Donate An Item to the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction

(Photo by Gordon Dymowski)

Yes, it's that time of year again...I'm running the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, and I'm looking for donations! Two of my friends have already made their intentions clear (and they know who they are), so I thought that as a public service I would highlight (via my personal blog) exactly what you need to do!

So in other words, here are the donor guidelines for the Chicago TARDIS charity auction:

2017 CHICAGO TARDIS CHARITY AUCTION DONATION GUIDELINES

DONATIONS 

Note: Chicago TARDIS will no longer collect canned or non-perishable food items during the convention. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please donate directly to Northern Illinois Food Bank via http://bit.ly/ChiTARDISAuction and send the receipt to auction@chicagotardis.com

• Chicago TARDIS must receive notification of donations by November 18th, 2017 at 11:59 pm. Walk-in donations without prior registration will not be accepted
• Arrangements for delivery of donated items must be made by November 23rd, 2017. Incomplete items will not be listed or displayed.
• Donations may be delivered to the convention site starting the evening of November 23rd at the Auction Director’s discretion.
• When registering donations online, please clearly list any restrictions, such as expiration and blackout dates as well as total retail value.
• Tax information will be mailed to all donors following Chicago TARDIS upon request. 
• Items that meet a minimum retail value under $200 will be included in the silent auction, and those over $200 will be included in the live auction. 
• Some items under $15 retail value may be categorized as “Buy Now” by Chicago TARDIS Auction staff. 
• All displays included with donations will be kept by Chicago TARDIS (and/or the high bidder) unless the donor notifies Chicago TARDIS in writing that they wish to have the display returned. If the donor wishes to have the display returned, they must pick up the display onsite after the close of the silent auction 

Photo by Gordon
Dymowski

DONATION ITEMS - GUIDELINES

To maximize your exposure and bidding, below are a few tips and types of donations that have been popular in the past: 

• Items related to Doctor Who, related media from cast and crew, spin-off media, and British science fiction (Blake’s 7, Red Dwarf). Memorabilia from other science fiction franchises like Star Trek may also be considered.
• Tangible items that a bidder can touch, feel or smell can market themselves and are good ideas to include with gift certificates.
• Handcrafted items: Paintings, sketch art, knit scarves, and other fan-created crafts. 
• Collectible Items such as action figures, books, audio dramas, DVD boxed sets, etc. However, we have found that some practices work best: 
• One-of-a-kind handcrafted items (like paintings, fan art, and knitted items) always bring in major donations; 
• We know that carrying items when traveling can be a challenge; if you are thinking of purchasing items specifically for the auction, it may be easier to simply make a cash donation; 
• Our ability to authenticate specific items is limited, so we ask that you keep this in mind when donating. (We can authenticate signed photographs, though)

 All proceeds benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank whose mission is to lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships. Northern Illinois Food Bank is the source of nutritious food, innovative feeding programs, and hope for more than 71,000 people each week. If you have questions regarding the silent or live auction, please contact Gordon Dymowski at auction@chicagotardis.com or use this personal contact form

Your CHICAGO TARDIS Charity Auction Motivational Post

Well, now that the web site's been updated, here's the post that everyone's been waiting for...

....the official let's-kick-off-the-Chicago-TARDIS-charity-auction blog post.

Every year, I organize a charity auction at the largest Doctor Who convention in the midwest to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank. Although we do hold a food drive, the bulk of our efforts go towards raising funds for the Food Bank, which serves organizations in the western suburbs.

How can you support us? Here are a few ideas:

• If you're planning on attending Chicago TARDIS, consider signing up to bid on our silent and live auction. It's fast, easy, and you can do it online;
• Consider donating an item - we usually take a variety of items (see last year's post for ideas), and you can sign up to donate via this online form;
• Head to http://bit.ly/ChiTARDISAuction and make a donation - just indicate "2016 Chicago TARDIS Auction" in the comments and e-mail your receipt to auction@chicagotardis.com; and/or
• Forward this very post via social media. (Or, if you want something a little more "official", consider last year's Chicago Now post)

Every year, we've raised over $2,600....and we can do better. So please, Internet, let's make this a banner year!

Your Friday Online Wrap-Up

Transitions, transitions....most of my time has been spent writing, searching for freelance work (followed up on some leads, but if you know someone who might hire me, check me out on Linked In). But that hasn't kept me from keeping busy...or making changes....

As you may be aware, I've stepped down from the board of the Chicago Nerd Social Club. Much of it is due to personal commitments (mostly Mom), but in all honesty - it was time for me to step down. After five years of service, sometimes the only way to insure people get a seat at the table is to give up your own seat.

Besides, it's meant a mini-renaissance in working on Chicago TARDIS and Chicago Doctor Who Meetup. In fact, if you will be in Chicago any time during September, you have several opportunities to play catch-up:

• September 6th at LaCatrina Cafe;
• September 8th at Wow Bao;
• September 10th at Overflow Coffee; and
• September 21st at Third Coast Comics.

Thanks to web analytics, I'm proud to say that this Prisoner-themed blog post was cited in this Wikipedia article. Granted, it's about a relatively obscure aspect of the show....but it's nice that, after blogging long enough, I'm getting a bit more attention. 

And allow me to finish with a plug for both my Facebook Author page and my Amazon Author page. Follow along - I update both several times a week, and I'm always willing to plug my books. Simply head to the Amazon page - or click any of the links below - and buy. Trust me, you'll get some really good reads...and make my day.

I'm Away At Chicago TARDIS....

...but if you can't make Chicago TARDIS, please enjoy these videos from years past:

Your Monthly Blogaround Moment of Zen

With all of my fiction writing efforts coming to light - and with freelance work providing me with income - I must admit that my online writing (except for this blog) has somewhat fallen to the wayside. I definitely have some posts that I'll need to craft for I Hear of Sherlock in December, when things have died down from Chicago TARDIS.

But until then....just a few highlights.....

Like the fact that I will be a panelist on Saturday morning of Chicago TARDIS, talking classic Doctor Who. If you're planning on attending, please join me!

If Black Bat Mystery Vol 3 has you pumped for more pulp, you might want to take a gander at this Airship 27 Secret Agent X anthology - I served as associate editor. Trust me, you'll dig this one.

Yes, I'm also one of the supporters of Uncanny Magazine's Year Two Kickstarter - I know the Thomases (great people to know, by the way), and they put out a great magazine. You really should consider reading it.

Finally, an update on my effort to reach John Oliver of Last Week Tonight...and some great nonprofit events in Chicago.

Join Me For November (Doctor) Who-Liganisms!

So you're probably thinking, "Hey, Gordon's a busy guy, and I would love to get together with him to hang....but how do I go about doing that?"

Two opportunities, everyone, to socialize with me and "get your Who on."

First, the Chicago Nerd Social Club and Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group hold weekly viewing parties of new Doctor Who every week at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park. You're welcome to join us upstairs for The Zygon Inversion - it's an hour's worth of socializing followed by this week's episode of Doctor Who. It's a pretty cool crowd, and more importantly, all you need to do is let us know your coming (via Eventbrite)

Also, it's getting down to the wire for Chicago TARDIS - not just for the auction, but since Alex Kingston (aka "River Song") will be there on Friday and Sunday...it's going to be really cool. Here are some details for helping with the auction (which benefits Northern Illinois Food Bank - just click around and you'll find a way to register at the last moment.

So please, join me. You'll have fun. I guarantee it.

Your Pre-Doctor Who Series Premiere Blogaround

Yes, tomorrow I will be hosting a live view of the Doctor Who Series 9 Premiere; but until then, here's a listing of various online shenanigans. (All in an effort to maintain "proper reputation management", as the kids say...

But first, via Sean Taylor's blog, my thoughts on writing great mysteries. And with several projects forthcoming....it's very timely indeed.

And on the Chicago Now front....I'm working on two really big posts, but for now, here's a profile of ChariPick, a really cool Chicago startup.

Things are moving along with the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, but in an effort to drive interest and traffic, please check out this recent item for the Chicago Nerd Social Club website. (And if you would like to meet me in person, check out the joint meetup with Chicago Doctor Who Meetup on September 22nd).

Finally, I was proud to have been name-checked on both Reality Bomb and Radio Free Skaro....although aside to RFS host Steven - please tell me where you see a few extra letters in my last name?

Best comment wins a prize.

Your Doctor Who To-Do Event List

You know, in my second life as organizer for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group, I can honestly say...I have some really great things in the hopper.

And yes, that does include planning the Chicago TARDIS charity auction, thank you very much.

Heading into the week of the premiere....there's some really cool things happening, and you're all invited.

On Wednesday, September 19th, we're holding our usual event at Third Coast Comics, conveniently located near the Granville Red Line station. For more details, please check out the evite on Meetup.

In addition, we're holding a trial event - watching the Series 9 in glorious High Definition at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park. (Trust me, it will get a little wibbly-wobbly later on in this post). We're asking people who wish to attend to RSVP via Eventbrite....and you're more than welcome to do the same if you're interested.

And if you're looking to talk about the episode on September 22nd, join us at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Square (which is not the same Red Lion in Lincoln Park). Interested or wish to RSVP? Details via Meetup.

Thanks, and more blog posts are forthcoming!

It's Chicago TARDIS Auction Time Again!

(Also posted on Facebook)

Yes, folks, it's *that* time again - time when I put on my Auction Coodinator hat for Chicago TARDIS, and gear up for getting some cool items for the auction.

Thankfully, all of the paperwork was done during the cold, cold winter, so now comes the actual work - soliciting items for auction, proceeds to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank in their efforts to fight hunger in the Western Suburbs.

What are we interested in? Well, here's a brief list of items we would consider for the auction:

• Doctor Who/Torchwood/Sarah Jane-themed memorabilia
• Fan arts and crafts items (because we *love* knitters); 
• Doctor Who (and other) themed videos and memorabilia; and
•  Select memorabilia from other franchises (like Star Trek)

We also run a canned food drive, and this year we will take both cash *and* credit card donations. Our goal is to raise $3,000 (a 10% increase from the past two years), and we think we can achieve that goal.

How can you help?

• Donate an item for auction. 
• Consider sharing this update amongst your friends on Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest/etc. Or....
• Make a donation via bit.ly/ChiTARDISAuction (just write "2015 Chicago TARDIS" in the comments section and e-mail me the receipt).

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me via auction@chicagotardis.com Thanks, and *please* consider supporting us, even if it's just sharing this via social media....because and and all help is greatly appreciated.

Review: TWITTER WHO Volumes 1 & 2

As winter hits hard in Chicago, my thoughts go back to November....and Chicago TARDIS. Working the silent auction, I was fortunate enough to meet Hannah - a really cool volunteer who seriously rocked an Osgood cosplay.

(Side note - men my age should never, under any circumstances, use the phrase "rock the **** cosplay).

When she handed me a card promoting her books which were compilations of live tweets of classic Doctor Who episodes, I was intrigued enough to purchase Volume One of Twitter Who via Smashwords. That led to me Volume Two (focusing on the Second Doctor), and quite honestly - these are must-reads for any Doctor Who fan.

You're probably thinking "Why should I read live tweets of shows I already watch"? Much like pal John of Comic Related (who performs the same task with Agents of SHIELD), Hannah Rothman takes a very pointed, snarky - and fun - look at classic Who. In a fandom where several people take themselves way too seriously (a friend of mine nearly lost his stuff because I was bad at Twitter math), Hannah does a really good job at highlighting some aspects of early Who....especially since much of these episodes are only available as reconstructions.

(Plus, she had me at Made of Walruses. You're going to have to purchase the books yourself to get the joke).

Another cool thing about both books is that they're published through Smashwords - it's a self-publishing platform that provides a great deal of books. (My publisher, Pro Se Productions, and pal Mike Luoma have used the platform in the past). You're able to get the books in a variety of formats, including PDF (for those of you who may not have tablets). There's even an online reader - even if you don't own any kind of device, there's a nice flexibility to the platform that I'm really liking.

Seriously, though - Volumes One and Two of Twitter Who are really good reading, especially for non-Who fans. I think you'll get a kick out of both (and can't wait for Volume 3).

My Post-Thanksgiving Celebration At Chicago TARDIS!

As we charge through NaBloPoMo, just a heads-up; I'll be away from the keyboard for most of this weekend since I'll be working the Charity Auction for Chicago TARDIS. If you're planning on attending, please be sure to say hello - here's my picture (I'm the guy sitting down)

Hope to see you there!

Help the Chicago TARDIS/DOCTOR WHO Charity Auction

One of the many cool things I'm fortunate to be involved with is the charity auction for Chicago TARDIS, a great Doctor Who-themed convention to be held Thanksgiving weekend. I love the fact that I get to engage my fannish love of the show with my urge to do good and help others....but today, I'm asking for your help.

No, this isn't written out of desperation at all - just wanted to provide five positive ways that you can help the auction, even if you're not attending - or a Doctor Who fan:

1. Donate an item for auction - we're always seeking cool Who-themed items for both our silent and live auctions. (All funds benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank). Think of it as a way to clean out your closet or basement, and provide some tangible benefit for the auction. If you're interested, please drop me a line at auction@chicagotardis.com, and I can guide you through the rest of the process. It's easy - trust me!
   
2. Consider being a bidder (if you're attending) - trust me, even if you don't win an item, you're providing us with the goodwill to move forward. (Plus, we do take payments of cash, check, or credit card - more on that in a moment). You can simply head to the Chicago TARDIS Auction Bidder subpage, fill out a quick form, and you'll be in.
3. Make a Small Cash Donation - this year, we're fortunate to have a web-based way for people to donate. If you can't make the convention, but wish to make a donation, simply head to http://bit.ly/ChiTARDISAuction - it's Northern Illinois Food Bank's donation page. Simply donate and amount, and mention "Chicago TARDIS" in the comments section. Even if it's just a few dollars, you'll be helping out in a major way.
4. Forward this post via social media - Yes, you're more than welcome to Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest the Troughton out of this post. (And I'm using "Troughton" in lieu of profanity). The more people know about this, the more we can make an impact. And finally, in an abrupt twist
5. Support Your Local Food Pantry - Even if you can't do anything for Chicago TARDIS, you can make an impact on your own community - many of us are out there on the front lines, trying to scrape by, and working hard simply to stay afloat. Showing people compassion - even in our highly charged, almost volatile cultural climate - can make the greatest of differences. Being willing to find the common humanity in your neighbors and other participants...is the greatest difference you can make.

One of the reasons why I love Doctor Who is that theme of empowerment - the fact that every life matters, and that even the most humble of individuals is capable of performing acts of great courage and benefit. I know that's why I entered the nonprofit field (although I've had to cross over into the corporate world because, well, that's where the jobs tend to be) as well as social enterprise. If the least you can do is help get the word out, great - if you can help with items, that's cool, too.
Either way, Chicago TARDIS is making a positive stand by holding this auction....and really needs - and deserves - your support. Thanks!

Sunday Afternoon Online Knockabout

As you can hear on this week's episode of Zone 4, I had the opportunity to review pal Ron's latest comic for Red Bud Studios, I.V. Frost. (It will be released at Pulpfest in early August). Please give the podcast a listen for a more detailed review, but the short form - I liked it.

Thanks to making my publishing debut in Pro Se Productions' Tall Pulp anthology, I now have my own Amazon.com page. Trust me when I say that by this time next year, there will be some other works joining it. (And yes, I will be creating an Amazon store with my editing and writing efforts, so keep an eye on that page - it'll grow. Trust me.)

In other news, I've switched domain hosts (since my previous one was evil, and I am falling in love with my new domain registrar/web hosting site DreamHost) for my personal web site, and I'm creating a web site to develop a freelance consultancy. (Although I'm open to full time work, I also want something in place for the various freelance/consulting opportunities that seem to come my way). If you want to provide feedback on my professional site, please feel free to drop me a line via e-mail. It's a WordPress site, and since I'm honing my mad WP skills, could always use the feedback.

One of the other things that has happened is that, as a south sider, I'm learning about some really cool local initiatives, including a business incubator due east in the Woodlawn neighborhood. For more details (and for a heads-up on a free information session), please check out my blog post for ChicagoNow.

In other news, I will also be working on two other projects - I'm fortunate enough to be running the charity auction for Chicago TARDIS this year, and I'll also be prepping for the Chicago Geek Breakfast on August 14th. It's a nice, casual networking event for those of us who want an alternative to the $25-for-two-drink-tickets style of event prevalent in Chicago. If you're in the area on that day, please stop by and give us a visit - you can RSVP via Eventbrite.

5 Things I've Accomplished in the Past 48 Hours

In the past 48 hours, I have managed to:

1. Finish post-auction work having raised over $2,900 in funds and food for the Northern Illinois Food Bank as Auction Coordinator for Chicago TARDIS;
2. Begin preparing for a job interview on Thursday after receiving news about another potential professional gig;
3. Take pride in the fact that I shared one of my favorite Doctor Who stories on DVD with a really cool pal;
4. Finish and present a marketing plan focusing on acquiring work as a consultant; and
5. Receiving this lovely certificate from six months' worth of classes (via grant) from DePaul Kellstadt:

And now, it's time for a nap. 

Come Bother Me At Chicago TARDIS!

I'll be at the Auction booth outside of the dealer's room.

Podcasters - if you want to interview me, that's cool, but I'll end up making up stuff, like how my grandfather wrote Tomb of the Cybermen.

Blog's set up for the next few days.....and so until then, it's go-go-go!

Too Much To Do, Too Little Time.....

This has been a very busy week - filled with job interviews, applications, continuing outreach for Chicago TARDIS....but I have managed to keep my hand in several extracurricular affairs for your reading and listening pleasure.

First, on the podcast front - not only do you have a new episode of Zone 4, but I also made an appearance on pal JB's Who 37 podcast where we discussed the recently found Troughton episodes, mocked other missing episodes, and well....just give it a listen, will you?

Plus, not only can you read my Chicago Now blog focused on tech & the social good, but you can follow it on Facebook - go ahead and like https://www.facebook.com/OneCauseAtATimeCNow if you wish.
And now, back to the grindstone.....

Time Isn't Relative: Help the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction

I know that many of you out there are like me - willing to give a little to help out others. So when the opportunity came to run the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, I leapt at the opportunity....

...after all, isn't helping people and fighting evil what Doctor Who is all about?

However, I'm now soliciting item donations....and for the readers of this blog, it's a great opportunity to help out. How?

• Know any stores/fan groups willing to donate items for auction? Thinking of donating an item yourself? Fill out our online form and trust me, I'll reach back out to you. (All proceeds benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank, so you can be assured that I won't secretly steal your mint condition VHS of Time and the Rani).
• Have suggestions for people/organizations I can contact, especially in the Midwest? Drop me an e-mail via auction@chicagotardis.com (That way, I don't have to put my personal contact information online, and won't have to deal with people bugging me because I made a cheap joke at the expense of Time and the Rani)
• Forward/Tweet/Facebook the heck out of this post - use your social media mojo. Heck, even promote it on Google Plus. I'm not afraid to "shake what my mother gave me" in terms of bringing positivity to the Chicago area.

Since I'll be reaching out to various and sundry (and may end up contacting some of you anyway), why not help a pal out. Even if you can't be at Chicago TARDIS, you can help make the holidays a little easier for someone....and help someone else get some really cool Doctor Who-ish swag. In the end, isn't that what it's all about? 

This Week's Online Shenanigans (With Bonus Pulp Review!)

(Note: as always, a complimentary electronic copy of Shadow Legion was provided for review purposes. My views are my own).

This past week, I had the opportunity to interview Thomas Deja, one of the co-hosts of Better In the Dark (a must-hear movie and pop culture podcast) as part of this week's Zone 4 episode. We focused on his novel Shadow Legion: New Roads to Hell, a great Golden Age-era superhero tale in sparkling prose....

....which I enjoyed immensely. Much like Adventures of Lazarus Gray, this is a very pleasant read and a great alternative to the less-than-stellar work other companies are putting out. It's a great mix of Golden Age superheroics and supernatural elements, and is an outstanding debut. Definitely worth reading.

I also had the opportunity to guest on pal JB's Who 37 podcast and discuss the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction to benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank. If you're interested in making a donation, please fill out this convenient online form, and e-mail me at auction@chicagotardis.com if you have questions and/or you would like some help in promoting the auction. (No, I can't hook you up with passes, but you've purchased them already, right?)

Speaking of Who-related goodness, check out both of these posts for Chicago Nerd Social Club. Oh, and I have a job interview on Monday - wish me luck!

Two Weeks' Worth of Online Shenanigans

Admittedly, the past few weeks have been busy with both professional efforts (finishing a draft of a story - and yes, I'll be getting the contract to the appropriate person within the next few days) and a bit of personal tragedy (will blog on that shortly)....

...first, before I begin, I ask my readers: are these weekly summaries of everything else I'm doing useful? Granted, I'm happy to do it (it helps my Google rankings), but I'm also wanting to be more accessible, and performing some "market research" so I can improve my blogging.

(Yes, graduate classes at DePaul are influencing my decision making...:)

And now, some of my efforts from the past few weeks - for your reading pleasure:

• As you may know, I'm the Director for Chicago TARDIS' charity auction this year. If you're interested in participating either to bid on items or donate items, be sure to head here and sign up. (If you haven't bought your pass already....you might want to do so sooner rather than later).
• Via Chicago Now - how non-profits can survive the government shutdown
• Also via Chicago Now, the only Breaking Bad post I will ever write
• This week's Zone 4 podcast focuses on the Green Hornet, while last week's focuses on Agents of SHIELD. Both are worth a listen.

And this week, coming up I have the following projects (in order to remain accountable)

• Continuing to follow up and engage around finding work (either freelance or full-time; if you know someone who's seeking a non-profit marketer, refer them to http://linkd.in/gordondym, and yes, I'll work remote)
• A review of Terror of the Zygons on DVD for this blog;
• A review of The Doctors Revisited: Five Through Eight for Chicago Nerd Social Club;
• Finishing the latest script for the Wonderman web comic (and yes, I know the first issue isn't complete - I'm merely writing it, and am working on issue # 4); and
• Tracking down the guy who is cybersquatting on my domain (of course, I could go public on this blog - thoughts?)

My Busy, Busy Week of Online Activity

I know it's been awhile - thanks to two, count 'em, two job interviews in the last few weeks (one is a no-go, one I'm still waiting to hear about), and resuming classes at DePaul, I've been away from the keyboard....at least, away from this blog.

However, now with a variety of activities coming to life, I thought I would go ahead and highlight the activities and good things of the past week and a half. Enjoy!

• The Les Vamps anthology (in which I have a story) will be released in early October, but I have some advance review copies available. Simply drop me a line via my web site (with a preference for PDF, Kindle, or EPUB), and I will send you the file (or, upon request, a Dropbox link)
• Last week, Chicago TARDIS announced a charity auction to benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and who do you think is chairing it? That's right - this guy! If you would like to register to bid (or to donate memorability) simply click here and find the pull-down menu.
• On the most recent episode of the Zone 4 podcast, you'll find the guys and I discussing villain teams. I'm seriously thinking of developing my idea into an actual comic (minus the copyrighted characters, of course....)
• As part of Chicago Nerd Social Club, I've not only written a review of the Scream of the Shalka DVD (Spoiler: it's not that good), I've also organized a Doctor Who 50th Anniversary viewing party (Spoiler: it's gonna be awesome!)
• Your Breaking Bad/non-profit networking mashup moment of zen.
• For Comic Related, I wrote a lovely post about shark jumping, with extra Red Dwarf content.
• Not only have I written another post for I Hear of Sherlock (which integrated the Baker Street Blog), but I was also name checked in another post. Hurrah!
• Finally, if you know of anyone who can use my talents (via my Linked In profile), drop me (and them) a line. More than willing to work remote.

Thanks, and now, back to the job hunt.