[Sketching21] Sketching in Hardware 2021 September Update

[Mike Kuniavsky]

Hi! You're getting this because you confirmed that you're attending 
Sketching in Hardware 2021, October 8. Welcome!

First, the big tl;dr: Sketching is now ONE DAY, October 8.  Presentations 
are now optional. We can refund your money if you need us to, but no 
matter what we'll still send you a box of stuff.

WHAT?

Now, the longer story.

Since last year, I've been, ahem, *very busy* with my day job and with 
parenting elementary schoolers during the pandemic. Spring turned into 
summer. July became September. Somehow, 2019 became 2021. More 
importantly, although Leah has valiantly done 99% of what the conference 
needs, I have not done my essential 1% of it, such as sending out 
invitations and making sure everyone was ready to present. Now we're two 
weeks out, and I find myself unable in good conscience ask you to give us 
three days of your time when I don't have it all planned. I also recognize 
that you may have been more responsible than I was, and actually planned 
and prepared for Sketching.

Instead:

  - I shortened Sketching from 3 days to 1 day, Friday October 8. This 
still gives us some time to meet, reconnect, and present our work to a 
receptive audience.
  - However, presentations are now optional. Normally, everyone has to 
present. Not this year. If you want to do your 18-20 minute talk, great! 
Just let me know. Otherwise, I'm going to give you 10 minutes. Give us an 
impromptu update on what you've been up to, or talk about something that 
interests you. If you're not interested in talking at all, let me know 
that too. I won't insist.
  - We are ready to refund your money. If you thought you owed us money, 
you no longer do. If you gave us money and want it back, we'll issue you a 
full refund. If you don't care about the refund, we'll give you a receipt 
you can use in any way you want.
- We will still send you the box of stuff we were planning to send you, so 
give us your shipping address.

Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this email, and the change 
of plans. We would be honored if you still attended the event, regardless, 
if just to say hello.

To avoid this happening next year, Leah and I will start planning 2022 
immediately after Sketching 2021 is over. I have some ideas for how to 
avoid this happening again, even if there is another global pandemic.

Thank you, take care, and please email with any questions/comments. Also: 
send us your address so we can send you the stuff.

-- 
Mike Kuniavsky
mikek at sketching-in-hardware.com