Q:		Who can attend Critic's Corner meetings?
A:		Any member of the Austin Newcomers club in good standing may attend. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q:		How do I RSVP?
A:		You can RSVP by calling the Austin Newcomers hot-line, or by using the online procedures available in the Members Only Area. It is important to RSVP as space is usually very limited. Do not RSVP to the host. Hosts give the Chairpersons the maximum number they feel their home can accommodate. The Chairpersons then manage the RSVP list and waiting list. In fairness to all who participate, RSVPs are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Q:		Can associates attend Critic's Corner?
A:		Yes. Both new and associate members may attend Critic's Corner meetings. However, the group has been so popular that we have recently created a second Critic's Corner interest group designed for associate members. Although you may attend either meeting regardless of your associate status, new members are encouraged to attend the original Critic's Corner group (which this Web site is about) and associate members are encouraged to attend the associates' Critic's Corner (see The Welcome Mat for details on the associates' Critic's Corner).
Q:		Does it cost anything to participate?
A:		Yes. We collect $1 per person to fund the year-end party and this web site.
Q:		Where does the group meet?
A:		The group meets in a different home each month. Members of the Critic's Corner who participate regularly are encouraged to host so that the hosting chore does not become a burden on any one member. Since capacities vary from home to home, the number of RSVP's that will be accepted is necessarily limited. If response is overwhelming, a second house may be organized for the month to accommodate the overflow.
Q:		When should I see the movie of the month?
A:		You are on your own when it comes to seeing the movie. Some members may get together during the month prior to the meeting to see the movie, but this is not a function of the group. Of course, you should see the movie prior to coming to the meeting. Some members say that seeing it more than two weeks in advance of the meeting lessens their ability to discuss it, as details fade from memory.
Q:		What is the format of a typical meeting?
A:		Members arrive to the host home starting at 7:30 PM on the second Friday of the month. Each participant deposits $1 in the large popcorn bucket at the door and fills out and wears a nametag. Popcorn and soft drinks are enjoyed by all as participants continue to arrive. The meeting begins at 8:00 PM. The moderators welcome everyone to the meeting. We then go around the room letting each participant introduce himself or herself. Next, the moderators read several reviews of the movie for the month and then open the floor for discussion. There is an initial lull until someone throws out the first comment, and then things quickly get animated as particpants raise questions, provide interpretations, explanations, and theories, and comment on everything from acting to wardrobe, writing to directing, cinematography to Academy Award® potential . . . the list is endless. After about 40 minutes the moderators stop the discussion and we go around the room for each individual's rating, or vote. Participants give a quick summary of their feelings about the movie and end by giving a number from 1 to 10 (halves are allowed), with 1 being "totally hated it" and 10 being "absolutely loved it". A 20 minute break follows during which everyone enjoys conversation along with more popcorn and soft drinks. The moderators compute the average rating and call the group back together. After the rating has been announced and recorded in the Grande Spiral-Bound Notebook, nominations for the next movie are entertained. Particpants can nominate any movie as long as it is showing in Austin and is likely to be showing during the next four weeks. Movie selection occurs in two voting rounds. In the first round, you may vote for as many of the nominees as you like. The top two or three are selected to advance to the second round, in which each person may only vote for one of the remaining nominees. The nominee with the most votes out of the second round is the movie selected for next month's meeting. The meeting is then adjourned and, after a brief period of conversation and farewells, participants leave. The "kitty" is kept in the treasury to defray other costs, primarily for our gala end-of-the-year potluck meeting in June and hosting this web site. Most meetings adjourn no later than 10:00 PM.
Q:		Is this a couples-only special interest group?
A:		No. Certainly, a large majority of those attending are couples, but singles, as well as invidivuals whose spouses are not able to come, also attend.
Q:		How do I become a host house?
A:		A sign-up sheet is periodically passed around at the meeting. You can also offer to host by sending e-mail to info@criticscorner.org.