[Sketching21] Sketching in Hardware 2021 September Update

[Mike Kuniavsky]

Hi! I've heard from some of you that you're going to join us, which is 
wonderful, but just to get a clear idea for how I should schedule the day 
I really need to know how many people to expect. If you are definitely NOT 
going to be able to make it to this abbreviated Sketching, please let us 
know ASAP. If you are, but for only part of the day, please let us know 
that, too, and what part of the day we should expect you. If it turns out 
that this isn't working for most people, I'd like to cancel and, as they 
say in corporate life, give you the time back with as much notice as I 
can.

Thanks!

On Thu, 23 Sep 2021, Mike Kuniavsky wrote:

> 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