                          THE GATHERING 1994                  [TG94ASCI.TXT]

                      RYKKINNHALLEN OSLO, NORWAY
                     29TH OF MARCH - 3RD OF APRIL

                            The Gathering
                               is the
                              five day
                             intensive
                             high power
                              computer
                             symposium
                              for all
                              computer
                               freaks

General Info
------------
This information leaflet is the Official Information Leaflet to
The Gathering 1994. Inside you should find everything you need to
know. The information inside has been compiled from ideas and
suggestions from The Gathering 1994 conference at The Crusaders BBS,
and experiences from the two previous Gatherings. You do not need
this or any other kind of invitation to attend The Gathering. Anyone
with a genuine interest in computers are welcome!

Entrance fees
-------------
Europeans:	 		NOK 200.- 
Non-Europeans and girls:	FREE!

Rykkinnhallen
-------------
The Gathering 1994 will not be held at Skedsmohallen. Instead we have
chosen Rykkinnhallen which is a brand new sports hall located just a
few kilometers south west of Oslo, Norway's capitol. One of the reasons
this hall was chosen is that it is made up of two halls. If you like
the real party feeling, grab a table in the large hall. If you like
things quiet, grab a table in the smaller hall. The total available
space around the complex is around 4500m2.

Reservations
------------
Since we excpect the available space to be limited, you will
unfortunately not be able to reserve space for you or your group at
The Gathering 1994. Instead we will give away seats on a first-come-
first-served basis.

Rooms for rent
--------------
Rykkinnhallen has four separate rooms with two beds and shower for those
of you who really need a good nights sleep. The rooms are primarily
intended for bus drivers and so on, and the price per room is 200 NOK
per 24hrs. If you are interested in renting a room, you will have to
contact Dr. Outtasight immediately and order it. We also expect you to
pay for the room in advance.

Sleeping Area
-------------
The sleeping area is made up of a cluster of large lockers, each with
toilets and showers. The lockers are of course located in the same
building as the main hall, but any noise from the main hall should not
disturb you. The space is limited and we will be using additional rooms
for sleeping if necessary.

Electricity
-----------
Anyone who visited The Gathering 1993 knows that the electrical system
of Skedsmohallen did not manage all those devices. This is also one of
the reasons we have chosen another hall this year. Since 420 Amperes
was inadequate at The Gathering 1993, we now have a total of 1400A.

No kitchen appliances, please!
------------------------------
For obvious reasons you will not be allowed to plug any electrical
kitchen appliances you might bring, to the ordinary electrical system. 
A fridge pull enough power to feed around 5 computers, and a microwave
pulls more than 10. Also, a fridge and a microwave both generate nasty
electrical surges on the net which might blow your computer hardware.
A small number of people will however be allowed to use their fridges,
microwaves and ovens on a special circuit set aside for this - and only
this - again on a first-come-first-served basis.

Audio/Visual Equipment
----------------------
The audio and visual equipment is one of the most important parts of
an arrangement like this. Delivering a perfect picture to over 2000
persons is very difficult, and multiple video projectors and an internal
TV transmitter will ensure that the availability is more than adequate.
The sound system will be made up of the existing 6000 Watts system
already installed in the hall, plus a set of subwoofers. The existing
system is mounted in the ceiling, and will therefor give you excellent
sound no matter where you are sitting.

Internal TV and Information System
----------------------------------
The Internal TV and Information System will be used for broadcasting
messages and information to you. If you bring your portable TV set or
a video machine with a receiver, you will be able to receive this
information together with live coverage and much more. The TV transmitter
is based on a professional model with a special aerial that gives
complete coverage anywhere in the hall, without disturbing anyone
outside it.

Video Room
----------
One of the most popular leisure activities at The Gathering is of
course the video watching. We will run the same system as last year,
with a 6m2  screen and a six speaker Dolby surround sound system. The
video room has no windows, so movies will be shown around the clock.
You will not be allowed inside once a movie has started.

Arcades
-------
The Gathering 1993 featured some of the most excellent arcades, like
the fabulous AirHockey. The Gathering 1994 will of course also feature
this together with the usual amount of pinball machines and video games.

Official Party BBS
------------------
Most people feel that no party is complete without a party BBS system.
At The Gathering 1994 a team from SSD will be running the official party
BBS on an Amiga A4000. The system will feature eight nodes, where three
are reserved for SSD and the rest will be open to the public. One node
will most likely be available through a dial-up modem. Unfortunately we
were not able to include the number for this node in this information
leaflet before it was printed. The number should be available at the
Crusaders BBS or at The Gathering 1994 FTP site.

Party Network
-------------
In addition to the party BBS, we will also install a party network. The
network is made up of one large Novell NetWare 3.11 server. If you bring
your NetWare 3.11 compatible server system, we will hook it up to the
party network. If you have a computer with an Ethernet compatible adapter
with either coax or twisted pair connector, you should be able to connect
to the network easily.

Both the party BBS and the party network will contain party releases as
soon as they become available. 

Cafeteria
---------
After getting some complaints about the lack of variations in the food
available at The Gathering 1993, we decided to hire a professional
catering firm. They will have around the clock service in the cafeteria.
Instead of having just pizza five days in a row, they will offer you
one different main course every day in addition to pizza, fries, hotdogs,
burgers, softdrinks and other snacks. All this at a resonable price.

Registration
------------
To be allowed to enter The Gathering 1994, you must first fill out a
short registration form when arriving. This form will then be punched
immediately into our database network by our crew. After paying the
entrance fee, you will be given a badge which is your proof of payment.
If you lose this badge, you will have to pay the entrance fee again.
If the badge is destroyed, you will be given a new one, only if the
badge number is clearly visible. The database network will be available
to the attendants through a couple of terminals where you can search
for names and groups.

Security
--------
The security scheme at The Gathering 1993 proved to work satisfactory,
so the same system will be used at The Gathering 1994. All guards will
be radio linked to the arrangers office.

Should any unwanted people try to enter, they will be removed immediately
by the arrangers or the local police.

If you have valuables you are unable to guard yourself, you may hand them
over to the arrangers office where they will be stored in a deposit box.

Rules
-----
1) Alcohol is not permitted on the premises in any way.

2) Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building. You can smoke in
   front of the entrance, where a large ashtray will be set up.

3) Whatever you are responsible for breaking, you are responsible for
   paying or replacing.

4) Software piracy will not be allowed. According to European laws, it
   is illegal to be in posession of pirated software.

5) The arrangers reserves the right to change the rules at any moment,

Arriving before the 29th of March
---------------------------------
If your only option is to arrive before the 29th of March, you have to
call Dr. Outtasight well in advance. We also expect you to pay in
advance. If you arrive before the 29th and have not called in advance,
you will not be let inside until we officially open.

Prizes
------
At present we are not able to give you the exact competition price
list. All we can say is that the prices should satisfy anyone. The
prices will include an Amiga A4000, accelerator cards, soundcards,
an i486 PC and much more!

Registrating for the Competitions
---------------------------------
A special registration form is used to keep track of the entries for
the competitions. Your entry will not be allowed to compete unless
you have this form which also includes an envelope to hold the disk,
and a receipt which you will be given as proof of handing the entry
over to the arrangers.

Best Amiga Demo
---------------
A demo is defined as a stand-alone executable program compiled or
assembled by the use of anything from a hi-level compiler to pure
machine code.

The demo can and should utilize the AGA chipset of the A1200/4000.
AGA demos will of course not work on an A3000, and we do not expect
them to.

Entries not working on the following models and which does not
comply with the rules for this category will be disqualified.

Amiga A1200, Amiga A3000, Amiga A4000/030 and Amiga A4000/040

Best PC Demo
------------
A demo is defined as a stand-alone executable program compiled or
assembled by the use of anything from a hi-level compiler to pure
machine code.

The demo can and should utilize the full potential of the graphics
adapter it is viewed on. It can and should also utilize the full
potential of either Soundblaster 16 ASP and/or the Gravis Ultrasound
music card.

The machine used during the competition will be a 486DX2 66MHz,
with a VESA compatible video adapter. The sound must be Soundblaster
16 ASP and/or Gravis Ultrasound compatible.

Entries which does not comply with the rules for this category will
be disqualified - without exceptions!

Best Amiga Intro
----------------
An intro is defined as a stand-alone executable program compiled or
assembled by the use of anything from a hi-level compiler to pure
machine code, all contained in a single file. The size of the
executable file before execution must not exceed 40 kB. An intro
must have an exit routine that returns to the operating system.

The intro can and should utilize the AGA chipset of the A1200/4000.
AGA intros will of course not work on an A3000, and we do not expect
them to.

Entries not working on the following models and which does not
comply with the rules for this category will be disqualified -
without exceptions!

Amiga A1200, Amiga A3000, Amiga A4000/030 and Amiga A4000/040

Best Module
-----------
A module is defined as a file consisting of musical data. Modules of
any format can compete, as long as a player is supplied with the
module. The module must use no more than four channels. 

The module will be played for up to 3 minutes unless the author has
an utterly good reason for playing it longer.

Entries which does not comply with the rules for this category will be
disqualified - without exceptions!

Best Picture
------------
A picture is defined by a file consisting of one frame of graphical
data. Pictures from any platform can be entered, but a picture viewer
must also be supplied in case of very special graphical formats. 

The maximum graphical resolution is 1024 horizontal and 768 vertical
pixels, and the maximum number of bits per pixel (bitplanes) is 24.

Entries which does not comply with the rules for this category will
be disqualified - without exceptions!

Best Animation
--------------
An animation is defined by a series of graphical frames viewed at a
certain frame rate. Animations from any platform can be entered,
and an animation viewer must be supplied.

The maximum graphical resolution is 1024 horizontal and 768 vertical
pixels, and the maximum number of bits per pixel (bitplanes) is 24.

Animations from any other platforms than Amiga and PC, will have to
supply a machine to view them on. This machine must supply a composite
video or a format suitable for video conversion.

Entries which does not comply with the rules for this category will
be disqualified - without exceptions!

Viewing of the Competition Entries
----------------------------------
As many of the competitions will have a lot of entries and there is no
time to play all the modules and show all the pictures, the primary
task of the jury will be to select a percentage of the entries in each
competition to view/play for the finals. These finalists will be shown
to the public. If the voting system fails, the jury's votes counts as
the final result. The jury will therefor view all entries in all the
competitions.

The jury will consist of a technical jury and 20 randomly selected
people from the party attendants. 

The arrangers will have absolutely nothing to do with the selection
except to play the entries for the jury in a closed room.

As far as it is possible, the name of the author of the product will
not be shown to the jury. This is to ensure that each product will be
judged by its appearance, not by the name of the guy that made it.

The top three entries will be shown again when the winners are announced.

Voting
------
At The Gathering 1994 we will try a completely new system based on the
computerized system used at The Party. However, our system will differ
somewhat in the sence that votes will be counted automatically. When
paying at the entrance you will be given either an Amiga or PC
formatted double density disk containing a voting program. The program
is self-explaining and should be very easy to use. If you do not have
a computer, you can either borrow one or vote on paper. Once you have
voted, the disk has to be returned to the arrangers for counting of
the votes.

All this ensures that as many people as possible has a chance to vote.
If the first system fails, the votes of the jury will count as the final
result. 

Product availability
--------------------
It is common to distribute the competition entries at the end of the
party. At The Gathering 1994 we will distribute all entries mainly via
selected swappers which you can copy the disks from, and via the
Official Party BBS, The Crusaders BBS and The Gathering 1994 Internet
FTP site.

A CD-ROM compatible with PC, Amiga, CD32 and CDTV containing all the
productions released at The Gathering 1994, will be made available if
the demand for this is high enough. The price will be around NOK 150,-

Dealers Welcome
---------------
At The Gathering 1993, many hardware and software dealers presented
their products to the ideal market group - the users. At The Gathering
1994 we will try to get even more dealers so that you will have a wider
range of products available. Everything from blank disk to the hottest
games.

If your company find The Gathering an interesting market place, please
feel free to contact the arrangers immediately. You will have the
opportunity to present your products to thousands of potentional
customers, all with a common interest in computers. Presenting your
products will cost you absolutely nothing what so ever.

Safe Hex takes care of the viruses
----------------------------------
Safe Hex International is a well reputated institution of anti-viral
products, and will be present with a team of virus experts. Through
a special deal between Safe Hex International and The Gathering 1994,
we will offer you copies of the latest anti-viral products for
absolutely free.

Traveller's Info
----------------
We may help you with travelling schedules, prices, tickets etc. if you
as soon as possible fill in the form found on the previous page, and
return it to us.

Just fill in the blanks and check the boxes, and we will get back to
you. There are no obligations by filling in this form.

We would also like to hear from people who already know HOW to get to
The Gathering. If several persons are traveling from the same place,
we should be able to provide you with a group discount through a travel
agency.

[The form is not included due to that it is impossible to present in    ]
[ASCII format. Forms can be obtained from any of the addresses found in ]
[this document                                                          ]

Other
-----
BJORN LYNNE - "MONTAGE"

The Gathering 1994 will be the official release party for the new
CD from Bjorn "Dr. Awesome/Crusaders" Lynne: "Montage" (Although it
has been possible to buy the CD earlier)

Bjorn will be present to sign CD's and tapes as well as demonstrate
powerful use of Amiga+MIDI synths etc.

How to get more info
--------------------
If you have any questions that this information leaflet does not answer,
feel free to contact The Gathering Crew on any of the following addresses.
 
We will gladly help you with travel arrangements and answer any questions
you might have.

How to contact The Gathering Crew
---------------------------------
Internet mail:	TG94@vm.bi.no

Internet FTP :  TG94.bi.no

Snail-mail   :  Crusaders Productions
                Lovenstadveien 8a
                2006 Lovenstad
                NORWAY

Fax          :  +47-67-570555 (Address to "Espen")

Phone        :  +47-67-570708 (09:00-16:00 local time)
                +47-943-41160 (24hrs, cellular)

Modem        :  +47-63-833980 (2400bps/MNP5)
                +47-63-833981  (14.4Kbps/HST)
                +47-63-833982 (12Kbps/V.42bis)

The telephone number for Rykkinnhallen is:
                +47-67-150031

Credits
-------
From the list below you can see "who does what" at The Gathering 1994.
If you have any questions while at The Gathering, please contact the
person in charge of that field.

Main Coordinator             : Dr. Outtasight / Crusaders

Financial Coordinator        : Leviathan / Independant

Technical Coordinator        : Shady / Crusaders

Electricity and Sound System : Johansen Lyd&Lys AS

Arcade Machines / Video Room : Arcade Action

Security Coordinator         : Frode Aschim

Outdoor Soccer Tournament    : Switchblade / Crusaders

PC Competition Coordinator   : Dr. Byte / Exile

Thanks to
---------
The Gathering 1994 would like to thank
Svanhild, Graphical Department, Norwegian School of Management

Knut, Computer Center, Norwegian School of Management

The printed version
-------------------
This is if course the ASCII version of the information leaflet.
If you would rather like the colorful printed copy for free, please
contact The Gathering 1994 crew at any of the addresses above.


                                             (c) 1994 Crusaders Productions
