I was listening to the last podcast yesterday and it left me with a question. I wasn't sure if I should start a thread in the podcast forum area since it appears there are primarily stickies there, so I figured I'd ask here...

So, one of the volunteer functions is performed by those who setup and tear down the sets. Is this considered a volunteer position in and of itself or a function performed by those who have other roles? I ask because it seems like the kind of job that, for the most part, would only be active before the start and at the end of the con. This is attractive I suppose to those who want time to actually see the con, but is it considered a part time position with the benefits?

Also, last year I volunteered as a DM at the end of my run, but since I have no former volunteer experience with TD, is there any chance at all that I'll be selected for this role? The podcast seemed to say that they are really only looking for those who have previously volunteered, but I have learned quite a bit about TD through the forums, and I have almost 2 decades of table top DM experience.

This a great question, we will try and answer in a future podcast.  Thanks for the post!

Dave

You just never know....I was a last minute replacement in 2006 and was asked back last year (hopefully I get asked back for many more years) as a DM .  Just depend on who can make it to the con that year. As for the question about set up and tear down. We all do what we can. Some people don't get there until later, and that leaves all of us that can get there early to set up. My friends and I get down there on tuesday morning. Hope that answers some of your questions.

Thanks, yes. Dave was also good enough to PM me with some insights.

I'd like to see more time off for full time volunteers who do take part in build and tear down.

I know I had maybe 2 hours a day to see con after getting food and it was really not quite enough time to enjoy it.

Now maybe that had a bunch to do with the fact that I worked first and third shift - but by the end of third shift I was busy going on one or even two TD runs...so that kinda puts the moot on that moot pie.

Not that I wouldn't REALLY enjoy volunteering, but seeing the con is the issue. There are alot of other things I would also like to do and stuff to get. Full time probably doesn't allow for much of that really.

Perhaps more volunteers and shorter shifts would be a better way to go?

Volunteering is an exceptional experience.  That being said, I do miss gaming at the con.  It's almost impossible to do events and be a full-time volunteer.  I basically worked, ate/slept, and wandered the exhibit hall (spending all the money I saved!).  I did get to see THE GAMERS: DORKNESS RISING with Indy, though.

Yeah, volunteering full time does make it tough to see much else at the con.  But honestly, I wouldn't change a thing (for myself, that is).
The event is great, and the people are some of the best I've ever known.
If Carbondale was closer to me, I'd be over there begging Jeff to let me help get stuff ready all year long.  =D

I would change one thing...in the past we got one day with only one shift...

If that could be brought back it would really help out full-timers.

that would be interesting to have a light day with the rest.  I am glad to have helped the last two years and look forward to it each year.

Some folks volunteer full time, some folks voluneteer part-time, some folks help with setup and tear down, some folks donate a saturday or two during the year and some folks will put in HUNDREDS of hours over the year getting things ready to go. 

Without lots of people helping out for whatever time they are able to contribute, True Dungeon would not happen. 

So if you are interested in helping there is place for you.

You would be shocked at how many of the hard core folks started out by helping for 3 hour shift (or 2). 

That would be kewl. :cool: