Forgive my long windedness. I'm sure you guys are used to it by now!!
On some of the Apple II lists that I am on, it appears that the majority of the list members are more interested in the software (really games) than anything else.
Unquestionably.
Also, some nearby people I have been acquainted with from that group, have mentioned in the past that they think VCF is for mini-computer people, not Apple Ii/micro computer type people, hence they would rather travel all the way to Kansas City, rather than relatively close by, New Jersey. Just something to think about.
My experience (with some of the same groups in addition to personal acquaintances) has been a similar one. The past several VCF's I've been able to bring a dozen or so of those acquaintances in and change their minds, with the help of awesome exhibits from everyone at VCF!! However, it is certainly an uphill battle to convince people from the vintage computer scene that it truly has a bit of something for everyone, not to mention some awesome stuff that they (like I) did not even know they'd be interested in! The single biggest comment has been the lack of information/knowledge of the event, the group and particularly the lack of promotion. (Not just in quantity, but in the amount and type of info provided) as to the reason for their preconceptions of VCF and their beliefs it "wasn't for me." I'm not blaming anyone or trying to accuse anyone of anything, it simply is what I've read online and been told in person and thru private conversations online. Obviously those that think VCF is only for "big iron" people couldn't be more wrong if they tried!!
This hobby is way too small for us to be filtering out potential participants. We are better off taking advantage of the excitement surrounding vintage games, which is what interests many people, rather than downplaying it. We might think about leveraging that gaming interest so that more casual visitors might become active hobbyists. It shouldn't be considered a competition, there will always be room for people that are more interested in the technology and history side of the hobby.
I couldn't agree more. My experience is limited to the past three + years. One attending and the next two exhibiting at VCF, so please take my comments in that "newbie" context. One thing I noticed, and someone else already mentioned it or something similar, is that the gaming side, of micros in particular but computers in general, is definitely an eye grabbing/fond memory inducing machine! I've told people this before but it bears repeating. My favorite part of my last two exhibits was watching peoples faces light up when they first saw the computer they "used back in the day" be it work, home, school, wherever, but also the way they would ask if I had x, y or z game, half expecting the answer to be no. But when I said yes, their eyes lit up! The two guys challenging each other to a duel at Oregon trail. The father showing his son lode runner and talking about the time he used to spend playing it. The kids (son and friend) asking mom if this was the game she always talked about (it was ultima) One thing I plan on doing in the future is devoting a couple machines to the telecommunications, word processing (thought an apple writer to Microsoft word comparison would be cool) finance software. Had several people look at my machines and say "man I remember having to type on that all day" or similar comments, so there's definitely room for all types to be interested.
I remember back in the 70's when I was an avid historical wargamer. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson came up with something called Dungeons and Dragons during that period.
Don't get me started on D&D!!! Still have my stuff on the shelf right next to where I'm typing this!! :-)
I'm not sure exactly what I'm suggesting here, other then don't discourage people by keeping the focus too narrow. I understand that this event isn't and shouldn't become a vintage game convention, but we still need to grow the hobby, and right now we shouldn't discourage anyone from having a little fun with vintage computers, no matter how they find it. Mike Willegal
Well said. Couldn't agree more! I don't know that I have a point, or that I made it, but suffice to say many people think the "working" aspect of machines is overrated and not interesting to any but the "old dusty guys" from the past but also games and the gaming aspect of computers is looked down upon by many of those same "old dusty guys" along with micros in general. We need to change that mindset as best we can so others can learn just how much fun all these things are. Like I have learned over the past few years. Everything isn't for everyone, but if someone has even a passing interest in any given group or type of computer, they are likely to find other aspects of vintage computing interesting, even ones they never thought they would! Tony