Welcome to Progress Report #2 of Ditto#13, the Millennial Ditto-in-Dallas. Ditto, often known as "that other fanzine fans’ convention," is a laid-back relaxacon targeted at fans of amateur publications dealing with life, the universe, and the literature of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Programming is at a minimum, so participants can focus on discussion, making friends, eating and even smoffing.

We have negotiated some really deeply discounted room rates (given the area and the facilities) at the Summerfield Suites (www.summerfieldsuites.com/ 972-661-3113) in Addison, TX. $74/night 1 BedRoom, $124 2BR, $134 3BR suites. The hotel features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites (all with full kitchen and living room). Be sure to mention the "ditto writers conference" to get the low rate. Sorry, but the chain's 800# call center doesn't know how to book at these low rates.

Book early, in case we have to extend the 20-suite block. Note that the room block closes September 5. We've been promised you will get the rate extended before/after the con if reservations are made early enough -- but you have to ask to speak to Christie White in the business office to get these 50% off rates outside the con dates. eMail us if you plan to spend extra time seeing Dallas, so we can hook you up. CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE HOTEL.

The hotel is just off the Dallas Tollway, near the Galleria, perhaps the most interesting shopping mall in Texas. It is close to dozens of top restaurants, from 4-star nouveau cuisine to family-style steak houses, to fast-food Tex-Mex. We will be a short cab or shuttle ride from both DFW airport and Love Field, minutes from downtown Dallas, and not far at all from horse ranch country (in case you want to get in a short trail ride before dinner).

The hotel is across the road from Addison's rapid transit station, so you can inexpensively get to downtown, the arts district, or even the suburbs. The hotel has a free shuttle that will drop you off and pick you up anywhere within a 3-mile radius (and I'm told they usually extend that), so restaurant or shopping excursions are easy. Complimentary daily breakfast buffet is included for all hotel guests, or you can make your own in the full kitchen with refrigerator, oven, stove, dishes and coffee maker with complimentary coffee. There is an outside pool, spa and an exercise facility.

We have arranged for a large function room that will serve as the con suite and main gathering place. The hotel also has a large dining area for breakfast that is free to use the rest of the day. We have also reserved the corner suite closest to the con suite as our con kitchen and as an overflow area for quiet conversations. A number of Dallas-area fen have offered to help out with the operations -- food prep, registration, managing the con suite -- but if you'd like to volunteer to help as well, please contact Cris or me. ALSO: let us know what you’d like to see (and perhaps lead) in the limited program track!

When making travel arrangements note that there are two area airports. Dallas Love Field is closer, but mainly serves Southwest Airlines and their multi-hop route system. Due to a new business airline, Legend Air, opening service from there to Chicago, Washington, and perhaps LA, it might be worthwhile to check if American Airlines has a competitive special offering there. Most flights, however, arrive at DFW -- Dallas Fort Worth airport.

Members as of August 13, 2000:

1. Neil Kaden
2. Cris Kaden
3. Priscilla Olson
4. Mark Olson
5. George Flynn
6. Don Fitch
7. Pat Virzi
8. Madeline Virzi
9. Robert D Webber
10. Hope Leibowitz
11. Linda  Bushyager
12. Ron Bushyager
13. Joyce Scrivner (Supporting Member)
14. Leah A Zeldes
15. Richard Smith
16. David Schroth
17. Michael Waite (Supporting Member)
18. Bill Bowers (Attending Member & eDitto Auctioneer)
19. David Thayer
20. Diana Thayer
21. Valli Hoski
22. R Laurraine Tutihasi (Supporting Member)
23. Catherine Mintz (Supporting Member)
24. Cathy Ball (Supporting Member)
25. Ron Salomon (Childish Attending Member)
26. Eric Lindsay (Supporting Member)
27. Dennis Virzi
28. Cuyler W "Ned" Brooks (Supporting Member)