Ask a Security Goon

**Regedit** · February 21, 2012, 10:06

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by cyber

Again, sealed containers

All this insistence on sealed containers makes me think Aquafina would make a great tamper evident category...

**bluknight** · February 21, 2012, 11:04

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by dc0de

Q: How can I help the Security Goons?
A: [Multipart] 1. Bring them water. Sealed bottles only. 2. READ YOUR PROGRAM. Someone went to the trouble, months in advance, to write up EVERYTHING that you need to know about where the tracks are, what talks are what, and how to survive Defcon. 3. If you have questions about the CONVENTION, see the INFO booths. 4. If you have questions about the health, safety, and welfare of yourself, your friends or random strangers, please find a Security Goon. That's our job...

5. Do not walk around the conference looking like a goon.

A couple years ago, I was at con (on a Thursday, I think) doing Skytalks prep. All of a sudden, I end up with a squad of red shirts, asking me what the hell I'm doing by imitating a goon. It's at that point I realize that I'm wearing a red shirt, have my radio and backpack on... not to mention that I'm naturally "goon-shaped." Fortunately, someone realized the mistake before something drastic happened.

Still, I now check to make certain I'm never wearing a red shirt any time from Thursday until after con on Sunday.

**engirugger** · February 23, 2012, 00:24

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Thanks for the reply guys. If I can find a way to get to Defcon this year, I'll be sure to keep what you've said in mind. And to leave all my red shirts at home.

**b0n3z** · March 14, 2012, 22:32

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by Deviant Ollam

Do most Goons like Gatorade? And, if so, regular or the sugar-free G2 variety?

I prefer non G2 variety, purple or blue but anything will work and no preference on sugar free or sugar filled.

**b0n3z** · March 14, 2012, 22:41

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by engirugger

Woulds the odds of a guy walking in off the street becoming a security goon be any higher if he were a computer systems engineering undergrad, currently employed as security in a bar, and has experience in night clubs and sports stadium style events? Or should I direct this question at a particular individual?

I agree with what flea said 110% and can say that being one of the newest goons, if not, it took me quite a long time to even be LOOKED at for gooning along with actually helping out as a goon while not being a goon for a con. It's all in patience and being able to take things one stride at a time while waiting for the zombie apocalypse to happen at any given moment but with hackers. Tons of fun overall for me!

**arahel_jazz** · April 4, 2012, 11:38

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Mcallan's, Crown, or Jack? Sealed of course.

**chrisp** · April 4, 2012, 20:33

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by arahel_jazz

Mcallan's, Crown, or Jack? Sealed of course.

--- Not speaking for anyone except myself ---

Preferring McCallan's, I wouldn't turn any of them down. OTOH, my preferences tend more towards lots of water and energy drinks with the occasional beer. Something about staying awake for 4-5 days with no more than 15-90 minute random naps. Back at DC11 or 12 I did stay awake for 3 full days by sipping Jaeger, all the sugar and jeager-magic just kept me going...

cbyter

**blakdayz** · May 1, 2012, 12:21

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by Regedit

All this insistence on sealed containers makes me think Aquafina would make a great tamper evident category...

Indeed.

On the note about Gooning. I have worked both sides (security and non security) - I much rather the security side. There is a large difference in the demand, both physically and mentally. Security Gooning is a very tough gig. In one weekend I walked ~68 miles, to the point my legs began failing to respond correctly by Sunday night. I had 18 blisters on one foot and worked all but 12 hours of my conference (some of those were the couple hours of sleep each night). Even after shift hours I dealt with drunk spazzing strippers, drunk assholes, searched for assault suspects, escorted our VIPs ...basically the duty never stops. But hey - we keep things safe and ensure others get to have a care-free party ..... Last year I actually worked so much I never got drunk, even if I was sipping Sailor Jerry (thanks for the fridge tip TW) all day. Oh. And Security Goons don't sit while on duty. We don't use machines for transport either.

Now, non-security Gooning is still not a cake walk. Clerical errors in documentation, drunk assholes, stupid questions, supply issues - both types of goons face their own kinds of challenges. But if you want to *work* a conference rather than *attend*, then definitely find a goon and ask if he/she needs help. It may take years of helping out, but if your heart is in it that shouldn't be an issue.

Even if the Goon says 'No' to the request for help...ask them about their favorite cold beverage. Deliver it closed/sealed and chilled. We appreciate just 'a thank you' as well if you are broke. Being authoritative in a crowd of anarchists is no Sunday stroll.

Oh, and I like to see BOOBS. Show me a good pair and I may have something for ya.

**Queeg** · May 2, 2012, 12:36

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by engirugger

Thanks for the reply guys. If I can find a way to get to Defcon this year, I'll be sure to keep what you've said in mind. And to leave all my red shirts at home.

also if you wear a red shirt. some people will ask you questions, sometimes repeatedly.
if you dont want to be a walking kiosk. leave the red shirts in your room.

**bluknight** · May 29, 2012, 14:59

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by Queeg

also if you wear a red shirt. some people will ask you questions, sometimes repeatedly.
if you dont want to be a walking kiosk. leave the red shirts in your room.

Queeg, you're a walking landmark -- it doesn't matter if you're wearing a redshirt or not. "Ask Queeg, he'll know!"

**astcell** · May 30, 2012, 11:05

Re: Ask a Security Goon

The correct way to ask a goon a question is to introduce yourself first. The way you do this is to hand him a cold beer.

**b0n3z** · June 5, 2012, 21:40

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by arahel_jazz

Mcallan's, Crown, or Jack? Sealed of course.

I'm a jack man!

Originally posted by astcell

The correct way to ask a goon a question is to introduce yourself first. The way you do this is to hand him a cold beer.

^^^^
THAT all day!

**voyeur** · July 4, 2012, 16:26

Re: Ask a Security Goon

I'd like to be a goon this year.

IVU and 2600LA/OC/SD/PHX people can probably vouch for me. Although most don't know this forum name. This name was assigned to me at DC10

**databeast** · July 4, 2012, 21:20

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by voyeur

I'd like to be a goon this year.

IVU and 2600LA/OC/SD/PHX people can probably vouch for me. Although most don't know this forum name. This name was assigned to me at DC10

way too late in the year for this I'd say . You may be able to /ask/ to be a goon after this year. This year (and probably a few after it) you can do things to help the goons, prove you're a "resource in the crowd".

Seriously, most people can do more for the con (and themselves) by keeping an eye out for the people around them, and knowing when to comm up to the goons, than by being an actual goon. If you want to help out and make the con better, you don't need a red shirt to do that. And not having a red shirt will (hopefully) prevent you from doing some stupid "I have authority" act.

I don't know you, so I'm speaking "to the thread" more than you personally, but I'm interpreting that by asking to be a goon this late in the game, you're not yet fully versed in how this works.

Redshirt aside, if you want to help, look to what needs help: be that guy who offers to help carry something, be the guy who go fetches a security goon if you see something get out of hand. Do everything you can /without/ some veneer of authority, and the goons will /ask you/

**blakdayz** · July 5, 2012, 11:35

Re: Ask a Security Goon

Originally posted by databeast

way too late in the year for this I'd say . You may be able to /ask/ to be a goon after this year. This year (and probably a few after it) you can do things to help the goons, prove you're a "resource in the crowd".

Seriously, most people can do more for the con (and themselves) by keeping an eye out for the people around them, and knowing when to comm up to the goons, than by being an actual goon. If you want to help out and make the con better, you don't need a red shirt to do that. And not having a red shirt will (hopefully) prevent you from doing some stupid "I have authority" act.

I don't know you, so I'm speaking "to the thread" more than you personally, but I'm interpreting that by asking to be a goon this late in the game, you're not yet fully versed in how this works.

Redshirt aside, if you want to help, look to what needs help: be that guy who offers to help carry something, be the guy who go fetches a security goon if you see something get out of hand. Do everything you can /without/ some veneer of authority, and the goons will /ask you/

.......^^ THIS

Ask a Security Goon

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