
posted by vacapinta at 4:41 PM on July 5, 2007

If you're flying in to Portland, I will vouch for the public transportation system here.

You'll be able to ride the MAX light rail right from the airport to downtown for a couple of dollars per person. [MAX route map]. You'll want to get off at the Skidmore Fountain stop and just walk a couple of blocks. [map from Skidmore to Ground Kontrol]

I don't know particular hotels in the area, but you will be able to ride the MAX around downtown for free until around midnight, and the buses still run for a while after that. [check bus stops]

You're also a couple blocks from the finest all-night donut shop on earth.
posted by churl at 9:34 PM on July 5, 2007

So, are we only allowed to bring one other person?

Yes. There's a maximum occupancy of 100 people which we'll be getting close to. It's cool to bring a date/spouse/buddy but basically we'd like to make sure that every MeFi person who wants to go can go.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:57 AM on July 6, 2007

I'm flying up from San Francisco just to party with you guys! ok, and see some college friends, too.
posted by Nelson at 3:29 PM on July 6, 2007

You're also a couple blocks from the finest all-night donut shop on earth.

And if you meet someone you really, really like at the meet-up, A gentleman by the name of Cat-Daddy performs weddings at that self-same shop.

Disclaimer: I doubt he will perform a wedding at the drop of a hat; we had to set ours up in advance.
posted by Nabubrush at 8:35 PM on July 6, 2007

Yahoo! Officially in!
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 4:54 PM on July 8, 2007

Dammit, we weren't supposed to tell Yahoo! about it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 6:21 PM on July 8, 2007

Is it possible for the RSVP page to have a link to the Wiki page as well?

It would have been nice to have space for a small comment too (like uh...evite) where out-of-towners could write where they're coming from and stuff like that. You know, more social and stuff...
posted by vacapinta at 7:39 PM on July 8, 2007

You're also a couple blocks from the finest all-night donut shop on earth.

+ Voodoo Doughnuts. There's going to have to be at least one pilgrimage from Ground Kontrol.
posted by herichon at 7:44 AM on July 9, 2007

First annual "Eat Like a Mod" competition?
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:55 AM on July 9, 2007

So anyone want to plan anything for Sunday?
posted by kindall at 1:51 PM on July 9, 2007

Hey Mods *dances up and down like a monkey*

I had last minute change of plans, so I can't make it down to the meetup. Can I pull my name off the list, so as not to fill it with an obvious no show?

Thanks!
posted by mrzarquon at 6:30 PM on July 9, 2007

Is it too late to RSVP? If not, please count me in!
posted by turing_test at 7:32 PM on July 9, 2007

It's not too late, turing test, but you've actually got to click on the RSVP link and do it, just posting in this thread doesn't count.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 8:50 PM on July 9, 2007

mrzarquon, just resubmit the form at the top to push to the maybe pile.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:58 AM on July 10, 2007

mathowie: thanks, ill refrain from dancing next time.
posted by mrzarquon at 8:09 PM on July 10, 2007

Hello.... I'm afraid I have to ask that you take my name OFF the "maybe" list. Definitely can't make it, definitely NOT happy. And definitely do NOT want Fox News White House Correspondent Wendell Goler to sneak in using my name. Those Fox News people can NOT be trusted.
posted by wendell at 10:15 PM on July 10, 2007

I'm no longer a "maybe" either. Definitely can't do it. And it makes me cry.
posted by team lowkey at 10:33 PM on July 11, 2007

;(

This won't wendell!
posted by blasdelf at 11:24 AM on July 12, 2007

Um, for people who will be riding MAX into (or across) town to get to Ground Kontrol, be aware that the downtown MAX service is supposed to be interrupted over the weekend. See the Trimet site for details about how this will affect you.
posted by janell at 1:58 PM on July 12, 2007

It appear that service interruption will not be until the weekend of 27 July.
posted by dersins at 2:13 PM on July 12, 2007

oops. I'm glad one of us reads carefully.
posted by janell at 3:08 PM on July 12, 2007

Dammit - is there gonna be a live feed of this mofo or what?
posted by tristeza at 7:51 PM on July 12, 2007

That's...that's a pretty good question.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:01 PM on July 12, 2007

By the way, I can't stop calling this "MetaPalooza" in my head. Does that make me a bad person? I fear it does.
posted by dersins at 10:04 PM on July 12, 2007

Not as bad, though, as if I were calling it "Mefi: The Gathering," so I've got that going for me, anyway.
posted by dersins at 10:04 PM on July 12, 2007

*tims dersins*
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:09 PM on July 12, 2007

That's it, you bastard, I'm busting out the orcish artillery.
posted by dersins at 9:28 AM on July 13, 2007

Wait. Pretend I didn't say that. Pretend I don't know what that means.
posted by dersins at 9:29 AM on July 13, 2007

O Metatalk, where tempers mana flare
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:46 AM on July 13, 2007

Forget the orcish artillery. To win at Mefi: The Gathering you have to play with a troll deck.
posted by qvantamon at 12:40 PM on July 13, 2007

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS
posted by dersins at 12:54 PM on July 13, 2007

Lame question:

I'm a long-time AskMefi and Mefi reader but I don't post a lot and don't know any other current members in real life.

Also, I just moved to Portland about 3 weeks ago.

So is this really an open party for any and all or when I open the door will the music screech to a halt and I'll be the weirdo who didn't get that it wasn't *really* for non-regular posters?
posted by click at 8:07 PM on July 13, 2007

MetaMeetups are generally very newbie-friendly, and no matter how 'big' the event, there will always be some participants there who will work to make it so.

Go.

If you do get hassled for being a non-regular, I will not be able to attend, so you can try to pass yourself off as wendell. Yeah, that'll get you thrown out on your ass very quickly...
posted by wendell at 8:16 PM on July 13, 2007

Click --- I just moved to portland maybe 6 weeks ago, so I can definitely relate.

Maybe we should meet somewhere else beforehand...
posted by janell at 8:30 PM on July 13, 2007

OK, I'm learning. So, in review, meet up with janell and, if for some reason that falls through, fake identity.

I think I'll fit in just fine...
posted by click at 8:42 PM on July 13, 2007

I when out and bought a pack of labels and fiddled with Photoshop for a while, and now I've gone and made 240 lovely Bean-Plated™ usernametags for the party.
posted by blasdelf at 9:06 PM on July 13, 2007

Those are lovely, blasdelf. But, 240?
posted by janell at 9:24 PM on July 13, 2007

(thanks, janell, that would be great. I just emailed you re: meet-up before the meet-up)
posted by click at 10:05 PM on July 13, 2007

I bought a packet of 25 sheets of ten stickers, fucked up one sheet (apparently there's a label paper setting on the color laser that makes it go really slow), and I sure as fuck wasn't going to use those stickers for anything else!

Plus I expect people to abscond with whole sheets full. I know I would…
posted by blasdelf at 3:41 AM on July 14, 2007

Awesome blasdelf! Can you drop them by around 7pm at the place? I'll bring a bunch of sharpies.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 8:19 AM on July 14, 2007

blasdelf's riding with me, and I'll make sure his precious cargo of stickers gets there on time.
posted by kindall at 9:21 AM on July 14, 2007

Said delivery will be dramatized as a 2-hour made-for-Tivo movie.
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:32 AM on July 14, 2007

So do I understand correctly that tonight's the night to start an unfettered chatfilter thread?

If one were so inclined...
posted by jouke at 1:12 PM on July 14, 2007

I am so disappointed that I can't be there, my teeth hurt.

The gin is helping to ease that pain, though, although a shoutout would be even better.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 2:05 PM on July 14, 2007

I will be there. I'm almost 100 percent lurker here at the site, though, so don't be creeped out if I lurk in f2f fashion as well.

Okay, just kidding. I'll be the fat guy in a speedo. Bring it!
posted by diastematic at 3:44 PM on July 14, 2007

Pass the gin, crash. I already took out my frustration about not being able to make it on Stan Chin and the Catscanners...

And diastematic, you are not too familiar with the site, are you? At least 25% of those attending will be fat guys in speedos.
posted by wendell at 3:49 PM on July 14, 2007

Complimentary blue-and-yellow speedos for all!

wendell, crash: you guys need to do some teleconferencing, is all. Upload some shoutouts to flickr this evening; Matt'll have his iPhone, and the place ought to have wifi, and etc etc.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:54 PM on July 14, 2007

Kindall and I are leaving the hotel now — the stickers will be conveyed! This is one suspenseful made-for-TiVo movie, that's for sure.
posted by blasdelf at 6:30 PM on July 14, 2007

I'm waiting for my +1 (my brother). We should be there by 8. This should be interesting.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 7:12 PM on July 14, 2007

Man, I can't believe the roof collapsed and killed us all like that. Really unexpected.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:57 AM on July 15, 2007

Don't be sad cortex, it's only 100 on a membership of 40.000.
posted by jouke at 3:11 AM on July 15, 2007

Photographs. Stat.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 11:16 AM on July 15, 2007

Ok folks, ppl have been posting pics to the pool, and I've included some as well. Meetups are the bestest time evah - if you ever have a chance to go to a Metafilter meetup, do it!
posted by Lynsey at 1:07 PM on July 15, 2007