Jeff
Sorry about thedelay in replying to your comments about my posting, but I do have a few points I would like to make:
It may well be that Blenheim wasn't an 'official' FM event (But what is? I'll come back to that) but it was publicised on FM
I have been asked (nominated) to to articles about Fish-Ins in the past, and have been happy to do so. I've also done articles to accompany the 'official' write up giving my own views about all the goings on. Usually starting with the 'craic' over the breakfast table, which is not to be missed, as it's the one time most of the participants are all together and are still (relatively) sober.
I didn't bring a camera, which was an oversight on my part, I admit, but if I had, I certainly would have made sure that the batteries were charged, otherwise no point in even mentioning that you have one if its useless.(I'll come back to that too)
As for the suggestion that I am some way in the wrong for not making multiple postings on the Clattercote thread, or indeed the forums in general, is that now sort of FM policy? If you don't contribute often enough, you are not worthy? I would have thought that the contribution of one decent post would far outweigh 200 posts of complete dross. But there again, if you are measuring success on site traffic, then you need every bit of old tat you can get, I suppose.
You ask about articles from me. Currently I am still working 60+ hours a week and commuting 200 miles per day, so the 'spare time' (given freely) I used to devote to writing articles just isn't available. However, that situation is happily ending soon and I will hopefully regain some spare time.
What I would like to know therefore, is if FM is considering running any more Fish-Ins. And by that I mean the sort that will encourage new members to come along rub sholuders with the rich and famous on here without feeling daunted at the prospect.
Events where people introduce themselves, wear badges with their names on so people can recognise who they are talking to, events where there is an obvious organiser in attendance from start to finish to offer guidance, advice, take pictures and notes for the accompaying article if required.
Maybe FM could budget for a set of scales (and yes a T-Bar as well Mr. Nellist..!) and a weigh sling, a draw bag and a set of peg numbers that can be used and re-used. This 'match set' could reside with the organiser and be loaned out to other (smaller) events if required.
Now, I've only organised conferences for up to 1100 delegates, A/V displays, accomodation, dining, fashion shows, after dinner speakers and entertainment. I have designed and staged award winning displays at the NEC, BICC, SECC, Harrogate and about 70 other venues around the country, and arranged Sports Club and Sports Shop public appearances for top flight sportsmen (and women) so I think I know all the pitfalls of trying to arrange events, but for all of the above, it is/was critical that SOMEBODY is in charge. That's all it needs to make it a success
Is that what FM wants, or not
No regular flagship event(s) means no community within FM in my opinion, why would I want to write for a site with 60-70,000 members when I don't know a single one of them...?????????