The economy, I'm afraid.arxaciesJanuary 5 2009, 20:17:44 UTC
As one of the members of the board, I was one of the individuals that researched the feasability of SalonCon 2009. My area of specialty is economics.
The single reason is the economy. A more detailed discussion is below.
From my research into the current status of the economy and the projections of every economist on record(including the Nobel Prize winner of economics for 2008) it is my very strong opinion that the economy will be unable to support SalonCon to the extent that we will be able to cover basic expenses, much less make a profit. Furthermore I believe that the level of debt we would have to incur in order to produce SalonCon 09 would not be made back until 2011 at the absolute earliest. If you would like I will be more than happy to share the basis for this opinion.
Re: The economy, I'm afraid.darkmagessJanuary 5 2009, 20:48:14 UTC
I know nothing about putting conventions together, so actually, yes, I'd be interested to know how you do the assessment. (Despite how depressing the projections for the economy will surely be.)
Re: Sure thing.darkmagessJanuary 5 2009, 21:39:37 UTC
Yes, that makes sense. There's basically no way to make it a good enough value, because no matter what you do you'd be driving people away, just for different reasons. When there's more money in the air, people are less concerned with value.
Hmm. Well, it sucks, but I'd rather have to wait 2 years and get AP back than have the whole thing cease to exist and have no chance of getting anyone back.
Re: Sure thing.helen99January 5 2009, 22:27:34 UTC
You think that people are going to expect a 50% increase in value to consider attending. I don't think this is true. If they come, it will be to see each other, to dress up in finery that they make themselves, and exchange information about subjects of interest in salons. Isn't that what Salon Con was about? Maybe it's time to go back to the basics of the vision rather than provide a 5-star dog and pony show. Maybe your attendees can provide the salons instead of hiring expensive speakers. Perhaps there might be a good local band who would be ecstatic at the chance to play for you and be heard. A lot of people get bogged down in the idea that everything has to be bigger, better, and more expensive, and then the original purpose of the idea gets lost. Build it and they shall come. People want something that gets them away from the mundane during a time like this.
Re: Sure thing.rialianJanuary 6 2009, 02:28:31 UTC
===Seconded.
===My friends, you have a SOLID idea and event. You do not have to offer caviar with it. Let folks bring the caviar.
===Create the space, and let things form/manifest/happen.
===You CAN do this for less. You do not have to outlay tons of money. Go down to bare essentials: a space to have it. Let things grow from there.
===Folks want the space to be able to gather. All you have to do is provide one, and open it up to others bringing in their magic. From what I have seen, you have the folks that WANT this to happen, and are willing to invest their energy into making this rock...let them.
Re: Sure thing.dancinglightsJanuary 6 2009, 04:55:53 UTC
While I loved the band, I don't personally know anyone who went just for that, or anyone who wouldn't go just because there wasn't something flashier or better in that timeslot. The event, and the steampunk movement, have a lot of momentum behind them right now, and in a way that doesn't need the money spent on glitz but just providing space, fewer and/or smaller guests, and volunteered salons.
I went to a *fantastic* steampunk ball recently that had a mediocre sound system hooked up to a victrola and a string quartet of local college students, a seance, and some free cake. It was well-attended, well-costumed, a good deal of fun, and at half the cost of a con ticket for all of three hours of entertainment. It can be done. (and I still offer lightnsound gofer assistance)
Reply
The single reason is the economy. A more detailed discussion is below.
From my research into the current status of the economy and the projections of every economist on record(including the Nobel Prize winner of economics for 2008) it is my very strong opinion that the economy will be unable to support SalonCon to the extent that we will be able to cover basic expenses, much less make a profit. Furthermore I believe that the level of debt we would have to incur in order to produce SalonCon 09 would not be made back until 2011 at the absolute earliest. If you would like I will be more than happy to share the basis for this opinion.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Hmm. Well, it sucks, but I'd rather have to wait 2 years and get AP back than have the whole thing cease to exist and have no chance of getting anyone back.
Reply
Reply
===My friends, you have a SOLID idea and event. You do not have to offer caviar with it. Let folks bring the caviar.
===Create the space, and let things form/manifest/happen.
===You CAN do this for less. You do not have to outlay tons of money. Go down to bare essentials: a space to have it. Let things grow from there.
===Folks want the space to be able to gather. All you have to do is provide one, and open it up to others bringing in their magic. From what I have seen, you have the folks that WANT this to happen, and are willing to invest their energy into making this rock...let them.
Reply
Reply
I went to a *fantastic* steampunk ball recently that had a mediocre sound system hooked up to a victrola and a string quartet of local college students, a seance, and some free cake. It was well-attended, well-costumed, a good deal of fun, and at half the cost of a con ticket for all of three hours of entertainment. It can be done. (and I still offer lightnsound gofer assistance)
Reply
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