So I ran into Adam in upstate NY the other day. Here's a guy who has done a boatload of work putting together a show near the capitol district, has its own website, made up cards, flyers, pulled his hair out getting the word out about this event and with about 11 days to go ...he has all of 11 (eleven) games registered. Of those eleven games, three are his and two are mine. Really??? I read about guys giving all kinds of excuses as to why they can't or aren't bringing games. ...and believe me, I've heard it all over the years. Guys are always worried about the public beating up their game or it being damaged in transport. These old games are built pretty well and made to take a beating. Plus, it's rare that show attendees beat up machines from what I've seen over the years. I also don't want to hear about how hard it is to move games. We can certainly move them when we're pulling them out of god knows what kind of basement or attic or dungeon when we find them can't we. Enough of the excuses.
Folks, it's time to put up or shut up. We've heard so many times how much we enjoy the shows and how nice it would be to have a show closer to home. Well here it is, it needs support. I hear from promoters at all the shows I've attended, its the people in the hobby who bring games, who set up in the flea market, who sell parts that make the show. Well so far here in upstate NY, it looks like we have a bunch of folks who can talk about it but are unwilling to support it. I know I'm going to get blasted by people who are either away on vacation or have to work or do have a legitimate reason for not bringing a game. It's not you I'm trying to convince. It's the others ...and there are many out there. THIS MEANS YOU! Come on, I find it very difficult to believe that there aren't enough folks in this area who aren't away or don't have to go to their aunt Tilly's hundredth birthday party or who's kid isn't celebrating their sweet 16th birthday to come up with fifty games to fill this venue. So go ahead, blast me but remember, we want shows, here's a show ...without support, it dies a painful death ...that's what I'm trying to prevent. Adam really kind of can't and it's likely would never write this, but someone has to.
Here's to hoping there's a swoon of late registrations. If we go into this show with 10 to 15 games, I fear it will either be cancelled or be a one and done.