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Post by Sir Trevor on Aug 29, 2006 8:17:54 GMT -5
Thought it would be a good time for this. Faire is still fairly fresh in our minds, but we have had some time away for some perspective.
Keep in mind, I have no idea if John even looks in here to see what is going on. And even if he does, I don't know if he will consider any of these ideas.
Also, please lets limit ourselves to things that are possible, and not already in the works. Example : Larry would love to get some more buildings up, but can't because of the litigation. We already know the new craft co-ordinator is trying to get more vendors. And is keeping the lines of communication open all year round with the current vendors. (not sure if that was general knowledge, but I know it is a fact from talking to him)
Also, it would be great to get some specific suggestions. Instead of just saying "improve the website". State some of the things you would like to see. We know it is in professional hands now. And I have been told there is more in store for the website, I just don't know what is coming. (also, I can say that John is firmly against having an official forum, so that is not going to happen while he is running things)
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Post by Sir Trevor on Aug 29, 2006 8:21:48 GMT -5
I will kick things off.
I know one of the biggest complaints I heard from new visitors this season. The map in the program. They found it pretty much useless. It is too complicated, and hard to read. Makes finding the stages difficult at best. Especially considering all the paths in the shire, and how the map has been drawn.
I know they did a little tweaking with it this year, but it wasn't enough. I think it is way too cluttered. The thing is, I can't think of a way to simplify it without removing some usefull information. What are the thoughts of having a few signs in the shire with maps. Kind of like a "you are here" thing? Too tacky? Or if done right, would it be usefull and not to intrusive?
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Aug 29, 2006 8:58:41 GMT -5
I think the YOU ARE HERE signs would be a big help and could be made to blend in with the surroundings. Right now you have all those signs on poles pointing in every which direction that just add to the confusion. I can't tell ya how many times I've offered help to someone looking at the map with a confused look on their face. After being out there for 10 years I can pretty much direct them to any show they might want to see. Another helpful idea is put the name of the stage on the stage. It is far too easy to miss the shield they have tacked to a pole telling you the show times, and I don't think those have the stage name on them anyhow. They keep adding new stages (like the one maidens four was on) so unless you are a "hard core" patron like Trevor or myself you will have a problem with some of them.
Now! as for next year: A. bring back Sword School B. Don't turn the place into Seseme Street. HANK.
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Post by BlackKnight on Aug 29, 2006 11:31:04 GMT -5
No more signage.....it would just turn the faire into an airport or mall with all the "you are here" signs. A more colorful map showing more detailed of what little structures we have, the stages, food courts, etc.. would be more helpful. On the map, print a 3 digit number on the structures and have an index on another page showing what it is. They ought to look at some of the other faire maps have been done, like TRF, KCRF...
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Post by rebeccajane on Aug 30, 2006 0:13:30 GMT -5
i saw a "you are here" sign at a southern faire... been to too many to remember... but it was VERY helpful and done VERY well! They had it hand panted and decoracted with lovely things that suited each themed weekend....
i also have heard a few people compaining about mud around the picnic tables this year. i didnt have much problem, but it might be nice to see some stones around the rough parts.
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Post by tomnaboley on Aug 30, 2006 15:10:41 GMT -5
Yes, the mud was a bit much this year. Understandable since all of the terrible rain. The stones may help, or maybe laying a few planks around would help.
The "You are Here" signs would also help if they fit in with the surroundings and are not too tacky looking.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Aug 30, 2006 18:59:33 GMT -5
I actually thought the mud was minimal this year. Especially considering previous seasons. Anyone else remember when the picnic table area at the Stumble Inn was pretty much a swamp? tylisaari.com/medieval/glmf03/pub/day9pub.htm
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Post by yodaturk on Aug 30, 2006 19:47:12 GMT -5
I have a suggestion for next year.
SWORD SCHOOL!!!!!!!
Although at a cost of about 23 or 24 gate tickets per day I can see why that would really bite into the budget.
OK that part is total BS. Not the cost just the fact that they cannot afford it.
Have any of you heard anthing pertaining to the Sword School returning or not?? There is hope from our end but we have heard nothing.
Turk
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Post by Sir Trevor on Aug 30, 2006 20:16:40 GMT -5
I haven't heard anything diffinitive.
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Post by Kayenne on Aug 30, 2006 20:58:42 GMT -5
Definitely improve the map! And put the Pickle Grove on it, it's been in the same place for 12 years! I think we deserve to be on the map! Mention the Pickle Grove in the program, most people are surprised to see because we're not in the program. Hopefully this is already in the works, but I'll mention it anyways. Some kid and family acts so they have someplace to go while the rest of us are enjoying the non-family friendly shows.
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Post by Hephzibah on Aug 30, 2006 21:27:15 GMT -5
Sword School!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also didn't think mud was a problem during faire. Except on the one weekend that is. Guess I'm use to it. ;D
One thing that I would say is something about the sun at the joust Field. For some of use it is brutal to where since I knew I would be there the following weekend I put it off hoping it was cooler. And the seating there. The boards are sagging and tilting making it uncomfortable.
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Griffin
Mercenary
On to the future
Posts: 244
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Post by Griffin on Sept 1, 2006 5:52:57 GMT -5
I think, since the mud was so bad this year, we should petition the gods to only allow rain on the fair site during the late night hours, In fact, no rain on weekends at all. There should also only be enough rain to keep the gardens in good shape and keep my frogs happy. Perhaps, if we don't get that kind of cooperation, we should put a dome over the whole fair. Maybe even one of those retractable ones that we can put away during the day. If we are smart we could make it so that it is shaded during the day so that we don't have to deal with the hot sun. Hey, we could add air conditioning then. I got it, let's just move it all inside the feast hall. Yeah, let's do that.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Sept 1, 2006 7:01:16 GMT -5
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Sept 2, 2006 22:51:43 GMT -5
Master Griffin...I think you are being facetious, but if you are not, I think your ideas have great merit. If we make Faire more comfortable, i.e. no rain, hence no mud, no hot sun to deal with, I think attendance would increase greatly. And that would help immensely as I am sure a dome of the size needed to cover that much acreage would cost in the billions. But, what the hells a little money as long as you're comfortable. HANK.
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Post by mamawench on Sept 4, 2006 15:01:55 GMT -5
I would like to hear more bagpipe music at the faire. We have some wonderful musicians at our faire but need more pipers. Yes, Yes, Yes, Sword School. Altho I have never attended, I have watched people have a wonderful time and learn so very much from sword school.
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