On 8/9/2022 8:03 PM, Alexander Pierson wrote:

 Yeah, well I'll just make my *own* exhibit!  With blackjack!  And hookers!


Seriously though, how do you strike that balance between getting
attention vs. framing a complete and factual picture of the subject in
an exhibit?  You can provide a novel experience by way of something
they've never interacted with before (paper tape, new gadgets for old
kit, freshly made software, a type of terminal graphics that stand
out). Or perchance a familiar/nostalgic experience "I used one of
these at a job I had X many years back",  "I don't know this machine,
but it runs BASIC, I wonder what I can get it to do?", that sort of
thing.  If you present something completely unfamiliar, you have to
give visitors something to relate to, otherwise they'll keep walking.
Run a video game, suddenly it becomes relatable to a larger audience,
and there's your hook to give them the context.


Because these experiences don't exist in a vacuum, they're part of a
larger tapestry of history we're trying to share with a mixed audience
of newcomers and established hobbyists alike.  It's funny how some of
the more common machines get so little love from the crowd when given
a properly framed exhibit of a computer in its element.  Whereas other
times, just seeing a base machine that folks recognize but never see
in person attracts attention like they were giving away free donuts.
Hmm. Is this just human nature?  It does make it difficult then if you don't own such an obscure piece.
It may be true you have to work extra hard to get common machines to attract attention.  I'm not sure how.
Maybe its the application, maybe its signage.  Maybe its charisma.  We should analyze examples that we remember.
Still, even if one feels like the exhibit concept they want to bring
won't draw a crowd, it saddens me to hear when someone is dissuaded
from exhibiting because either staff or general attendees made them
feel like they shouldn't do something perfectly acceptable, or that
they were doing it wrong.  And I'm not talking about the blatantly
off-topic exhibit subjects.  I'm talking about giving folks the
opportunity to try exhibiting something in a new way and possibly even
fail at that task, because sometimes that's how it goes.


Anyway, it's your VCF, so you might as well actively shape it in a
positive direction.


-Alexander 'Z' Pierson
    On Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 09:19:29 AM EDT, Dean Notarnicola via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Well stated. This gives me a lot to chew on as I consider now if we can do something
to help encourage new exhibitors and guarantee their success.
I think it touches on maybe documenting some best practices for making an exhibit, that
lend experience covering the ground on presenting to lay public vs hobbyists/technical people,
signage, etc.  Other parts have to do with hearing out an idea and helping develop it with the
person who is passionate enough to pose the idea of the exhibit, rather than dissuade.
Maybe we'll have some kind of discussion group or training via a workshop or video meeting.
Or we can maybe have a round table at our Winter Volunteer Party.
It would not be too soon to be thinking of festival exhibits in the winter. 

 Agreed. Anyone who feels the need to offer negative criticism is invited to
do their own exhibit and show everyone how clever they are.

On Tue, Aug 9, 2022 at 7:52 AM Christian Liendo via vcf-midatlantic <
vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:


I agree, but as part of the community don't crap on other peoples displays.

If you don't like it, move along. There are many others there you might
like.

If you think something is inaccurate or maybe they could use more
information to enhance it. That's fine.

There is a difference between constructive criticism and plain
crapping on someone''s hard work.

Agreed?


On Mon, Aug 8, 2022 at 4:45 PM Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic
<vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:

  Exhibiting is about sharing what YOU love and what YOU want to show

off.  If you're lucky, someone will enjoy it.  If you're even luckier,
you'll spark a new interest for someone.  There should never be any sort of
"peer pressure" or anything even remotely like it in this environment.