So, I got an invite to the 2012 WMSG, but it looks like this year, there won't be any compensation for accommodations or travel expenses. Looks like a 3k price tag at least.

I haven't confirmed one way or the other yet. But I think it's impossible. I'm really curious though... who IS capable of going to this on such short notice on their own dime? will we be able to field a team?

(If they're down to me, I've got to assume they're having trouble finding competitors)

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Tactics yes, Tact no...

I am going (for the first week). I've not booked travel/accommodation yet, but am assuming it won't be that much for me travelling from the UK, £500 for Eurostar plus hotel at a guess.

I really should book......

It is worse than you know - MY phone is ringing! The horror...

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My days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle

On the other hand, here is your big chance of glory for the posterity: imagine 30 years from now telling children with wide-open eyes your tales of representing the USA!

I'd say cost would have a big impact on attendance. Also, for people in Europe, they probably planned on going to the EGC instead, which isn't that cheap. Will the strong players have the additional time or money to attend Lille too?

It really depends on how important you think the event is?

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North Lecale

There are no professionals and the strongest amateurs aren't paying their own way to go, so I don't think it will be too important.

It is clear that this edition is more in the aim of keeping the event alive than reaching the level of the first edition

We who were lucky to go Beijing 2008 will never forget that:
to raise your head to see who is looking at your board and find Otake Hideo...he is quite funny and was always looking for a quick match with amateurs!
To have the chance to talk with Yukari Sensei a bit and tell her how in our country we started to play Go because of Hijaru and now we are in the same tournament!
To play a game next to Gu Li.
To have the chance to participate with the chinese pros in the analysis and asking them a bit.
To meet Ru Naiwei and her husband... they become friend to us and even visited Costa Rica after that!
To meet so many players all across the world! so many friends!
I even had the chance to talk with the north korean people and they were amazed to hear that I study tsumego while I travel to/from my job! and that If I am lucky I can study 10-12 hours a week... rarely. Detail: at the end of the tournament they even answered the greetings like Good Morning with a little head movement and even some of them with a small smile.


That memories... are priceless!

I have a suspicion that if a person competed in the open section at a qualifier, he/she would be eligible at this point. But still congrats!

I know there was a lot of backlash at the cost of the 2008 WMSG... but without some compensation, (50% of travel and accommodations or the like), there's just not enough incentive for amateurs to go.

I sent a message to one of the US chess representatives from 2008, waiting to hear back.... I'm a little worried that the WMSG movement might just die off this year if it can't get the attendance it needs.

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Tactics yes, Tact no...

Start a page on Kickstart. You might get enough contributions. I know I'd put in a few bucks...enough to buy you lunch on the plane.

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holy cow... I haven't been reading my email for a while... looks like I need a special filter for all the wmsg emails (and no, they're not inviting me... I'm just on the distribution list)

Nick, you should go... but I understand about not having funds.

http://www.usgo.org/news/2012/07/8000-needed-to-get-u-s-team-to-mind-sports-games/

Pretty contradictory huh?

Confusing...

But it's probably for the support staff, coach, etc...

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Tactics yes, Tact no...

I'm confused indeed. Does this mean that the AGA considers paying for travel expenses of support staff and coaches to be a higher priority than paying for the travel expenses of the players?

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Is the AGA really sending support staff and coaches?

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North Lecale

I'm pretty sure that the money will be intended for the players and that there is just a lot of inconsistency and confusion here - but isn't there always, with the AGA?

Also, 8000 dollars is not realistic.

Not sure, they had both last time. And if players aren't getting it, what else could it be?

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Tactics yes, Tact no...

This seems odd though, wouldn't they have let the players know that there was a chance that some of the cost would be offset?

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Tactics yes, Tact no...

The board wasn't willing to have the AGA guarantee the funds this time around (which should be recorded in the minutes of some meeting). I'm not sure how it is planned to distribute the money, but I will be astonished and unhappy if it only goes for support staff.

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Keep in mind that the $8000 is some seemingly-arbitrary goal, not the amount that the AGA has raised, or even actually needs to cover the costs. I can't imagine how they can raise that amount of money; without AGA support it seems as if the players will be largely paying for themselves.

This must be the famed AGA transparency at work here.

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