The time is here...all of you who have been anxiously awaiting the inevitable call for volunteers, wait no more!

This will be a two-step process. First, you need to email me stating that you are interested in volunteering. I will then send you the application form, which is basically just a way for me to place you where your skills will be best utilized. Once I have gone through all of the applications and created a schedule of sorts, I will be in touch again.

Now, a lot of you are wondering what is involved. I will try and break it down for you, but if there is something you are not sure about, feel free to drop me a line and I will answer it for you.

First, here are the requirements:

• Please be available to volunteer for about 3-4 hours per day. This does not mean you WILL work that long, just be available. This helps me with scheduling.
• If at all possible, please try to be available to help with setup. We have access to the facility on the Wednesday before the event for setup. If you are unable to help with this, but would still like to volunteer, that is fine. We need people all throughout the event.
• Please try to stick around after the event to help with teardown. This usually only takes between 3 - 4 hours. Again, if you are unable to help, just talk to me and I am sure we can work something out. The more people helping with teardown, the faster it will go.
• Please be 18 or older. If you are younger, but REALLY want to volunteer, email me and we can discuss it. At this time, the answer will be no, but I have made exceptions for people...
• If you are going to commit to volunteering, please commit fully. We need to count on you in order to make the event run as smoothly as possible.
  I know that not everyone wants to volunteer for 12-20 hours during the event. If you are not sure, but want to help anyway, just talk to me. We can work something out.

Now, some people are wondering what there is to actually do.

During Setup

• run network cables
• crimp network cables (sorry Haxim)
• put up posters and banners
• setup registration area
• setup console area
• move hardware around (network gear)
• bringing equipment into the facility
• basically anything that needs to be done before the event.

During the event

• help wtih tournaments
• help troubleshoot participant computer problems
• help troubleshoot network problems
• security
• registration
• gopher
• any number of things that might come up during the event.

After the event

• security while people are leaving
• teardown
• removal of network gear
• storage of all network cables
• anything else that needs to be done

Now, we try and take care of our volunteers, because without all your hard work, the event would not be possible. Here are some of the things to expect in return.

• you will get a shirt with Volunteer on it to help identify you as one of the good guys. Wear it proudly!
• during setup, we try and give you a bit of food. We want you ensure that you have the energy to continue working your ass off! (yes...the rumours are true. I did in fact bring healthy food one year. Yes, there were apples and grapes. If you look hard enough I am sure you can even find a picture to prove it!)
• during the event, we actually let you play! After all, you paid to come, you should try and enjoy yourself!
• We have been known to bring a donut or two for the early morning volunteers...and try and help our volunteers out wherever possible. However, with the lack of sponsors this is not always possible, so please budget for your own meals during the event.
• following teardown, we have a little get-together where StraT gets all tearful and thanks each and every one of you for all of your hard work. That alone should do it! (Sorry StraT) We also have a few prizes that we draw for, that only the volunteers have a chance at winning.

For those of you who continue to volunteer year after year, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are the reason Fragapalooza is a success! For those of you who are thinking about volunteering this year, but are uncertain, ask one of the other volunteers what to expect. Volunteers are identified in IRC by having a + in front of their name. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have. They are more than willing to share their experiences. In fact, I was once a volunteer myself.

Send me an email with your questions, or your intent to volunteer, and I will send you the application. Basically, all it is, is a way for me to place you where your skills will be best utilized.

Any other questions, simply ask in here, or stop by IRC. Someone will be able to help you out!