With the Origins/GAMA site (intentionally) inoperable, I sent a check to GAMA for the early bird Origins registration, which had been quietly extended to 12/31/2009. I've heard nothing back from them, but I know they cashed my check, so I'm assuming I'm in for Origins 2010. Without any real online presence, I couldn't buy the boardroom ribbon or tokens, so I'll likely have to stand in line when I arrive. So much for pre-registration.

I have seen rumors that the Educator badge will no longer be free, and there has been no mention of the cheap "bracelet" admissions. Other changes have been indicated and then reversed, so I don't think there's any cause for alarm yet. But the sloppy way GAMA is operating the Origins registration this year is rather disheartening, and thoroughly unprofessional. I am inclined to expect anything.

Still, I plan to attend, and likely will stay for two or three days. I will do the tour of the market area, learn some new games and probably buy a few, but I expect to spend most of my time just playing in the boardroom.

From the Origins site, which now appears functional....



You can get the full pass for $50 until the end of this month. Bob and I plan to journey out Thursday and return Saturday. The $5 day pass (no ticketed game play) will be available once again.

I have about 1/4 of a thought regarding Origins. I am very much inclined to go at least for one day, and play some games and take in the environment.

My other notion is grab the young folks and do Columbus properly again, coinciding with the Origins dates, and visiting their zoo and COSI and so on, and blocking out a day for Origins (probably the Saturday, when the other major Columbus things would be hopping anyway, and the young folks could hang out at the hotel and do the pool and so on)

By the way, do you remember that James Bond doll I bought at Origins a year or two ago? I think it cost me $2 (or possibly $3) at the auction. I noticed a whole line of Barbie-branded James Bond dolls at WalMart today, and this piqued my curiosity, so I dug out that doll, which is a Sean Connery action figure (from Dr No) made by Sideshow Toys....and I think we might be able to Ebay that thing and earn enough to pay for my admission to Origins (see http://www.sideshowtoy.com/?page_id=448 ... search0109).

If that happens, it will only reinforce my belief that one of the coolest things at Origins is their auction! (Why do I get the feeling that Mark's next post will be to inform me that they have cancelled the auction, again!)

Pam will do her ebay-magic and put the thing up for auction, and I'll let you know how it turns out

When will Origins 2010 take place, other than 2010?

That's not enough?
Origins officially takes place from June 23-27. For those of us who are me, it will be the Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning of that week.