HI FAM! (I HAVE DESTEE'S PERMISSION TO POST HERE!!!)

RIGHT OFF THE BAT – THIS IS NOT A POLL!!! IT’S AN INVITATION!!!

The DESTEE FAM Siblings in Montgomery Alabama will host POET FLOW 2002, Friday through Sunday, August 2-4. This event will take place! Whether there are 10 family members or 100 we will be vibin’!

WHERE: Best Suites Hotel
Montgomery, Alabama
WHEN: Friday August 2 through Sunday, August 4
HOSTS: k. laBarron, Mizdee, Danilyn/Rashad, MsBerry98, and other local poets.

TENTATIVE EVENTS:

Friday, August 2nd 7:00 p.m. – Mixer/Flow

Saturday, August 3rd ALL DAY – Poet Flow ( It will be categorized into themes so you can hit what you so desire) /Poetry in the Park/Art Gallery Visit/
Cultural tours throughout the day (Optional)
7:00 p.m. Family Dinner/Flow

Sunday, August 4th - 6:00 a.m. Early Morning Vibes
8:00 a.m. PLANNING MEETING FOR 2003
10:30 a.m. Worship (OPTIONAL)
1:00 p.m. Early Dinner (For those who remain)

SESSION ATTENDANCE:

All REGISTERED DESTEE FAM members will attend and perform free of charge.

NON DESTEE FAM memberS will have the option a per session charge or a weekend pass purchase that will allow them to attend all Open Sessions.

The public will be invited to attend shows so that the DESTEE FAM can showcase our flavor for the city and surrounding areas.

RESERVATIONS: Contact Hotel Solutions/Tandi Mitchell (334) 279-1334
FAX (334)279-9948. Reservations are taken from 8-5 CST or by fax. Room cost is $55 to $60. Rooms are available Best Suites and Baymont Inn. (King Rooms = 2 adults w/king bed & sleeper sofa. Double Rooms = 3 adults w/2 double beds & sleeper sofa. Each additional adult per room is $10.) Price include hot breakfast either continental or buffet. Be prepared to provide a credit card number, check-in/check-out dates/times. Payment will be due upon check-in. Contact Tandi for more information if necessary.

CANCELLATIONS: Hotel reservations must be canceled by 4:00 CST on the date of arrival.

TRAVEL: DESTEE FAM members must coordinate your own travel. We will pick up from the airport and shuttle to our reunion location.

LOCAL TRAVEL: Vans will be secured for local transportation to off-site events.

VENDORS: DESTEE FAM MEMBERS who have registered to attend will vend for free.

NON-FAM MEMBERS will incur a $50.00 vendors fee or a 10% Sales Agreement with the host FAM.

FEES: The Conference fee is $50.00. THIS IS NON-REFUNDABLE AND DUE NOT LATER THAN JULY 1st, 2002!

HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT. IT WILL BE HOT IN ALABAMA THAT WEEKEND.

all of us( kla, danilyn, msberry98, and rashad) r extremely excited about hosting the reunion and having ALL of ya'll come to visit. we r planning some BIG surprises and three dayz of nonstop vibin' and freestylin'! don't let us down - come and be part of the fun!


dee:jumping: :jumping: :jumping:

I am too excited that we were able to get this together for the fam. Please don't let all our efforts go to waste! We think you'll really enjoy yourselves. We promise to show all the fam a great time. You won't want to miss it!!!! Come join us :)

i will definite-ly be in the hizouse!!

oh & for all of those who say they love me...
you can brang my birthday gifts wit you!! :D

:jumping: this is sooooo exciting!! :jumping:

:heart:
Elayne.

I can hardly contain my excitement about this event. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to put names and faces together with those we call family. I haven't been part of the FAM all that long but I must say that I immediately felt at home and loved. Please come out and show your support. I'll be coming from MD just for this event (not like I had a choice since KLA made me a host :lol: ). I would like to meet each and everyone of my brothers and sisters who I've come to know through their dynamite pieces. Love and blessings to each of you. And.... hope I see you there.

PS Do you know how off the chain a Bday party for Sunny E would be? Oh my gosh. I get the shakes just thinking about it. :x:

Smooches :kiss:

ok MsB, let's make it happen. B'day party for Sunshyne!

Alright Dani... you know I'm down like a prostitutes fishnets. Let's make it happen.

People may come and people may go, but there is something about putting faces to words of souls from distant places that
have touched the souls of those who seek to find piece of
mind through words of knowledge, wisdom, and experiences
of different kinds.

It will be a pleasure as well as a privilege host Poet Flow 2002
here in Alabama. The poets here in the Dirty South are ready
and are excited about getting together to enjoy each other in
the art of expressing the soul. So come if you will and join us,
we promise not to bite.:D :D Come expecting much love and to
experience the essence of Southern Hospitility at its finest!!

Much Love!!

I had to laugh Sherykah.... :laugh:

hey ! i guess i'll be in flyght wit my chi~town part of da family
yeap da extreme bruthas Bishop / watcher & me hopefully
C too........woooooweeeeee!!

Sounds like a "Va-Ca-Ti-oN" to me!! This sounds wonderful... From Minne"snow"ta to Alabama ...... south bound ..... for a weekend in the mix with my family whom I've neva eva met.... :love:

(ya'll ain't no Ted Bundy's are ya'll ?? -- I don't want to come up missin' & have my momma nem' lookin' for me...) :lol:

Oh, and I would be flyin' in ... and I can also try to find out what's up with Blakverb (put an A.P.B. out on that fine azzzzz) & see if he wanna 'roll out' wit me!! :D


:heart: N2

Sherrie. Sherrie. Sherrie. what is up with alla this
"Reason's birthday is..."... "my anniversary is..."
"since we celebratin' ****" ****?? don't hate! :tongue:
just participate!! i want YOUR gift upon arrival!!

(oh & sis... Blak's # is... oh i'll hit ya on Yahoo!)

:lol: Lawd have Mersay......:lol: Just checkin' out the flight details :lol: and JimmenyChristmas ~ what happend to "travel discounts??":lol:

Northwest Airlines ain't no jokety-joke to fly from Minne"snow"ta to Montgomery (MGM) airport is a lil' mint!! You'd think I was askin' to go to Bermuda or somewhere.... :lol:

The airlines done went MADD with the pricing .... even when you trynna make plans well in advance..... (Bin Laden where are ya' when we need a good discount on them flights :lol: )


Holla back if anyone else knows about some steals & deals.... I didn't think I would have to pull out my private helicopter to come see ya'll, but I might have to N*gga Rigg sumpin'!! :) :D

I hope that everyone will definitely be in attendance because it already sounds like it's going to be one heck (since today is Sunday) of a good time. One question though Rykah.... who's from Columbus?

:heart: in' ya'll ta death.

PS... N2: We are many things (crazy, silly, spiritual, did I mention silly? etc., etc.) but serial killers is not one of them. But then you'll get to see that when you get there.

N2... try Delta. If you are a skymiles customer you can get some great deals into ATL. Then maybe some of us could coordinate our arrivals and drive down together. I'm more than willing to do so. I'll be down that way for a while so I'll have to rent something anyway... Jus' an idea!!!

hey, y'all...wanna be there but gotta check the calendar. i scheduled the month of july off--family reunion in houston and all--and the squad at work threw a hissy fit. now i gotta go back and ask for an extension. hope they're a compassionate crew. if not, i may not make it. which would be too bad...since i'll be in mississippi the week before.

cross ya fingers, family.
baller's try'na make a move.:)

MsBerry

You know I gotz nuttin' but :heart: for ya ... Ya'll ....:) (just jokes baby gurl, just jokes) :D

-- But I'm serious as a heart-attack on that "airlines stuff".... whew!!

I know... I was jokin' as well... but fa real do'... check out delta.com and sign up for skymiles.... last special they had (Friday) you could get a round trip ticket to ATL for $108.

Ok....let me check it out sistah gurl!! :)

Rykah ~

Sounds like a good idea!!

I'm probably about anywhere from a good 6 1/2 to 9 hours from D-Town.... what's the ETA from Detroit to Bama??

When are you plannin' on leavin' out, and also on the return... what's your time frame??

:) N2

Rykah~

We may have a plan going! The "Verbal" one just hit me back & he's gonna see what his schedule is for the year & let us know... he might ride ova to D'town wit me, then we'll get up into your vehicle or rent a hooptie or sumpin'!! :lol:

Don't 4 get we gots to stop by momma 'nems to get them pies! :lol:

:) N2

:lol: u krazee.... lawdy lawd :lol:

We can have Blak sell them at the gas station....
(put him in a bow-tie & have people thinkin' he's sellin' bean pies) :lol:

even if he ain't we'll still do da **** thang!! :)

This "party in the durty souf" **** sounds straight kewl like that!!!!!

The Gentleman of Quality intends to participate...

Uncle Sam is shipping me off in September for a minute so I'd betta get some QT in with the fam before then...

:peace:
GQ

Daazzzz ryte Sherrrr-kah!!! Not without the dancer!!! I'm readst tah git m partae Onnnnnnn!!!!

I'll brang some gifts too!!! Fah all dah belated borndays!!!

LET'S NOT 4GET AFRI/AMINATA'S BORNDAY!!!!!!!

SHERRY...YOU GON NEED SOME HELP DRIVIN????

and i don't mean drivin you CRAAAAZY!!!!!!!!!

LMBAO @ Shery and N2!!! Bean pies??? Y'all crazy!!!

Looks like I'll be missing Carabana this year!!!!!

All of you are toooo funny :lol: . For the person who asked about strip clubs... when I left the Gump a year ago there weren't any but we can always sneak off to B'ham, Atl, or Columbus (home of the strip club). Let a sister know.... I can get you there.

Oh... and let me just add: I am super excited about this thang. (Is there a smilie for super excited?) :jumping: :D

Rykah... Columbus has about 8 or 11 different "scrip" clubs on one street. ( i went to school right in the mix)

LOL@ Ms.B... umm dat would be Victory Drive!!
(does dat sound familiar??) & Sherrie. it is
the street that leads direct-ly to Ft Benning!! :lol:

well...uhh, i just been sittin' back ova heyah lol atch yaw. i think i'm gone have to bring my raggedy butt on ova dare to see everybody, myself. i'm excited:jumping:! i gotta find out how many pennies i can find to get me ova dare:wink:.

Sunny E... you are exactly right! What a small world.

Lister... do what you gotta do to get your face in the place. We gotta have you there.

i am too excited over all the excitement!!!!!! I am so glad all ya'll wanna hang out in the gump for a minute. I can't wait to meet everybody. The sistahs and brothas in the gump had a meeting last night, trying to coordinate thangz! It's gonna be off da hook. Believe me, ya ain't gonna want to miss it. If work is an issue, start coughing or somethin on Wed. or Thurs. We gotta have all of you here!!!!! Peace and hair grease to you all!!

shery, guh...it ain't gone be aight for me, if you ain't there. nuff said chile!

amidst the papers of my writing...
i say, i am there

(driving from dallas)

oh, fa sho'.
the gump is only a few hours from the crib.
be dea wit bells on...........

hw

I'll meet you on 75 with my air matress with the slow leak. Sherrie said she brangin me some tape so this thing is on and poppin. I hope neither one of you snore :)


P.S. GQ, now you can bring me my "Tastey Cakes":kiss:



One

FAM - I AM GEEKED. THIS IS GONNA BE SWEEEETTTTTT!!!!!

747 fuel up set for takeoff to da bash of Destee Place
y'all i'm headed ya way!

The views and opinions expressed by Sherykah in regards to the non-alcoholic comment are not necessarily, in whole-or in part supported by Reason. Though I am not an alcoholic I don't mind hitting the communion bottle a few extra times. Hell i'm drinkin right now!

excuse me.."what the hell you want?", huh? "oh we on the air?"

~Ahem~

This has been a paid announcement.

Reason

don't worry. i know that at least four of us down here will have your back! lol
i am so excited that all of u r planning to come - it is gonna be of the hizook!!!!!!!!!!

dee

At this moment in time I wont be able to attend because of my son's birthday but I am working on a solution. Keep ya eyez peeled and cut me a lemon to chase this ****.....

P.S. it's the sober drivers that cause all the accidents!!! lol

Anybody wanna ride with me if'n I can make it?!?

Reas,

Do ya best to do what ya can to be in the place dawg!!!

Ya poetical bro is mos' def down to sip a few libations wit ya!!!

:peace:
GQ

Aiight Q since Shery puttin a brutha in jail I wont drink till I get there...lol

If I can make it save one for me dog!

Shery if you want I can help you drive... I promise not to drink while im drivin. I will pull over every 5 miles for a swig...lol

Im just foolin...lol

N2 ain't neva lied about the airlines trippin'...

I've just checked out prices starting at $1384 and that's from Philly Int'l to Montgomery...that's pretty steep!!!

I think I'ma drive...or Shery can swing through and pick me up in Jersey!!!! :wink:

:peace:
GQ

hey ya'll

trips directly into montgomery r always sky high! check southwest airlines flights into b'ham or atl. we can always come and get ya!!!! holla back, younginz' !

dee

Mizdee,

Now that's more like it!!!! I like those prices!!!!!

I still may drive; but how much of an inconvenience would it be for you guys to pick up those of us who do decide to fly and come in via Birmingham or the ATL???

:peace:
GQ

it wouldn't be an inconvience...we want u here- by any means necessary! ;P


dee

I second that! We are more than willing to come pick u guys up. Those of you who fly, just let us know. It might be easier if you decide on one airport though, like everybody fly into B'ham or everybody fly into ATL. But I'm like Dee, we just want you here, whatever it takes!

I offered to car pool from the airport earlier in the thread. we just need to coordinate.

looks like i might be packin' lunchables for a loong trip to da dirty down unda :D

may i bring da click of poets with me?? we stay sober unlike Reas n'em :lol:

j'hiah,

We won't get too inebriated....just enuff tho'!!!! :laugh:

:toast:
GQ

You may bring whoeva u like J'hiah. The point is for u, as a family member, to be here. We gonna have a goooooooooooood time!

Second J'hiah - my hope is that we'll all being our crews with us. Have them join the family also. Plenty good room for more siblings.

this gone be on and crackin fo sho yall.....

hell yeah I mean that grey roll you got in the trunk of the car girl. That's all purpose tape. Reason you know you are in denial. I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time now :D . Sherrie don't let that nut drive nothing. Oh yeah I'm sending lil Reason a gift so don't be trying to beat him to the mail box chump :x: . It's for him.

For those of you who are flying in try orbitz.com for airfare as well. They usually have decent prices on the site and sometimes if you go to delta.com they have air specials. Another place you might want to check is clarkhoward.com. He has good information on there as well.

GQ if you be nice to me I will ask my middle sister if she would come up here and scoop you too, but you gotta promise not to be trying to feel on our bootays :eek:



One

I'm not promising anythang Zorb!!!!! :laugh:

:peace:
GQ

sherykah,

we r working on a t-shirt for the reunion. that will be part of the regirstration fee.

dee

there is going to be a small registration fee to help cover food, entertainment and tshirts.

Rykah - check the orginal post. there is a $50.00 conference registration fee to defray costs to host this auspicious, bodaciously fantastic poetic experience. come flow now!!!

I haven't been to Bama in years sounds like a blast!
I do declare there will be flows everywhere.
I will be there with a smile on my face:D
And some flow to rock the place.
BLESSINGS ON YA HOUSE

looking forward to meeting you Sister.

me too! i'm so excitedto meet all of ya'll and just get hour flow on!!!!!!!!!!......and get our party on too!!!

dee

don't break the wine bottle mizdee02. you shakin' it a bit fast!!!

KLA... you already know how we do :wink: leave Dee alone. :lol:

I am coming ... I don't know how I'm getting there, YET ... but i'm comin' ... I look forward to meeting the WHOLE LOT of ya ... lol

Alicia

Let's do it!!!!!

all drinkers take flyght wit da $$Richster!
ground road may close in on ya but up here
ya safe 110% sure...................

Rich, when yall land on da Gump ground there will be plenty to go round, u feel me...It's gone be tyte!! & ryght!!:toast:

Plenny of libations for the YACheads!!!! :laugh: :toast:

:peace:
GQ

Plenny!! Cause it's gone be on & poppin!!:toast:

this...I'ma certainly brang a lil sumthin' sumthin' for erybody's taste!!!

:peace:
GQ

Now I know it's on fo real!!
Handle yo business playa cause da ladies got some things in store so we need to be ready to do da **** thang u feel me!!
It's gone be Hot!!

Yep, that's mos' def what's up!!!!!

I'm psyched and it ain't even summer yet!!!

:peace:
GQ

awwright Rashad...u makin it sound like their comin' to Freaknik!!!!! lol

dee

I can't wait neither, so till then keep it hot my Brutha, cause it will be here mos def!!:toast:

U know how we get down!!
After work(if u consider it work), then play, u hear what I say!!
And u never know what this might turn out to be, but I know one thing it's gone be Hoooooooooot in the Gump, Sis, Like Kief Mo say "I'm GEEKED" LOL:D

Freaknik @ the Gump?????

Makes ya go....hmmmmmmmmm!!!!! :lol:

:peace:
GQ

Look what u've done!!
Then gone talk bout me!!LOL:D
GQ, I agree!

Dee...
would a mini Freaknik actually be a bad thing? ;) :lol:

Dani,

Watch it now!!!! :lol:

Some brothas are single and would love to mingle!!! :lol:

:heart:
GQ

Ya'll are tooo **** funny for words. But uhh... what's up with... never mind. :lol: !!!!!!
... my crew is feeling me.

MsB,

We just keepin' it real!!!! :lol:

:heart:
GQ

Can you clear this up for me:

You wrote: "All REGISTERED DESTEE FAM members will attend and perform free of charge"

Does this means that since I am a registered poet of Destee, I get to perform for free and only pay for my hotel and travel. Or does it really mean that I pay for travel, a room and the conference fee ?

You wrote: "The public will be invited to attend shows so that the DESTEE FAM can showcase our flavor for the city and surrounding areas."

Will this be recorded and how do I protect myself from having my work reproduced, and will there be ticket sales to the public for this event and if so do I get a portion of the proceeds since I paid to perform (conference fee)?

You wrote: "VENDORS: DESTEE FAM MEMBERS who have registered to attend will vend for free."

Again if I am paying a conference fee then I am not attending or vending for free (unless you are waiving the conference fee for registered Destee poets)

You wrote:"FEES: The Conference fee is $50.00. THIS IS NON-REFUNDABLE AND DUE NO LATER THAN JULY 1st, 2002!"

Say for argument sake that I pay the conference fee May 1st and I break my leg May 28th or something and I know for a fact that I will not be able to be there in August, are you saying that even though I have given you almost 2 1/2 months notice, I can not get my conference fee back? That's just like saying here's 50 bucks just because. I think I should be able to recoup my fee since I will not be attending the conference and you were notified way in advance. Maybe you can have some type of insurance where if I have paid and know I won't be able to attend any longer then I should get the money back. Travel agents give you the option to get insurance so if you can't make the trip or what ever, you can get your deposit back providing you pull out within a certain amount of time that they set. They usually charge like 10 or 15 bucks extra for that option.


I can't speak for the members of Destee only for me. Don't get me wrong here. I think this is a great thing that is about to take place and I want to participate on the real. It's just that after I read this again and began making arrangements to attend, these concerns came about. I need some clarification on these points because I do not wish to make arrangements, pay out money, rent rooms, cars, buy tickets etc. and this is not a FUBU(yall know what that stands for) Destee FAMILY PRODUCTION/FUNCTION.

I hear about poets having their work stolen all the time and I know for a fact that it has happened to some of my own peoples. See I love Destee because I feel protected and I know folk. It's like coming home after being in the field and just chillin with ya feet up on the coffee table being poetically stimulated.

I know that if Destee's name is associated with it then I don't have a thing to worry about. I can't speak for errry body in the house, but some of the things you have outlined are conflicting to me. Again I am not trying to be militant or hinder the progress of this event, I just need these issues to be cleared up before I make my final decision.


One

oooooooooohhhhhhh lawd...ya'll trying to turn the POETFLOW into a freak-fest...i just won't have!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :nono: :nono: :lol: :lol:
dee

Zorb,

All valid concerns mos' def!!!!

PoetFlow2K2 Committee...can ya clarify for the masses please?

:peace:
GQ

UbZoRbShUn & THE FAM

Sorry I have confused you guys. Please allow me to be clear.

ALL ATTENDEES WILL BE CHARGED THE REGISTRATION FEE. This will cover your Flow 2002 T-shirt, food expense, entertainment (DJ's for the parties) and any other incidentals that come with hosting the conference.

"The public will be invited to attend shows so that the DESTEE FAM can showcase our flavor for the city and surrounding areas."

NO RECORDING OF ANY SORT WILL BE ALLOWED! Each session host will have a scripted message that will be repeated thought out each session advising the audience that no audio or video equipment will be allowed and will be confiscated by a conference host is discovered.

Any profits left over will be passed to the next host family as a start up fund for next years Poetflow 2003. And we hope to have another host FAM volunteer to host us and we'll complete the financial transactions at a later date. NO INDIVIDUAL, HOST OR ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE PROFITS FROM ANY PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE.

ON VENDING. With your $50. registration - YOU VEND FOR FREE AND TAKE ALL YOUR OWN PROFITS. The $50 vending fee is for those who would vend but not attend session. (i.e., I have a brother who vends Negro league baseball memorabilia. He MAY vend but not do the sessions. He will have to pay $50 to have access to our attendees and he takes his own profits.) Basically it's waving the vending fee for registered FAM members.

NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FEE. Notice the suspense is 1 July. That’s about 30 days out. Now, my reasons for doing this on a NON-REFUNDABLE basis are these. 1) we are only 10 people and will not front the expense for this conference. EVERYONE must help bare the load by way of their own commitment to attend. I can't see us putting ourselves in a situation where 100 people SAY they are coming and at the last minute even 25 of those people pull out and expect to get a refund. Much of the monies will have been spent on pre-conference fees and reservations for DJ's, food deposits, T-shirt and all that prior to the FAM’S arrival. So we spend and cancellations require a large portion of monies to be returned THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN SPENT. I cannot see putting my siblings in that position. We cannot afford that. We are not a major hotel, airline or company with major cash flow. Please understand - THIS IS BEING DONE FROM SCRATCH WITH $0. That's why, hopefully, we can start the next hosts off with a fund. But for now we will not be stuck with a debt. I cannot see that. We’ve all done the family reunion thing and seen it be trouble. So we want to ensure that does not happen here.

I hope you can see where I am coming from. We are gonna do this and it's gonna be off the chain. I hope I have cleared it up enough and brought enough understanding that you'll attend.

Rykah and FAM. Standy by for a Conference Agenda to be posted not later than Wednesday! We will post it to the site with descriptions (PROJECTED DESCRIPTION - ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE!). The Montgomery Siblings meet this weekend and we will solidify the PRELIMINARY detail and entertian more quesitons at the point.

Hollar
k.laB

Kla,

While I am excited about this event, I cannot help but to feel that there are some concerns if you will about this being a money making venture given under the auspices of Destee.

Ubzorbshun voiced some specific and legit concerns and you responded but I'm not sure that the responses were clear to her or I.

Now I hear you when you talk about this conference fee and what it's supposed to cover; I can live with that; but why is it non refundable should a member not be able to attend? I am quite sure there will be no shows for whatever reason and quite frankly if 100 people agreed to attend and paid this fee and let's say a few people didn't show for legit reasons, why couldn't they be reimbursed? I don't think 150 bones would be too much to give back.

Further, I realize the PF2K2 committee is putting this thing together and are doing all the leg work associated with it, but I think the FAM needs to feel that their 50 bones will be fully utilized and not pocketed in any way...not saying that that's the case, but this is the perception since the no refund is a steadfast position.

And what about ticket sales? Are there going to be ticket sales? How much will they be? Where will those proceeds go to? You mentioned a start up fund for 2K3 but picture this:

If you are selling tickets at 10 bones a pop, and say 100 to 200 attend, we're taking upwards of 1000-2000 bones. Are you suggesting whatever the profit is on ticket sales, that that's what goes into the 2K3 start up kitty? Why then couldn't the Destee family members performing receive a nominal appearance fee? Or even refund the 50 bones conference fee?

What about the rental facility? Where's the front bones coming from for that? And exactly how much does it cost to rent wherever this event is taking place?

These are just some of the questions going on in my mind and probably other FAM members. I like everyone else who's stoked about attending, just feel that if issues are raised, the committee should do its' best to address each and every issue since we are talking about family members from Destee trying to come together.

My motivation to participate is so I can come together with all of the Destee Fam who may be attending and I seek no profit from this; generally speaking, if you tell me one thing, I'm inclined to believe you unless there are questions raised...and questions have been raised here.

All I would ask is that you succinctly address anything that perhaps you hadn't thought would be an issue to the FAM...meaning break it down in layman's terms for the FAM to quash concerns.

:peace:
GQ

Hello Everyone,

Thought I'd better step in and share a few words regarding this event. First of all, Destee is not involved in the planning, setup, management, finances, or follow-through of this event. While I think it's a wonderful idea, I don't have the time or know-how to bring such an event together. What may make some folk think that Destee is more in it than she really is ... is because of the forum created here specifically for the event. This was done by request to aid in the communication regarding, what I truly believe will be, a wonderful affair. Perhaps too, the special consideration that has been given to the Poets of Destee, during this affair, may lead one to believe that it is sponsored by and/or officially affiliated with Destee.

Now, having said all of that, let me say that I don't know the first thing about the structuring of "Open Mic." I don't know what the general practices are, how poets are compensated or even if poets are compensated. I do not know if this affair is anything more than a bunch of friends coming together or if it is for profit. I don't know any of these things.

What I do know is the integrity of KLabarron. I know him personally. I know his Momma and his Daddy and his Sisters and his Brothers. I know that he'd never take advantage of us or anyone. I know that he's extended this special invitation to the Destee Poets as a sincere gesture of love, because he and those making this happen, are Destee Poets too. This is the stuff I know.

Now ... back to your questions / answers everyone.

This public service announcement is over.

Destee

I hear you and thanks for your input.

Kla - I hope you realize that this brotha isn't suggesting foul play at all with funds...

Sometimes things are on people's minds yet they don't speak up about it...that's all...

I got nuttin' but love for ya brotha!!!

:peace:
GQ

for me Destee, because I was under the impression that it was a Destee function, now that I know I won't be assuming anything.

I agree with GQ and I hope that (you) klabarron didn't take the questions that I asked as anything more than me trying to be clear on the information provided. Again I can't speak for other poets on the board, I wanted to get this straight.




One

Hey FAM.

IT'S ALL MADE FOR LOVE! :)

I understand the questions and concerns. We'll (the Montgomery Siblings) be meeting this weekend. We'll respond not later than Tuesday AM and hopefully clarify issues/concerns/misunderstandings. But be sure... assured... reassured of this - we're not doing this to make money off our siblings. We simply want to see your smilin' faces and feel the sunshine of your vibes!

much love
k.laB

Originally posted by UbZoRbShUn
I know that if Destee's name is associated with it then I don't have a thing to worry about. 'Zorbsh'n ... it did my heart such good to read that. Thank You Sis. :love: :kiss: :love:

GQ ... you know how we do here ... questions/input are always welcome ... aint nuth'n like an understand'n. :heart:

Destee

I Wish All of you well. I will not be able to attend, but i know you guys will represent Xtreme Style

Bishop

The Montgomery siblings met last Saturday evening to discuss all of your concerns.
First off, let me say that our intention when we began this project was only to get together, put faces with names, and get our flow on. It was also our intention (as the hosts of the event) to have things ready and waiting for you when you got here, i.e. food, drinks (including alcohol for those of you who choose to imbibe), T-shirt, welcome package, transportation, etc. Since we are starting at ground zero with funds, a registration fee is a must! We would rather not host poetflow at all if you guys came down here and had to fend for yourselves. (And if you think about it, you would spend more than $50 if you had to fend for yourself the entire weekend!) In addition, because we are starting with zero funds, the fee is non-refundable. It is however, transferable – meaning if you can’t attend for whatever reason, you may let another family member go in your place. That family member would then pay you the $50 (if you have already paid it to us).

There was also some concern regarding profits. It was stated in the original post that the public would be invited to enjoy our flows. Well, allow us to explain who “the public” is. We read in Montgomery on the last Saturday of every month. The crowd that attends consists of our family and close friends. Montgomery is not a huge hub of poets, nor is the craft really popular among the masses. So the idea of 200 people attending with a cover charge of $10 is impossible. You must remember, Montgomery is a small town. We are trying to raise the awareness of poetry in the area, but we’re just not there yet. So the “public” would only be a small group of the people who support us in our endeavors.
THERE WILL BE NO CHARGING AT THE DOOR! Therefore, there will be no profits to distribute. Again, if there are funds left over from the registration fees, they will be given to the group who hosts Poetflow 2003 (and this should be determined at the planning session on the Sunday morning of the conference). A financial report will also be distributed at the planning session, so that the members that attended can see exactly what funds were used, and what we have left. This way, there can be no doubt about any funds being pocketed by any one of this year’s hosts.

The group would also like to say this: the idea of having a reunion was tossed around for a long time before Klabarron decided to bring the idea to fruition. We have worked hard to make this possible and wish for everyone to attend and have a wonderful time. If however you cannot, we totally understand. When we originally posted the information, it was made clear that this was not a poll. Polls, while convenient at times, can lead to confusion, especially when there are several opinions to consider. Again, Poetflow will go on whether 10 or 100 poets show up. We would love for each and every one of you to vibe with us!

I've read some of the posts relating to vending and sessions. Help a sistah understand.

If I paid my registration fee, I'd have to choose between vending and the poet sessions OR would it be possible to do both.

I entertained the thought of making and bringing candles and a few other hand crafted items. If I have to choose between one or the other, well...



:rolleyes: :)

Afri~
you may do both. Because you a registered member of Destee, all you need to pay is the registration fee. It will cover your vending as well! So come and spread the joy and love...
I love candles!!!!!!!!!!

Although I am unable to be in attendance, I must give much respect to you Danilyn, and Brotha Klabarron, for your clear articulation of the Poetflows' intent and purpose. I commend the entire "Gump" crew for your vision and your hard work. This is indeed a labor of love. And I wish you all great success in what should be a very wonderful event.

:heart:

a

Thanks Alyce! You have no idea how much we appreciate that.
I was hoping you'd be there because I am just dying to meet you.
However, I'm sure at some point in time we shall! Continue to pray for us! :)

There's a wedding I plan to attend in B'ham (my hometown)...but it's in June. I might be able to roll on down your way and we can do an impromtu thang... :)

a

Wow!!! that would be great!!!! Just let us know when!

Now I can do my thang!! :D I'm excited about this whole poet flow event. I wondered if an opportunity would present itself for us to get up and flow you know...get a vibe on live with the destee fam.

Always if it's in God's will!:heart:

Been workin away from da comp. Missed da dead line whaaa:cry:

Tophat...
You haven't missed anything!!! The deadline for your registration fee is July 1st. Dry your eyes my friend, and join in on the fun! Check out the mailing address post to see where you send your money! Looking forward to having u join us.

Every Eye will see. Both near and far. When the MAIN MAN takes the lid off the jar! My daddy poked some holes in the lid of a mason jar when I was Three years old. I had me some insects in
there. that was there world. I would open the jar to give them leaves and twigs and dirt. They did't have a clue. I'm bettin neither do me or you!:toast: :kiss:

Sherykah!!!!
Girl, there will be plenty of family and fun - and even more Poetry!
We look forward to meeting you queen!

Tophat!
Aight, we see ya :). Let it out and be free, my friend!

Can not wait Queen Rykah!!!! Let it flow....