Send Hellouser to Miam Hair Congress 2015 - POLL

[hellouser]

Alright guys, I just checked my bank account and GoFundMe is ready to roll out, it works!

Currently with the numbers we're sitting at $1,350. One thing I didn't factor in was the 5% charge GoFundMe as well as the $75 hike for entrance to congress, so best to aim for about $2,300. I still need to go out and buy a couple things if you guys want me to go, extra batteries for cameras, video recording will drain them FAST, extra big SD cards (video will take up a bit of storage) and a small lightweight tripod (the only one I got won't even fit into my suitcase). I think we can reach the goal if we spread the word around a little on other forums, especially since this was just to gauge things and didn't really get much attention. I know Desmond84 was able to get a lot of funds, apparently 200 people donated.

So, I just need the go-ahead from you guys and I'll post another thread with details and open it up for accepting questions to whichever researcher I get a chance to meet up with!

 

[Python]

This looks good, I will donate if it takes off.

 

[macaroni]

I'll donate at least $50 as well, but you should be careful and make necessary preparations; I am really doubtful the speakers/venue will let you record the sessions, especially if you walk in there with a DSLR and external mic (which you would need) on a tripod. Believe it or not, I'd recommend getting a gopro and going that route for the general sessions and then using the DSLR if you get a chance to do an interview, that way they won't kick you out on the first session and you end up empty handed. Also as a third backup, I'd run the audio of the sessions and snap photos of the slides they present with the phone, that would still get you valuable info. I have plenty of experience dealing with spokesperson type people, and if they have even basic PR training they will reject an interview without their PR person present...

 

[hellouser]

I'll donate at least $50 as well, but you should be careful and make necessary preparations; I am really doubtful the speakers/venue will let you record the sessions, especially if you walk in there with a DSLR and external mic (which you would need) on a tripod. Believe it or not, I'd recommend getting a gopro and going that route for the general sessions and then using the DSLR if you get a chance to do an interview, that way they won't kick you out on the first session and you end up empty handed. Also as a third backup, I'd run the audio of the sessions and snap photos of the slides they present with the phone, that would still get you valuable info. I have plenty of experience dealing with spokesperson type people, and if they have even basic PR training they will reject an interview without their PR person present...

I don't have a GoPro, and I don't think that weird fish-eye look is going to be good to capture the presentation. However, I did buy a small Canon S120 pocket camera, its not that much bigger than a GoPro, but it's picture and video quality is way better:

I know I'll need a tripod to hold the camera steady, and I've already looked at some options, particularly this one:

What's good about it is that one of the legs unscrews and turns into a monopod... however, I'd have to hold the monopod still. BUT, there's another neat monopod that stands on it's own:

That would pretty much be perfect, but it's a little pricey, about $200. I think the small Canon S120 I got coupled with that monopod would do a fantastic job of 'slipping under the radar'. It consumes very little space and there isn't a giant dSLR camera scaring away presenters or anyone else. I can tilt and pan the camera with the head as well as adjust the height. It's also smaller and lightweight so I won't get bogged down with much equipment.

Thoughts?

 

[username425]

I really like this idea. Where is the gofundme link?

As far as the camera, it looks solid. Quality doesn't matter as much. As long as you have a ton of space to record as much as you can, and can take pictures of slides - audio trumps the visual. You have a community of guys completely invested in this to condense the information.

The good thing about 2015 is that information flows a lot quicker. The role of the journalist (what you should be considering yourself as) is to guide and ask questions from the experts. Otherwise, just amass as much information as possible to dissect later.

 

[macaroni]

The monopod with the little feet will not work - I own the best one made by manfrotto and there is no way it will stay up on carpeted floor of a venue such as this. Besides, you'll likely be sitting down and most likely not on the front row so what you actually need is this for your s120
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NI...lip+tripod&dpPl=1&dpID=41Bn8fV2JvL&ref=plSrch

This way you can clip the camera to the seat in front (lets face it, the sessions won't be 100% packed) and press record. You'll need lots of batteries, the camera will eat through them fast. I still say you should bring a small pocket recorder just for the audio as a failsafe and then snap photos of the presentation. Of course all of this could be avoided if the congress had a PR contact for press, but they don't, so getting press credentials doesn't even seem to be an option, which just tells me not many people attend this type of event.

 

[hellouser]

The monopod with the little feet will not work - I own the best one made by manfrotto and there is no way it will stay up on carpeted floor of a venue such as this. Besides, you'll likely be sitting down and most likely not on the front row so what you actually need is this for your s120
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NI...lip+tripod&dpPl=1&dpID=41Bn8fV2JvL&ref=plSrch

This way you can clip the camera to the seat in front (lets face it, the sessions won't be 100% packed) and press record. You'll need lots of batteries, the camera will eat through them fast. I still say you should bring a small pocket recorder just for the audio as a failsafe and then snap photos of the presentation. Of course all of this could be avoided if the congress had a PR contact for press, but they don't, so getting press credentials doesn't even seem to be an option, which just tells me not many people attend this type of event.

Hmm, that little clip thing would work, but that means I'll absolutely have to be in the front row during every presentation and I can't be sure of that beforehand. I've worked with the manfrotto monopod before and I had with it on carpeting. Perhaps have both, the monopod as a backup if I don't score front row seats?

Heads up: I tried going through registration of the event and came across this on the third page:

I further understand and agree that I cannot reproduce the World Congress Sessions, or portions thereof, in any manner, including, without limitation, by photograph, audiotape, or videotape – otherwise I will be dismissed from the session. All property rights in the material presented, including common law copyright, are expressly reserved to the presenter or to the NAHRS. The Sessions may be photographed by the NAHRS. I expressly grant the NAHRS permission to record my image by still photography during such Sessions, and I hereby waive any and all rights in and to such images/recordings.

So, I'll have to be pretty damn discrete if they're going to uphold that rule... comments???

 

[macaroni]

Yeh that's a problem - they will spot you and tell you to stop recording. We either get press pass (which doesn't seem to be an option) or you go very discreet (hence my GoPro recommendation - they will not spot such a small camera recording, especially if you tape up the rec light). Definitely consider having an audio recorder. If it were me going into this, I'd be packing GoPro and a recorder - if they told me to stop at least I'd have the audio left. Last thing you want is to get kicked out and end up with nothing...

 

[hellouser]

Yeh that's a problem - they will spot you and tell you to stop recording. We either get press pass (which doesn't seem to be an option) or you go very discreet (hence my GoPro recommendation - they will not spot such a small camera recording, especially if you tape up the rec light). Definitely consider having an audio recorder. If it were me going into this, I'd be packing GoPro and a recorder - if they told me to stop at least I'd have the audio left. Last thing you want is to get kicked out and end up with nothing...

Well, the Canon S120 is roughly the same size, so no point in getting a gopro or ponying up the funds for one (unless you guys really want me to get one). I could definitely tape up the screen with black tape. I'm thinking of getting into every presentation really early and getting front seats, then clamping the camera using that gooseneck stand (from Amazon) to the bottom so its between my legs and hidden from view. I could use my phone to record the audio with the phone placed beneath the chair.

Questions:

1) What happens if theres no way to clamp the camera to a chair in front of me?
2) Should I get in touch with Dr. Angela Christiano and ask for a media pass of some sort beforehand? She's one of the organizers.

 

[I.D WALKER]

You've been in correspondence with Doctor Christiano already so yes try contacting her again and candidly express your agenda and of course your documentation impediment(s).

Well, the Canon S120 is roughly the same size, so no point in getting a gopro or ponying up the funds for one (unless you guys really want me to get one). I could definitely tape up the screen with black tape. I'm thinking of getting into every presentation really early and getting front seats, then clamping the camera using that gooseneck stand (from Amazon) to the bottom so its between my legs and hidden from view. I could use my phone to record the audio with the phone placed beneath the chair.

Questions:

1) What happens if theres no way to clamp the camera to a chair in front of me?
2) Should I get in touch with Dr. Angela Christiano and ask for a media pass of some sort beforehand? She's one of the organizers.

 

[hellouser]

I have her phone number... should I call her? I don't want to raise any red flags only to have them tighten on video recording restrictions.

 

[I.D WALKER]

Perhaps e-mailing her first might be less awkward and maybe more professional, plus if she graciously answers you'll have her remarks "in writing".
Should you not receive a prompt response ( if you can afford to wait )I would give her at least 3 more business days before following up via phone call. I am taking it for granted you have her address. GoodLuck

 

[hellouser]

Perhaps e-mailing her first might be less awkward and maybe more professional, plus if she graciously answers you'll have her remarks "in writing".
Should you not receive a prompt response ( if you can afford to wait )I would give her at least 3 more business days before following up via phone call. I am taking it for granted you have her address. GoodLuck

I think this is reasonable, I think I'll email her on Monday and follow up maybe closer to the end of the week if I dont hear back from her.

 

[I.D WALKER]

I think this is probably an early photo of Dr. A. Christiano.

I think she looks nice.

 

[Superuser]

How did Desmond do it last year or did he get a press pass?

 

[hellouser]

How did Desmond do it last year or did he get a press pass?

I don't think he had any press passes, i do remember his posting this:

 

[macaroni]

I agree that emailing her may be a good starting point, since at the very least if she rejects the idea at least we'll know where we stand.

 

[Armando Jose]

I think this is probably an early photo of Dr. A. Christiano.

I think she looks nice.

+1

 

[Renee1]

Please ask dr Christiano


1) about the recent video from dr Higgins stating that "the dermal papilla has to be put into the dermis to work" and " the roller with spikes to get this dermal papilla into the scalp"


2) New York Times article claiming she started a company called rapunzel to commercialize cell based cure.

 

[Mach]

If you have extra money get whatever tripod you want. I have a monfratto carbon I think it's a 055cxpro4 $450 I think. then you have to buy a head for it. This tripod fits in my carry on bag. Pretty sweet. If you got the cash go for it.