First the "official" stuff.
We're just a few days away! I wanted to thank everyone that helped make this event possible. We've still got a ton to do but we're ready. Probably more ready than we've ever been all things considered. Please take a look at the 2022 Winter Checklist to make sure that you're ready when you show up this weekend.
Now, I (AJ) don't normally use this platform in this manner, but I want to be honest and candid if you'll allow.
I am writing this on my youngest son's 2nd birthday, who was born during our last event, 2 years ago! We've been lying in wait ever since, waiting for things to normalize. In the summer things looked great, in retrospect it would have been possible to come back last July. But with so many unknowns and the uncertain nature of everything we've been going through as a sociey we waited, laying the groundwork to ensure the safety and health of everyone in attendance.
My daughter was born with a condition that affects about 1 in 300,000 newborns in the US. I'm not going to go into specifics, but she is at risk of reduced lung capacity for her entire life. When this pandemic started, my wife and I as parents were terrified.
With regards to MassiveLAN and all the conversations we've had, I've been wearing that hat. She's not going to be at event but I and people close to me will be. That means if we get infected, that could get to her, and I can't allow that to happen. I want her safe, I want YOU safe. I don't want anyone to get sick because of us.
That being said, this event means the world to me. For me it goes: Family, Work, MassiveLAN, with MassiveLAN sometimes bumping up to #2. It means THAT much to me, and the same goes for many others in our group. To not have this event is to cut out part of my life that's meant so much for EIGHTEEN FREEKIN YEARS. So this needs to happen, but has to happen in a way that convinces me and everyone else here at ML that we're doing absolutely everything we can to ensure as much of a risk-free environment as we can. I humbly ask that you please be considerate and aware of our policies, and take this as serious as we do. All decisions and policies that we've implemented have been a group decision, guided by our discussions and your input.
Thank you for reading, we'll see you this weekend
