I have been to 3 letterhead meets since finding this website and I have learned a great deal, made some wonderful friends, and just truly enjoyed hanging around late into the nights.
I know that the recent meets that were close to me have had great people and artist there to entice us to come and learn new things but I am afraid that the cost is getting to rich for my blood.
Garry and I always come together and by the time we pay for gas and rooms - its getting way out of our budget. I read enough post to know that the cost of putting on a meet usually leaves the host in the red but I hope that next year that there might be less extravagant meets.
I really miss not being able to go to any this year. Sorry to rant, guys.
[ August 03, 2003, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Laura...try the local, smaller meets....they are less costly, and more fun!
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Just doesn't seemed to have been any this year that were close. When we had the airplane it was different. We went to one in Mississippi in Nov 2002 but now that we have to drive - ugh!
I hope to have one next year.
Posted by mike meyer (Member # 542) on :
As a former and future host, I will respond with a positive attitude. These Meets are meant for EVERYONE. The people that put them on, are faced with people like yourself Laura, that are scared by the money aspect. "Oh sure, You're Mike Meyer, you go to all the meets, ou can afford it" I do go to alot of meets, but sometimes my budget does not allow me to go. When I do, I ask the hosts or friends I know that are going, if I can get a ride, or we share gas, or split a room, or is there a family I can stay with? Not so much to save money, I just like to meet new people and get a feeling of what their community is like! This has spun into a fantastic network of great freinds ans business associates. I remember seeing the posts about you Flying to meets in your own plane, I thought that was great! I have no idea how much it costs to operate a plane but I gotta beleive it would be cheaper to drive and stay in a Ma and Pa Motel as opposed to flying your own plane? Finding the Airport, Weather Conditions, a ride from the airport to the actual meet, ride to motel etc. The money spent on attending the knowledge gained at a meet can not even be measured. There are numerous people that can attest to making their daily sign shop operations more profitable from a Letterhead Meet experience, not to mention much more fun! You are not alone Laura, their will always be a post like this every year with someone saying that they are too expensive. Si's got a good point, the smaller ones are cheaper, ya still gotta get a room, and eat. I personally think it's the most in-expensive education out there. Think about it.
So, get another plane, get a side job delivering pizza, we'll see you here in Mazeppa Feb 5-6-7...registration is $60.00. Greyhound would be under $100? You can stay here free in my neighbors guest bedroom. Can you afford NOT to go?
There, was that positive? Where's Terry Teague?
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Go to one of Si's meets, Laura. He actually PAYS people to come!
heh...
k31
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Due to my husband retiring very unexpectantly and not ready for retirement after buying this shop, we have had to make some serious cut-backs. We have had to sell the plane, Garry has taken on a second job,...
$60.is affordable to us. Its the $150. a pop take we just can't do. It just seems like thats all that has been going on around me this year. There has been so many big names or interesting activities going on at these that I yearn to come to them. My concern is that these will become the norm and that many newbies won't be able to attend.
By the way, we used auto gas in our plane (1.20-145 a gal), flew about 100-120 mph, and camped under the wing. Flying a plane can be pretty cheap, get you there faster, and great conversational piece. I love it.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
There are many meets we attend and find a way to camp. We've brought an air matress and every shop has a compressor.There are many ways to cut expenses. Perhaps we need some provision for a scholarship fund? I never considered it, but it wouuuldn't be difficult to do. The last meet we did we figured expenses to be aroundd $20 a head per day, which included two meals. One might bring their own food. There could also be an opportunity to earn your entry fee by doing the clean up or helping at the registration or doing some of the food service. If you spoke to the host with enough notice, all sorts of opportunity is available.
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
Laura- A friend and I just went to a small meet about three weeks ago. It was about 2.5 hours away. We drove there and slept in the back of a pickup truck to save on cost. I have been to about 15 meets since 1998. I try not to miss them. If you only make one a year and had to spend $600 to get to it, it would be worth it. You have to look at it as an education. I myself am willing to scimp on something else to save the money to get to a meet. Where there is a will there is a way. The other thing you may try is get in touch with some local sign people from your area. See if they would like to get together once and a while. I get together with about 5 people from my area. For about three years we were doing it every Wednesday night. Little mini-meets. Just some thoughts.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I am not thinking about just me. I am thinking about the newbie. Believe me, I know what roughing it is. My daughter and I did 22 horse shows from May to Aug. in 1994. Talk about roughing it! Its just that $600. at a crack is too steep for me usually.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Laura,
I'm pretty much a newbie to going to meets. I spent about $300 on Mass Mayhem, my first meet this spring, mostly on lodgings (and buying brushes fron A.J....lol).
I'm going to FKAB in a few weeks and will be spending considerably more. Is it a good investment? I think it is, but my situation is not the same as everyone elses.
We all have financial concerns about how much or how often we can invest in attending meets. I wish I could go to every one there is, but my wallet says differently. I listen to it, no different than anyone else.
Besides, I have to do something with all the useful information I get from a meet, so I'd best stay home for a few and get some work done with it.
Rapid
Rob: Great tip on the Lemon Old English. Makes me think of th old Palmolive commercials... "My brushes....their soaking in it!" Thanks.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Geez, don't tell me about roughing it, My household is down to 3 fulltime servants and the 40' Provost motorcoach is in need of a new driver due to his alcoholic condition, says I drove him to drinking. My Cessna's air conditioning is on the brink of destruction and the new Hummer is always in for service. I can't understand why things just go crazy after a little tinkering on my part.
What $60. for a meet! well, I'll be darned if I can't find a Holiday Express to comp me!
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
Dang Joey!!!!
I'll send ya my next royalty check if that'll help! A Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I don't know if everyone is catching what I am saying. $60.00 a pop is great - $150.00 per person. Eck!!! But I do realize that you get your money's worth at those it just that it seems like this year that that is all that has been around me recently.
Posted by Glenn S. Harris (Member # 2190) on :
Everyone has their own financial concerns. If your in a bind $60 seems like a fortune (me! )....
....but , compared to say, the HOW Design Conference which is an hour away from me in New Orleans this month (Full Registration $1,000 )...
$150 is a bargain for an event you might get quite alot out of.
I havn't been to a meet yet, but I really wan't to got to one. If by some miracle I come into some flow... I would love to hit that one in BC!
Posted by BrianTheBrush (Member # 1298) on :
wow..Rob... first, ya FLOORED me when ya said ya had a friend that you traveled with.. now yer quitting while yer ahead?? Ahead of what...who???
You chicken spinner.
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
$150 PLUS closing the shop down for how ever many days. Even though my "Duck Soup" meet had a charge to it of $20.oo each for 3 days of Quackery Everyone DID recieve a grab bag of goodies,door prize,tee-shirt,sit down meal,sodas and snacks!
The key word EXTRAVAGANT seems to be the promblem
I belive we had just as much learning and teaching as we had FUN!!
Perhaps anyone attending my OPEN HOUSE would be willing to add something that might help.
YES it CAN be done at a resonable rate.
Hope this helps
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
Brian- I just thought I would stop before I said what I really thought. This subject has come up before. Letterhead meets are not entitlements. There is cost involved in putting one on. There also is cost involved in attending them. I make it a point to save my pennies and attend as many as I can. I spent a lot of money on a college diploma that says I'm a graphic designer. College did not teach me half as much as I have learned at meets hanging around guys like yourself. These meets are priceless. Mike Z who put on Mass Mayhem and was at Bruce's meet a few weeks back summed it up best. He has been doing this for 30 years and every time he goes to a meet he learns something new. I just don't want Letterhead meets to get a bad rap as being over priced. Most people could not believe the meet in Milwaukee two years ago was only going to cost $50 per person. Someone picked up the cost for that and it was the distributors. Yes, you can have a backyard picnic and have some sign friends over. That would be fine. But when you are planning a large meet or an International, you'd better have things planned a little better. That's when the cost comes in. I organized a charity meet last winter and had 15 people attend. It didn't take long before I was out of pocket $300-$400. It adds up quick. Rent tables, chairs, tents, etc. All of a sudden you need sponsors. I appologise if someone can't make the big meets this year. I won't be at them as I have hit four small meets since Mars last year. It's not fair to blame the organizers. They have taken the time to do this and I feel they can and should do and charge whatever they see fit. Or better yet, step up to the plate yourself and plan your own. I'm just upset I wasn't able to make it to yours this year Brian. I hear it was a blast. Catch you at Sulpy's.
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
Hey Mike Are you heading to FKAB? We might be able to find some ice to play a little hockey! The price is right!
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
I want to say it... It is on the tip of my tongue... I just can't... but boy do I want to... Hhahahahahahahaha!
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
Something I said Bruce, or is your mind in the gutter!
[ August 01, 2003, 09:17 PM: Message edited by: J & N Signs ]
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
ahahahahahahaahah
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Let's face it! When income runs low, and/or debt load grows, everything appears to be way too expensive. I hate to say it, but I've began to hear things my Grandpa and Father say coming out of my own mouth.
I'm 50. My first fulltime job paid 75 cents an hour. I still see $20 as a good chunk of change. My Son considers $100 as REAL money. Can you see what I am getting at?
I know what it is like to walk to work because I didn't have $2 to buy gas. Bet we're not the only ones who have carted cases of empty pop and beer bottles back to the store on occasion. It wasn't because we needed the money! Just clearing some clutter. Yeah sure!
If more than one in the Family is attending a meet, the costs do add up real fast. Double the airfare, double the admission and so on. I'm one of those that like to see both husband and wife at meets. Letterheads should be a family affair. There are all sorts of subjects our loved ones are wanting to discuss with other spouses. Stuff like our mental fitness.
The biggest cost at meets is food. People have to eat, and it adds up real fast. When you consider the cost of feeding a person over 3 days, it's not hard to see where the first $60-80 bucks goes. Add the cost of a t-shirt, snacks, drinks, entertainment and all sorts of misc. costs and you'll soon wonder how our hosts can do it at all.
A Letterhead Meet is the very best investment you can make for your business. Associating with those who are doing whatever it is you want to do, is a key element in our success. I have a sneaking suspicion that most of you already know that, but extra money is hard to come by these days. The solution is in the problem.
We have to start doing more to improve our business and marketing skills. Lack of income is the real problem. More time has to be spent on learning how to determine your shop rate and then giving yourself permission to ask for what we are really worth. Always being broke sucks bigtime! It robs our self esteem and leads to all sorts of other health issues.
The Letterhead Meet is the very best place to begin to address these issues. Seminars on beveled letters, goldleaf techniques and all the other wonderful eyecandy tricks are cool, but it might be time we devoted more time to learning the trade before the tricks. I heard Stephen Parrish say that 20 years ago and it's never sounded more truthful than today.
That's my take on the subject. Oh yeah....this is really Steve. I keep forgetting to log out and log back in with my username on Barb's computer.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Okay so you're swiping Barb's profile and don't tell us until we're done reading, hmmmm.... I "still" remember filling and returning the wooden cases of glass Nehi pop bottles and saving the glass jugs from the gallon milk if the milkman didn't pick them up, shoot, I still have one of my Mom's gallon jugs here at my house now (with the metal handle)!
I think Laura meant that some of us letterheads never doubt the cost of putting on a meet, but, maybe there is a way to cut some costs somewhere. Yes, it is a deal! as all the meet people are so generous. And, yet, we that come to learn, also donate our time and craft to many of the towns, but can't afford even that sometimes due to life's situations. Sometimes, as some I hear saying, that our kids and families and friends have special concerns that we must and want to place first, naturally. Still, the desire to join in is still there, the passion exists in many hearts and minds.
I personally have dropped in to the meet in Atlanta, late, due to unfortunate circumstances, but the gratification of being that "somewhere else" overrides the need to show up at the meet on time. Still, just dropping in was great, sharing stories and some skills, picking up some tips and showing my support and praise for others work, but not being a participant in the workshops and such, due to being late.
I think that many of us need to be at more meets and just aren't able to. This post has come up with some solutions too, and with all our creativity, there may be some more solutions. Wouldn't it be great to see double or triple fold the attendance? I think there are so many artists out there that are not aware of their own talent or a place to express and learn. Maybe more exposure and outreach to and from surrounding communites may bring in some financial help and take the pressure off the expenses overall.
[ August 02, 2003, 01:10 AM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
My first meet was Duck Soup. $20, my gas to drive down & my room costs at the Hindu Hilton. If the meet had been $150, that probably would have altered my decision to attend.
Before you tell me you get so much more than that out of a meet (I totally agree) realize this was my first meet. I had no real idea what was going on.
Add up $150 meet fee plus your travel & room costs. Now, for a first-timer, that is a hugh dime to drop to just go spend a couple days with other sign people. Once that first-timer gets to their first meet, the costs should become less important than the benefits. Before your first meet, you only "think" you know what a meet is.
Posted by mike meyer (Member # 542) on :
Sorry Mario, I will be in Tomahawk, but I will bring my stick! I wish I couldd have been going to FKAB, but this year has been the year when some meets got doubled up. Oh well, I never want to see Letterheads go to a Board of Directors or Totally Organized....this would kill the spontanaity of the Group. "Winter Muster" Feb 5-6-7 04 Mazeppa Plan EARLY.......International 2005 July Mazeppa, Minnesota Letterheads 3oth Anniversary "Sign Painters Picnic"
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
If the big ones are to steep for your pocket book then plan locally. Small meets are great. Meets with 5-10 people can be planned in a week. The same skills can be learned at these. I can't fit but 5 or 6 people in by home based shop and there isn't a hotel within 30 miles. So I'm forced to have a small one day deal. That means locals who can drive in in one day. But it is still a meet and fun will be had. There are a lot of things I would like to do in life but they are out of reach for my pocket book. This just makes me plan within my means.
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
Yeah, them Lheads meet ain't for everybody. You need three important things to attend one. MONEY, TIME and (the ability to) TRAVEL.
However, once you've been to one, the expenses TAX DEDUCTABLE as "education".
See ya soon?
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Laura, if you would be interested in sharing expenses in Tomahawk, just email me! I can split the gas and motel, if you can get as far as Chicago/Rockford area. Please let me know in a few days if so!
[ August 02, 2003, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posted by John Jordan (Member # 2368) on :
To Laura, Kissimatta, Deb and others,
I am surprised at the stories about the costs of the International Meets....my airfare alone to attend Cork, Ireland/Quebec/Nanaimo is $3,926.00 and I still believe the money is well spent, even though I have 58 years trade experience, I am still learning.....ask Mike Meyer
To gain the knowledge and instruction available at a meet would cost thousands of dollars in a college or school, and most of the teachers there could not hold a candle to the commercial orientated men and women who will share their expertise at a Letterhead Meet for free, and as quoted in a earlier post, it's a legitimate taxation deduction
I only hope you can eventually see past the dollar and take the opportunities available.
John
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I went to college in Sept 2000, got my associates degree in graphic communications, was 17 classes short of my bachelors in Business Admin., and was 5 classes short of a 2nd assocates in a Computer engineering degree. Then I bought my sign shop and had to drop out of school. I have somewhere between $20-25,000 in student loans that are outstanding. Fortunately I had phenomenal teachers and learned a great deal about design but there is so much more that I learn at the meets not to mention the great people that I meet too.
I am not complaining about the cost of international meets. My point is that I would like to see less expensive meets. At Don H.'s meet, some of us ladies ran to the local crafts store and bought aprons to screen print. I had never screen printed a thing before that. We even screen printed our own t-shirts. The t-shirts were supplied but I would have been happy to bring my own.
At John yarbrough's, in Mississippi, it was pot luck. I love a potluck.
Any other suggestions to cut cost and make it more reasonable for some of us to have a meet?
[ August 03, 2003, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
Posted by TransLab (Member # 470) on :
As the ad goes .... some things in life are priceless.
I'm gonna drive 13 hours each way to get to spend only 1 day at my first meet, don't know/care if food is included, it's only a very small part of the overall cost. Might be easier on your mind if you forget dollar costs and think in sign costs ie..that meet is gonna cost (2) 4x8 sorta puts the cost of learning in perspective.. I find it a lot easier to spend 4x8's than dollars
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Laura, my non-attendance has always been linked to money too. Not the cost of the meet, but the amount I would lose by leaving the studio for a few or more days. I have to add those figures to get the true cost for me.
k31
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Ok... Here's a thought...
Hold a meet in a park. It only costs 20 bucks for the pavillion. Offer no lunches, snacks, drinks, or dinner. Have no t-shirts, prize bags, or door prizes of any kind.
Have everyone bring their own panels, paints, thinners, layout tools, etc. Make everyone supply their own food and drinks. Supply absolutely nothing. Pass the hat for the pavillion fee.
Invite everyone using a mass e-mails and postings. That way it wouldn't cost anything for printing, envelopes, or postage. You won't have to make any phone calls to suppliers, invitees, and the such.
Now see how many people actually attend....
Seriously... There are people who think that the people putting on these meets are making a killing. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If you take into account the time spent on...
- making the arrangements for the date and advertising
- the begging for door prizes and such
- the arranging for food, drinks, and snacks
- the cleaning of the shop 3 days before and 3 days afterwards while trying to get any real work out the door
- the design time for meet logo and procurement of the t-shirts, aprons, etc.
- the making, installing, and removal of all the directional signs that you need to have
- dealing with all the "last minute Jacks" who totally disregard any cut off dates and cry about having to pay the late fees...
Looking at all of this means that in the long run you make, as far as money goes, zip, nada, nothing, zero, zilch, goose eggs... You do, however, earn the respect and commendation of most of the Letterheads while a few of them bitch behind your back and say they could have done better.
We hosted two meets in 1997 and 1998 at our place. While we did have a small invite only meet last summer, we are through hosting meets for awhile.
The $40 fee just barely covered the expenses of the meet. We put the cost at close to $2,000 in the red after all the expenses and loss of work time, etc. is taken into consideration. That's a lot to ask for a small 2 man shop to absorb.
Laura, if the price of meets is really getting to you, I suggest you host one yourself. I guarantee that your opinion will change.
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
But, Bruce................ a WEALTHY two man shop??
heh.............
k31
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Pierre, we got wealthy by NOT hosting any more meets...
Glad to hear the stopped that fire approaching Lost Praire. Read it in the paper this morning. I was praying for you. Too bad you don't live closer... We could do coffee.
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
I saw a thin plume of smoke coming into Lost Prarie last week. Within 1/2 hour it had gone from an acre to 500 acres. I rode my dirt bike toward the smoke to take a look. It was MUCH closer than it appeared. 8.8 measured miles! By the time I got there there were 2 tankers, two helicopters with buckets and a load of firefighters on the way. Scared the crap out of me. That was WAY too close. With the right wind it could have been upon us in minutes. Fortunately the wind was 5 points toward the north from us so we spent the night watching the wind vane and the flames visible from the kitchen window. Pretty scary schtuff. I just had another well drilled right here by the house. It has a 1.5" fitting for fighting a fire. Maybe...................
k31
Posted by Robert Carney (Member # 2016) on :
Hey Pierre
I hope its a pretty big well. Do you have a portable pump to pump the water. How does it work? Do you have a 1.5" hose or is the well there for the fire dept. to use.
A inch and half line is standard for the firedepartment. Just to give you an idea....our ladder truck can pump 1500 gallons of water per min. using a 4" line. Thats alot of water...
This was just to give you an idea.
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Hey, Robert. We have a standard well pump but I also have a P250 I can hook in-line with the 1.5" pipe going down the well on a "T". The well is for Rosemary's new house, but it doubles for fires using the P250. Better than nothing, and we also have the Gel for spraying on the buildings too.
k31
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
I used to hosts events> Not sign meets but other events where we would do just about do the same co-ordinating for supplies.
We never made much money either considering all the work.
There are always people who cannot commit until the last minute and being nice we always tried to accomodate them. Was it out of anxiety that we needed all the visitors we could get? Maybe..
However. We got away from charging extra at the door. It was understood that if you arrived the last minute you may not get a gift bag or door prizes. That in itself took away some of the anxiety and did not make the few who could not commit until the last minute feel less punished.
Later as we evolved into holding better events we did not worry anymore because more and more came. They could plan on it each season.
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
Life 101...this class won't cost a cent.
In life we make choices(when you really come down to it that's all life is). Some choices are good and some are bad. Regardless of what they are we have to live by them. Laura, you chose to go to school. The fact that you have bills steming from that should not reflect on the cost of letterhead meets. By the same token, at some point in your life you had enough money to buy airplanes and horses. From what you have told us it sounds as if you have been at both ends of the spectrum. An early unexpected retirement for your husband is something that is unseen and can be a hardship but a possiblity for anyone in these uneasy economic days we live in. The choices we make in our lives can and will determine how we make it through hard times. I hope you and your husband can see yourself through these hard times as My family has been in the same place at one time or another. It is a rotten place to be sometimes. As for the meets, please take my advice and contact some local sign folks and get together. It has worked for me and my friends and that is where I learned most of what I know about signs today. Start off with one other person and see if you can get some people to join in. Meet every couple of weeks or once a month. Make an effort to try new products and techniques you have never tried. You will be amazed at how much you can learn by putting a couple of heads tohether. After your meetings come here and ask question when problems arise. That's what this place is for. Before you know it you will find yourself stepping outside the box and producing some pretty neat stuff. I wish you luck with your endevors.
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
I have hosted several small regional meets in years past. The first one had a $40. fee attached. This was all well and good until I found out there was a kid who wanted to attend but couldn't seem to come up with the forty bucks. I hosted several more after that but if you paid anything, it was strictly on a voluntary basis. There was a container for donations placed on one of the tables. All who wanted too could contribute. It was surprising how much was collected in that manner. One of the more memorable events was catered by a local concession company. Those attending lettered his box bed truck and concession trailer in return. That way, the food was furnished for the weekend and the concession guy went away happy. He still stops by occasionally and talks about "our sign meet." Sometimes you just have to get creative in hosting a letterhead event.
Who knows, maybe we will do it again sometime. I always liked hosting them. Anyone interested in one in south Arkansas?
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Bruce, Go back to my first post and read:
"I read enough posts to know that the cost of putting on a meet usually leaves the host in the red but I hope that next year that there might be some less extravagant meets."
Then my third post:
"$60. is affordable to us. Its the $150. a pop take WE just can't do. It just seems like thats all that has been going on around me this year. There has been so many big names or interesting activities going on at these that I yearn to come to them. My concern is that these will become the norm and that many newbies won't be able to attend."
My last post: "I am not complaining about the cost of international meets. My point is that I would like to see less expensive meets."
After re-reading my posts I realized that I should have said "MORE less expensive meets."
I have talked with Steve about having a meet and he suggested just a mini meet for me. I just haven't been able to schedule it yet. I will try to keep the costs down so that the newbie or others that might be struggling can attend. I don't feel that I have that much to offer artistically but maybe I haven't found my nitch yet. I feel so artistically challenged whenever I attend other meets because I can't draw and don't paint pictures. I am a computer artist. (My mother is an artist and my older daughter is a phenominal artist. I just tell people that it skipped a generation. Maybe someday I will be able to learn to paint a pretty picture or draw something better than a stick person.)
Posted by Robert Larkham (Member # 2913) on :
Laura, we all have strengths, you included. Yours may be on a computer which in this day and age could be very helpful to many. You may help that one person solve a problem they are having and in the meantime that person may be able to help you with a brush. Most of the people at these meets didn't invent what they know, they stole(borrowed) it from some other sign person. That's what is cool about meets, you start shaking hands and talking to people and all of a sudden you find someone who has some knowledge you need (and visa/versa). I hope you do plan a meet. Don't worry what you have to offer. Organizing is enough to offer. But have a pad and paper ready to take notes on all the things you will learn.
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Laura,
I read all your posts thoroughly. I am saying that someone would be very hard pressed to host a 3-4 day meet for 60 dollars and supply the type of meet that we have all become accustomed to.
To have a pot luck type dinner like you suggested would be very difficult, unless you are a local, for many people to do. To supply a dish for 40+ people would be somewhat expensive to go to the market and buy.
There is no easy answer to the costs of the meets these days. My wife and I understand your position completely. We have attended a few meets together and realize the dilemma that you speak of. Our lack of attending together has more to do with her work schedule than economic but we do understand.
Food and sanitary needs are the biggest costs associated with having a meet. So too is the need for additional insurance in case of unforseen accidents. I can only speak for myself when I say that I sure don't want to have to worry about supplying my own food. I want to enjoy the happenings and not be concerned that the dish I came with wasn't enough.
Lodging is another area of expense. I know the lodging costs in this area at least triple during the summer tourist season. This places an undue burden on many people.
I wouldn't worry about what niche offering you could supply. You would be surprised at the amount of knowledge that people have and don't give themselves credit for. You have a lot, it seems, in the business end of things. Maybe that is your niche. Maybe you could offer insight into computer art. Sometimes the intangible knowledge is more than the tangible things you can see. It really doesn't matter.
There isn't an easy answer. All I can do is save my lunch money up.
Posted by Jackie B (Member # 186) on :
Laura - some of the small meets have resulted in great things. Just put a few Letterheads together and someone is bound to come away with a new idea and/or learn something new. I suggest holding one yourself. I no longer do signs -just graphics. I hosted a few BBQ's for travelling Signtists, or just for the heck of it. It wasn't that expensive and well worth the time & money we put in. Steve & Barb's trip out here, and my hosting a get-together, actually resulted in two signtists meeting for the first time and starting a business together, Anchor Blanks. All it cost me was food. It didn't cost anyone else anything - just a trip up here. I recently hosted another Pot Luck BBQ on the spur of the moment. About six signtists showed up. Perhaps it was a small gathering, but they spent most of the time talking shop and showing some latest projects. I think each one of the 6 got something out of it, and if not, simply a good meal and comraderie. This next one is for Mike Meyer, and hoping everyone will come up for another pot luck BBQ. Again, I anticipate lot's of shop talk, maybe some sharing of techniques. While these are usually small, everyone seems to walk away with something - a little more knowledge and putting a face to yet another Letterhead. It's really worth a try. I haven't met a Letterhead yet that I didn't like. Even if you learn just one thing, it's worth it.
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Laura, I just turned in my taxes for the 2002 tax year. Which included my Spring Fling 2002 . I LOST $1,235.86 on that meet !!!! Yes, it was my fault.... I over bought stuff just so the guests would be completely satisfied.... just as I was when I attended other meets. You and I met at Don Hulsey's meet in KY..... I remember talking with you... about carving and stuff..... but, you insisted on bragging about your airplane, your big home, your husband being retired, yada, yada, yada....... so, if you are living beyond your means, please DON'T use LetterHeads as a means to express the high cost of living or to attend the meets.............. Just as William Picket and Steve said..... it is EDUCATION !!!! Now that you have a degree......... do the MATH.... $150.00... STAY HOME.... $60.00 ATTEND !!!..... but, don't come here to bitch about YOUR personal financial situation. The "NEWBEES" will decide for THEMSELVES as to what they can afford and what they can't.
p.s. My very first meet was at Classic Sign & Mirror in Pensacola, FL back in 1989..... my total weekend cost was around $800.00 (which I could NOT afford). But, after learning from the world renowned woodcarver, Ralph Gaither (USN-RET) which was a Vietnam POW for 7 1/2 years, I came home home extremely motivated to enhance my skills. My very first "handcrafed" sign after that meet sold for over $2200.00. So, that in itself, was well worth my initial investment to attend as many meets as I could afford. No, I do not attend meets that are out of my budget or my interest (I am NOT a "wall-dog"). I only attend the ones that I am interested in and can enhance my skills and that are within my budget. BUT, I don't sit here and complain about the ones that are out of my budget. Just attend the ones that can enhance YOUR skills. Whether it be carving, vinyl graphics or better business management. Good luck to ya !!
[ August 03, 2003, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
....an' ol' Brer' Rabbit, he set in de bushes... lay low an' don' say nuffin'.
k31
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
I'm not missing out on Tomahawk! Cutting some corners as I am ready to sling some paint, share tips and tricks, and join in the Letterhead spirit....just consider it "therapy"!
All of the meets have "saved" me money as I looked to experts to ask about techniques that I will ordinarily use in my everyday business, and received tips and encouragement to go back into selling the handpainted signs! It's a perfect way to get stimulation for growth in the business, and also there are a lot of computer geeks there too, if you need some help with being more creative and productive. Letterheads are some of the most generous people I have ever met, and we need each other to keep the spirit alive, the income coming in... etc.
Sometimes, a small meet that is close is less expensive, and time off work is easier to obtain. I am just very lucky to be so close to Wisconsin this time. And...I can just be more creative in getting my son to earn some of his own money this summer, since Mom is going to "signpainter camp"! (did you know you can deduct these meet expenses off of your income tax?)
[ August 03, 2003, 09:05 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posted by Gail & Dave Beattie (Member # 572) on :
I think I understand what laura was talking about, in our country the meets have been national and in some cases internation events, which means only one big one a year
because we all have to travel so far it is a yearly expence for devo and I of around the $1500. mark
this years meeting is in cairns... far north queenlnad grab a map of oz and see what i mean
in 97 devo and i were going to host a meeting close to home... i got sick so others took over and the meet went ahead beautifuly
but the time spent earlier organising the big one gave us an idea and so when i was stronger we did host a smaller meeting
we called it a lowercase heads meet, cause we wern't doing a big 3 day event, just a smaller sign resto that idea had come from a mate who had put on a small meet the winter before with just 11 of us
we had 25 people attend over the 2 days of the resto and there were no fees we had a gold coin donation for drinks and another for food, we bbq'd everything
we all camped in the paddock where the shed was, and the suppliers as usual donated the stuff we used
at the end of the day we made a .75c profit on the food and drink... and it was truly one of the best times i've ever had
in 2000 i attended 6 meetings at a cost of just over $10,000. in air fares, registrations, food and accommodation, both in Oz and around the world
we got lucky and had our dream come true but even then, we couldn't have done it without the love and support of folk like empy and steve n barb, who let us stay with them and took us to and from the meets
what Laura said was true, newbies can be put off by the cost required to experiance an unknown value
those of us who have attended meetings do know what value we are getting for our money and so we push to make it happen
so Laura my sugestion would be... host a meeting, just a small gathering will do the same thing for your enthusiasum and help to bring the new folk closer to what we all know is true... keeping the craft alive goes beyond the day to day grind
it's about a dream that we all have to share to make real
i hope that your finacial life improves once you get over these large bumps in the road and never forget that 'all ships rise on an incoming tide'
what we do for ourselves makes a real differance to us and others
cheers gail
[ August 03, 2003, 11:40 PM: Message edited by: Gail & Dave Beattie ]
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
Letterheads is not "they' it is "us". If you want to go to a particular type of meet and no one else has one scheduled, host one yourself.
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but I hope that next year that there might be some less extravagant meets."