Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

[Justin Morris]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I would propose to one year meet in say Missouri and the next year in say Knoxville, or something along those lines. John, I do agree with the packed schedules in October. Just brain storming. I feel that we need to keep away from December if possible, as many units already have their calenders planned by then. It does work good for the WIG, as we have so many men attend the Nashville Show. July might indeed be best for a meeting of the minds. I feel and have felt for a long time that we must come together or we are going to see more and more company sized events. Where are the TAGs of days gone by, where we had 250-300 men in the field? I think Frank and Terry were trying for this in Missouri. I for one won't be able to make the trek, due to Sheriff training and family vacation.
With the fast approach of the 150th years, now is the time for action. No more saying, "well if we did this, and then did that, then we could . . ." so on and so on. We need to pull together and make our end of the hobby work. We've got good units, Federal and Confederate that together can host some killer events and put good numbers in the field. Sure we may not all be officers everytime, but are gold bars that damn important? Not to me, the authentic side of the hobby growing together and becoming a force to be noticed in the mainstream side is far more important than carrying a sword or having stripes at every event.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I think an off-season meeting is a superb idea. Travel would be an issue but it could be taken care of, I think, by breaking things down into smaller increments.

For example, messes meet and decide what they would like to do or what they have concerns with. They have a representative that takes that to a regional meeting so all messes in that area can be heard. One or two representatives of the region would serve as voice for all their constituents at the main meeting. If travel was a problem for that particular meeting it could be handled by a conference call set up so they could still take part and have input.

There would need to be a timeline and deadline for each step to be met though. Say, messes have to have met by the end of Jan. Regional meetings will be held by the end of March and everything brought to the table in July. If it is important enough to them, the various messes and regions will meet the deadline and be involved. If not, then there's really no room to complain.

It will take organization, people willing to represent the interests of other and people taking ownership of the idea to get things done.

Just some rambling initial thoughts but I think being better organized and stronger as a hobby is certainly something that can be done.

[dusty27]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

It would seem that Knoxville would be the best bet for equi-distance driving. It is less than 500 miles from a lot of places. Or how about Lexington, KY?

[Terry Sorchy]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

If you want it in Cheeseland I'd buy the Beer!:D:D:D On a more realistic note though, what about Shaker Village KY. Its pretty central and it has things for our "better halfs" to do while meetings take place. It has rooms and restaraunts.
Just a thought.
Terry Sorchy

[Cfarrell]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

If in this world over 200 countries with all their differences can gather together for 17 days for the Olympics...then surely a scrappy bunch like us can meet at some point in the future. Great discussion, but many more voices yet to be heard!

Regards to All,

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

Shaker Village gets my vote.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

Shaker Village gets my vote.

Now yer talkin'!!! :thumbs_up

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

This Community has suffered a "Growth Spurt" , and with growth you have "Growing Pains". From the looks of it, this problem is larger than any Battalion element with-in this Community. And if you go with the "Mess Mentality" you will be right back where you all started. I addressed alot of this in the thread regarding the next WIG Commander. Start off with a Mission Statement, then an Organization Chart, and then build an Army. A "Military UNIT Minded Organization" is the future, because the "Mess Mentality" is going nowhere, and I believe is the crux of our problems. This Community needs to allow Military Organization to catch up.

"Brigade Level Theory" is needed here.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I thought the hobby was suffering a "Shrinkage Spurt"?

Which is it?

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I believe that the only thing that is shrinking is tolerance and vision.

[Justin Morris]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I have to agree with you John. I know I've only been back in for a few months now, but it seems as though numerous old friends have all but quit reenacting and there is no new blood in the messes and company sized units.
At the same time I agree with Dale's point as to more of a "brigade" mentality. We have to think as one and at the same time still maintain our "battalion" or "company" identities. There are numerous ways to go with this.

What think you Trans-Miss gents? Fred, Frank, Jay, Cody?

[Silvana Siddali]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

This is fantastic.

Let me just chime in with Annette here, and paraphrase Abigail Adams: Remember the Civilians!

[Cfarrell]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I can not speak for my fellow Trans Miss pards, but personally I'm in favor of something along these lines. I would support any effort that moved us forward.

[Old Reb]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

I go off to the mountains to live with the coyotes and come back to this thread! I will be in Missouri next months. My comrades will be there. I don't care about nothing else.

[Kiev Thomason]

Re: Why does our event histories keep repeating themselves?

Well, I can tell you Duffield isn't going to have two companies like was proposed. We cancelled my company due to the same issue you guys are having ... nobody registering. Honestly, I don't blame the ONV or the WIG or the Trans-Miss. In fact I don't blame anybody, without getting political, I can say with some certainty "it's the economy stupid".

Last I heard Stones River didn't have the numbers they wanted either. I don't think it's profitable to turn on each other... we're all experiencing the same issue.

I see that alot of events are having the same problems...however if WE turn on each other all we are doing is backing up all the things that the Other side of the hobby has said for years...we eat our own and don't play well with others.
I agree with what Pat said .There are some big shoulders around here if you feel like you have something you have to say ...well say it!I hope that we are all men and can talk as such.We have all taking the field together and shared many tough miles and however I am not mad though I might should be when it feels as if my friends are being beat over the head I am not.Sometimes you just walk away.I am glad in a way that some folks said whats on there minds simply because event stacking is becoming a bit of a pain.WE all need to talk a little more and ensure that this kinda finger pointing does not happen in the future.
I myself feel a little bad ....the AG did vote this as a max effort event.Well then life took hold and bam!We lost folks left and right be it school ,work or in my case a vacation (badly needed) with my wife who just gave me my son 17 months ago.So in short we don't always get to go and play with the boys when we want.
Like Brian and Pat and Herb I went to New York and Some of us went to Pea ridge .Those were long trips to support folks.I have went to almost two to three event every month for 11 years.I don't feel as if I have smacked anyone in the sack if I miss one even though I like the dudes who are throwing the party.I still plan on coming to piney woods ...if I can make it work.
I will close by saying this.I agree with alot that has been said here ...by both sides.Honor and speaking up when needed are things that are really important to me.I feel that there will be some good come out of this thread.I like the ideas of meetings and talking this stuff out.Will it work?Will see very soon I hope.Like Fred said ..we all know each other and we can get around or through all this .It will just take time and effort from all the groups who are putting on events which no days is everyone and their brother.