Xmarks Tent

**Chas** · 16th February 11, 02:41 PM

Hello All,

I edited this, because Steve posted before I could.

I ran the first XMarks Information Tent at the Harpenden Gathering last year. I negotiated a free pitch and insurance from the organisers. The logistics are horrendous - I started planning this years tent before Christmas and it will happen in July.

The first thing that has to be said is this - ASK STEVE'S PERMISSION FIRST. Do not inform him, ask his permission. He owns the site and has title to X Marks the Scot.com. I had to tell him every thing that I was going to do; what I was going to say; what equipment I was going to bring and who else was likely to be there.
He then was in communication with the organisers. Only after long and protracted three way conversations, did Steve give his permission.

Do not take it that permission will be given. If Steve does not believe that an individual can represent all 10,000+ members in a professional manner, then he won't give his permission. End of story. Don't get mad, don't get offended - get more professional and make better plans. Then ask him again.

There are a thousand ways of doing something like this wrong, but if you want to do it right, be prepared for a lot of hard work, before during and after the day.

If anyone wants any insight as to what I did for last year and what I am hoping to do this year, please get in touch.

Regards

Chas

**Steve Ashton** · 16th February 11, 04:01 PM

Thank you for posting that Chas.

Chas's tent at the Harpenden games was a general information source about the Kilt, Tartan and Clans. Once I was assured that the organizers of the games understood that this was not to be seen or advertised as an official representation of the forum and I had a chance to speak to Chas and caution him about some of pitfalls that he may encounter I was pleased to use his tent as the test case for the guidlines I just posted.
Many of our members attended the Harpenden Games last year and to have a single place to meet, take photos and talk about kilts was great.

My permission for this years harpenden games was given immediatly when Chas asked. This is because I now know that he will act and represent this forum professionally and with the utmost respect. Respect to all our members and respect for the traditions of the kilt and the country it would be presented in.

**English Bloke** · 16th February 11, 04:28 PM

Harpenden gathering last year. Chaz (2nd from left) worked his socks off.

It's not a small doo so his info-tent on Tartans, Kilts and geneology kept him very busy indeed.

**Jordan** · 16th February 11, 06:28 PM

Good photos, I'll have to see about making it to this years games

**Standard** · 16th February 11, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the posting Steve, it's nice to have the rules out there where all can see them.

**CameronCat** · 17th February 11, 05:50 PM

Steve's excellent and well-thought post brought up two questions regarding our identifying factors...

-- Can the Dandelion be used by all members, or only those of the Order?

-- Steve: since you probably have some lying around, could we purchase small strips of XMTS tartan to wear as a lapel ribbon? (Think like all the other "awareness" ribbons-for-causes, i.e. breast cancer, autism, etc.)
I have similar strips of my clan tartan and have worn them to great effect on a coat or jacket. Might be another way to self-identify members to others. Just a thought.

Thanks!

**Steve Ashton** · 17th February 11, 05:58 PM

The Dandelion is one of the accepted symbols of the forum. Itt can be worn on a lapel or behind a cap badge by any member.
The Order of the Dandelion is a seperate and distinct social group that also happens to use the dandelion as a symbol.
The two are not related.

Send m a PM or email about the scraps of Tartan. I'm sure I can find some if you are willing to cover the postage.

**Jerry** · 18th February 11, 07:17 AM

Steve, as you can see in one of Ern's photos in the linked thread, I am wearing one of the old Xmarks tee shirts. And, I believe that you used to or still sell some shirts with the logo. I saw nothing in the rules permitting this. Are these still allowed?

**Steve Ashton** · 18th February 11, 11:24 AM

Hey Jerry,

I believe that you may have one of the shirts that was produced by one of our old members. These did not come thru me nor did I ever handle them.

Of course they are still good. Wear it with pride and a little bragging rights as the owner of 'the original' X Marks shirt.

**kiltedlady** · 18th February 11, 01:22 PM

I don't know who would run it...but i'd love to have an xmarks tent at our games in May in Chatham, IL! If you guys can work it out, let me know and we'll make it happen! I'll wander by the tent at some point, but I have a feeling I will be working our Society info tent or selling coffee or tshirts or something during the day...and of course, I'd help you find a local hotel, etc.