Ted Castronova announces “Videogames and Public Policy” conference June 22-23 at Indiana U

Just got word that the Synthetic Worlds Initiative at Indiana University, headed by Dr Edward Castronova, is hosting a conference on  "Videogames
and Public Policy" tentatively scheduled for June 22-23.  The format sounds like a complete hoot and a half:

The theme will be explored through a game that puts
participants in a 19th century US political convention, complete with smoke-filled rooms and bombastic delegates.
OK, due to health concerns we will not allow cigars, but bombasticism
will be encouraged regardless of the risks. Gameplay: The delegates
will form caucuses and compete to get planks on the party platform.
They’ll also elect a party nominee for President. Results: A platform
recommending 10 (or so) Principles for Sensible Video Game Policy, and
a single person, the nominee, who will become our defacto spokesperson
for the ideas in the platform. From the Ludium’s end until November
2008, we will point to the nominee whenever we are asked about games by
the media, legislatures, courts, lobbying groups, or voters. Prizes go
to participants who get the most ideas on the platform, and for being a
candidate or the eventual nominee.

Talk about your break from convention [rimshot].  I’m going to buy off a bunch of delegations with ThereBucks and Linden Dollars, while smoking a stogie in a stovepipe hat.