What do you think? I've been posting events I don't know a lot about

[RhondaK]

beyond some facts and contacts on the BLOG...but if you only look at EVENTS...it looks like there's nothing going on when there is actually a lot of action. Should I/we post ALL events up in Events? I stopped doing it because people kept writing me like I knew something more than I did. But I could just add a disclaimer--THIS IS ALL I KNOW to them.

what do you think?

I mean -- that THIS IS ALL I KNOW is pretty all encompassing too. Do you know I've been at shows and overheard people complaining about ME telling them an event was going to be GOOD and they hadn't made money? Let me tell you, when I can PICK what show is going to be GOOD, I'll buy more lottery tickets!!! Good shows have bad times, new shows have growing pains, somethings just don't work--and you can't figure out what is what til you get out there and mix it up. Some shows you make your money off of months down the line when someone calls you with a big order.

WhoA...off topic...what DO YOU THINK...

I/we could use the BLOG more for free online stores, consignment opportunities, HELP and all that.

Let me know your thoughts.

[RhondaK]

I'm still going to try to do Bridge Street. A North Port artist made me feel like a weenie weakling the other day ( she does Tampa shows ) and I met a Punta Gorda artist at Gulfport....so I need to put my big girl panties ON!!!!! I posted most everything I've found so far in Events. This site doesn't allow for recurring events posting and even I don't want to post EVERY ONE OF THEM...so I wrote them to see if they could work on it. Meantime, I started a regular events list in Discussion Posts so I can get a respectable list together we can keep building. I'm chasing down some Punta Gorda stuff right now. It isn't one stop finding I tell you!!! So I'm trying to share my labors. This weekend is Mango Mania on Pine Island. I'm going as a tourist. Maybe I can afford it next year. LOOKS FUN. There's some stuff down here! Just need to get in the groove. And thank you. As you know, this site is a group effort. At best I'll resurface once a month to work on it before going back to getting work done. So your contributions are priceless.

[Robin Vandenburg]

Rhonda, we should all count our blessings that you even started this fabulous site! The fact that someone would complain about you shows their character. And...they probably don't post events as they come across them, but rather rely on the work of others to find them events. Typically, I check the events section. I add events as I come across them, but don't know much about them. Good luck in your new digs! Be sure to let us know how the shows are in your new area - maybe we'll coordinate a caravan of Bay Area crafters and invade the shows down there!!!

Miss you at Bridge Street!

[sterling]

I appreciate all your e-mails concerning events in SW Florida...w/o them, I might not have found some festivals around the area. Keep me on your list....thank you

[theresa figueroa]

HI RHONDAK BEING FAIRLY NEW TO NOT ONLY THIS SITE,BUT FOOD VENDING IN GENERAL.....I HAVE ENJOYED VIEWING THIS SITE,MAINLY BECAUSE OF YOU.......I THINK YOU PHOTO IS ARTISTIC,I THINK YOU SOUND VERY PROFESSIONAL...SO I DON'T KNOW WHO THOSE "COMPLAINERS" ARE ,BUT HEY IN THIS ECONOMY AND IN THIS TIME OF ALL OF US TRYING TO GET MORE SHOWS AND EVENTS TO WORK....YOU HAVE BEEN A GIANT HELP TO ME IN LOOKING OVER THIS SITE AND YOU HAVE BEEN JUST ABOUT THE ONLY ONE WHO GETS BACK TO ME WHEN I MAIL THEM......(WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW OF COURSE) I ONLY HOPE WE CAN GET TO MEET SOME TIME...WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO HAVE BEEN WORKING MOSTLY WITH NETTI OF CRAFTS AND ARISANS....SHE IS A PEACH AND VERY NICE AND VERY UNDERSTANDING ALSO, SHE TRIES HER HARDEST TO PLEASE THE VENDORS AS FAR AS I CAN SEE.....SOUNDS LIKE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TOO....WE ARE HAPPY TO BE ATTENDING THE ANGELUS ON THE FOURTH HERE IN PASCO IN HUDSON WITH NETTI.....I APPRICIATE ALL OF THE PEOPLE LIKE NETTI AND YOU RHONDA WHO HAVE HELPED US GET OUR FOOD BUSINESS OFF TO A START......THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO THERESA HOLY SMOKES HOTDOGS!!!!!

[Elizabeth]

I agree with the other posts on this subject..Rhonda you share your great energy and enthusiasm for shows and I really appreciate it. I'm not out there all the time and the only way I know what is going on is because of your great posts. I do not check the events, I receive an e-mail everytime you post and I'm so happy to see thet in my inbox! It is blessing and a great example to me that you share so much with the art community. Blog on!

[RhondaK]

I'm thinking I'm writing a big disclaimer and running everything in Events. Thanks! As you know, we're out there working our tushes off!!!! Because WE LIKE IT!

[Susie Fisher]

Rhonda, you have done more for the craft community than anyone I know! I rely on your expertise. I think you do a bang-up job on this site. If anyone complains about you, they are idiots! If you are a TRUE crafter, a craft carny, as I call it, you have to be a risk taker. Not everyone is going to do great at all shows. You just have to accept that. If you can't, get out of the craft business. Your mom, your sister, Sherrie, and you are good people! I apperciate you, keep up the great work on whatever you decide to do on the site!

[Meg Vaughan]

I think posting in Events is good too. No one should be upset if the show was a flop when you don't know anything about it! Adding personal comments from previous experience at the shows would be great and if you don't know anything about it, then a "This is all I know" is just fine.

[RhondaK]

I have to get that spirit now I'm in Port Charlotte. I MISS GULFPORT ART WALKS! So I should still try to do some Saturdays!

[CUTE ARTWORLD]

Okay I used to do shows and it was hard as heck to find out even where most were happening! Let alone pay those hefty fees buckler and so on charged! RhondaK you are truly a gift to the art Comm. You are always on the look out for low priced show fees, your lists are endless! Which brings me to a point maybe the ones who feel as if you are responsible for these shows (Which you are not!) Should possibly look at what they are trying to market! Going to a show is not just about plopping your bottom in a chair and sitting there and looking at the Looky Lues! If you wanted to sell you need to promote yourself before the event! Passing out flyers,business cards Etc...Gets real buyers there who are showing up with an interest in you! I live in North Port and have traveled as far as Tampa for shows. You just have to find your favorites and stick with them! It is an individual research, that only you can decide which is best for your type of market!.
Anitra