amigadave wrote:
Quote:

No one other than current and former Amiga users are going to be interested in attending a small computer show like AmiWest.

For this year's CommVEx, we attracted a few from Defcon (which was happening on the same weekend in Las Vegas).
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Remember there is not much of a budget to advertize anywhere and this is a free show due to the generosity of our sponsors and the hard work of the SACC members.

Very true. Widespread advertising requires a great deal of money. Hiring photographers and others requires a great deal of money. Where would this money come from?

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug

@thread

The money comes from year long website with donation page - dont always think negative.

Hyperion really needs a marketing department because a friend just said to me if marketing was done for Amiwest or Amiga in general- new people would be introduced to the systems.

Its not only for normal Amiga users, it should be for all people interested.

Combine with other computer shows
Maybe even Amiga stores could add an optional 5% donation option when buying ..

Just think every day a sale that is potentially not made is effect a potential loss in sale , and hence loss in potential earnings.

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No one other than current and former Amiga users are going to be interested in attending a small computer show like AmiWest.

It is what it is, but how much of Sacramento population know about the upcoming show ?

The Amiwest website could be redesigned into a colourful pamphlet and printed for what 40 USD for a thousand at a guess.

Hiring promoters of Amiga systems is also a good way, they work for example on commission only.

Professional marketing / sales people can even get free advertising.

Have a donation woman go round with a bucket during Amiwest and use that for next years photographers and future publicity.

There is so much potential...

Last edited by asymetrix on 03-Oct-2012 at 11:46 AM.
Last edited by asymetrix on 03-Oct-2012 at 11:44 AM.

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@asymetrix

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@asymetrix

Quote:

The money comes from year long website with donation page...

I don't believe it will generate the thousands required.
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... dont always think negative.

As a show organizer myself, I'm being pragmatic.
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Maybe even Amiga stores could add an optional 5% donation option when buying ..

Which of the few stores?
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It is what it is, but how much of Sacramento population know about the upcoming show ?

Local newspaper and magazine advertising is expensive. Radio and television ads are even more expensive.
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Hiring promoters of Amiga systems is also a good way, they work for example on commission only. Professional marketing / sales people can even get free advertising.

Who?
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Have a donation woman go round with a bucket during Amiwest and use that for next years photographers and future publicity.

A few dollars generated there.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug

@asymetrix
Thanks for the ideas!

In fact this year we did add a donate button.

We, S.A.C.C., are just a Amiga users group.
Hence we can only suggest to any vendor
(BTW, Hyperion comes to the show yr after yr) have you?

I think that experts like you must speak to vendors yourself.

We do in fact invite everyone we know from the greater area and world.
I have in the past copied flyers at my own expense, appeared on local tv and mailed and begged people from far and wide to come.

We SACC do have a strong policy of non-profit (user group volunter)
If we were to start professional/commission stuff.
I believe it would kill the show.

Want we need is just for everyone to come, enjoy and support.

If you don't come, one day it won't be built!
M
Think of it like thanksgiving dinner at grandmas...
It's all cooked, table is set and ready to enjoy, BUT you have to come to town for your yearly amiga family visit!!!

Last edited by SACC-dude on 03-Oct-2012 at 05:57 PM.

@asymetrix

Have you ever attended any of the 15 or 16 AmiWest Shows in the past? Do you live in the real world, or this fantasy that you are trying to sell to us?

There is no commercial value to the Amiga market any longer and what is the purpose to advertize to a few hundred, or even a few thousand local Sacramento people who probably have never even heard of a computer called the Amiga?

This is not Europe where the Amiga actually made a name for itself and you might be able to find 1, or 2 out of 1,000 people who know what an Amiga is. This is the USA where the Amiga is mostly only remembered by local television professionals that might remember the Amiga as a Video Toaster, instead of the name Amiga, and a few thousand graphic artists and computer gamers, who have all moved on to more powerful platforms and most of them have forgotten about their Amiga experiences of the past.

You could spend a few hundred dollars (that the SACC group doesn't have) for advertizing and maybe find 1 or 2 people interested in attending the 2012 AmiWest Show, if you are lucky.

We aren't being negative when we question your suggestions, and in fact, I have been accused of being over optimistic when it comes to many of my own ideas on how to increase the number of Amiga users, but we need to be realistic and work within the confines of what is possible and practical in our tiny niche community.

If you feel strongly that your ideas are the right direction to go, then try to implement them and see how much support you get for them from other Amiga users. Maybe you are right and I am completely wrong, but I doubt it.

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@amigadave

Whereas in the UK speak to anyone in my age group (30-40), everyone heard of the Amiga to some extent, either owned one, knew who a mate who had one or used them in school growing up.

Last edited by djrikki on 03-Oct-2012 at 06:36 PM.

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@amigadave

BTW, asymetrix has helped! Last year he donated the mics we used to improve the audio!!

I think he really wants to continue to help!

He just might prefer ads/tv and such is my guess.

I would like to hear more on his idea to bring new people to the amiga world.

M

REmember, the amiga family annuals get together, Amiwest2012

Great amigas, food and friends!

Last edited by SACC-dude on 03-Oct-2012 at 07:31 PM.

The future of Amiwest and all other "niche" gatherings probably lies less and less with traditional media and more and more with social media. The Portland Commodore Users group is a perfect example of what an all volunteer group can do with a very small budget and a big social media presence.

Unfortunately for SACC, we do not have the "new blood" that young, hip Portland does. At 41, I am probably the youngest member of SACC and I am barely active at the moment. A lot of the key people aren't on social media or even the Amiga forums and in some cases aren't even on the internet. In spite of all that, the club puts on a hell of a show and if you don't go, you are going to miss out.

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@illy5603

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The future of Amiwest and all other "niche" gatherings probably lies less and less with traditional media and more and more with social media.

So true, ppl have to realize the show is not a commercial venture, but a gathering of users with a lot of energy & a love for our hobby.

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@illy5603

I am at 46 and although joined the club, found it too far from my home to make the trip to enjoy the group. Between running my own company (IT related) and doing customer services for another company, I don't even find the time to post much these days.

I still plan on attending the Amiwest though at least Saturday night and then the banquet, and maybe spend the night and play Sunday for a tad before I have to get home.

Wish I could find the time to enjoy the group more but mileage, gas money, time, etc... makes it hard to be a monthly club member. Of course I am still happy to pay my dues as others should also.

Looking forward to attending the show this year.

tj

@thread

well, i got off the fence and moved my reservations to the ramada for both the programming seminar and amiwest itself. hope to see everyone there in a couple of weeks!

oh, and if you still haven't made plans attend, do so now. it's worth the trip every year!

-- eliyahu

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@eliyahu

I will not be able to make it this year due to $
will be only the second show I have missed
since I started AmiWest all those years ago.
Have a fun time all and hope to be there for
her sweet 16th

I wrote:
Quote:

I just made my Saturday banquet reservation for Amiwest at http://apps.amiwest.net/webform/?event=form.show&formId=10182&key=E49C27403C

Tonight I received the invoice for the Amiwest banquet, and I paid by Paypal.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug

@RobertB

I got mine in too! Going to add a bit of fun at this years banquet, somethig a little different. Work to make sure people in the room and online can particpate :)

Cheers,
Bill "tekmage" Borsari

@thread

today is the last day to get your reservations in for the amiwest 2012 banquet! click here for the latest information. one week until the show -- i hope to see a bunch of you there!

-- eliyahu

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@RobertB

Same here. Paid the other day.

Now I need to decide if I am staying any nights or just heading home after the banquet.

tj

2 Nights Books at the Ramada, Banquet paid for, ready to Amiwest. Should be fun!

I am going to do Friday night this time, unlike last year, as I hear BEER gets poured Friday and was was mad I missed that last year. hehehe

Hope to share a brew or two with you all that are playing Amiga Friday night.

TJ

@alanwall

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will not be able to make it this year due to $

Touch & go for me as well, money wise, but got a room & a dinner ticket anyway, you'll be missed.

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@amigasociety

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I am going to do Friday night this time, unlike last year, as I hear BEER gets poured Friday and was was mad I missed that last year. hehehe

Goody usually does a head count for the good stuff, I suspect he'll bring more then I can drink. He's already down here from Seattle, but I'm sure we'll have enough to share. See you there Fri night.

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