Re: Symposium Report

[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Tom Littleton) wrote in
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]: 

> Perhaps what I am bothered by is a sort of ennui that has seemed
> to seep into the attitude of many of the pros(Gartside,
> previously mentioned, is a notable exception). 

  Could that ennui be brought about by feeling constrained to   
  present  the "same ol' same ol' ",  show-in show-out? 
  Whether self imposed because of a need to maintain an image, 
  sell something or because that is what the punters ask for, 
  it must wear a bit thin.

  Perhaps the format of the demos needs to be changed:
  I see the occasional picture of these "big" shows in a magazine, 
  it looks to me like the presentation is not far removed from a  
  "lecture"  in a lot of cases - certainly the maximum number of 
  punters is reached. But what of interactivity with the audience?
  Can Joe Blo ask for the Diptera du Jour to be tied, 
  a technique to be   demonstrated, or suggest a pattern and 
  have the tyer produce  prototypes till he gets it right? 
  
  Some tiers here take the attitude they're only going to tie (and 
  sell) their signature patterns.  While its interesting to watch
  for a while ... so what ... the interesting people are the ones 
  you can talk to and respond positively ( sometimes negatively  ) 
  to questions or requests.  On this more intimate level fewer 
  people will be reached, but I think they'd be happier and feel
  less like you (and I) do.

  Perhaps a word to the organisers about more one-on-6 time 
  rather then 30-40 in an audience.  (This is one of the great 
  things about my local shop - twice a year or so they have 
  someone of renown in for a day and you can usually sit down and 
  have a chat about anything related to FF while they tie a fly or 
  two.  The same person on the hustings at a show can be quite ...
  "different".) 
    
> One even sees it
> in the dealers, who showed a very predictable range of tying
> materials. Only a few ventured into exotic or even 
> out-of-the-ordinary stuff. 
> 

  I reckon the time to see them at their best is the first   
  afternoon after setup - its all downhill from there - too much
  in the way of affected smiles, feigned interest, bullshit and 
  beverage of choice will wear anyone down ;-)


  Steve (who only goes to shows every other year now)