Internet and Media Services
at Pennsic War

Questions? Find Answers!

Updated 27-March-2008

This page is updated with the latest policy and service information. If your question is not answered here, use this form to ask us.

General Questions

Q: Where is Mystic Mail?

A: The Mystic Mail pavilions are located centrally On Site, near the food court behind the Stave Church. Look for the sign with our beautiful Gypsy on it. Mystic Mail Tour

Q: When will you be open for business?

A: First Week: Mon-Thurs: 9AM-8PM
After that, we'll be open 9:AM-9PM daily. If you have any special needs for access other than at those hours, contact us and we will see what kind of arrangements can be made.
Last Saturday: We are only open until NOON, please stop by early if you need anything.

Q: What are your rates?

A: See our Services Page for schedule of fees.

Q: Are you offering any "frequent user" or "bulk" rates?

A: We sell a Prepaid Minutes card which is very popular and has reduced rates. Only so many are printed each year and sometimes we do run out! Best to get one early in the War. Inquire for special rates for usage of 10+ hours. We get requests of people needing 20 and even 40 hours to do their work while at War.

Q: What methods of payment will you accept?

A: Cash and travellers checks are accepted. Sorry, no checks, credit cards or debit cards. It is possible to pay for our Prepaid Cards using a Paypal account. Ask the front desk receptionist.

Q: Can I get a refund on unused minutes on my pre-paid card?

A: Yes, we can give refunds until August 31st. The easiest way is before you leave Pennsic, stop by for a refund. After War, email us with your card number and your mailing address, and we will refund the remaining balance at half the original paid value.

Q: Do you need any staff?

A: We may have a few spots open for volunteer help the first week. We can always use help setting up and tearing down the tent. Tent construction can earn you complimentary hours later in the week. Contact us for more information.

Q: Do you provide this service at any other events?

A: No. Pennsic War is difficult enough!

Internet Services

Q: Will I be able to check my e-mail?

A: Yes! Surf Away! You will be able to receive and send email if you use one of these services: Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo or other web-based services Pine, xmail and other telnet/shell services (via PuTTY) POP3 accounts (see note) AOL (via web)All web-based mail services will be accessible as you would from home.

Q: If I bring my own notebook computer, will I be able to connect it to your network?

A: Absolutely. There are some technical requirements and special regulations regarding this service. You will have to have your own network card and DHCP compatibility. See our BYO Notebook information page for full details.

Q: Can I telecommute using your services?

A: Yes. Every year we have several happy customers who bring their own notebooks and work during the day, allowing them to play at Pennsic every night. We offer special bulk prices for telecommuters. We specialize in serving the needs of business professionals. See our BYO Notebook information page

Q: Do you offer VPN (virtual private networking)?

A: For those who bring their own notebook, it should be possible to use VPN via a tunnelling application. Mystic Mail does not provide software or technical support for this service.

Q: Can I reserve a terminal in advance?

A: In the past we have found that our business is steady enough not to need a reservation system. But if you are certain you will need a terminal or a BYO space at a specific day and time, let our staff know in advance. You can send a Feedback Form request with your specific needs.

Q: Do you accept walk-ins?

A: Absolutely. Most of our customers are walk-ins. During peak times of the day (12-4pm) there may be a nominal wait for a terminal but it is usually not more than a few minutes.

Other Services

Q: Will you supply office space without internet hook-ups?

A: Yes, you can rent table space and use our electricity for a nominal fee. You would have to supply your own notebook. See our BYO Notebook information page

Q: Do you offer FAX services?

A: Yes, we offer FAX via internet telephone. Inquire at our on-site booth to get our telephone number for having FAXes sent to you at Pennsic.

Q: What other services will be available?

A: See our Services Page for other services.

Q: Will you have any network gaming?

A: No. The bathhouse has video games for the kids.

Q: My digital camera is full. Can I burn my photos to CD?

A: Yes. Removable media camera can be downloaded onto our systems where you can burn your photos to a CD. We will have blank CD's for sale, too.

Q: Can you recharge cell/camera/video batteries?

A: Yes. For a nominal fee we will recharge small electronic devices. Larger batteries such as deep cycle batteries and multi-use packs are too large for us to handle.

Q: Can you recharge larger Deep Cycle batteries?

A: We cannot handle any battery weighing over 2 lbs or requiring over 1 amp (100 watts). Deep Cycle batteries, such as those used for CPAP machines and scooters, require more space and power than we have available. If your needs are related to medical or emergency care, please contact Pennsic Disability Services to see what they can do for you.