Bill Ward's FAILpile

Bricks by the Bay was this weekend. Your dashing author had the opportunity to go (as he moved to San Francisco a scant 9 days ago), but did not, because of Bill Ward.

To get to the convention, a 1 hour BART ride would get one from downtown to within 7 miles of the convention. But lo, it is in Fremont, so a 35 minute bus ride would only get one so far. One would have to walk the rest of the way, 30 minutes, over highways and through industrial parks.

And then you'd be turned away at the door, because the facility was woefully under capacity for the amount of public day visitors. Imagine explaining that to your kids after waiting in line for an hour.

If there is a contest to find the worst place for a convention in the Bay Area, Bill Ward has won it. Look at this map! The only place farther away from population centers and civilization would be the damn ocean!

In 10 minutes, one can find dozens of convention centers in central San Francisco. Here are 5 of approximately the same size and capacity as that of the most recent BrickCon in Seattle.


Boy that was easy. And hey, those are all in areas served by bus, MUNI, and BART! Wow you could go to the LEGO convention, and also explore the city and its nightlife! On the other hand, Sushi Tango does sound enticing.