Announcing Anni 2020!

Morgana Arakos

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Hoping to be there! :joy

As far as concerns go about the south, the south is a very diverse place! Like, probably the most diverse region of America. There are parts of the south that are plenty progressive and parts that aren't. I haven't been to Chattanooga, so I can't speak to that in particular, but to compare the two parts of the country where I have personal experience: blue parts of North Carolina are much closer in attitude and culture to famously progressive Portland, OR than they are to rural parts of NC. Similarly, rural Oregon sometimes feels much closer to rural NC than it does to Portland. I might not suggest road tripping across the south if you're nervous about the more dangerous parts, but visiting a liberal-leaning city or town should be as safe as anywhere outside the south.
 
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Anujun Trahearn

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I wasn't going to respond again, because I don't want to offend anyone or cause drama. Lots of you have commented on my concern about visiting, though, and I appreciate your encouragement, so I think it would be rude not to respond.

I do my best not to get political on these forums, but... hear me. There is no way in hell I'm traveling to the conservative heart of a fascist nation currently engaged in ethnic cleansing. The last folks who did that locked up queer people too, so as a German who remembers history, I'm not going to listen to the opinion of those who aren't targeted by your lawless and bigoted authorities as to how safe it is to visit. There are plenty of amazing people down there, and I'm sorry for reminding you of the stain on your sleeves during this exciting announcement, but you all have a mess to clean up before I - and many others - will feel safe visiting again.

edit: just to clarify, I don't intend to visit *anywhere* in the United States right now, not just the South - although I'm sure you can understand why the South is more scary for a foreigner.
 
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Morgana Arakos

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.
 
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Erin al'Denael

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Well, that escalated quickly.

Chattanooga, in and of itself, is a fairly decent place to visit. I look forward to meeting and interacting with those who choose to come to Anni. I will do my best to make all feel welcome. But if you don't want that welcome, you do you. :)
 

Ty al'Djinn

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I wasn't going to respond again, because I don't want to offend anyone or cause drama. Lots of you have commented on my concern about visiting, though, and I appreciate your encouragement, so I think it would be rude not to respond.

I do my best not to get political on these forums, but... hear me. There is no way in hell I'm traveling to the conservative heart of a fascist nation currently engaged in ethnic cleansing. The last folks who did that locked up queer people too, so as a German who remembers history, I'm not going to listen to the opinion of those who aren't targeted by your lawless and bigoted authorities as to how safe it is to visit. There are plenty of amazing people down there, and I'm sorry for reminding you of the stain on your sleeves during this exciting announcement, but you all have a mess to clean up before I - and many others - will feel safe visiting again.

edit: just to clarify, I don't intend to visit *anywhere* in the United States right now, not just the South - although I'm sure you can understand why the South is more scary for a foreigner.

It would have been less rude to simply not comment.
 

Anujun Trahearn

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It would have been less rude to simply not comment.

So sorry, how inconsiderate of me to make people uncomfortable. Stop trying to tell me it’s all fine and dandy to visit, and then you can all go back to pretending your country isn’t a garbage fire.
 

Seryse ni Cousland

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I should probably hold my tongue, but I feel strongly enough about this that I'm willing to take penance if it comes. I live about an hour north of Atlanta and believe it or not, my home is not a complete eugenicist cesspool of hate.

If there's no way in hell you planned on coming anyway, why on Earth start the conversation? People attempted to reach out to you because you expressed interest. Not to try and brainwash you or anything. Lashing out when people are trying to help put you at ease, because you expressed interest, isn't fair to the people that care about you.

There is evil everywhere. Believe it or not, the people you're talking to now are probably the ones engaged in fighting injustice. So telling us that we're stained and that we have a mess to clean up before you'll come is incredibly condescending.

I'm sorry that you don't feel safe enough to attend. Laying the blame on us - and charging us with the responsibility to fix it - implies that we don't care, that we aren't already trying, and that we can't be bothered to do anything about it, and it's honestly insulting.

Maybe I do live in a garbage fire. It's fine if you think that. What I'm not fine with is your assumption that we're ignorant and we're just idly standing by and letting it happen.
 

Ariadne Davion

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I am temporary locking this until a moderator is online to moderate.

This doesn't need to escalate.
 

Nymala Ingasy

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This thread is going to be unlocked with a caveat to all. It is a place to discuss and enthuse over our 2020 Anni location and start planning. It is *not* a place to be incindiary or insulting to anyone, make political pronouncements, stand on a soapbox, or belittle other groups. We are all Family here. We all enjoy each other's company and we all want to spend time together. That is what this thread is about. Any other types of incindiary comments/discussions should be taken to CE, k? Questions or comments come to my moderators or me. Thank you.
 
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As this is about a five/six hour drive for me, I would like to try to attend. It sounds like a wonderful gathering.

What events normally occur?
 

Dreia Raieese

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I might show up! I'd like to see the new Amyrlin be raised.
 

Rhed al'Tere

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As this is about a five/six hour drive for me, I would like to try to attend. It sounds like a wonderful gathering.

What events normally occur?
Friday night is the Olde Warder and Hen night, when we have dinner and gather round for our traditional toast and live raisings and any other ceremonies we have (weddings, bondings, first sibling ceremonies). Saturday is a day full of hanging out, board games, and Amyrlin tournament events. Nothing is required and you can spectate or sit around and read or whatever you like! Saturday night is our formal night. This year will include the Amyrlin raising, of course, and we’ll also award the Amyrlin Awards. Sunday is another day of Amyrlin tournament events and whatever you want to do. Sunday night we award the Amyrlin’s champion. There’s a costume contest in there somewhere, usually, and we have the raffle drawing on Sunday. Members’ Choice awards are given out/announced throughout the weekend.

It sounds like a lot, and it is! But there’s plenty of downtime to hang out and get to know people. Anni is really my favorite event because it gives me a chance to get to know folks I haven’t interacted with as much on the boards.
 
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Thank you, Mother.

Having an idea of what all goes on gives me more reason to try and get there. A great opportunity to meet folks in person.
 

Ty al'Djinn

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It's a blast and a half.
 

Cassie Dainar

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I really really hope Soro and I can make it. Long drive for us, but we used to live in Chattanooga and love the area. Might have to find time to visit Rock City or our old favorite dinner spots while there.
 

Elia LePhant

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I haven't been to an Anni since 5th Anni, so I am very excited for all of the things! And being in beautiful nature! :joy
 

Thaddius al'Guy

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I've never been to Anni and I'm excited about going! I'm gonna have to plan out a savings path for it since it runs so close to JordanCon.
 

Feros Sandulf

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This will be my first Anni as well the others I just didn't have the budget for or the time available to get out to them.
 

Jarl Lewin

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