Deviant OllamAug 6, 2023

It seems we have now reached the point on the calendar when people who dislike Las Vegas make their annual post about how they wish that Black Hat / DEFCON / etc could be somewhere other than Las Vegas.

Look... enjoy what you want and visit where you like. But after three decades, maybe folk can accept the fact that this is where these conferences are located? They're not moving to NYC, they're not moving to New Orleans, they're not moving to some other equally inappropriate place.

Attend cons or don't attend cons, but either way it's possible to exercise your personal choice without yucking other people's yum. 🤷

Show threadDeviant Ollam

By the way, I'm speaking as a person who did not like Las Vegas when I was younger... Mostly because (a) I didn't "understand" the vibe of this town and (b) I didn't know how to do Vegas properly.

Nowadays, however, given a little bit of understanding and experience, I do believe that you almost have to try hard to not have a good time in this town.

I'm not saying you have to like casinos.

I'm not saying you have to like crowds.

I'm saying that this is one of few glorious cities that literally has something for absolutely everybody, and if you are not finding something you like at a place to stay that is comfortable, you may have simply not discovered how to do Vegas your way yet.

You don't have to stay at the con hotel.

You can escape people so many ways at the drop of a hat.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and hope that I get to enjoy your company in a way that doesn't take too much out of you. 💚

Aug 6, 2023 at 3:32pmWeb
Show threadThe UberduckAug 6, 2023
@deviantollam Would love to be there. My covid risk budget would be blown for years on just the air travel.
Show threadDeviant OllamAug 6, 2023
@uberduck I'm still rocking the double pump of Enovid in each nostril every four hours, on planes or in class, etc
Show threadCanwr FfugAug 6, 2023

@deviantollam One day I'll get to go to Dig This... One day...

https://digthisvegas.com/

Dig This Las Vegas: Heavy Equipment Playground & Operator School

Operate heavy equipment like you did in your childhood dreams! Dig, push, and tear up a construction playground. It’s fun and exhilarating for adults and families.

Dig This Vegas
Show threadZiggy the Hamster ☎️ 4ZTHAug 6, 2023

@Canwr @deviantollam I was going to say you can probably just rent one, but I didn’t realize a rental was this expensive. https://www.crescorent.com/equipment-rentals/cat-420-backhoe-loader-4x4/

So now I’m interested. This seems cool as shit.

CAT 420 Backhoe Loader (4X4) – Cresco Equipment Rentals

Show threadJon MolnarAug 6, 2023

@deviantollam I was never a big fan of Vegas until I moved here (from Cali, to save money, like so many others), but I've quickly come to genuinely love the place.

The sheer variety on offer here is simply unmatched. Incredible restaurants, all kinds of shows, excellent desert hiking (wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!) and some really cool museums. You can enjoy this city and its surrounding environs at any speed you like.

Show threadZiggy the Hamster ☎️ 4ZTHAug 6, 2023

@deviantollam I fully agree with you, though the things I’m looking for in Vegas are also available in like Oakland, Portland, or Seattle, so I tend to be one of those crochety people complaining about Vegas. That said, you can’t get a 4 foot long Hurricane anywhere but Vegas. I’m more of a cocktail lounge / tiki bar kind of person though

I guess for me, I’ll go to Vegas if there’s a con or whatever there, and have fun, but I’d probably visit Portland or Seattle if I’m going for my own pleasure

Show threadNosirrahSec 🏴‍☠️ guillotine enthusiastAug 6, 2023

@deviantollam

I've never been to Vegas, and this post takes away any anxiety I would have in doing so. I'd be going alone, which is fine, but adds to it.

I guess it's just a lot more built up in my head than reality.

I can just never afford to go, both monetarily and the time off needed.

Show threadDavid A. Pirata Informático Aug 6, 2023

@deviantollam I agree 100%. I grew up with negative impressions of Vegas and my first experience was poor.

DC27 started to change that perspective for me. I'm an introvert and sometimes crowds are difficult. Vegas hotel rooms have been generally quieter than other places I stay regularly. I also learned that I shouldn't hit the strip for long periods of time at night.

Show threadAKingsburyAug 6, 2023
@deviantollam Never been to DefCon in my life (everyone there is way, way, way above my caliber), but speaking for the sorts of events I do go to, it's nice when they vary the location somewhat. I can see how it might chafe for someone from Boston to have to make that trek every year to attend while someone from Fresno can fly so quick the airline doesn't even break out the peanuts.