Hello people on the list,
I would like to express a few comments from a ".org" point of view.
when I first noticed the web site new design, it looks great and very appealing, but I was also a little bit worry, SCALE could turn just like another commercial show.
A few weeks before the show, I had some problem related to a pervious accident, I almost canceled the show, even if I knew, I really could not do that so close.
Two things happened, Volunteers in my group stepped in and helped me a lot and SCALE people helped with dedication, upto the show time, by making the loading and unloading of equipment as painless as possible.
I was also surprised by the fact vendors seemed to spend as much time trying to scan badges, than describing their products, but it seemed to always end-up in a good joke and in a very friendly way.
As a ".org", If I can present our "pet" project in such a relevant show, it is probably because, Show organizers feel it is in relation to their show and because they are commercial vendors participation.
I personaly enjoy the interraction between the mix of commercial and ".org" booths. Every vendor I had some interaction with, have been very nice.
As a ".org" I also have for goal to please the organizers, who are volunteers like us. I will do my best to not disapoint them, This require work, many nights with little sleep, but the result is always pleasing.
I checked the time on Saturday morning, when the show started, next time I checked it, was on Sunday night when the show ended. Our booth has been busy almost the whole time.
I feel SCALE 2008, was like a great wine. A wine that age very well and we will talk a long time about it. Keep it that way in the wine cellar, do not shake it to much and SCALE 2009 could be another great show. ;-)
Thank you to all the Vendors that helped to make this show happen for little "pet" projects like ours and Thank you to all the organizers who have done such a great job, behave very professionally without taking out the great "volunteer" feeling.
Sorry for my poor english.
Eugene Clement http://www.linuxastronomy.org/ (founder)