It was a real pleasure be present for a truly animated discussion full of lots of good thoughts. When I tweeted about the mention of The Privilege of the Sword Ellen Kushner remarked (among other things), "Aw dammit, I forgot about Arisia," and I had the pleasure of saying, "My first time ever to go." ... I find it hard to work myself up to traveling at this time of year, so for me the virtual was a great option.