Your opinion - members only?

[Wardsweb]

So what do you think. Do we hold this as a member's only gig, or open it to the public?

[gonefishin]

open...of course. That's how you get more members

[Wardsweb]

That's what I was thinking, but wanted to make sure the membership is on the same page.

[grumpy]

I Dont mind non members as long as they are there to have a good time rather then tear gear apart like some i have met.

grumpy

[RuSsMaN]

I say a FIRM members only, guests only if they come *with* a member. Not trying to be a snob, but I really don't want people I don't know 'messing' with my (or any other members) gear.

That, and for the 'swap' meet, the prices I would unload gear to members is FAR different than the price for the general populous. Matter of fact, I might not even sell some gear publically, just to a fellow member in need on the cheap.

Example Luther, the Solid Pro speakers I am THRILLED to pass along to you for what I have in them. I could get twice if not more by going public, and probably wouldn't even sell them at all. I'd hold them for later use, or when another member was looking for something similar.

Cheers,
Russ

[grumpy]

I think I definitely want to keep the rooms available only for the AK members gear and the few invited vendors, but IMO all should be able to attend who wish to.

I will state publicly that at some the other meetings I have attended people either judged me and others by their appearance or gear preference. Absolutely NONE of this attitude will be acceptable at AK fest. We are meeting to have fun, food, tunes and more.

Anyone acting in the way mentioned above will have my foot put up their ass on the way out !

Grumpy

[spkrman57]

And if his foot is out of action, i will volunteer my foot properly placed where the sun don't shine.

I personally like the AK member's only gathering since there seems to be quite a crowd coming to this event which started as a small get together. and with non members, might not have the quality time to put the faces and names together. That is the reason this entire event started if I remember right.

Just my 2 cents worth,
Ron

[Andyman]

I guess I'll join the "Member's Only" and invited guests list.

Judging from the responses, we should get quite a decent turnout (over 30??, over 50??), so why clutter it up with walkins and rubber-neckers? I might bring a friend or family member, but I'm there to meet AKer's and check out the goodies.

Random thought just occurred. Can we do a web-cam on this for those who can't get there? Just thinking out loud.

[Wardsweb]

Web cam would be cool, but alas, no internet connection. What there will be is LOTs of pictures and a webpage dedicated to the event.

[MikE]

I was thinking this would be a "members" get-together, only because the idea was spawned on this forum [right] and I thought the purpose was for members to meet. Besides, outside of us who else will even know about it? Perhaps some "audio friends" but I don't envision complete strangers just "showing up". In fact, I'm asking a local [non-member] friend to make the trip with me.

About the attitudes. While audio has it's snooty side, I certainly do not want anyone to feel judged while in our company. I didn't get that vibe at MAF. Did you Dave? Personally, I think it's wishful thinking to believe that people aren't judgemental in nature. I would only ask that everyone check their attitudes at the door and enjoy the AudioKarma Fellowship.

MikE

[grumpy]

Mike

Yeah there was a bit of snobbery at MAF but nothing like I encounter here locally. I can walk into a shop or gathering of people and they all move away from me or just ignore me cuz I'm a long haired unshaven slob to them I say :finger: Them

Back to your question. My foot in the ass really was targeted at some guys i meet locally.



I am so looking forward to meeting more members and just
having fun. I am open to whatever the members decide on since after all its why we are hosting the gathering.

I would like to add that if a member or members has some friends they would like to invite please feel free. We have plenty of room for at least 100 plus people.

Dave

[Wardsweb]

OK, looks like the consesus is members with guests. So, I will not promote this event outside of this forum.

AK RULES !

[MikE]

I am open to whatever the members decide on since after all its why we are hosting the gathering. That's why I love AudioKarma! :D MikE

[gonefishin]

If that's what they say...I suppose that's what they say.


but what a bummer! I know, for me...I was unable to hear alot of the gear I've read about on various forums. That's why I was so happy to find the Chicago Horn group. They posted a message saying when the next meeting was...and that all were invited. This gave me not only the opportunity to hear alotta gear I otherwise wouldn't have...but I met some great people because they allowed things to be open to those interested.


Too bad...


dang it :mad:

[Andyman]

Originally posted by gonefishin
They posted a message saying when the next meeting was...and that all were invited. This gave me not only the opportunity to hear alotta gear I otherwise wouldn't have...but I met some great people because they allowed things to be open to those interested.


Too bad...


dang it :mad:

Well, if someone came into the forums here and saw this and inquired, I'd have no problem with them being a "guest".

I just didn't want whoever was in the hotel/driving by/reading the Metro Times crashing in. A bunch of stray software/insurance/Mary Kay salesfolk strolling in from their Saturday "pump you up session" and wanting to crank out their Top 40 (or whatever it's called these days) hits would be not what I expected:eek:

[Wardsweb]

You are correct sir. I dought we would turn away someone for not being a member but we won't promote this everywhere, as not to get the greater Detroit area public dropping in. So in reality we will have 90% members and 10% other. I may be way off here, but not many people will know about it unless someone here tells them. I guess that would make them an invited guest.

Any thoughts on this?

[RuSsMaN]

Sounds like we need to apply an AK secret handshake to get in the door. ;)

[Wardsweb]

How about "pull my finger" :D

[Reel 2 Reel]

I'm throwin' my hat in for the Members/guest...

It started out as a private shindig...and I think it should stay that way....

Like Andy said...If you start gettin poeple off the streets...you might get the salespeople....and the other people there just to eat up all the food and drink all the good stuffe:mad:.......Then theres liability issues.... :yikes:

[Dave918]

Originally posted by Wardsweb
How about "pull my finger" :D

I thought that was the official handshake :dunno: :D

-Dave

[gonefishin]

This certainly isn't my AKFest gathering here...so it's not for me to decide (obviously)

I've been to several audio meetings...not one of them had people coming in off the streets...and not one of them was a closed invite only gathering.


I'm fine with a decision either way...I'd just like to know.


take care>>>>

[RuSsMaN]

Originally posted by Dave918
I thought that was the official handshake :dunno: :D

-Dave

Was it pull, or smell my finger? I'm so confused.

[spkrman57]

I just thought AK members(and their friends), I guess when I first saw the thread start out it would be a chance to meet some of the great people that I converse with here. I already feel guilty that this has grown so big and I invited myself without being asked. We can always have another gathering somewhere afterwards where we could invite the public. I wish I could figure out how to pull something like this off in Columbus, Ohio. But alas, I am better at thinking than doing! :dunno:
Regards, Ron

[gonefishin]

Originally posted by spkrman57
I just thought AK members(and their friends), I guess when I first saw the thread start out it would be a chance to meet some of the great people that I converse with here. I already feel guilty that this has grown so big and I invited myself without being asked. We can always have another gathering somewhere afterwards where we could invite the public. I wish I could figure out how to pull something like this off in Columbus, Ohio. But alas, I am better at thinking than doing! :dunno:
Regards, Ron


party at Grumpy's house sounds good ta me ;) :drunk: <---me

I'm not quite sure what this turned into... :dunno:

[Kamakiri]

I'm just sittin back and rollin with whatever happens.....as long as I'm there :)

[grumpy]

GF

No need to worry bout Sales people and the likes. Was there some folks that ya had in mind to invite GF ?

As for what its become well its still what i intended it to be which is a gathering of members and gear.

Honestly i don't mind if others attend.

Dave

[Reel 2 Reel]

Originally posted by grumpy
GF



As for what its become well its still what i intended it to be which is a gathering of members and gear.

Honestly i don't mind if others attend.

Dave

If thats what Grump says goes...then I'm up with that..... :)

[gonefishin]

Hi grump...As for the gear...If I've got the right days off...and there is enough room. I was thinking of bringing my system. But if there's already going to be enough gear there...I wouldn't bother.


As for what its become well its still what i intended it to be which is a gathering of members and gear.

Honestly i don't mind if others attend.

Dave

cool :)


i hope my days off work out...sounds like a great time.


Grump...thanks for hosting this...and all the troubles your going thru. Are you going to have a donation jar...or something??? I'd hate to see one person have to flip the bill...I'd be willing to donate a little to the cause...wether I go or not.

thanks!

[Billfort]

Hi guys. Told myself I wouldn’t post to the list anymore but since I will be going to AK/Grumpfest and have enjoyed the last 2 MAF’s so much, I thought I’d comment.

A “swap” table is a great idea although coming over the border from Canada really limits what I can bring or return with but who knows, maybe I’ll see something I can’t resist (tubes, amp parts, etc). I’d love to scout out some vinyl while in Michigan, which probably has nothing to do with the AK meet, but I’m sure Grump can point me in the right direction.

A room dedicated to low power tubes and hi-eff. speakers would be fantastic for me, as that was the thing that drew me all the way to Lima these last few years - having some vinyl in there as well might be asking for too much! :) . A “Bottlehead” room as Wardsweb mentioned might be what I am talking about here but tagging it with a particular vendor’s handle might falsely (?) limit it’s scope – at least it may have that perception.

I’ll probably travel down with friends, both AK members (Rob?) and possibly others so I suppose I wouldn’t be in favor of limiting attendance to AK people only. Some kind of connection to an AK member might be a good idea but I don’t know how you could control this. As far as arrogant, self righteous individuals go, limiting attendance to only AK members certainly does not guarantee there won’t be any of them around. I think we all (me in particular) have to get used to the fact that audio is rotten with these types and to each there own, relax and enjoy. The presence of a few self appointed audio Gods never stopped me from enjoying the last 2 MAF’s.

I also wanted to thank Grump for getting this started – after the untimely death of MAF, I figured I’d never get the chance to attend a fun event like this again short of booking a flight somewhere. Really looking forward to listening to music, talking audio and tipping a few beers with you guys!

Keep me posted on hotel info Grump, I’ll be spending a few nights there.

Bill

[MikE]

As far as arrogant, self righteous individuals go, limiting attendance to only AK members certainly does not guarantee there won’t be any of them around. :lmao: :para: :lmao: MikE

[DingusBoy]

As far as arrogant, self righteous individuals go, limiting attendance to only AK members certainly does not guarantee there won’t be any of them around.

That's true, but there are plenty of folk that frequent this forum that will be humble enough to set up my throne and give me the welcome I so richly deserve.

[spkrman57]

This is just a thought, so don't shoot me if it ain't worth s**t!, why not have a percentage of the swap table go to the host and Ak forum. I am planning on bringing some things up (weather permitting) and would like to donate say 15% to the event. Plus, I just might see something out there I like and take home more than I came with!

So don't shoot me, just give me your opinions!!!

Ron

:dunno:

[Wardsweb]

We won't require anyone to give outright, but if anyone feels a need to donate something, it would be used to help offset the cost of the hotel. I think I'll make a donation thread.

[spkrman57]

Would be nice if the AK members submitted a wish-list, would make it easier to decide what to bring for the swap!!!
Ron

[NOSValves]

I say let them all come. If they get out of line they can be asked to leave ! Most people act pretty reasonable in person. I have never seen any major problems at any audio get together I have ever attended.

Craig

[soundhd]

There seems to be some concern about problems that could be cause by having "nonmembers" at the event causing problems assocated with the demo gear that is going to be in the different listening rooms.......I do understand those concerns and maybe allowing "non-members" to attend but somehow "roping off" the area in each listening room where the "demo" gear will be and only allowing the owners of the "demo" gear in the roped off area. This would require some sort of ID Tag (maybe a different color for each room or a seperate color for members who are bringing gear to demo (this would have to be set-up in advance but would be worth the trouble I think). I am sure that those that have demo gear at the event will not want to stay in that room all the time to keep an eye on thier "stuff". We all are going to want to move around. Maybe ask for volunteers to take a shift in the different listening rooms to keep an eye on things.
Don't really know if other get togethers of this sort in other states have had problems, maybe I am just an alarmist, but anyway I would be willing to help out.....Maybe have a "pre-event volunteer meeting".

Greg in Ann Arbor

PS: Probably the same sort of thing for a swapmeet area if you decide to have one.......