Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 31, 2009 17:14:10 GMT -5
A recent notice of a canceled event is what prompted this topic. I think everyone can be part of the problem or solution and it is a matter of how you conduct yourself that leads to the successful airsofter enjoying events and other aspects of this hobby.
The way I see it, this hobby is all about events. Sure, weapons and impressions and knowledge of history and other interests contribute but if this isn't all utilized to get you to an event I feel you are missing out. An event is where it all comes together and you separate the "men from the boys" as it were.
So it is imperative that event organizers are assisted with event planning and operations to whatever extent possible by the members of this community. To wit, there are some do's and some don'ts that are worth compiling a list of. Feel free to add your own.
When an event is posted, try to be supportive. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. Events need positive scuttlebutt to get folks interested. If you can contribute positive information do so. Things which are not viewed well by organizers are the "I wish I could come" comments or worse, the public notification that you can't attend for this and that reason. Negative vibes man, and that can be better handled via PM. No one usually cares if you can't make it because you have another engagement. Also, if you can make it, then say so. In public if appropriate but let the organizers know you want to come and are making every effort to come. This gives event planners numbers that they need to plan for a successful event. Is there anything you can contribute? In the way of special skills, or labor or assets that will help the event happen. Offer this to the organizers. Heck, they'll likely need all the help they can get. Just communicate with them and try to help them after they know what you bring to the table. If you are not in the position to do extra stuff, at the very least come to the event with your best possible impression/attitude. Avoid the negative and look for what is good about the event and the participants. Work from that point on making the next one even better. These events are community undertakings and work or don't work through the efforts or lack of them made by every participant. Ask yourself if you are doing what you can to make the event a good one. Did you come prepared, or are you having to depend on others, and do you perpetually do it that way. Have you contributed in all the ways you could or do you just depend on the organizers?
I think that successful events don't happen unless the participants want them to. Become a positive participant. It will catch on and then cancellations won't be as regular as it seems they are.
To sum up,
Do's - Be positive and contribute
Don'ts - Be negative and a taker
The way I see it, this hobby is all about events. Sure, weapons and impressions and knowledge of history and other interests contribute but if this isn't all utilized to get you to an event I feel you are missing out. An event is where it all comes together and you separate the "men from the boys" as it were.
So it is imperative that event organizers are assisted with event planning and operations to whatever extent possible by the members of this community. To wit, there are some do's and some don'ts that are worth compiling a list of. Feel free to add your own.
When an event is posted, try to be supportive. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. Events need positive scuttlebutt to get folks interested. If you can contribute positive information do so. Things which are not viewed well by organizers are the "I wish I could come" comments or worse, the public notification that you can't attend for this and that reason. Negative vibes man, and that can be better handled via PM. No one usually cares if you can't make it because you have another engagement. Also, if you can make it, then say so. In public if appropriate but let the organizers know you want to come and are making every effort to come. This gives event planners numbers that they need to plan for a successful event. Is there anything you can contribute? In the way of special skills, or labor or assets that will help the event happen. Offer this to the organizers. Heck, they'll likely need all the help they can get. Just communicate with them and try to help them after they know what you bring to the table. If you are not in the position to do extra stuff, at the very least come to the event with your best possible impression/attitude. Avoid the negative and look for what is good about the event and the participants. Work from that point on making the next one even better. These events are community undertakings and work or don't work through the efforts or lack of them made by every participant. Ask yourself if you are doing what you can to make the event a good one. Did you come prepared, or are you having to depend on others, and do you perpetually do it that way. Have you contributed in all the ways you could or do you just depend on the organizers?
I think that successful events don't happen unless the participants want them to. Become a positive participant. It will catch on and then cancellations won't be as regular as it seems they are.
To sum up,
Do's - Be positive and contribute
Don'ts - Be negative and a taker