We're pleased to announce that the compendium from Terminus, titled Terminus: Collected Papers on Harry Potter, 7-11 August 2008, is now available. E-mail announcements are winging their way to you now, but inevitably, some owls will get lost, so we're spreading the word here too.

We greatly appreciated your patience with us as we worked on publishing the compendium, and we hope that you'll enjoy the final product. Many presenters contributed their analyses and articles, and the book includes perspectives on Harry Potter as part of the curriculum, an analysis of the wizarding world's legal system, criticism of gender roles in the series, sets of questions from roundtable discussions, and many additional essays. You can review the table of contents by visiting the Terminus compendium page here: http://www.terminus2008.org/compendium/

You can order a copy of the Terminus compendium via the link above, and as other retail outlets include the book in their catalogs, we'll update our listings. At present, we've made the compendium available through our print-on-demand outlet, Lulu, though we expect it to be available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and others at a later date. In the meantime, if you purchase through Lulu before May 31, 2010, and use the coupon code FLOWERS at checkout, you'll receive 10% off the compendium's price.

Thank you again to all of the compendium's contributors. We hope that you'll enjoy the collection as much as we have! If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail us at info@narrateconferences.org.

Finally, I wanted to remind you that Sirens, a conference about women in fantasy (as readers, writers, and characters), is celebrating its second year this October in Vail, Colorado. Our guests this year include Marie Brennan, Holly Black, and Terri Windling. Programming proposals will be accepted through May 10, and we'd love to have you in attendance. For more information, the website at http://www.sirensconference.org has registration, travel, and event details.

In October 2009, Narrate Conferences will present Sirens, the first in an annual series of conferences focused on women in fantasy literature: women authors, women professionals, even women characters. The conference was inspired by the daring adventures of heroines and the brilliant works of women fantasy authors--and we hope that you’ll join us in Vail, Colorado next fall.

Sirens will be a smaller conference than our Harry Potter offerings have been, so everyone has the opportunity to discuss and debate, and we hope that Sirens will be equal parts scholarly examination, networking weekend, professional workshop and fan convention. Like our Potter conferences, Sirens will be attendee-driven: attendees will propose and present our programming, teach our classes and host our informal programs, and we hope that their viewpoints and discussion will make Sirens truly outstanding.

For more information, please visit the Sirens website, join our LiveJournal community at sirenscon or visit Narrate Conferences’ LiveJournal at narrate_blog to learn more about why we chose a conference focused on discussing and celebrating women in fantasy literature.

For those of you anxiously awaiting more information about Sirens/sirenscon--we're not quite there yet, and we want to be able to answer all of the questions we know you'll have about the event once we provide you with the dates, location, and website.

In the interim, we're pleased to announce that we've activated a new community: narrate_books. This community is not specifically related to any particular conference, but it will focus heavily on the sorts of books that you might be interested in if you're interested in one of Narrate Conferences' events--fantasy, science fiction and/or speculative fiction, young adult literature of all genres, steampunk, and so on. We're talking about favorite books right now, so please feel free to watch or join in.

More soon. Good news is on the way!

The North Star is the official conference newsletter for Terminus. The North Star is also available by e-mail; subscription information can be found at www.terminus2008.org/newsroom/subscribe.html.

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THE NORTH STAR
The Official Newsletter of Terminus
Delivered via LiveJournal, Mailing List, Forums, Myspace, and Divination
Volume 2, The Final Issue

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Terminus
To the nearly 1,500 of you who came to Chicago, shared your theories, discussed your analyses, showed your fanfilms, sold your wares, sponsored teams, and everything else, thank you. We were glad to play host to you, whether you came from Illinois or New Zealand. Or the U.S. or Canada or the U.K. or Ireland or Australia or Germany or Peru or Puerto Rico or Croatia or Bolivia or South Africa or China or Denmark or Italy or anywhere else. Thank you for being presenters, for being volunteers, for being vendors, for being sponsors, and most of all, for being supporters and adding your enthusiasm just by attending.

Volunteers
Thank you to the many, many of you who showed up early and stayed late to ensure that presenters had someone to provide an introduction, to fiddle with projector lenses, to answer questions and collect lost wands, to sign in attendees with a smile, and to keep us safe and secure. Thank you, every last one of you. Your experience, your patience, and your enthusiasm made Terminus happen.

Lost and Found
All we have at this point is a phone, and its battery has been hit with an Unforgivable Curse. (Okay, we don't have a suitable power adapter.) Please identify the brand and model number, and we'll get it back to you.

Terminus Forums
As many of you know, we never announce upcoming events until we have all the i's dotted and t's crossed. We're still waiting for the ink to dry on a few magical contracts, and since we don't have new forums up for future events, we're happy to keep part of the Terminus forums open for you to keep in touch with friends in the meantime. For updates about Sirens, connect to news via its website or sirenscon, and the Narrate Conferences mailing list for updates by e-mail about the Terminus compendium, Sirens website launch, and another upcoming event announcement we think you'll be very interested in.

The Tempest Cup
Congratulations to Kohilo House, who won the Cup! Led to victory by Head of House Skyler Hijazi, the Kohilos took the coveted Cup by a wide margin, though they had serious competition from the other Houses.

The Continents Cup
Congratulations to the Knight 62442 Werewolves, who were victorious in the Trade Winds Tournament. A few pictures of teams playing Quidditch can be found behind the cut. As the Trade Winds Tournament was played outside, and was a publicly-viewable event, please feel free to drop links to your own tournament pictures in the comments!

( Read more... )

Frequently Asked Questions
Did Terminus alter any presentations just so they'd fit a particular room?
Presenters tell us at the submission stage which form of presentation they feel most comfortable with, and we think that it's important to allow their experience and preferences to guide their presentations. Occasionally, we'll advise presenters during the proposal stage--such as encouraging a paper/lecture instead of a workshop if there aren't any hands-on elements--but we never alter someone's presentation without their consent.

What's a compendium? Where can I get a Terminus compendium?
A compendium is a collection of papers--and for Terminus, it's a collection of papers, panel overviews, articles, and roundtable discussion questions. Presenters of these types of programming were invited to submit the written versions of their presentations, and many have contributed to the Terminus compendium. It takes some time to review all of the submissions, edit them for consistency, and have them typeset; then, after that, the physical publication and wait time for online listings takes longer still. If you were a Terminus attendee, we'll send you an e-mail when the compendium is available, and you can always check the Terminus website to see if there's a link in the Programming section. Otherwise, we recommend subscribing to the Narrate Conferences mailing list, which has only occasional announcements, including compendia publication information, new conference announcements, and so on.

Can I still purchase merchandise from Terminus?
Yes! We do still have a few pieces of merchandise from past events, and a few pieces for one of our future events. Please write to help[AT]terminus2008.org with the merchandise you'd like to acquire, and include the size, if applicable. We have Terminus conference t-shirts; Sirens t-shirts in men's and women's styles; With You Whatever Happens t-shirts in light blue, both men's and women's styles, Terminus chancellor's dragon notebooks, Terminus program books, Trade Winds Tournament track jackets; and Aeolian University messenger bags. We'll correspond with you about your order total, shipping, and payment options if you'd like to place an order.


Questions? Please write to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

We're thrilled to announce that, after a day of heated play, blood and bruising, the Knight 62442 Werewolves have taken the Continents Cup! They beat the Navy Pier Ninja in the final match by a mere 20 points, with the Ninja Seeker catching the Golden Snitch.

Congratulations to all the players, and thank you from Amy, Collin, Simon and the rest of the Quidditch officials for an awesome day on the pitch!

Preliminary rounds of Quidditch have begun! Results of this round determine matchups for the elimination rounds.

Gameplay was very impressive from all teams.

Knight 62442 Werewolves - 30
vs.
hp-ohio Crystal Balls - 180

FictionAlley Cats 130
vs.
Lakefront Fire Crabs - 50

Navy Pier Ninja - 160
vs.
Betas Anonymous Punctuation Pixies - 60

Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 30
vs.
Wizard Ties Trolls - 150

Navy Pier Ninja - 30
vs.
hp-ohio Crystal Balls - 120

Wizard Ties Trolls - 160
vs.
FictionAlley Cats - 50

Knight 62442 Werewolves - 110
vs.
Betas Anonymous Punctuation Pixies - 30

Lakefront Fire Crabs - 80
vs.
Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 40

hp-ohio Crystal Balls - 120
vs.
Betas Anonymous Punctuation Pixies - 70

Knight 62442 Werewolves - 70
vs.
Navy Pier Ninja - 110

Lakefront Fire Crabs - 50
vs.
FictionAlley Cats - 130

Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 30
vs.
Wizard Ties Trolls - 150

Wizard Ties Trolls - 160
vs.
FictionAlley Cats - 50

Lakefront Fire Crabs - 80
vs.
Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 40

Chicago Area Mensa Fighting Owls - 120
vs.
Fiction Alley Cats - 110

Wizard Ties Trolls - 100
vs.
Lakefront Fire Crabs - 90
Pictures to follow soon!

Announcements, Reminders, and Changes

As our program book goes to print many weeks in advance, we do want to let you know about a few items that weren't included on earlier schedules so that you can make your plans.

The North Star Live!
We're very pleased, first, to give you a preview of The North Star Live! The talk show will examine our reactions to the Harry Potter phenomenon in how we've created community, scholarship, and transformative works, as well as how the phenomenon changed us, with a variety of panelists from many different fields.
Hosts: Melissa Anelli, Joanna Goldstein, Suzanne Scott
Musical Guests: Draco and the Malfoys and the Whomping Willows
Location: International Ballroom, 2nd floor (enter via the escalators on the first floor - no entry on the second floor)
8 p.m. – midnight

Meet the Author
Authors Melissa Anelli (Harry, A History), Racheline Maltese (The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias and Particularities), Tamora Pierce (many young adult books, including the Circle books, Melting Stones, and Terrier), Erin Pyne (A Fandom of Magical Proportions: An Unauthorized History of The Harry Potter Phenomenon), and Rob Smith (Hogwarts, Narnia, and Middle Earth: Places Upon a Time) will be on hand during Artists and Authors Night to share their books on fantasy and the Harry Potter phenomenon.
Location: Waldorf Room, 3rd floor
8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Wrock Chicago
We've made a few changes to the lineup as several bands have had life-changing events happen lately. We wish the very best of luck and success to Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ginny and the Heartbreakers, and The Hermione Crookshanks Experience, who won't be able to play at Wrock Chicago. Remus and the Lupins, Neville's Diary, and Romilda Vane and the Chocolate Cauldrons will fill in for each band, respectively. Please see the schedule flyer that you'll pick up at the door, if you're attending, for a complete schedule of bands and locations. An e-mail about picking up your ticket was sent over the weekend to the e-mail address you listed on your registration.

Terminus Questions and Answers
In just a few days, we put Terminus on the road to Chicago: our staff will be packing up conference materials into suitcases and trailers, and traveling by plane and car. Please know that after July 30, it will be very difficult for us to answer e-mailed inquiries, and so we will be handling the most urgent first. We recommend asking any last-minute questions no later than the 30th. If you have a non-urgent question, we will respond on approximately August 15, once our staff has returned home. Once you're in Chicago, please visit the Information Desk, rather than sending e-mail, if you have a question. The hours are as follows:

Information Desk
Astoria Room, Hilton Chicago Hotel 3rd Floor

Wednesday, August 6: 9:00 a.m. to midnight
Thursday, August 7: noon to midnight
Friday, August 8: 8 a.m. to midnight
Saturday, August 9: 8 a.m. to midnight
Sunday, August 10: 8 a.m. to midnight
Monday, August 11: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Forum Closure
Since we won't be able to provide our usual light moderation of the forums at http://www.terminus2008.org/forum while we're in Chicago, they will close for new posts on Sunday, August 3 and be read-only. They will be open again from August 15 to 30, and then go into archival mode.

We'll see you in just a few days!
Questions? E-mail help[AT]terminus2008[DOT]org.

As a reminder, if you reserved a room at the Hilton Chicago Hotel through Terminus, you must provide the hotel with 72 hours' notice if you plan to cancel. If you cancel after that time, you may have to pay for the first night of your stay.

See you in a few days!

Keep an eye on your e-mail this week--each day, we'll be sending out a batch of check-in e-mails. Most of these will be delivered to the e-mail address with which you registered automatically, so expect that your check-in reminder may come very late on Friday, July 25. Thanks for your patience!

In the meantime, a few of our most popular questions are below.

Is there internet service at the Hilton Chicago Hotel?
Yes, there is, and it seems like there may be a rumor spreading that this service is free. Unfortunately, as with most urban hotels large enough to hold an event like Terminus, the wireless (or wired, depending on the floor you're on) internet service comes with a fee. We looked into having Terminus provide complimentary wireless, but the cost from the hotel was outrageous. We recommend sharing a weekly guest room internet plan with others to keep the price reasonable, if you'd like internet access.

Is the pool going to be open?
Yes! The hotel changed the renovation schedule for us. There is a lap pool on the 8th floor.

Can I just e-mail you my transfer even though online registration is closed?
Unfortunately, no. Parts of your registration have been packed for transfer in five different states, and other parts are in transit. All of the check-in databases have been printed and packed up. Please give your buyer a transfer form, and we'll help them take over your registration at the conference.

Can I just tell you my information?
Again, unfortunately, no. Once we get to Chicago, our internet access is limited, and we'd be likely to miss your message or be unable to match it with a transferred registration.

Do I have to have ID?
Yes. If you do not have government-issued photo identification, you should go to your local DMV and obtain some right away. The cost of an ID card is minimal, and most of you will need one to get on the plane. Please note also that we can't admit you without proper identification, especially if you are a minor or a chaperone.

Can I sell things at Terminus?
The hotel has a firm policy that no sales are allowed, except for businesses, individuals, and groups who have reserved space in the Terminus Vendor Station. If you are selling items or soliciting anyone for money on hotel property, you may be removed from the hotel.

Registration AND the Wizards’ Lost and Found both start at noon on Thursday, August 7. Will there still be time to play if I have to wait in line for my badge?
If you like, for this one of the Pan-Magical Games, you may join in the neighborhood scavenger hunt by going directly to the Room of Requirement (PDR #2) at noon on Thursday. You'll need to know what House you're in when you turn in your scoring sheet, but otherwise, you can pick up your registration packet after playing, if you like.

Can I bring my little brother? I'm babysitting.
If you have a pre-mobile infant, you may bring him or her along, though of course we'll ask you to step out of presentations if the baby is disruptive. If your little brother isn't yet 14, he will have to stay home, since we do not have any programming for children. He may come with you to visit the Vendor Station or to watch the Trade Winds Tournament in Grant Park, though; both of these items on the Terminus schedule are open to the public.

Do I REALLY have to have a chaperone?
Yes. Absolutely. We will not be making any exceptions to our chaperones and minors policies.

Where is there to eat around the hotel?
Lots of places! Chicago has all sorts of great places to eat. We have a list of some within walking distance of the hotel here.

When does Starbucks close?
Starbucks is part of the Lakeside Green Lounge, and they close at 2 p.m. to set up the bar. Once it closes, we recommend walking out the parking entrance and around the corner to 8th and Wabash (right behind the hotel) to Caribou Coffee--and they even have free Wifi!

Where is the grocery store/Target?
The closest full-service grocery store is the Jewel-Osco at 1224 South Wabash. Walk 4 blocks south on Michigan Avenue and 1 block east on Roosevelt to Wabash and Roosevelt.

The closest Target is the Chicago South Loop Target at 1154 S. Clark Street. Walk 4 blocks south on Michigan Avenue and 4 blocks east on Roosevelt to Roosevelt and Clark.

Both of these locations are within a half-mile of the hotel.

I heard the El is going to start some new construction projects.
We have, too, and we will be updating the transportation page at the end of the month; a volunteer (thank you!) will be riding the route to ensure that we have correct directions. At present, it appears that from Chicago O'Hare Airport, you will take a shuttle to the next blue line station instead of boarding at the airport. Chicago Transportation Authority staff will be at the airport to help you find the shuttle. According to their website: O’Hare customers will board and alight buses at the O’Hare Bus Shuttle Center located in the airport’s lower level near the flight Arrivals area (O’Hare terminals 1, 2 and 3). On the return trip, they will stop at the Rosemont Station and shuttle passengers to O'Hare.

When will I receive an e-mail about checking in for Terminus? For Wrock Chicago? For my keynote ticket that I bought without a registration?
Please watch your e-mail this week. Terminus check-in instructions will arrive first, and Wrock Chicago check-in e-mails will be last, arriving late on Friday evening.

Can I rent a ballroom to have a private party?
We can put you in touch with the hotel, but our understanding is that all of the meeting spaces in the hotel have been reserved for the weekend. (Also, rental cost in hotels is very high, and you often must order food from their set menus. We recommend meeting friends at a restaurant outside of the hotel.)

What are alternate parking options if I don't want to pay the daily charge at the hotel?
First, if you must bring a car, consider parking near O'Hare or Midway Airport and taking the El into town. There are numerous lots where parking will cost $7-10 per day. Chicagoparkingmap.com can help you find parking options near the hotel.

Have questions? Send them to help[AT]terminus2008.org.

Hi everyone,

If you are searching for tickets for Terminus or related events, please use our forums at http://www.terminus2008.org/forum. Please do not call the Hilton Chicago Hotel regarding tickets or registrations. The hotel cannot help you. Thank you for your cooperation.

Cheers,
Hallie