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Settling Dust

Just a quickie, because we’re still hard at work here.  We’re really tired, but we’re going to keep going.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  For everyone who experienced a glitch, and everyone who didn’t. Thank you. We’re doing our best to sort out some of the remaining troubles.  We know that some people who used the “back” button on their browsers ended up with double classes (See? We told you the back button was bad) and we know that a few other people are wondering if they are registered or not because their email didn’t arrive. We know that even a few more of you registered twice because you panicked, which we totally get.  We’d like to ask you to do three things for now.

1. Stop. Relax as much as you can.  The classes are mostly sold out now, (For real) Things might open up as we resolve the few problems above, but mostly, we believe that the way things look now are the way things are.  We know there are problems, we are working on solutions for everyone, and we’ll post as soon as we have simple ways to sort them.  Our IT guy is busting himself creating a page for you to log in and check what you got and make sure you’re all right.  We’re still working.

2.  Please wait until that page goes up to send us a complaint.  Could be you don’t really have a problem yet, and sending us “Contact us” mail about it now only means that we’re not going to be able to tell who really has a problem and who got solved by the check page.  Let’s do that first, and then we’ll deal with every single person as fast as we can.  We didn’t sleep last night, we’re not sleeping tonight – we haven’t even had a meal yet today.  Promise.  You are, and have been our priority for more than 36 hours.

3. IF YOU DID NOT GET A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, GO CHECK YOUR SPAM FILTERS. Look around. See if it’s there. Many of you are confirmed, but had the email bounce back to us.  This could be because your email security rejected us, because it’s caught in the spam filter or, and I hate to say this but we can already tell there are quite a few of them… people who spelled their email addresses wrong, because they were rushing.

If you think maybe you spelled your email wrong, don’t panic.  The check system will let you find your registration, correct your email and get the confirmation mailed to you again.

I repeat. Do not panic. I know that this has been really hairy. (Trust me, we know. Oh – boy do we know.) We’re very sorry for any anxiety or upset the server overload is causing you.  Our apologies. 

51 Comments
  1. Christine Collins #

    Breathe, try to get calm. Maybe a beer-induced coma for a few hrs, for us also? We will be here when you get up. And maybe that IT guy who didn’t believe you (now he does huh?) will have that page up and we can check what we do have. You all have done a wonderful job for convention novices. Remember it’s not about not having problems / making a perfect convention, because you will have problems… It’s about being able to solve those problems satisfactorily that is the real test.

    November 30, -0001
  2. As someone who experienced problems and then got despondent b/c I thought it was ALL SOLD OUT, I must say that Twitter/Ravelry saved my sanity. I was about to throw in the towel, but then I saw that I should try again…. and boy, did I! I got most of my classes, but, sadly, I didn’t get into Stephanie’s “Knitting for Speed & Efficiency” class. I guess this means I have to go to Madrona. wink

    A most excellent effort by you, Stephanie and Cat. I’m just so thrilled that it seems to be SELLING OUT!! What a coup, eh?

    SockStock (Woodstock for Socks), here I come.

    xo,

    WonderMike

    November 30, -0001
  3. Ettamae #

    You guys are ABSOLUTELY amazing!  You were right to dream about this wonderful event!  Great job!  Give yourselves a pat on the back!  It is going to be fabulous!  You are the best!  Thank you!

    November 30, -0001
  4. Christine Collins #

    Breathe, we all need a beer-induced coma for a few hours after today. And maybe by the time we get up that non-believing IT guy (he believes now, huh?) will have the class/student info page up for us and we can all get on with sorting out the chaos.

    You all have done a magnificent job for convention novices, and I applaud you. Remember that it’s not about making a perfect event, because there will always be problems, it’s how you are able to solve the problems that is the test.

    November 30, -0001
  5. Mary Ann #

    Oh wow you guys….go eat…get fortified….and of course sleep wouldn’t be so bad either….you are wonderful!!  Blessings to you!

    November 30, -0001
  6. Susan #

    Thank you so much for doing all this work.  Thank you.

    November 30, -0001
  7. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

    Go eat and have a drink and relax!

    I double booked but I know it will work out. I can hardly wait until Aug.

    See you there,

    Happy Sock Knitting

    Ana Petrova

    November 30, -0001
  8. Betsy JD. #

    You guys did such a great job (especially through the logjam of eager sockers). Thanks for your hard work!

    When life has returned to relative calmness, and massive amounts of chocolate have been consumed, could you post some stats for us techie nerds? Like how many attempts to access hit the server, and how many people registered, and stuff like that?

    November 30, -0001
  9. Kat Fyten #

    I guess it was an unrealistic expectation that we could all take classes despite all your heartfelt knuckle busting work and extreme efforts.  Just hope there is some side fun activities for those of us who missed getting classes and sincerely applaude your dream.

    November 30, -0001
  10. Rosanne #

    I am so sad that I will not be going.. experienced much confusion…did not come back later and really missed out..but I am so excited to see the world of knitters is much bigger that I and the tech people could have imagined. Thanks so much for working to pull this event off. Maybe I will get to the next one, that is if you all recover from the last few days. Get some rest.

    November 30, -0001
  11. Marie #

    Please eat and sleep; everything looks MUCH worse when you are hungry and tired plus Stephanie needs to recover from her recent bout of sickness.  Everything will come aright – it will take time and patience but it can’t all be fixed tonight.  Please take care of yourselves plus things will look brighter and easier to fix thereafter.

    November 30, -0001
  12. Dudes! Eat something. Have you never heard of ROOM SERVICE ?!?!? (they can bring beer, too)

    You need to keep your strength up. It will all work out. It will be fine. It will be wonderful!

    November 30, -0001
  13. Wen #

    Man, I love you two more than wool.

    November 30, -0001
  14. Kristin #

    Take good care of yourselves. This will all pass, and it is FANTASTIC REINFORCEMENT of your efforts these past months! Clearly there was a need for Sock Summit. I just can’t wait to crash Portland with everyone!

    Rest, eat good food, drink good beer and be good to yourselves. Everyone just needs to stand by and know that they will be taken care of.

    P.S. I’m pretty sure that we could organize delivery of food, beer, chocolate, masseuse… anything you need. You might even be able to talk Jen into sending brownies. Just say the word!

    November 30, -0001
  15. Meredith #

    Oh, my darlings.  It will do nobody any good if you faint away from hunger and fatigue.  If I knew where you were, I’d be sending in some food!  God, I was so majorly disappointed after my first round, when I didn’t get into anything at all.  Then, miraculously, when I came back later, I almost got everything from my “A” list!  Well, no Opening Night Celebration, or Sock Hop, but I cannot complain, given what I DID get!  You have done a fantastic job, and this is going to make History!  Congratulations!  Love to you both.

    November 30, -0001
  16. Hm.  I may be screwed by Friday.  Oh well.  At least I’ll have the opportunity to be a vendor helper and volunteer.

    November 30, -0001
  17. eat eat! so excited about the event!

    November 30, -0001
  18. Denise #

    5-26-09: Book concept born… The Sock Summit Diet. Fast for three days, eat normally for 69 days, drink as much micro-brewery beer as possible for 5 days, knit throughout.

    : D

    Okay, you don’t have to eat… just drink ; ) Thanks again!

    – Denise (aka dlotter on ravelry)

    November 30, -0001
  19. Go have a meal and a beer—we’ll be OK out here smile Even as I was waiting and hoping for the server to WORK, DARN IT, I was giggling madly because it was so inexpressibly cool to know that there were all these knitters out there, doing exactly the same thing, and confounding the muggle world in the process.  Dudes, you rock.

    November 30, -0001
  20. Nutella Nutterson #

    It’s fitting that yesterday was Towel Day, with the mantra being “Don’t Panic.” Good preparation for today, and for almost all of life! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towel_Day

    Thank you for all you’ve done for knitting and knitters! And please, have some soup at least!

    November 30, -0001
  21. I hope that after you get some sleep and food you will be able to laugh at the IT folks. I know you probably can’t just yet.

    November 30, -0001
  22. Please go eat!!  And sleep!!  We are not worth sacrificing your health for!!  smile

    You guys are heroes.  Hang in there.

    November 30, -0001
  23. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You guys are amazing!

    November 30, -0001
  24. Charis #

    I felt like I was on eBay, bidding on a highly desired item…I had heart palpitations doing that as well.  I guess I should feel happy with what I ended up with:  a few one-hour wonder sessions and the opening night festivities.  I was shut out, after several failed attempts at clicking the “Add to Cart” button, of the only class I really wanted:  The 2-at-a-Time Socks.  So it’s disappointing; however, I’m still attending, along with my Mom, and plan to learn what I can from fellow knitter-attendees and enjoy the outside-class activities (as well as get to know Portland).  I know this Convention and its registration process is a huge amount of work and the first time putting it all together is a major learning process, too.

    November 30, -0001
  25. Alice in the Heartland #

    Echoing so many of the comments above it’s not funny. Know you won’t be taking a day off tomorrow but think about it for the near future (like this weekend).

    Thank you so much for making this possible and suffering for our sins. We beg your forgiveness and hope to sin no more.

    Bring on the Skreech!(sp?) (That crazy special drink Steph talks about occasionally on her blog.) Knock yourselves out and talk to us next week sometime. Hugs to all, Alice

    November 30, -0001
  26. I wish you had called!  I would have brought you food!  I kept thinking this morning that you would need lots of chocolate today and a few shots;)

    Sending you a big virtual hug.

    November 30, -0001
  27. Theo #

    It just so ROCKS that the classes are full, whether I got in or not. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the dream of this event. I just will be happy to be there… did I say thank you???

    November 30, -0001
  28. Pat Dixon #

    THANK YOU Gals for all the hard work you have/are doing you have accomplish a feat behold bringing knitters together with so much fun/enthusiasm..Love it..we are all going to have a really great and wonderful time

    Even my husband was so excited..this is real..we are all hear for the long haul..for amny years to come..

    Go Baby!

    November 30, -0001
  29. Pamela #

    OK – now that I have had a little RED Whine and hopefully all of you have too. THANK YOU for all that you have done to put this GREAT thing together. I am so Jazzed about going to this estrogen FILLED event! I am one of the ones that yes paniced but am breathing and am sure that it will all shake out. EAT, Sleep…we all have time and besides…I don’t pay the VISA bill my wonderful husband does. smile

    Take care and I can’t wait to share in this great time together with other knitters.

    November 30, -0001
  30. Lou/Happystasher #

    Thank you, Tina!! And Stephanie, and Cat, and everyone else who’s been pouring so much time, energy, adrenalin, etc. into making the first Sock Summit an amazing event that will be talked about for years.

    I did experience glitches, but I won’t dwell on those. When I was able to register, I did get into 2 of my top choice classes! And I believe I am in the classes where the Unviverse thinks I need to be, so I’m happy. A little bummed that I couldn’t get a spot at the opening reception or the sock hop, but hey, it gives me time to go to Powell’s and enjoy other things in Portland. I fixed myself a big ol’mojito after worked and mellowed out. My upper shoulder muscle eventually stopped twitching. :o)

    Big hugs to you. Good thing you guys are keeping your location a secret (I think) because I think you guys would be inundated with veggie pizzas, boxes of chocolate, beer, wine, tequila, etc.

    November 30, -0001
  31. Just wanted to say thank you for all of your sacrifice and hard work! When anyone gives you grief, remember there others who know how much care and hard work you’re putting into this – thank you!

    November 30, -0001
  32. Joan Whitten #

    In a strange, funny way, yesterday added to the buzz of excitement that we are all feeling.  It makes it more special that we are going to be the 1st to participate in this wonderful experience.

    I would be very interested in knowing exactly how many hits the server took in the 1st few minutes of registration.

    Thank you for making this happen.

    November 30, -0001
  33. hey tina,

    thanks for everything you have done! i, for one, appreciate all of the work you and your pals have put into this effort (and will continue to put in for months to come).

    early yesterday morning i read your post ‘hit me baby one more time’ and i could relate totally- equality still has a long, long way to go!

    so i approached my computer with great trepidation yesterday and as soon as i couldn’t get the website to open i immediately knew that the server had crashed. if only the techies had listened to you rather than dismissing you!

    anyhoo, i ended up with two classes and the extras so i certainly can’t complain when i hear of people that were totally closed out. i plan to keep checking the registration page in hopes that perhaps something will open up!

    hang in there, get some sustenance and sleep – things will look better in the morning – and you’ve still got a long way to go, baby!!

    November 30, -0001
  34. Sarah JS #

    You folks absolutely rock.  Have pulled (continually) rabbits out of hats.

    I don’t get to come, but am living vicariously thru those who are.

    Take care of yourselves!

    November 30, -0001
  35. If we knew this would happen, we would’ve given you more beer & chocolate at Sock Camp to get you through this.

    I’ll sending lots of hugs to you and Steph via Leslie & Carrie since I can’t go & just watched the conflagration on Rav & Steph’s blog yesterday.  Whew!

    November 30, -0001
  36. Theresa Redinger #

    I have been so excited about this event and telling everyone I know about it. I have limited access to Internet but got on first thing this morning. I can’t believe that it is sold out within 24 hours. My throat has that tightening, I am about to cry feeling. Is there a waiting list option?

    November 30, -0001
  37. Jan #

    I was also wondering if you are going to have a waiting list and how that will be handled.  If there is on, I want on!  I didn’t get any classes at all.  To think I live in Portland and can’t go to any classes is a shame especially since I saved money for it and got the time off from work.  I’d appreciate anything you can do for anyone of us who would like to hear of cancellations, etc.

    November 30, -0001
  38. Kat Fyten #

    Now that the frenzy is over and I’ve cooled off.  I apologize.  This morning I realized there might be solutions if I thought outside of the class room.  So on the ravelry group “sock summit” I posted an idea where people could post fun events they would like to see instead of a class.  After all, I didn’t want to spend all my time in a class room anyway.

    When you have time please check at:

    http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sock-summit-2009/topics/661759

    Thanks for all you have done and are doing.

    November 30, -0001
  39. Linda #

    Please, please don’t worry and get some rest and food, and beer and chocolate.  You tried, you warned the tech people.  For non-knitters they just don’t get it when you say that there are a lot of knitters out there.  We are a subculture that is all around them, but because many only knit in the privacy of their home, they have no idea.  Well now they do.  Again, you did a wonderful job and we are all going to go and have fun.  Please, don’t stop you from doing this again, then the tech people would have won.

    November 30, -0001
  40. Thank you thank you THANK YOU! for all of your hard work, and don’t let the bastards get you down! We’re going to have a great time no matter what, and it wouldn’t be possible without you two.

    November 30, -0001
  41. Hang in there and please take good care of yourselves!  We are forever grateful for all that you do for the sock knitters of the world!

    November 30, -0001
  42. E #

    This WILL seem corny, but please indulge my whim:

    When I was 16, I copied this out of a book and kept it hanging on my wall until my early twenties:

    ONLY A PERSON WHO RISKS IS FREE

    by Author Unknown

    To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

    To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

    To reach for another is to risk involvement.

    To expose your ideas, your dreams,

    before a crowd is to risk their loss.

    To love is to risk not being loved in return.

    To live is to risk dying.

    To believe is to risk despair.

    To try is to risk failure.

    But risks must be taken, because the

    greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

    The people who risk nothing, do nothing,

    have nothing, are nothing.

    They may avoid suffering and sorrow,

    but they cannot learn, feel, change,

    grow, love, live.

    Chained by their attitudes they are slaves;

    they have forfeited their freedom.

    Only a person who risks is free.

    … I just want to recognize and celebrate the beautiful risk takers and the daring and challenging things, large and small, they do ultimately for Love of Craft.

    … My name is linked to a YouTube video intended to make you laugh, Tina. Then again, you might cringe. And a warning, I do say the words “nutsack”. I think it’s a micro-representation of how love of our fiber world can challenge us to tasks we never felt we could take on. We take them on, and there are points where things get scary or uncomfortable, but onward we persist, and all is as it should be.

    Keep taking time to eat, sleep, imbibe! and LAUGH!

    November 30, -0001
  43. MEichel1006 #

    Great job all you knitters! Pretty Please take LOTs of Pictures when you go. I will not be able to attend this year and have lots of fun!!!

    Michelle

    November 30, -0001
  44. jmcmjoan #

    Ohh!  I wish I could have gotten at least a couple of classes!  I wonder if they’re be other activities going on for we who weren’t fast enough?

    I love me some Blue Moon and also some knitters!

    November 30, -0001
  45. Linda #

    My friend Tania and I are so, so sad.  We had been making our plans for months (like everyone else).  We had our hotel reservations, our flights purchased, our time off from work arranged, our list of friends and family we were buying autographed books for and, of course, our first, second, third, fourth and fifth choices for each time slot.  We tried and tried for almost an hour and when we finally got into the shopping cart, everything appeared to be sold out.  We weren’t smart enough to check your blogs and so we were not aware that additional slots opened up. 

    Having read your ‘hit me baby one more time’ post last week, I was afraid you’d have a server crash.  So sorry I was right.  But it’s a testament to what an absolutely brilliant event you and Steph and Cat are organizing. 

    We will be thinking jealously and wistfully of all of you that weekend.  Please, please, please do it again!

    November 30, -0001
  46. Judy/Braizyn #

    Thanks, ladies, for all your hard work.  I really appreciate all your efforts and know that Sock Summit 2009 will be awesome beyond belief!

    November 30, -0001
  47. Linda #

    I just submitted a whiny comment about the fact that my friend Tania and I weren’t able to get into any of the classes.  But then I realized how much I have learned and benefited from the amazing SockSummit website over the past few months.  I have been introduced to a host of great teachers and authors that I didn’t know about before and to a variety of techniques that I hadn’t been exposed to.  It also prompted me to take my knitting to the next level in preparation for the SockSummit, to master Judy’s Magic Cast-on and chart reading, for example, because they were requirements for some of the classes I hoped to take.  So even though Tania and I will be there only in spirit, we are also SockSummit participants.

    Thank you, Tina and Stephanie and Cat!

    November 30, -0001
  48. bj from Red Bird Ranch #

    If you are the DepravedDyer to whom Stephanie twitters…

    Happy Birthday!! Tina

    November 30, -0001
  49. Happy birthday, Tina!!!

    November 30, -0001
  50. Toni R. #

    I just got my confirmation e-mail and then a follow up letter telling me the e-mail had been sent again.  Thanks so much.  Next time I’ll turn my spam off so you wont have to resend it.  Hope you are spending your birthday in the shade petting the bunny!!!!

    November 30, -0001
  51. Theo #

    What can I do to help? Can I work weekends for/with you? Can I come up and help pack the extra large semi trucks full of yarn? Seriously. I am willing to do anything I can to help.  This behavior sucks. You 2 rock and the response shows it.  Again, really meaning this in the most literal way possible and as I live in Oregon it is easy for me.. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

    hugs, beer, chocolate and a few minutes of quiet to you and the team….

    November 30, -0001

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