[svxcess]

Originally Posted by svxcess

Now that the rooms are taken care of, we will need ideas and input for activities and events and a call for volunteers local to the area to assist in any way they can. All suggestions are welcome.

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It is now only 5 1/2 months until Reading and seems that no one is interested in getting involved in making the next Reading a return to how it used to be.



Back in May, I asked Aredub for his thoughts and insights on this, since he was there from the very beginning. Here they are:


Truthfully, I have no suggestions… only observations.

Obviously I find myself at a disadvantage in that

a.) Not actually having my ass in the seat of an SVX has caused me to be somewhat reluctant to be involved in the community, and,

b.) Considering that, I’ve lost any influence I once had (most members do not know me from Adam).


That being said, and being an old “marketing” guy, my observations say that the lack of excitement about the meet is mainly due to the lack of "pre-excitement."

When I was involved, I tried to create a spirit of anticipation -- and this was before there were really any expectations of events, or “workshops” or… anything else for that matter.

People “talked” to other people about being there, shamed other people if they weren’t planning on coming, damned near cried if someone had to cancel. The thing is, there’s no real build up.


As you’ll notice in the “history” of Reading I wrote, BEN started the patter several months in advance.

To be truthful, the next Reading thread should have already begun and people talking… making plans, etc. Information would continue to “trickle” all year, with suggestions, complaints, epiphanies…

THEN, about 6 months before the meet, the cheerleading should be hot and heavy… building as time goes along. Despite all of its perceived failings, it still remains the largest, longest, best gathering dedicated to SVXs in the United States.


As far as the Network is concerned, with Facebook, Twitter, etc. people are becoming overwhelmed with too many places to keep up with. I think this may have something to do with the Network slowing down and fewer people using it as the “Around the stove at the general store” meeting place it once was.

And, of course, with that description, the “old guys” just don’t like the company they have to keep -- myself excluded -- I’m nothing if not tolerant of all ilks (witness: Eddycat)

Is it all getting “old and stale?” Probably. What can be done to “re-energize” it? I haven't a clue. But, and, again, despite all of its perceived failings, I definitely wasn’t “upset” as our dear friend Trevor speculated...

I was happy: happy just to be there, happy to hang out for a weekend with Huck, happy to see Harry, Tom and Di, even the youngsters and, of course, you.


Throughout the 10 years as a consistent and constant attendee, there was one thing I NEVER brought with me on the trip: EXPECTATIONS. To me, that was part of the allure --

The people who were SUPPOSED to be there, would be there.. The things that were SUPPOSED to happen, would happen. I simply refused to be disappointed, come what may (save a terrible accident or an arrest). I’ve arrived at every one of them happy, and left content -- looking forward to the next one and having NO expectations of what it would be like.

Perhaps this isn’t what you wanted to hear, but, that is my humble opinion on the state of things.

Randy



Maybe that is enough these days. Once again ideas and input are welcome and volunteers are needed to help get things finalized on the local level.

Reunions can be as simple or elaborate as you want. If it is just about the people, just show up and you will not be disappointed.

Like with any event, if you need entertainment and activities, that requires more effort.

Please LeVar, say it ain't true...

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