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Re: [Killietalk] 1st Conventioneer's
I can certainly emphasize with what you say, as there is no "local club"
within 400 miles of where I live, but your must realize that for some of us
"old timers" this is the only time we have to meet our old friends! Sorry I
missed you. Joe in Al.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Toland" <morgrid at comcast_net>
To: "killifish discussion list" <killietalk at aka_org>
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Killietalk] 1st Conventioneer's
> 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)
>>
>>
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