Update on the X Marks booth at the Pleasanton games

[macwilkin]

Alan,

I hate to say "I told you so", but I did warn you all about this kind of reaction from games committees.

Some friendly advice: I wouldn't have even mentioned the beer in the cooler. Does this go on at games: yes, all the time, including at my tent. But it is something better left unmentioned, especially to the folks running the games. Why? Insurance and liability, not to mention local ordinances regarding the public comsumption of alcohol in parks, etc. (Also, Bass Ale is one of their sponsors, so they probably have some sort of agreement with them to sell beer.) Nothing will shut down games quicker. Without insurance, games simply can't survive; hence the committee's "paranoia".

Have you phoned anybody on the committee? That might be a better approach than e-mail.

My advice, for what it is worth, would be to "borrow" some space at a Clan tent for Xmarkers to gather. This might be a good way to "introduce" yourselves to the games organisers in a way that might not appear "threatening" to them. Remember that many of these folks may not understand what Xmarks is, or the premise, and that may be the source of their comments about being a "vendor" or their lack of response. Attending society functions and even volunteering to help with the games might be another good way to introduce yourselves.

Again, not trying to offend anyone, or make anyone mad, just offering some friendly advice from almost a decade's worth of experience with games and games committees...

Regards,

Todd