Post by bsimon615 on Oct 6, 2024 9:44:57 GMT -6
Early and Late Registration
We are still (barely) in the time frame where early registration is at $35.00 per individual and $60.00 per couple, after October 7th, registrations received with a post mark later than the 7th will be at the "late rate" of $60 per person and $75 per couple. Let me explain the rationale behind this -
1) We have always had early and late registration, this is in line with what star parties across the country do and our registration fees both early and late are lower than what the large majority of other star parties charge.
2) What does registration pay for? For us the bulk of your registration fee pays for the prizes that we purchase as door prizes, typically one per day on Tuesday thru Thursday and then multiple prizes on Friday and Saturday. In years past we sent out what we call begging letters to many different companies for donations. As with other star parties the number of companies that send in donations and the number of donations received has really dwindled. Over the past 5 years the donations received has dwindled from 5 companies to 3, and to just 1 two years ago and to none last year. Some of the companies have gone out of business, some perceive no return on their good will. ExploreScientific used to be very generous and now they can only offer me a discount for prizes purchased; this is still better than what all other offer.
3) In addition your Registration pays for supplies we need to have each year such as marking paint for the observing field to lay out parking areas so that we can maximize space. That orange paint does have to be replaced every year. We also have programs at the Deep South, this year on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We use my LCD projector to show these programs. My LCD projector is only used for this purpose and when the bulb finally goes, it will need to be replaced, so that will be a cost paid for with Star Gaze funds.
4) The end of Early Registration was moved up this year one week as I will be out of the country (in Africa) for two weeks beginning on October 13th. I will not be in the position to respond to texts or emails or to log in and deposit registrations. When I get home I will have approximately 40 hours before I leave for the Deep South Star Gaze and I really do not want to spend a lot of time logging in registrations or heading to the bank to deposit payments. Hence the incentive to register early.
A Word about Refunds
Later this week, probably on Friday I will be calling Carol at White Horse and giving her our head count. This gives her an expectation about what she can expect for bunkhouse preparation and for food purchase for those that have signed up for the evening meal.
We can do refunds for anyone that wants to cancel up to this coming Thursday, October 10th but after that date, no refunds other than if the venue has to cancel the Deep South due to a hurricane, zombie apocalypse or similar issue.
The Liability Waiver
Registration is not complete unless the Liability Waiver is returned signed with the rest of the Registration Form. Our Registration Form has been modified over the years based upon need and the Liability Waiver is based upon input and discussion which includes other attendees who have been regulars for years. Changes are not arbitrary. For example the addition 3 years ago of a prohibition of firearms carried by an attendee either in a holster or concealed carry was enacted because this was a problem due to the actions of one attendee. As per the wording in the LEOSA ordinance (Law Enforcement Officer's Safety Act) if a private land owner wishes to ban firearms he or she can do so as long as they display proper signage and this applies to law enforcement officers not on duty or retired. Carol at White Horse has clearly stated that when the Deep South is being held our rules are her rules. In addition we have the signs which are displayed and we have the wording in the Liability Waiver that has to be signed by all attendees. Note - if you must have a gun you have to keep it in your vehicle. Do not carry it on your person either holstered or concealed. Do not bring a gun into any building at White Horse. If you are caught doing so the 2024 DSSG will be your last and you will have to leave. NO EXCEPTIONS
We are still (barely) in the time frame where early registration is at $35.00 per individual and $60.00 per couple, after October 7th, registrations received with a post mark later than the 7th will be at the "late rate" of $60 per person and $75 per couple. Let me explain the rationale behind this -
1) We have always had early and late registration, this is in line with what star parties across the country do and our registration fees both early and late are lower than what the large majority of other star parties charge.
2) What does registration pay for? For us the bulk of your registration fee pays for the prizes that we purchase as door prizes, typically one per day on Tuesday thru Thursday and then multiple prizes on Friday and Saturday. In years past we sent out what we call begging letters to many different companies for donations. As with other star parties the number of companies that send in donations and the number of donations received has really dwindled. Over the past 5 years the donations received has dwindled from 5 companies to 3, and to just 1 two years ago and to none last year. Some of the companies have gone out of business, some perceive no return on their good will. ExploreScientific used to be very generous and now they can only offer me a discount for prizes purchased; this is still better than what all other offer.
3) In addition your Registration pays for supplies we need to have each year such as marking paint for the observing field to lay out parking areas so that we can maximize space. That orange paint does have to be replaced every year. We also have programs at the Deep South, this year on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We use my LCD projector to show these programs. My LCD projector is only used for this purpose and when the bulb finally goes, it will need to be replaced, so that will be a cost paid for with Star Gaze funds.
4) The end of Early Registration was moved up this year one week as I will be out of the country (in Africa) for two weeks beginning on October 13th. I will not be in the position to respond to texts or emails or to log in and deposit registrations. When I get home I will have approximately 40 hours before I leave for the Deep South Star Gaze and I really do not want to spend a lot of time logging in registrations or heading to the bank to deposit payments. Hence the incentive to register early.
A Word about Refunds
Later this week, probably on Friday I will be calling Carol at White Horse and giving her our head count. This gives her an expectation about what she can expect for bunkhouse preparation and for food purchase for those that have signed up for the evening meal.
We can do refunds for anyone that wants to cancel up to this coming Thursday, October 10th but after that date, no refunds other than if the venue has to cancel the Deep South due to a hurricane, zombie apocalypse or similar issue.
The Liability Waiver
Registration is not complete unless the Liability Waiver is returned signed with the rest of the Registration Form. Our Registration Form has been modified over the years based upon need and the Liability Waiver is based upon input and discussion which includes other attendees who have been regulars for years. Changes are not arbitrary. For example the addition 3 years ago of a prohibition of firearms carried by an attendee either in a holster or concealed carry was enacted because this was a problem due to the actions of one attendee. As per the wording in the LEOSA ordinance (Law Enforcement Officer's Safety Act) if a private land owner wishes to ban firearms he or she can do so as long as they display proper signage and this applies to law enforcement officers not on duty or retired. Carol at White Horse has clearly stated that when the Deep South is being held our rules are her rules. In addition we have the signs which are displayed and we have the wording in the Liability Waiver that has to be signed by all attendees. Note - if you must have a gun you have to keep it in your vehicle. Do not carry it on your person either holstered or concealed. Do not bring a gun into any building at White Horse. If you are caught doing so the 2024 DSSG will be your last and you will have to leave. NO EXCEPTIONS