Is fear of organising an actual phobia?

[erilyn]

In many ways, I really don't like organising things. I know I can be an officious, annoying, bossy so-and-so, but this isn't the main reason I've been shying away from it. It's the responsibility. Lately, I've really not wanted to be responsible for someone else(s) having a good time. I'm more likely to do things with few people than a lot, cause the less people there are interacting, the less things can go wrong. But then I'm sad, cause I don't see my friends as often as I'd like. I want someone else to be the organiser, and the need to avoid organising grows exponentially as the numbers grow. That way, if/when things aren't perfect, I don't feel guilty for those who've come along to something I've organised. Cause, I do. Most of you have probably seen my compulsive over-catering for stuff, which is related. So, if I have to give invitations, they're in an offhand way. Or I just say I'm doing something, and let other people involve themself. That way, it was their decision, not my invitation, and I don't have to worry about it. Well, that's the remarkably irrational and anti-social gist of it :)

I fucking hate introspection, I can second-guess my own motivations 'til the cows come home. After this, I'm gonna try and stick to my policy of not having posts like this.

Anyway, the real point of this post is Sinpozium. It's been almost 4 months since the last one, and I've been avoiding asking the important questions since then. How many people want one this year? When? At the hotel, or try and find another location which would make it more like the slumber party atmospheres of the first two? But because I thought there were various issues with last year's, I really haven't wanted to hear other peoples' reactions to it. And I haven't really wanted to think about another one. So maybe I should get off the pot, and say that I don't want to be involved in the organising for it if we have one this year? It's not like I think I'm irreplaceable :) calemiri did a lot of stuff last year, and iibnf did most of the stuff for the first two, or other people could get involved! This isn't me seeking reassurance or something. I just felt I should get the Sinpoz stuff out there.

So, thoughts on Sinpoz sought.

Comments

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

I won't lie to you - another Sinpoz would be great, but if you don't want to do it, then don't. You've done your bit, imo. I won't be heartbroken if we miss a year or two.

For the record, and I suck for not saying it before, you and calemiri did a knockout job last year, and if there were any "issues", none of them were mine.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon :)

The issues were not necessarily from people saying they didn't like stuff, but things I felt didn't work out. Which could be me being overly-critical, I can't tell. Which is kinda the problem.

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

Maybe. I wouldn't get overly concerned about it - it's basically a get together with a loose schedule, and in that respect it worked out fine. Everyone seemed to have a good time, we had a nice mixture of videos, talk and games, and being in a hotel allowed for time-outs as well. I think you're second-guessng yourself too much, babe :-)

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

When I'm back, let's put our heads together and talk about it. I'll put in a paw this year again, if it helps.

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

Same goes for up here, but I'm not sure what I can do from Newy. Let me know.

[calemiri.livejournal.com]

I think...

Okay. For the record, I may whine and bitch about organising people but I do enjoy it too. Yeah, I am that twisted and masochistic. I had a good time with SinpOz, despite some of the minor 'behind the scenes' glitches. Were there some things that could have worked better? Sure. There always are, and for perfectionists there always will be.

I'm willing to do more or less the same again this year. ;) Possibly with a little more detail control this time.

Venue is the difficult issue. The likelihood of getting access to a suitable house is slim to none, and a hall? Not likely to be within our budget with insurance and associated costs. So... I think the only really viable option is a hotel. Whether we go back to the same one is an issue, or try to find another in a similar price range...

It's worth discussing if nothing else.

[veronamay.livejournal.com]

Though I wasn't around for much of Sinpoz last year, I didn't have any issues at all with either the organisation or the venue. Anyone who puts their hand up to help in these situations gets an automatic round of applause from me. :-)

Perhaps this year, assuming we *do* go ahead, we could have an organisation committee instead of heaping all the responsibility on the heads of one or two people? I'm certainly happy to lend a hand if needed, to scout out a location or help with logistical planning etc.

I personally think the hotel atmosphere is better because it allows for personal space when people need a break, and the cost isn't terribly prohibitive if you shop around.

As for when, assuming we go for the hotel option, it doesn't really matter. Winter is probably better mainly for the reason that it's the off-season and there aren't as many conferences being booked. If another venue is decided on, then the warmer end of the year around October/November would probably be better.