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Post by wyldfire on Jun 9, 2006 8:30:18 GMT -5
Saw this in the Star Beacon.....didn't know it was happening, but par for the course from TPTB......... Ashtabula Star Beacon presents 2006 great lakes medieval faire preview at the Ashtabula Mall Sat. June 24th and Sunday 25th from 2-4.
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Post by BlackKnight on Jun 9, 2006 10:59:42 GMT -5
Saw this in the Star Beacon.....didn't know it was happening, but par for the course from TPTB......... Ashtabula Star Beacon presents 2006 great lakes medieval faire preview at the Ashtabula Mall Sat. June 24th and Sunday 25th from 2-4. Gee...you would think they would put it on thier website...oh wait...hasn't been updated yet. What am I thinking?
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jun 9, 2006 11:01:27 GMT -5
Awe c'mon. You know they are having webmaster issues right now. Let the new managment team get situated and get this season underway. I'm betting there is some change in the wind, we just have to wait for it.
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Post by wyldfire on Jun 9, 2006 11:24:44 GMT -5
Awe c'mon. I'm betting there is some change in the wind, we just have to wait for it. THAT scares me. As for their website, I believe it's been stated that the change will NOT come anytime soon. Why couldn't anyone post info here? They know damn well that this board is here and we RELY on this board for our information. Would it have been too much to say, hey, this event is going on, we'd love the support of the faire goers? There are an awful lot of people who support this faire & go above and beyond --- beyond what the faire deserves....sorry, but it's my opinion.
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Post by BlackKnight on Jun 9, 2006 12:13:49 GMT -5
I have to agree with Wyldfire....the website is a marketing tool that has been ignored for too long. With 28 days remaining, the excuses are getting tired. Brook's departure is part of the Entertainment side of things and not Marketing, so the changes that have occurred should have no impact on the website and advertising. Larry just needs to get off his duff and hire a part-time webmaster. They are a dime-a-dozen.
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Jun 9, 2006 13:59:58 GMT -5
Want ta hear a good one? I just spoke to J.R. who is a cast member and he knew nothing of this deal at the Ashtabula Mall. Now, I don't know what TPTB had in mind for up there. You would think if the plan was to have some cast members go up and do a song and dance or whatever maybe ya ought ta tell em about it. Ya think?
Ya know how Trevor has the What will happen first thread, where ya cast your vote for 200 members or 10,000 posts?
Well I hate to be negative, but maybe we should have a "When will GLMF follow the Pittsburgh Ren Faire down the Drain" thread.
GLMF is in what now, their 14th or 15th year? You would think they would have a game plan by now, but every year it seems to be the same thing: Start from square one. Have they not learned anything from past years? HANK
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Post by wyldfire on Jun 9, 2006 14:22:40 GMT -5
Hank, it's not negativity.....at least i'm not taking it that way. For example, I was up at the office on June 1st, NO stickers for the passes.....we know come first day, there will be some sort of chaos.
As for the Ashtabula Mall thing...who knows....maybe it's not just cast but a certain chosen few (i.e. Promos)? I haven't a clue. I haven't heard anything about it either..........
Another example I can give is that recently the Star Beacon had a list of area happenings only in the NE area of Ohio, including Conneaut and PA, it's a wonderful booklet that outlines where, when separated by months....it's cool! The Medieval Faire??? NOT MENTIONED.....
I'm sure my concerns will be viewed by some as attacks, which they really aren't, it's frustration. Does anyone even realize the magnitude of PA closing, and how paytrons will drive to GLMF? The opportunities are endless.....but they are not followed up on.
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Penfold
cast
Puckus Sumare
Posts: 361
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Post by Penfold on Jun 9, 2006 22:48:02 GMT -5
Rather than be totaly coherent at 11:30 at night, I'll just throw things about.
Tomorrow is June 10th. What appears to most likely be a promo is two weeks away. It's quite possible that those involved have already been asked/told. It's also possible that with the change in directors, the promo will be announced to us this weekend.
The website is, in fact, being re-vamped and that has been stated. Yes, it is a great marketing tool. No, it has not been updated. Yes, it will be. In time for faire? I can't answer that. Will it be better maintained once updated? I'm sure of it. (And naturally hope I'm not mistaken.)
Information has been circulating the boards. John has been posting when he can. If everyone gives him a chance to get situated, I think he'll listen to the cries for information and give out what he can. He has already confirmed acts and the web re-vamp. I'm sure he'll be reading my post and the rest of this thread, taking it in and doing his best to handle the things that have been discussed.
The people that give their time to GLMF, whether volunteer cast or the volunteer site crew are all good people giving what they can to see that GLMF does the best it can. Rather than say they give more than GLMF deserves, wouldn't it be a much better outlook to say they are giving what it needs? Faires all need support, they are lending their time and effort where they can to do good for the faire. With time, their efforts may be the extra push needed to get GLMF back on track. How can you possibly turn that into a such a negative (and yes, it was negative) context?
There are those of us doing our best to keep GLMF alive and keep it from GPRF's fate. With any luck, GPRF might rise again, but in the meantime, my (and many other people's) focus will be on making GLMF the best it can be now while fighting to make it better in the future.
I don't know how all the marketing is done. I'm not a marketing expert. I think it's fairly obvious that some marketing was setup before John took over and I'm sure he'll do his best to get more out there. Is it late? Sure! Will it be late next year? Not if he has any say in the matter.
Give us a chance. This year is already rough enough, I'm sure there will be more rough spots as the marketing, website, and faire itself are re-vamped as best they can be with the time left.
I don't want to start a fight with anyone, but all I ever see is negativity from many of you. It's obvious from the comments that people are frustrated, angry, and various other unhappy emotions. But it's also obvious that a rare few have stepped up to help and be entirely constructive with the things they do. Too often a point is brought up, many times completely valid, only for the person that posted to slide a snide/negative comment in with it. Naturally, people like myself jump in and although we try not do, we get defensive and attack that negativity. What follows more often than not are more negative comments, statements that the faire supporters shouldn't be defensive and attacking, or rarely, an apology.
Maybe if we started by pointing out issues (we know they're there, we work there!) and point out contstructive ways to solve them, there wouldn't be so much fighting among people that all want to see GLMF be what it really could be, a great faire for us all to enjoy!
On a side note, if I had access, I'd even update their website. It would be primitive, but I could dust off my junky old HTML skills. It's not like we need flashing lights and gizmos everywhere to produce a nice place brimming with information.
I'll speak with John this weekend and transfer this information to him so it can work it's way up the chain as needed. If given permission, I'll bring back a response if I can. I don't know if he has a solid internet service as of this moment at 11:48. =)
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Post by hack on Jun 10, 2006 6:36:37 GMT -5
Thank you all for your concerns and though I know that no information is the devil's plaything,I promise you all that it would serve no purpose for us to deny the information to the public. We are working very hard and long hours to address all the issues stated above. The website is being redone as I write this. but I have only been here for two weeks and things do take time. Please have patience with us during this transition. I hate seeing no information turning to anger. That is alot of what is posted above. Not everything can be addressed this season as the faire has been in one direction for many years. Only so many things can be addressed this season. The plan for this season is to alter the direction and take a few solid steps in a new direction. The years to come will be built on the foundation we are creating this year. So I ask you all to please have patience with us during this time on transition. As for the promo at the Ashtabula Mall. Yes there is one. It came up only recently. It will be great and we hope to see you all there.
John
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Post by BlackKnight on Jun 10, 2006 7:34:15 GMT -5
Brian...John...please don't take these "attacks" personally...we all know the cast and crew works HARD no matter the situation. All we want is timely information.
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Post by Ginger Muse on Jun 10, 2006 23:09:49 GMT -5
Oh John, John, John....does this all sound familar?
GLMF, As someone who has been where you guy are with John taking over at the helm.....(TN several years back). To most you read these boards I am sure this will be "Preachig to the Chior" but her goes: GLMF is your faire...the postive energy you put into it will come back to you in the end....I promise.....
A very wise ED once told me that once a trouble maker - always a trouble maker. Over the years I have learned it is true....Circumstances have placed you in a place where it will be very easy to negative, to always find fault.... and I emplore you, if you love GLMF, please don't prove that wise E.D. right....give John and yourselves a chance. I understand, the frustraction, and even the doubt you can be feeling.... you are just weeks away from opening. And you are chopping at the bit for scripts and fights...ectera..... If you really feel it's needed, you might try asking management what you can do to help!
We live in a "Fast Food" world. But I am here to tell you that these festivals have their own speed.... The Speed of Renaissance/Medieval: What you are experencing now is the The Speed of Royalty.... ...we want things right now....snap your fingers and it is in front of you....But folks it is time to roll up your sleeves and travel at the Speed of Peasantry....WORK.... you just have to get up, go into the kitchen, and cook FOR YOURSELVES! Hint in this metaphor John is a world class chef!
Oh!and try smiling even when you are angry or hurt or just plain exhausted...always good for a private laugh when you drop a hammer on your foot and somene ask if are you alright and you put on that cheesy smile and through clinced teeth say..."Just Peachy!" Try it, you may find yourself actually smiling for real.
- End of Cliche_
At TN it took some time, The 3 years we were graced with John's presents and talents were such a huge turn around for us. We diddn't even know how bad off we were until the faire tried to have a family member be the ED and then it was even harder to trust John - as he was the festival's next attempt at replacing Brooke. John was a steam roller of postive encouragement and willingness to teach what he knows. He taught us that we make the faire. It is ours to destroy or lift to "next level"...we still look forward to even better futures. Because John trained us to find the good....shoot folks, he also taught us if we are not happy, we should take our toys and go play elsewhere...... Not his words Mine! As I said in the Renaissance Forum. I envy you guys this challenging time of growth and oppurtunity....makes me want to fly up for a weekend to see for myself how you guys make your faire succed!
John, do you rememer how our cast's stage show's were tanking when you joined us? We thought they were great...just no audiences.....By your third year, the shows were Very Well attended....(near capacity at the Largest stage/ seating area outside of the tourneyment field!) See GLMF, the proof is there....trust John to be a great leader, and trust yourselves to stand up to the challenge!
All my best, If I can be of any assistance, from afar, You can email me by going to the contact page of tnrenfest.com Ginger Muse Assistant Entertainment Director (to Brooke, John and Ryan) TN Ren Festival
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Post by Ginger again on Jun 10, 2006 23:15:39 GMT -5
Dang, I need to preview and edit more often...sorry guys!
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Griffin
Mercenary
On to the future
Posts: 244
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Post by Griffin on Jun 11, 2006 7:21:48 GMT -5
Ginger; Well spoke (even if you didn't edit) I think we get your message. I have seen frustration on the vendor side of things at GLMF for several years. My latest attempts of calming people and initiating a direction of organizing and creating a group of vendors (Vendor Board) to address the problems with fair, were met with negativism from the boisterous naysayers, including accusations of being a traitor etc. We were successful in several areas, and management was very interested in hearing and helping to find solutions. Having my own businesses all my life, even before I was a teen, has taught me that hard work guarantees you only a chance at success. It is far easier to be negative, and give in to frustrations. This will guarantee failure if not stopped in time.
All I have ever wanted is for GLMF to be the best that it's potential will allow. I have come to see this as an incredible success story in the making with the right direction. Our area has such incredible potential that it is mind numbing. Check the numbers.
At long last, with the help of John, we will get the things done that will help us reach these goals and take GLMF to new levels. I am proud to say that I have rarely wavered in this quest (there were brief moments), and love that we have made this step toward greatness. It is nice to hear from someone who has been where we are and has the experience, as well as the desire to ease our transition. Thank you.
Mitch
"People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be."Abraham Lincoln
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jun 11, 2006 13:52:59 GMT -5
Man, I take some time off to go camping with my wife, and look what happens Let me address a couple comments that I saw in this thread that I thought needed addressed, then I will make a few statements. When has the faire ever had the stickers that early? Usually it is a couple weeks before the faire starts. So why the surprise that they aren't available 5 weeks before opening? That news is only what, a week old? You expect them to have some kind of plan in place to capitalize on that? Do you want them to rush and try to impliment something, or do you want them to take some time. Digest the news. Consider options. Then execute a coherent plan? Personally I prefer that they take their time and do things right. Something is not always better than nothing. That is true. And that has also been the problem over the years. You get what you pay for. Very understandable. But you want to hear something surprising? We have been spoiled. Lots of other faires don't give out nearly the information that GLMF does. Is it good business? Sure it is. Anything that helps keep people happy and coming to faire is a good thing. But it is a double edged sword. As then people become used to it they start to expect and demand it. Then it becomes a headache when things aren't updated as fast as people think it should be. Now for some personal thoughts. Lighten up and cut the new guys some slack.This change only happened a couple weeks ago. They haven't even had time to get all the facts about everything yet. Personally, I am impressed on how much has been done, and put into motion already. They have a new web guy. I have seen his work, and have no doubt you will be happy with the site when done. No firm timetable on when that will be, but it is in the works as we speak right now. I realize, we have been dealing with the lack of updates and information for a long time now. But John and company have only been on the job 2 weeks. They aren't going to be able to do everything overnight. As to them coming here and posting information. I have no doubt that will happen. But again. They have only been on the job for 2 weeks. There are lot of things that have a lot higher priority right now. As much as that information would be useful, I would rather see them spending the time to get the cast where they need to be. Getting all the acts situated. And having everything ready to open on time. And they are still working on acts. Not because there aren't enough already, but because they want to bring you even more. And if John manages to pull off what he is working on now, you will be surprised. Things are moving in the right direction. I'm not just blowing smoke, kissing up, or being the fiares mouthpiece. You know I will speak what I really feel. (even if I am an optomist at heart, I do still see the things that are wrong, but I do believe they are being adressed as best they can with only a month till opening)
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Griffin
Mercenary
On to the future
Posts: 244
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Post by Griffin on Jun 11, 2006 20:30:22 GMT -5
How was your camping trip? Patti and I were just talking about how much we miss just hopping in the vehicle and going to a campground and having fun. No plans no worries. I am envious. However, I am really looking forward to getting up there and starting the work on the costume booth and the new booth as well. I spoke with someone at faire who mentioned an increase in calls for vendor space because of Pittsburgh closing. It looks like our pathways may me more crowded with artisans this year. Not to celebrate a failure of a great faire, but I am glad that we are the choice of many of the stranded people. It makes me wonder how many of them have heard about John being with us now. Interesting thought tho. BTW, I like the way you think Trevor. Your attitude is wonderful.
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