Brian C. Blad  - May 26, 2009 4:05 pm (#9922 Total: 9976)  
Consimworld Expo 2009 Staff 
	 
Sitting in the main ballroom watching the hotel staff put up the last of
the tables. Wall signage is all up. We'll be starting on the table
signage shortage. Plexi is being cleaned up and gotten ready for
rental...No idea on the live webcam to the earlier question. Not sure if
there will be an internet station either...


Jason Pipes  - May 27, 2009 3:24 am (#9924 Total: 9976)  
Marching up and down the square with the SGM
 	 
Rolled in from the SF Bay area at 3:30pm and found a fair number of
people in the Ball Room already rolling dice and setting up! Took me
10.5 hours to drive from SF to PHX. Not bad at all. Played a game of
Battle for Germany so far.


sysop  - May 28, 2009 7:47 pm (#9930 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC 
	 
Things are hopping down here but I'll do my best to get an update posted
soon. We are max capacity in the ballroom right now and we have several
seminars scheduled for this evening. All in all, seems everyone is
having a good time. First monster game that ended early was SS Amerika,
but they have set up a second go-round already and the game is running
much closer this time!


sysop  - May 29, 2009 5:39 pm (#9935 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC 
	 
Out of 40+ participants, the semi-final match ups for Strike Force One
tourney are now all set. With last's years winner dropping out in the
Round of 16 and last year's finalist dropping out in a quarter-final
matchup, we are assured two new faces will be squaring off in the finals
this year.

The winner takes home a TON of games. Here are your semi-finalists, each
having advanced through three rounds of play:

Michael Junkin vs. Rick Young
Kerry Anderson vs. Don Hancock

Special thanks to all who signed-up. We had more entrants than last year
and Alan Emrich produces a special CSW Expo edition of Strike Force One
for our annual tournament.


sysop - May 29, 2009 5:45 pm (#9936 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC
 	 
Which monster game ended first?

We had a quick 1 1/2 day playthrough of SS Amerika which ended early,
but the participants reset the game and got going again and are now in a
much better game (seems the first go-round was hampered by one of the
participants being tired from the trip out so some initial errors were
made). 

Case Blue also wrapped up today. Due to excellent weather conditions for
the Germans, it was announced that the game has drawn to an early
conclusion. 


sysop - May 29, 2009 5:47 pm (#9937 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC 	 
Seminars

We held two seminar sessions last night: Operational and Battalion
Combat Series from MMP (John Kisner presenting) and Small Format Game
Design and Publishing by Victory Games (Alan Emrich presenting). 

Today we have several publisher sessions scheduled: Decision Games and
GMT Games are each holding a seminar, and we will be wrapping up with a
Vassal 101 seminar hosted by Joel Toppen. 


RicVanDyke  - May 30, 2009 12:11 am (#9940 Total: 9976)  
Gameiness... it's not about rules, its about behavior. 	 

Bitter Sweet

Well I did make it over to the con and saw many of my great friends of
years gone by. I even played a game of "Conflict of Heroes" with a very
drunk Todd. I won, but it was all my great skill (not my great dice
rolling, that was a bad as ever, I roll a 3 three times in a row at one
point). The win had nothing to do with the fact that he forgot his
reinforcements for a turn or that he was nearly pissing himself. 

But here I am at the airport soon to head home knowing that all of you
are still back at the Hallowed Halls rolling dice, moving counters and
pulling cards. 

Mark Milke and I are already talking about "next year" and I hope my
life is a bit more stable by then, as well as all for everyone else who
was unable to attend. 


sysop  - May 31, 2009 11:52 am (#9948 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC 	 
2009 Star Performer Award

Congrats to our TWO Star Performer Recipients for CSW Expo 2009. This is
the first year we had a tie. Being nominated and receiving this honor
means they each will receive a special trophy and free admittance to CSW
Expo 2010.

Greg Daulton of Enumclaw, WA for all his contributions behind supporting
DAK and OCS system with three separate games taking place. 

Mike Lam of San Jose, CA for his herculean effort behind the Down in
Flames tourney campaign.


sysop - May 31, 2009 11:55 am (#9949 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC 	 
Strike Force One Tourney Grand Champion

Congrats to Rick Young who took the game loot for winning our Strike
Force One tournament. He beat out Kerry Anderson in the finals and was
the last man standing out of 44 participants who entered to play this
year.

Thanks to all who participated!


sysop - May 31, 2009 11:56 am (#9950 Total: 9976)  
[John Kranz] ConsimWorld LLC 	 
Our 10th Anniversary

ConsimWorld Expo, featuring MonsterGame.CON 10, will take place June
1-6, 2010 at the Tempe Mission Palms. Registration for this event will
begin shortly!


Joel Toppen - May 31, 2009 6:03 pm (#9951 Total: 9976)  
Currently developing Hellenes, Washington's War, and Storming the Reich 	 

To John, Brian and all the staff

Thanks for putting on a top-notch con! This year was the most fun year
yet. Can't wait till next year!


Nathan Kilgore - May 31, 2009 8:59 pm (#9952 Total: 9976)  
Designer-Iron Tide and VCS Salerno 	 

Thanks Joel for the great Vassal seminar. We should do this every year
to help more people to take advantage of the awesome online gaming
tools.


John Kisner  - May 31, 2009 10:45 pm (#9954 Total: 9976)  
Baltic Gap is available for preorders at 
http://www.multimanpublishing.com/preorder/viewGame.php?id=67 
	 
Some pix from CSW Expo

I've posted some pictures on my web page. They only cover a fraction of
the games being played, but I didn't take too many this year.

http://web.mac.com/kisnerjohn/iWeb/Site/Convention%20Pix.html

I had one of my best times ever at a convention. This year it all came
together: a great game, great company, and three count'em three trips to
Fatburger for those "healthy" turkey burgers. (Iowa knows beef, but
Tempe sure seems to be the place for a turkey burger.)


mark a ruggiero  - Jun 1, 2009 2:45 am (#9957 Total: 9976)  
Go Patriots!!!! 	 

A great time

Just wanted to post and email I sent to my Lodi con group about my trip
to consimworld 2009. 

To All, I am going to give my shot here at a detailed AAR. Well first
once again thanks to everyone who made my trip possible you guys are the
best!!! I flew out to Tempe Tuesday and we arrived about Noon. After
checking into the hotel I roomed with John Gibbins a great roomy! We
went down to the Game area and some games were already in action. My
game of choice for the week was Advanced ETO from decision games a
wonderfully rich game that me and Dan Jario were going to be taught by
David Glenn one big dude:} and a chp officer to boot. There is a great
picture coming that will show his reaction when I conquered France. We
commenced set up etc the line was David Glenn Great Britain and
America,Dan played Russia and I played the Germans,John Gibbins played
Italy for a while. We managed to play September 1939-September 1940 of
the course of the week. Now his may seems slow but let me tell you this
is one complex game and David was teaching us he only had to yell a
couple of times when we were all bombarding him with questions:} The
highlights of the game were when u-47 slipped into Scapa flow and sank
the Ark Royal and Damaged the furious. Conquered Poland in September why
is this a highlight it meant I had the land combat mechanics down well
kind off. I invaded France in April 1940 as the weather cleared up and
it fell in May. John managed to conquer Greece in 1939 therefore
eliminating a negative modifier the Italians have in land combat. There
is a sitzkrieg rule so Italy had to declare war before Poland fell. I
Also invaded Norway in April 1940 what a disaster a failed Quisling roll
which if I had succeeded would have made one of my three invasions a
success. But having failed it all three of my invasions failed the axis
have a hard time doing amphibious invasions as they should. My Paradrop
assault on Oslo went well though and an overland campaign saw the fall
of Bergen? But after months of failed land attacks called cant roll dice
Norway still holds out. One of the highlights though was a lucky
interception and sinking of the Transports loaded with British troops
headed to reinforce the Norwegians. Also we have been fighting a
spirited U-boat war and my Raiders have done quite well. Also I have
bombed Britain back to the stone age although my Luftwafe has consumed
massive amounts of industry and resources replacing my losses etc. A
little more on the game then a wrap of my trip overall. As most of you
know I like big complex games but play lots of different games I love to
game. But AETO really is like a fine wine or Food with many different
textures and flavors. I would say it is the most historical game I have
played on the subject. When u-47 snuck into port and sank the Ark Royal
I almost felt like I was there in my minds eye. As I sent my fw200 to
interdict he convoys and they were shot down I could picture it. The
game has Generals and the best production rules I have ever seen an Air
to air and strategic warfare system that takes some getting used to but
is very fun. It is not a short game but I am sure with exp etc it will
speed up some. I Play world in flames quite a bit and the game is apples
and Oranges but AETO will be among my favorites for years to come I am
sure. Also we will be continuing the game at GMT weekend hopefully and
for sure at Lodi con. I once again want to say also what A great teacher
Dave was and a great gamer. Also Dan enjoyed the game and will be
playing also. You know we all game for different reasons for me it is
the kid inside and the love of History. The convention went by way to
fast but it was nice to forget the rest of the world for a week. Some
Highlights winning a copy of wahoo for a 1.00,Also bidding at the
auction I won a Nova games Axis and Allies the original cardboard pieces
and all. Playing games with my Friends new and old, Discussing my need
for a 12 step program for buying games way to much. I can quit anytime
honest and the guys made me bid:} I enjoyed the total lack of sleep as
my mind raced with Strategy and rules question. I averaged four hours a
day 2-6am usually even though I went to bed by 11:30 most nights.
sharing A beer or two with friends and Jack Green from the old
Quarterdeck games a great guy. Dan Holte also and the trip to the
Library Saturday night:} Wow and thanks for everything what a blast!!!!
Things being equal I will be going again next year rooming with John and
playing more games. Also along with Monstercons 10 anniversary will be
Lodis 10th and Rodger McGowan is going to help me do some shirts up.
Well I need some rest now. Your buddy the wargame guy Mark A Ruggier 


Brian C. Blad  - Jun 1, 2009 9:58 am (#9958 Total: 9976)  
Consimworld Expo 2009 Staff 	 

wanted to thank everyone who came out this year! Tori and I had a
fantastic time and we want to thank all of you for your kind words to
us! The reality is that the expo goes so smoothly because of John,
Stefanie, and all of you! Your willing cooperation, participation, and
support make this event for Tori and I. As long as John contiunes to
allow us, we'll co-host and continue to work to bring you the best con
ever! 

Look forward to seeing everyone for the 10th anniversary celebration
next year! 

Tori and Bri


Brian C. Blad  - Jun 1, 2009 10:02 am (#9959 Total: 9976)  
Consimworld Expo 2009 Staff 	 

Auction Highlights

Another successful auction at the Expo! $1796 was netted for the
sellers. We only had about 12 items not sell this year. 

The big item was a near mint set of volumes one through four of The
General Magazine that went for $190! 

A change for next year..Our infamous..errrr famous auctioneer Alan
Emrich has asked that there be a no minimum bid requirement put in place
for next year. 

We'd like your feedback on this request so please email Tori and I
directly..

Stay tuned for more advance updates for the tenth anniversary auction
event next year!


Alan Emrich - Jun 1, 2009 11:01 am (#9960 Total: 9976)  
"A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships 
are for." - John A. Shedd 	 

Right, we had a lot of fun at the auction, but nothing is worse than
finding it filled with flea market cast-offs for the same asking prices.

Auctions are always better when EVERYTHING starts at a dollar and finds
its price from there. These are sophisticated buyers and sellers at CSW
Expo and have an idea what things are worth to them. Competitive bidding
benefits the seller, but high minimum bids often destroy that very
competition. 

Look at that copy of Conflict magazine with the NORAD game in it and
what I almost paid for it in a bidding frenzy!

Alan Emrich


Jamie Shanks - Jun 1, 2009 11:06 am (#9961 Total: 9976)  

Feeback

As I mentioned to a few people in person during the week (and in an
earlier post here) this was my first CSW Expo and indeed the first time
I've ever attended any game convention. 

Simply put, it was phenomenal. If all game conventions are like this one
I've really been missing out, but somehow I get the impression that the
CSW Expo is perhaps a cut above the rest. 

To look around that ballroom when it was going full blast, and see so
many games I've only heard of or read about being played full on, was
truly an awesome sight and one I'll not forget. More than that, just
being around so many people who speak the language, as it were, was a
new experience for me and a great one. If I had a question about a game,
players would invariably drop what they were doing and happily share
their thoughts and insight, which I really appreciated and says a lot
about the hobby. The flea market and auction were other highlights for
me as well, and meeting some of the designers I've read so much about
and whose games I've enjoyed was a particular treat. Best of all, I got
some great gaming in and learned a lot, and made a new acquaintance with
plans for plenty of PBEM to keep me busy for the forseeable future. 

Many thanks to all of you who put this together and my regards to
everyone I met or played with during the week. It was fantastic.

Jamie


Jason Pipes  - Jun 1, 2009 1:48 pm (#9969 Total: 9976)  
Marching up and down the square with the SGM 	 

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone involved with making CSW Expo
happen!! This year was for me one of the best yet. I can't believe it
came and went so quickly. Maybe it's because I took part in so many
games but it seems like the week went by really fast. Even driving 1500
miles to Phoenix round trip doesn't seem to have slowed things down!!
I'm in post-con decompression mode right now. Other than having one of
my games go missing from the flea market table I had a fantastic time.
Thank you to everyone who took part and made it happen!!!!


Ken Dingley  - Jun 1, 2009 2:04 pm (#9971 Total: 9976)  
SPARTACVS - PLAY IT HERE: 
http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX?14@893.rgEjeiG43Pt.16@.1dd320e5/556 	 

Thanks to all involved with the Expo for another great event. And thanks
to all the attendees who contribute to making it what it is - bloody
terrific!

Thanks to Rick Galli for cleaning my clock in Proud Monster.

So how long 'til next year?

Ken