Re: [Killietalk] 1st Conventioneer's

[morgrid at comcast_net (Robert Toland)]

As a first timer at an AKA convention I will respond. Overall I found the convention enjoyable and I met a few folks that did take some time to make me feel comfortable, Doug and Earle of the SKS club come to mind. 
I arrived Friday and tried to get into the spirit of the event but really had nobody to talk with even though I am fairly outgoing. Doug took some time to show me the tanks SKS had setup and I appreciated that. Having come with only my son (who isn't into fish) I kind of wandered around looking at everything and then went back to my room. I was a bit concerned that I had made a mistake coming at this point in time. 
Saturday I made some small talk with some folks while waiting for the fish sale and this was good. I talked briefly with Alan and Craig of the Arizona club whom I had met before at WCW. I hooked up with Jim for lunch who I also knew from WCW. I talked with Barry  who is a member of my local club on both Saturday and Sunday, and I was thankful that there was at least one person I was fairly familiar with. 
At the banquet I ended up a table that initially seemed to be filled with first timers - all of the other tables had spots reserved for friends so there wasn't a lot of opportunity for some first timers to mingle with the old timers. As it turned out there were only 5 of us at my table but the conversation was good and I did enjoy the company. A couple of the guys were obviously veterans. Unfortunately this table ended up being the last one to get to the buffet and some of the food ran out by the time we got to it - some of the folks had actually gone back for seconds before I got my food. Although I understand that these things happen, it still doesn't make the experience any better.
At the auction I again ended up at a table with few people, Earle, I and one other new person. The other new person left fairly early but fortunately Earle was very pleasant and outgoing  so this also was a good experience.
Monday on the gathering trip was the best experience as I was put together with the largest group I had been with yet. The SKS club really made the trip for me by putting the collecting together. 
I enjoyed all of the programs I attended and I didn't meet anyone who was unpleasant. I understand that many of you people have been friends for years and may only see each other at these conventions so it is natural for you to group together. Being one of the few people from the West coast who attended and also being a first timer I was basically without a group. Had I not previously met a few people like I did and meeting a few more nice folks it could have been very lonely. 
Depending on the numbers I realized I could have ended up at a table at both the banquet and the auction by myself. If anyone is concerned about the first timers - this is where I think the experience could be improved. Perhaps first timers could be assigned to tables. I don't know how many first timers there were but just one chair per table reserved for a newbie would keep them from being left out. In this manner they might be grouped with senior members and begin to fit in sooner. 
I do hope to attend more of these conventions and will make an effort to be more outgoing in the future so I can try to fit in better. 
Thanks to everyone who made this a pleasant experience for me and to the SKS club for putting it all together.
Robert    
-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Capt Morgan <mort_ssbn630 at yahoo_com> 

> I'd like to mention publicy, and maybe some already know, that Curt Smith 
> took the time to search out people, mainly new members, who attended the 
> show. After giving it some thought, I wonder how many "others" took this upon 
> themselves to do the same ? 
> Mike Jacobs used the words "I know it's about the fish", and so have 
> others, 
> and not in any particular context. But obviously Curt, myself and others 
> aren't 
> buying into it. Of course there are statements that include enjoying each 
> others 
> company, a time to relax and discuss your fishroom etc. 
> I think and HOPE, 1st timers voice their experience so maybe we'll see a 
> perspective long since past by several "veterans". MAYBE, it'll shed some 
> light 
> as to why, as one BOT member mentioned, alot of inital members are choosing 
> to quit after 1 year. 
> Also I talked to a few members at the Convention who mentioned they no 
> longer keep fish, but come to continue and meet the "people". 
> For whatever it's worth.... 
> 
> Captain Morgan 
> (Don Mortenson) 
> 
> 
> --------------------------------- 
> Feel free to call! Free PC-to-PC calls. Low rates on PC-to-Phone. Get Yahoo! 
> Messenger with Voice 
> Join the AKA at http://www.aka.org/aka/modules/content/index.php?id=9. 
> Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/ 
> Modify your subscription at 
> http://www.actwin.com/mailman/listinfo.cgi/killietalk 
Join the AKA at http://www.aka.org/aka/modules/content/index.php?id=9.
Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/
Modify your subscription at http://www.actwin.com/mailman/listinfo.cgi/killietalk