2005 survey comments ...

[External Poster]

This posting is from: annie
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These are the comments received on the DLV 2005 attendee survey. Since
there were very mixed with regard to general comments, restroom comments
and activity comments, I'm just throwing all of them together in one
category this year.

I'm just putting these in here as they appear. I'm refraining from
commenting myself at this time. I'll do that as a separate item. :)

Of course your comments are most welcome. :)
. . . . . . . . . .

I would appreciate your forwarding the results of the Big Sister
Little sister results to the coordinators.
. . .

I did not attend all the ussual activities I normally had attended in
past DLV's trying the alternative venues to the shows, Limo tour, and
some of the other things. I enjoyed them also and will probably
alternate between the main activities and and alternative activies in
future DLV's. My greatest fun is just meeting the other girls and both
the main and alternative activities fill the bill.
. . .

a better phone number connection between dlvorg members maybe a list of
numbers given at check in would help make things tie in better. Also
maybe activity hosts can have those activities represented on the name
tags.
. . .

Instead of being ultra polite, suggesting correct attire for events why
not insist on it. IE - If you intend to join us at one of our events,
then wear the appropriate and suggested clothing. It's no good going to
a fettish event dressed as a School marm and Similarly, It's not
acceptable to do your fettish thing at one of our dressy nights either.
either way you will ruin a carefully planned event for all of us and for
yourself too I suspect.
. . .

Because there are so many people involved, DLV just isn't what it used
to be. There are activities that we used to enjoy that won't work
anymore, like Limo Tour and Milano's. This is the first year at DLV
that I haven't met anyone. I felt very much like I was alone in a
crowd, instead of spending quality time with friends.
. . .

Some of the activities I missed because I chose other activities not on
the list. Paris lounge show became a favorite of some of us. Also the
American restaurant and Big Apple Bar were given a chance. We chose to
go to see Frank Marino again.
. . .

It would be nice during some of the longer events to plan a safe potty
break for those of us who need to use the restroom, but are reluctant to
go into a public one. I don't think I pass well enough to not cause
some concern on the part of the genetic ladies I would encounter, even
if I did everything just right.
. . .

Annie, Thanks for all you do. I hope there is someone to step into your
high heels as the chief organizer, but I have fears. Is there anyway we
can simplify scheduling and registration to make less work for your or
your replacement especially since this is more vacation than convention.

We need to continue to emphasize appropriate appearance and deportment.
I saw too many who seemed unaware and it made me uncomfortable and may
have caused problems for others. Best year yet for the Sahara.
. . .

We had some issues with a couple of clubs going into Diva 05. It all
worked out, fine. I had a such a wonderful time meeting old and new
friends... again Diva was very positive for me, and for all the girls
I've talked to. The best time for me... was, when we went to the Krave,
Friday eve..we girls 10 of us danced till 3 Aam.. we had so much
fun. Hugs to all that made Diva, the event it is. Amor
. . .

Really loved conducting the opera at the Showgirls of Magic.
. . .

I think the reiteration to all that this is a vacation, not a
convention should be emphasized so that the pressure to attend each and
every event does not put undue stress on the attendees... that all
events are strictly optional and presented as a vacation experience,
based upon one's own comfort, financial, and desired basis.
. . .

Hi Annie -Thanks for a great job again. My main comment would be for you
to select and then strongly suggest one hotel as the main venue -
doesn't really matter to me which hotel it is - so we'd have more
'social interaction' time with other attendees.

On the limo tour, don't assign us to a car after the first staging -
We're pretty much grown-ups and can find our way to a car for
departure... more chance to meet other girls and chat I only attended
two events plus lunch a couple of times so I don't have valid input on
other stuff.

Hope to see you next year - maybe my schedule will even allow me to
volunteer a bit.
. . .

These are some comments, please don't take them personally....2-way
radio's not used as much - turned off most of the time so it was
worthless when trying to communicate using them - shows its not
necessary - cell phones were better.

Name tags. Its a good idea if everyone wears it... or if new to dlv...
noticed less and less wearing it as week progressed, to where only a few
were wearing it by saturday.... Would one want to wear a name tag to a
mainstream venue like the Tropicanna and draw unnecessary attention to
oneself? I can see it at safe venues like Goodtimes, Zingers, and
Steven Davids... or on road trips....

Most presumed to know what events they signed up for and didn't think
they need any review or help.... until they came across unforseen
problems and no one to see or contact. Finding the organizers for the
events to ask detailed questions at events was hard to find at some
events. Wearing name tags help, but in a large get-together in a dark
setting, the face is hard to find with everyone moving around to
socialize or doing other things. Maybe the organizers should spend some
time with the registration hostess people so that can answer alot of the
detailed questions about their event, collect monies if needed, instead
of wandering around and casually talking...

I would recommend a BIG central table with a big sign, where the
registration, hostess are, and add a representative of all events.
These people who represent a planned or organized event can answer some
of the tough questions, and collect monies for their event if needed,
and modify thier own attending lists. This would make it easier for the
average attendee to ask questions and get good answers, and pay for
events they need to pay in one CENTRAL place, rather than hunting around
all over the venue. The idea is ONE place to do everything.This can end
our current situation where a organizer of a event is looking for
another organizer to pay who is followed by others looking for both who
want to pay ... etc.

Or going to different corners or parts of the venue to pay for
events.Also, after a appropriate time period, close the registration so
these people can have some time to also enjoy the event. Those that
come late and want to register, has to wait for anther time.

Dressing outside dlv guidelines has again caused situations for other
innocent dlv attendees, and has created or forced some casino security
to action. OK, when two or more are together... getting 'read' is bound
to happen. But violating the policies draws even more unwanted attention
and situations.It also proves our policy works, for when everyone
follows it, no incidents, no embarassments, no confrontations, and
everyone has a good time at the event. I feel sorry for those that dress
within guidelines, feels confident, and are 'read' by the public or
security or placed in a situation because of some other policy violater.

If everyone expects someone else to do the dirty work of confronting the
obvious same and repeating violaters....no one will. Even I am guilty of
not confronting these individuals. I have to admit, sometimes its only
after the event that I hear or see some of the violaters. Also if I
don't know that person, I'm not sure if its a dlv attendee or not. These
violaters puts me in a defensive 'fear of situation confrontation'
posture, and it takes away from the joy of the event. Who would want to
be the police DLV is so big, attending all the events for policeing is
almost impossible. Who wants to be the bad person and create a
confrontation scene at a venue about dressing properly? It doesn't help
that those that violate the policy puts me more at risk of unexpected
adverse situations, confrontations increases ittoo. It seems for these
few who continually violate the dress policy, observing their behavior,
it is how they want to be seen, and like the way they dress and the
attention they get...or oblivious blind or numb to the stares and gawks
those the general public looking at them. They are lucky in not being on
the negative receiving side of their dressing actions ... I wonder if
they really care of those they hurt. Unfortunately, along the same
thought, a general public ts or cd or tg that doesn't follow our policy
and is NOT a dlv attendee.... will still cause the same types of
problems for dlv attendees too ... no matter how much we can deny that
they are part of our group.
. . .

The time of year was perfect. Next year, Easter won't be as early, so
you might have to deconflict. But the weather was just right.
. . .

I never recieved a name tag, thus never wore one. There were a few times
when I showed up for an evening activity and nobody was there. That's
fine but it would be nice if there was a place to call and find out
where people went instead I.E Flex on Mon Night.
. . .

I was at Zingers a few nights due to not knowing where the group gone.
Wednesday Happy hour Dinner. I arrived late had to work while I was in
Las Vegas. I felt so out of the group that I left after one drink and
went back to the Sahara. I don't think that next year I'd go for the
entire week. Probably start on Weds and stay through the weekend,
. . .

I was somewhat confused by the choices dealing with numbers such as
example 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, etc. I personally think that it should have
been 0-9, 10-19, 20-29, etc. The rest looks great. I like the 5 option
answers better than the 3 option answers.
. . .

looking for a hotel besides the sahara that has not many kids on
thur., fri, and sat. nite
. . .

I would like to thank all those who volenteered their time to make DLV
the successful event that it is.
. . .

Carluccio's waitress was either ignorant or completely insensitive to
my dietary needs. I'll never be back.

The service a Bahama Breeze was nonexistant, and it seemed they were not
prepared for us.

Steven David's was teriffic in regard to service, food quality and
entertainment - who would have thought it from the exterior appearance.
Michael Cagle is past his prime.

Zinger's management seemed to want our business.

Paddy's was OK, but boring as there was no entertainment.

I did fine at Hamburger Mary's, but my dining companions' orders were
not served in a timely manner, wrong when they were served, and
undercooked when corrected. I'd like to suggest we consider an
alternative show night.
. . .

i didn't attend much but i liked what i did. i'm still not used to this
so i chickened out of a lot of what i signed up for
. . .

If the NSD is to be repeated the number of attendees should be limited.
More dining out Venues at night. Do not use any volunteers known to be
unreliable. A list of all those attending including email addresses
shoud be made available for attendees
. . .

movie outing, minigolf, mama mia,
. . .

Would have liked to see more show up at the cruise. I was the POC for
both events and could not be in 2 places at once. The directions given
would have got them to the landing...
. . .

I would love to see new things to do and places to go. The social hours
before dining out and the dining out were great But, it would be
more fun if the establishments chosen were prepared for a crowd our
size.
. . .

i have been talking to lisa marie at the sahara spa and she would be
happy to run a makeup day next year at the sahara they do have a room we
could use the morning would be a demonstration and afternoon makeovers
cost would be about $35-45 limited to ten girls i would be happy to run
this
. . .

Different stops on the Limo Tour. More time on Limo Tour at Fremont
Street Exp.
. . .

Fewer people, let's start scaring most of them off so we can have fun
again.

I think we might consider an additional show as an optional activity.
. . .

I think on the Limo tour, more emphasis should be placed on the meet and
greet with the public at large at the various stops, and less attention
to the seating arrangements and the drinks. It appears we are 'the
Entertainment' at all stops and is enjoyed by all.
. . .

Some of the emails concerning dress and bathroom info were way over the
top.
. . .

Carlucci's is getting old. Time for a new place to meet for dinner.
. . .

Please make the DLV pins avilable for next year, and have more T-shirts
in diferent styles and colors it helps in finding your DLV sisters, in
men's x-large sizes
. . .

I would like to see at least one or two nights that are maximum
attendance events. In other words an event that most DLV attendees, if
not all would be most likely to attend.
. . .

a hike can be very secluded and fun

How about the whole group for the Jazz show at Steve Davidson's
. . .

Thank you for one of the best weeks in my life. You have changed me
forever. THANK YOU ALL...
. . .

The whole Zinger's thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Tempers flared.
Ugly e-mails were written. Ugh. A lot of time was spent on dlv.org
regarding this issue. As unfair as I felt that Zinger's was to our
group, I understand that there are always going to be rocks in the road.
As organizers, it's our job to make the decisions that will best
facilitate our program. After everyone said what they wanted to myself
included, it was put to a vote. I thought that putting it to a vote was
enough, others didn't. It just went on and on. It continued throughout
the event. people constantly took sides regarding the whole Zinger's
thing.

I went there twice and found myself sick of the tragic drag queens and
bad vocalists. I am one of the few that respect drag queens and admire
them for their artistic contributions to our community PLUS a friend of
mine was one of the bad vocalists lol. In addition, many of the DLVers
and even the staff at Zingers had too much to say about Zingers
management - old and new. It was uncomfortable. After my second trip
there, I decided not to return.

Another thing ... I personally, did not experience this, but a friend
had trouble locating the organizer of an event. It led to her having to
show up at the evet to find out that she didn't move up on the waiting
list when there were only 2 people ahead of her. The money had already
been collected from her before DLV began and it almost had to be
refunded. Fortunately, a solution was found and she was able to
participate.
. . .

Is there a way to publish the cell numbers of the organizers in order to
contact them throughout DLV? I know that we don't want it to be
convention-like and set-up an office, but some better way to reach key
people would really help.

Oh yeah, I really love the name tag thing. I wore mine at every event.
It helped me in the beginning to get to know people or put the face with
the name of some attendees that were active in the discussion forum. It
also made me feel like an official part of something - something
wonderful and special. When I returned home, I put it in my keepsake box
next to my name tag from last year.
. . .

Last year I stayed at the San Remo and loved it. They were wonderful to
us. I went there a few times this year and was surprised to see a few
staff members from last year who remembered me. The Sahara was fine, but
less friendly. With the exception of two bartenders, Joyce and John, who
waved each time I walked by and remembered my name, even without the
name tag, no one really seemed to care about delivering a presonalized
level of service. I don't think that I'll stay there again next year. Of
course that all depends on the rates.

Overall I enjoyed DLV again. It felt very different this year, though.
It seemed more intimate last year. There was a weird undercurrent.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who made it happen, especially you, Annie.
Seeya next year.
. . .

It seems like we lost too many girls on friday, that would have stayed
if the hotel rates did not jump so high. Maybe a seperate room share
list for those who want to reduce the friday and saturday night expense.
Or at least mention this as an option for some to consider.
. . .

My second DLV and just as good as the first 2002. All the 'work' by all
the volunteers is most appreciated. Thank you.

I enjoyed it and learned some lessons and hopefully next year that I can
make the connections to either Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Death Valley,
or another place of adventure.

I enjoyed it, only slight disappointment was, as typical in life it was
a little cliquey. Not always as friendly as I had hoped at times,
certainly not always.
. . .

DLV is all about seeing old friends and getting to be ourselves for too
short of a period of time. It doesn't matter, what the events are, some
of us old-timers will just go do things if there wasn't something
scheduled. The structure helps the newbies and that is fine.

There were some hideously dressed girls this year that really caused
some issues. I'm sorry but a 250 lbs girl in a miniskirt with the tops
of her stockings showing even at the Chicken Ranch is gross, but at
Tropicana it is unacceptable. My humble opinion. Thanks Annie for doing
it all.
. . .

You need to do something about those who make a show of themselves in
public. It's embarassing. Also, I felt like an outsider. Everyone was
hangig out with friends in small groups and it was hard to get
acquainted and socialize. More group meals like the dayly lunch. How
about a dayly supper?
. . .

Had difficulty finding the lunch w or wo Ginger at the Sahara. Knew it
was on second floor, and which part east west but the name of the buffet
wasn't mentioned in the description. or I missed seeing it If it
wasn't, it would have been easy to find by asking Sahara staff as there
are 2 or more eating establishments on the second floor. We found it
anyway and it was fun perambulating around.
. . .

Zinger's was a disappointment.
. . .

When the group is together in the beginning perhaps at the welcome
party, etc., remind everyone of the deadlines to collect money for
events, as well as when the group will be together to collect the.
Perhaps during the welcom party, Annie could make an announcement,
introduce the activity organizers and mentioned that perhaps at NSDII is
the last time a collection for can be taken.
. . .

It is ok to limit the number of people who can attend an event such as
the Chicken Ranch so that it is a good experience for those who attend.

I said length is too long because I couldn't get the full week off.

I was very upset that I walked 3/4 of a mile from the Sahara to
Zingers hoping to get a ride to the Lake Mead boat cruise. I waited for
an hour, along with about a half dozen other TG people, and no one came
and no apology was ever made.

I enjoyed the lunch with-out Ginger and the Glamour Boutique events to
be much more fun than I had imagined beforehand. Hope there can be an
event for significant others next year.
. . .

It is to long. If I had stayed the extra day my face couldn't have taken
it.
. . . . . . . . . .

Comments, gang? :)

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(This posting was entered by annie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Denise McCracken
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> Fewer people, let's start scaring most of them off so we can have fun again.

I love it. I'm glad that there is at least one other person who feels this way.

-densie

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(This posting was entered by Denise McCracken, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: annie
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> This may be a good time to start reemphasizing "the vacation not
> convention" aspect of DLV which will likely mean individual attendees
> taking more responsbility for their transportation and personal schedule.
>
> Thanks Annie for all you have done and continue to do!

You're very welcome.

And remember, I'm not dead yet! :)

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(This posting was entered by annie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
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>Annie, Thanks for all you do. I hope there is someone to step into your
>high heels as the chief organizer, but I have fears. Is there anyway we
>can simplify scheduling and registration to make less work for your or
>your replacement especially since this is more vacation than convention.

The person who wrote the comments below identified what may be our most
pressing problem. I am curious to see who, if anyone, has the time,
tact, and technical ability to do what Annie has been doing?

This may be a good time to start reemphasizing "the vacation not
convention" aspect of DLV which will likely mean individual attendees
taking more responsbility for their transportation and personal schedule.

Thanks Annie for all you have done and continue to do!

Ginger

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(This posting was entered by Ginger, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Hollye
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Annie,

I am surprised that you are not yet! Especially after all you have tried
to accomplish. :)

Best regards;

Hollye Merton
Operations Manager
Heritage Playthings
http://www.heritageplaythings.com

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(This posting was entered by Hollye, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Hollye
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OK, without reading further, am I inferring that annie is stepping down
from DLV? If so, it is assured of becoming a convention..... Of course
other groups can go to Vegas. eh? ;-)

Best regards;

Hollye Merton
Operations Manager
Heritage Playthings
http://www.heritageplaythings.com

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(This posting was entered by Hollye, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Denise McCracken
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>OK, without reading further, am I inferring that annie is stepping down
>from DLV? If so, it is assured of becoming a convention..... Of course
>other groups can go to Vegas. eh? ;-)

My sentiments exactly. It will turn into a convention, and I doubt that
I will go anymore, but a trip to Vegas with old friends would be good.
Spirit of 98.

-densie

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(This posting was entered by Denise McCracken, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Michelle Jenkins
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...
>then wear the appropriate and suggested clothing. It's no good going to
>a fettish event dressed as a School marm and Similarly, It's not

Don't know. If she had a big cane was telling everyone to bend over and
whack them it might go down quite well????

>acceptable to do your fettish thing at one of our dressy nights either.
>either way you will ruin a carefully planned event for all of us and for
>yourself too I suspect.


>Some of the activities I missed because I chose other activities not on
>the list. Paris lounge show became a favorite of some of us. Also the
>American restaurant and Big Apple Bar were given a chance.

Ditto. Seems like non scheduled activities had more fun and bite to them

>I think the reiteration to all that this is a vacation, not a
>convention should be emphasized so that the pressure to attend each and
>every event does not put undue stress on the attendees... that all
>events are strictly optional and presented as a vacation experience,
>based upon one's own comfort, financial, and desired basis.

I agree. Seems like there was a "school marm" cajoling everyone on a
field trip at times.

>Name tags. Its a good idea if everyone wears it... or if new to dlv...

Mine lasted one night, was sent to the bottom of my handbag and has
still not resurfaced. Its probably beside the one from last year that
ended up in the same place early on.

>Most presumed to know what events they signed up for and didn't think
>they need any review or help.... until they came across unforseen

Good point. !

>The service a Bahama Breeze was nonexistant, and it seemed they were not
>prepared for us.

Non existent seems harsh. Service lack the necessary quantity (or
waitresses or waiters) to promptly process everyone's payment though)

>Steven David's was teriffic in regard to service, food quality and
>entertainment - who would have thought it from the exterior appearance.
>Michael Cagle is past his prime.

Terrific seems an overstatement. It was good food and the service was
better than I expected but not necessarily terrific

>I did fine at Hamburger Mary's, but my dining companions' orders were
>not served in a timely manner, wrong when they were served, and
>undercooked when corrected. I'd like to suggest we consider an
>alternative show night.

As one of the companions I can concur with this. Avery disappointing
start to the week (DLV wise)

>If the NSD is to be repeated the number of attendees should be limited.
>More dining out Venues at night.

I agree. Should be limited to 30 or so. Casual attendees who turn up
with out registering should not be allowed.

>Do not use any volunteers known to be
>unreliable. A list of all those attending including email addresses
>shoud be made available for attendees

E-Mail distribution has been each attendee's discretion and I think this
should remain the case. As for unreliable volunteer's we should give
their e-mail addresses to all the SPAM merchants for further
processing!!!!

>Different stops on the Limo Tour. More time on Limo Tour at Fremont
>Street Exp.

I Agree. Also think we need to consider different types of limo's like
the Hummer and other "SUV" types that have more seating per vehicle.

>I think on the Limo tour, more emphasis should be placed on the meet and
>greet with the public at large at the various stops, and less attention
>to the seating arrangements and the drinks. It appears we are 'the
>Entertainment' at all stops and is enjoyed by all.

Some of the pictures I took were of the watchers not the DLV attendees.
Some of the expressions are priceless!

>Some of the emails concerning dress and bathroom info were way over the
>top.

You seem to be the only one saying that!

>Carlucci's is getting old. Time for a new place to meet for dinner.

Agreed.

>I would like to see at least one or two nights that are maximum
>attendance events. In other words an event that most DLV attendees, if
>not all would be most likely to attend.

I think this is valid. I think it got complicated this year when Zingers
appeared to be playing games and we started changing venues.

>a hike can be very secluded and fun

Won't be very secluded if 40 people go along!

>How about the whole group for the Jazz show at Steve Davidson's

Agree.

>There were some hideously dressed girls this year that really caused
>some issues. I'm sorry but a 250 lbs girl in a miniskirt with the tops
>of her stockings showing even at the Chicken Ranch is gross, but at
>Tropicana it is unacceptable. My humble opinion. Thanks Annie for doing
>it all.

Seems like dress standards were an issue. Can't remember this particular
one but there were others as bad at various venues.

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(This posting was entered by Michelle Jenkins, an external user of MyDLV.)