Additional Litter

Saturday, July 31

Here I am, late as always but with a week to process every impression of Mysterium for the time I was there. Because I was fighting a relapse, I knew I had to limit myself so I chose Saturday for the Ubisoft presentation and particularly for the fan presentations. After a 3 hr drive and checking in at another hotel (no room at the inn due to a last minute decision), I arrived in a full lobby at the break. I was tackled by sweet Katie, all strawberries, love and tears and memiki whose beautiful smile could light the entire lobby. Ma belle Kass was next, exactly the Kass I knew in the hood and then Lie’Ra who drove all the way from Texas and was such a treat to meet, so kind and funny. But this was just the beginning.

Neema's Summary Part 4

Saturday... The Big Day Part 2

Ok, big Ubi presention over and onto where we shine best... Greeters Unite!

We all filed out of the preso, had a quick meeting with Wolfie and decided to meet back at the conference room where the Fan Presentations were going to be held.

We had a surprise in mind so we all went back to our room and changed into our official greeter outfits! We all purchased Greeter shirts and had our names applies to the T-Shirt (Awesome work Ayli!!!) We all rested for a brief moment and returned to the conference area. We all had our assigned Greeter positions, directing people to the conference room, handing out pins, folders, raffle tickets and general greeting duties to make everyone feel welcome. Boy was that fun! Greeters in their glory! A moment to be proud of!!

Some Small Obs_RR_vations

...I think back now to those initial meanderings in the lobby, besides those immediate hugs with those I felt I already knew so well, the tentative introductions with those I didn't, embarrassed because I couldn't seem to retain folks RL names, only to realise that most were just as comfortable with their avie names. And finally astounded at the realisation that everyone was feeling pretty much the same way... Like smilies on botox, all were grinning ear to ear... (there's one for ya cats!.... I still smile in wonder at the camaraderie, the shock of faces to names, the solidarity of appreciation for the games, with the Greeters at the core at Ae'gura Hotel in the city of D'nonto...

Still Driving

Hi Everyone, Well Granny is still driving. I am now on the last leg of my journey. Just dropped off the last of my group spending the night in Iron Mountain, MI and will home tomorrow night. I am having such withdrawls from the forum and my computer in general.

Still reliving Mysterium in my mind. When we left Monday from Toronto we stopped off in London at Kha'tie's house sat around for awhile. Then gave hugs to everyone again and drove on to Grand Rapids. All during the trip we talked about Mysterium and what a great time we had.

Still so in awe of it. After rereading my entries, need to say I did get to say goodbye to the Devon's,they were late in leaving so got to see them off. Can't tell you all how great it was to see everyone. I have a book of signatures, tried to get everyone to sign it, think I did pretty good, got about 4 pages on both sides signed. Such a great thing to look at and remember.

Well must go am in hotel lobby and people want to use the machine. Will be home tomorrow so will write then.

Granny hugs

Neema's Summary Part 3

Ok, onto Saturday... THE BIG DAY!!!

We all got up and met in the lobby about 9:45, went across the street to the Golden Griddle and went through our planning for the day... Folders to check, shirts to iron nametags on (and they came out really great!! Thanks Ayli for all your work, you were incredible!!! ) and general logistics to work out with the Mysterium crew.

My assignment was webcam coverage, so from the restaurant I went and got all the equipment and proceeded to the conference room where the Ubi presentation was supposed to be held. MrM3FaN came along for general assistance for me and the Ubi crew and good thing, I forgot to pack batteries for some of my equipment, so he was off and running to the local store for batteries! (Thanks MMF!) Got all the equipment setup and worked out the coverage with Kha'tie (at first we were restricted from showing any screenshots of what Ubi was presenting, so the camera was on the audience for the first part of the presentation ) Camera was setup, tested, and checked in with Tijara to confirm that we were live, which we were, and a cheer went up from the setup crew, Yay!!

Kass's Report

Well, I am back home and exhausted and I feel as if my head was ready to explode with all I've seen and done these last few days.

If the Greeters ever doubted that greeting could be as much fun in RL as it was in URU Live..... doubt not!! I know we all totally enjoyed our role at this Mysterium and will be looking for more of the same. We made people welcome, acted as arrows to the M room, distributed informative documents, raffle tickets, pins, magnets and a variety of other goodies. It just felt so good to be useful again

The Revelation presentation was awesome, thank you to Patrick, Marie and Genevieve (darn, who am I forgetting?). We we were spoiled with information about the creative team and with some tantalizing tid-bits of the game. No, don't ask people, we have signed our very own NDA .

The last one

Hello everyone,

The time has come to enter the last blog in Toronto. It is an evening before we leave back to New York. I just can summarize briefly what a great event, the whole Mysterium was, and how great it was to meet all the people that you read on the forum about or met in Uru, and especially our own Greeters.

I don't have time to type much here, as it is a paid terminal and I have to go and do the packing for our trip home. There is so much to process, trying to remember the new names or the name and the face association. I hope my memory will held of the moments we had at the Mysterium. My video camera will help me this. I taped almost all of the Wolfie's speech during Greeter's presentation (my battery died just 10 minutes short). I think Greeters and attendees were running away from my camera as I was taping quite often.

I can tell you all, that we (the Greeters) left a deep impression on the Mysterium goers with our presentation and Wolfie was terrific. Thanks to those who stayed home and supported us at the Mysterium.

More to come when I come home and have some free time to post.
Bye all,
I'm signing off from Toronto.

Ayli

Home Again

Hey all! I finally have slept enough to be able to type and understand what I am typing.
Yesterday as granny said was very laid back and also had a slightly sad tone. Next year I'm hoping that we are able to get Mysterium set up for more than just a weekend. There were too many people and not enough time to get to know all of them; but, hey I tried!
After the Edge group came back to the hotel, the Post-Mysterium Group packed up and headed in a race to Katie's house! It's incredibly amazing how Toronto can make you feel lost, but all in all you're going the right way... just ask Dusante, Daedalus, and MrM. I was acting like I didn't know where I was going. We arrived at Katie's house around 6 or so and soon was greeted by her energetic kids. MrM3Fan and I left Kha'tie's house in London last night at about 7p, heading for our lovely 7 hr trip. And that's where my story ends... or, Perhaps the ending has not yet been written.

Christoph, formerly Christoph05

Monday day to leave

Hi all, well today is the day we leave.

Yesterday was pretty much just a laid back day. Mostly ate and sat around to say good bye to people as they all left.
The groups came back from the Edge, playing frisbee something, and slowly left. Lots of hugs given. Got lots of autographs from everyone. I know I have missed some. But tried to get all I could.

Slowly the lobby got emptier and emptier. Until it was almost like the city. Well there were other people there but not our group. Usually there was always a bunch of Mysterium people sitting around the lobby no matter what time it seemed. Or at least until the hotel people would move them out like 1 or 2 am.

The last I saw at about 10:30 pm, as I slowly went to the elevators was Neema sitting there with his laptop, um in his lap of course, typing away. We leave today as soon as I get my group up and moving somewhat moving, They can sleep in the car while I drive. We are planning on stopping off at Kha'tie's in London, and give them all a final hug and then continue on to Grand Rapids for my first leg of trip and then Tues drop off the last in Iron Mountain and then Wed head home. The motel in Iron Mt. has internet so will be able to keep you all posted on my progress.

It has been great here, went way to fast. Saw quite a bit. Looking forward to next year now. Wonder where it will be at next year.

Later all, Granny Hugs to everyone.

Neema's Summary Part 2

Ok I have found some more free time (a rare commodity at Mysterium) so I am going to add another day to my summary!

Friday:

Ok, no chance to sleep in, but I woke up before the alarm went off at least! We all decided to eat breakfast at the hotel restaurant (a big mistake, the food was awful!!) picked up the Devon's (Devon, Devonette, Stephan and Peter) at the lobby after they settled in and went with Granny, LieRa and family, and Kass. We planned our first full day out in Toronto, including a tour of the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the world! (Knowing our impending schedule for tomorrow, we knew that Friday was going to be the best and only day to see it!!)

Neema's Summary

Ok, ok, I am a little lax in my Blog entries, but at least I was able to post a picture!!

Thursday:

I started by leaving the house in Rhode Island at about 7:30am in the morning, looking forward to the approx 10 hour drive to Toronto. Over all the trip was fine through RI, CT and MA but when I got to NY, I stopped at one of those 24 hour rest stops to get some lunch, bio-break and generally stretch my legs after driving for 4 hours. I got back to my car and tried to turn over the car, but it wouldn't start at first, it seems as if the battery was dying in front of me!! Luckily on the second try, it did catch and the car started, YAY!! I had my GPS on me and I was able to locate a auto parts store. After an hour of finding the place, buying a new battery and changing it out, I was able to get the car started and back on the road again!!

Sunday Happenings

Shorah everyone,

MrM3FaN again posting from the hotel lobby getting ready to head back to Kha'tie's. I will post some images later today of my Edge disc signed by most of the people that attended Mysterium this year!

The UbiSoft Presentation went well. I hope you all enjoyed some of the shots that they let use put up on the webcam during the live presentation of Myst 4. Also hope you all enjoyed the fan presentations. I want to thank Neema for providing a webcam for all this. I think it was an excellent addition to this years Mysterium. Also thanks Tij and Tech for making sure things worked on your end for it!

Chris and I will be heading back home later today after having a stop and Kha'tie's for our finally good byes! Chris says he is to tried to post right now but he sends his greetings as well. I hope you all had fun with UnMysterium this year and I look forward to attending Mysterium next year!

MrM3FaN

Later Sunday

Well the day is moving on. Not much happening. but have a chance to blog so here I am. Some have left already today, The Devon family have left, Lie'Ra had left.

Looking at pictures we have taken some really nice pictures.

I leave tomorrow for home, so in about 3 days will download my pictures.

Talk to you all later.

Granny hugs /memiki

Sunday

Hi Everyone,
Well, here it is Sunday. Last day here can't believe it has gone so fast.

Corona, I baked 38 dozen cookies to bring here. I gave them out to as many as I could. There were more people here than they had thought and more than I had thought. Some got a whole dozen and then passed bags around to people to try at the presentation.

I am sure everyone got tired of looking at my head, as the web cam was right behind me. The Ubisoft presentation was great. Saw some neat stuff about Myst 4. The Greeters presentation went perfect. No glitches or sound problems. It was a wonderful video and believe it touched everyone and hopefully let everyone know just how much URU meant to all of us. Cat'ja made it and she even was wearing a red shirt. So we knew it was her right off the bat. Forgot yesterday that RR_Caz is here also. Tho he does have a bad habit of being there on minute and then poof he is gone.

I just wish everyone was here. It is such a great experience. So great to see everyone. Now will have to plan for the next one, this is going to have to become a annual event now for me. Now I have to try even harder to get to the Aussie one. Let me see what can I sell off. hummmmm

I am just now waiting for the bunch to group up for breakfast and then not sure what is happening today. Devon and Devonette and family left today. Missed them by a few minutes. darn no Granny hugs for the trip.

Later all Granny/memiki

Fan Presentations

This evening was the fan presentations.

They included a few fans dressed as Yeesha and Saavedro, a stuffed Squee (no Squee's were harmed in the making of it), a strange but funny movie called "Mysterium House" (by lonelyto25, et al - to be posted at some point), the Myst Island Recreation Initiative (www.mystmakers.org), the GoG presentation and a video timeline of Cyan games (such as The Manhole, Cozmo Osmo and Splendux).

Many door prizes were handed out (including 10th Anniversary sets, Uru soundtracks, frisbees, hats and T-shirts).

We're heading back home tomorrow morning but hope to possibly meet up with the rest of the Greeters for a picture before we leave.

- devon

Ubisoft Presentation

I have just returned from the Ubisoft presentation. It was cool. We had around 90 people that I could see crammed into a room designed for a few less! There were several people from Ubisoft there, Khatie, Patrick, Mary and Geneveive. The presentation was run mostly by Patrick. He is (among other things) the Lead Game Designer. He ran the computer while the others cringed as he began to tell us things that he should not have because he was so excited to show us stuff.

They passed around a notebook with some early concept art, a lot of which (unfortunately) didn't make it into the final game. It included machinery, scenes and buildings. They showed a clip that they had showed to Peter Gabriel while trying to get him interested in doing a song for the game. After watching the clip, Peter Gabriel agreed to do the song, and a little more (apparently a voiceover of some kind (not a live-action character though)).

During the end of the presentation it moved into a more question and answer session. It was at this point that I realized that I was sitting between 3 of the Ubisoft people. It felt like I was part of the Ubisoft team. After several questions I decided to move to an empty seat so I was out of the spotlight! Devonette told me afterwards that someone watching on the web-cam asked if the bearded guy up with the Ubisoft guys (me) was Rand Miller! NOT!

Well, off to get ready for this evenings presentations.

- devon

The Ubi Presentation

Although some might say that it was like "preaching to the converted", the reception afforded the emmisaries of Ubi was quite spectacular. Despite an overcrowded room (as evidenced in the webcam) and stifling air, we all enjoyed both the tidbits of upcoming gameplay and the behind the scenes description of the people and their work at Ubisoft Montreal! Folk here have pretty well been running the soles off their shoes in this city, visiting this and that.

Greeters and members of other Guilds, have been scurrying to and fro like Kha'tie's proverbial 'monkey kitten' {watch for it!} getting everything ready for tonight's fans' presentations. So we haven't had too much time for blogging, but Wolfie's given us our marching orders, so stay tuned for more up and coming blog entries, and hopefully if we can find Tij's Help sheets, even a few more photos! So to all of you who couldn't make it we hope to do ye proud. Shorah!

The day after

Hello everyone and a big hug from Greeters in Mysterium.

I'm sitting in a Cafe with Memiki and we typing side by side.

Today is going to be a day we all worked very hard for and we are very excited about it. We also can't wait for the Myst IV presentation. Mysterium group is going to see CN Tower, but we decided to have a Greeter's breakfast, so we can have a nice chat between us.

We had a blast yesterday, getting to meet all, finally. We had big hugs around and almost cried from happiness.
In the afternoon we had tour to the Merrill Library and it was worth it. The presentation was fun and educational. Thanks to Myridien, who organized it. The evening ended with the Laser Tag game. It was the first for me, but it was really fun.

The weather is holding nice in Toronto, so we are all enjoying our time here. I think I can say from all the Greeters, we are thinking of you, and keeping your thoughts here with us. I want to say hello to the folks from Library of D'ni. Hello guys!!!

Till next time, big wave.
Ayli

Granny's blog

Hi, everyone, I just wish everyone was here. It is so great to meet everyone. I would list everyone down, but afraid to miss someone with my memory that is possible. But to list a few, Ayli, Wolfie, MrM3FaN, Neema, Kass, Lie'Ra, Christoph05, Kha'tie, Devon, Devonette, and a whole bunch of really young people Amcyr stopped by on the way to the airport with his family.

Yesterday was great, walked I think all over Toronto, went to the Merrill Library it was really interesting, the woman who gave the presentation was just great. Played Laser Tag, yeap Granny played Laser Tag! I didn't do to bad at least I wasn't at the bottom, tho I was 30 out of 36. The subway ride was great. My first time on one. But not sure I would want to do it all the time.

A lot of people here in Toronto but this is coming from someone who lives where 200 people in one place is a massive crowd. Today is a big day also. So excited.

Time to go to the meeting. Later everyone. Granny Hugs to all.

Day 2 - Part 2

Good morning everyone! Just thought I would drop an entry in here before we head down to Golden Griddle for our greeter breakfast.

It's a blast here in Toronto! I've barely been able to sit down. Whether we're standing in the hotel lobby, walking to get something to eat, sitting in the bar laughing about the time we shared in Uru: Beta/Prologue, or just ranting about life, there's always something going on.

I must admit that the whole Mysterium event has been surprisingly well planned and I am definitely enjoying it. At the very least (which is not my point,) it sure beats being at work!

Don't forget to watch Neema's webcam coverage from the GOG this afternoon.

Have a good day all, I'll blog back later.

Day 2

Shorah everyone,

Finally got a connection from the hotel and thought I should type up a quick entry. Look like Dev pretty much summoned up yesterdays events (I also found out that I am really bad at Laser Quest as the first game I was in 28 out of 34 place and the second game I got 24 out of 38).

This morning Chris, some other greeters, and I are going to go have breakfast at the Golden Griddle instead of going to the CN Tower cause were afraid we won't make it back in-time for the Myst 4 Presentation.

Can't wait till tonight for the Fan Presentations! I'll post more later today!

MrM3FaN

Day 1

Welcome to the first day of Mysterium 2004.

The day began with all of the gathered in the hotel lobby (and it’s not a really big lobby!) The first part of the day was open so some chose to go to the mall, some went walking down in the Chinatown area, some went down to the CN tower and still others hung around the hotel greeting newcomers as they arrived. One of those late newcomers was CAGrayWolf who was warmly welcomed by all the Greeters and many non-Greeters alike.

I was part of the CN Tower contingent (about 15 people) which finally got underway around 12noon. Heading down by subway (a new experience for some), we got to the nearest station and made our way to the tower. We all went up to the Lookout Level (1,136ft). The most interesting section here was just below on the Glass Floor! Imagine standing on a floor of glass with nothing but 1,122 feet of nothing below you! It was a bit unnerving but most of us took at least a few tentative steps out over the abyss.

Departing for Toronto

Good morning everyone!

We will all be departing for Toronto in about 45 minutes and should arrive there around noon. Sorry I didn't check back in yesterday as I took full advantage of total relaxation yesterday while visiting with friend I have only ever known online. This has been amazing for me so far for I never thought that I would actually be meeting so many that I have become rather close with not to mention attending a Mysterium.

It has been fun and exciting for me to meet lonely, MrM3FaN, Christoph and TimePoster. Of course it so good to see Kha'tie again. Meeting her at E3 was amazing in and of itself. She is such a loving and caring person and so much fun to be around. I can't wait to be meeting all the other Myst fans as well over the weekend and to be meeting fellow Greeters in person ... so cool!

I'll check back in tonight once I find a computer and a connection.

Wolfie Out!

Toronto, we are here

Hello all Greeters and friends.

I'm glad a few of you made it safely to Kha'tie. Me and my hubby arrived in Toronto this afternoon.

Have not met anyone from the Greeters yet, but met a few Myst fans. Rivenchan, Chucker and a few others. There was a famous cone brought by one of the fans and we were sitting in the lobby and chatting and reminisce about Beta and Prologue. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of the other Greeters.

It is very hot in Toronto.
Talk to you all later.

Ayli

Live from Khatie's

Hi everyone,

It's MrM3FaN posting live from Khatie's living room!

Chris and I made it here safely last night and camped out in her backyard. So I am not posting till now but we had to go to a Best Buy to get a wireless router so I could get my laptop working here!

All is going well so far. Wolfie and lonelyto25 are also here and Granny is supposed to stop by for awhile before heading off to Toronto. Right now all of us here at Kha'tie's are starting a Matrix TrilogyMarathonn! Well that's all for now I come back if anything interesting happens!

Miss you all (and looking forward to see some of you soon),

MrM3FaN

What a trip ...

Good morning all!

It has a long and tiring flight but I arrived safely. Saving money on flights is not always the way to travel. First I flew from Ontario, CA ... arriving in Minneapolis ... then transfer and off to Detroit ... for one more transfer to fly into London Ontario ... have to laugh ... leave Ontario to arrive in Ontario.

Anyway ... I'm not quite awake here yet ... so after I wake some more will add to this. I will make sure MrM3FaN adds his stuff as well. But wanted to at least check in with you all that I'm here and arrived safely with little incident.

Getting Close ....

Shorah and welcome to the Guild of Greeters Mysterium Blog!

So much has happened in the past month and a half since I took over this project and put together what has to be the greatest team I have ever worked with.

What was only a glimmer of an idea has blossomed into an amazing project which has become far more than I ever expected. This is all because of the hard work and creative energy of all those on the Mysterium Project team, as well as those who agreed to share their unique and special stories with us. MrM3FaN and RR_Caz have produced what has become a fantastic video, which totally captures my vision for a great uplifting video which tells a promising story of goodwill and faith.

Ayli and all her ingenious advice and suggestions, some which I had not even considered, have given us what will be another highlight of our Presentation and also a great collectible for all who attend. Making it all happen, using her own time and money. Tijara, tech_support and Neema have made it their goal to keep you all up to date on the events of Mysterium and bring you all a little closer to the action with this blog and our Live Greeter Cam.

Special thanks to all those who have donated both time and money to help make all this a reality. Thank you each and every one of you ... the Mysterium Project Team ... those that have done so much and to those who feel they have not done enough ... for no matter what size your contribution... just adding your voice has been a great asset.

Finally lets not forget all the Greeters who have continued to Greet in spite of what some said would be our demise. You/we have all stood by and supported and encouraged the growth of the GoG by not abandoning our ideal ... and doing what we do best ... helping others. As a tribute to all our Greeters we will have a team of real life Greeters patrolling Mysterium, wearing their trademark smiles and distinctive Greeter T-Shirt.

Thank you one and all! Enjoy Mysterium whether it be live in Toronto, or live at the Guild of Greeters