Code of Practice for Scalford

liffy99

Wammer
Wammer
Dec 23, 2006
195
15
33
Glastonbury, ,
After my second visit I wonder whether there are things to make the event more informative / accessible and enjoyable ? So I have thrown together some thoughts that might improve the experience for both visitors and exhibitors;

EXHIBITORS

OK, we are not all Steve Jobs copies, and probably not used to talking in public etc but maybe there here are some suggestions that might make things a little easier all round.

1) Don't succumb to the feeling that music needs to be played continuously. Leave a minute or two between tracks so you can;

2) Tell people about the music you are playing and the equipment it is playing through (you will need to repeat this as the day passes to reflect the ever changing audience)

3) Take a breather yourself and perhaps make any system tweaks you need to

4) Listen to, and try to answer, questions - many will be of interest to others so can save you time repeating the same responses over the day

5) Watch the volume - high sound levels are OK in short bursts perhaps but can mask dynamics. Can also exacerbate existing room problems. Not to mention protecting our mostly middle-aged failing lugholes !

6) Don't put chairs too close to doors - try and keep the entry / exit reasonably clear

7) Write clear details of equipment on the doors and in the rooms (write clearly, legibly etc - 12pt text does not work well in a dark corridor). Consider placing "Now Playing" cards on the equipment in use at any time (sometimes it is difficult to tell which set of 'speakers are actually in use)

VISITORS

1) Don't stand in the doorway. If you are coming in, come in and let others come and go

2) STOP TALKING during playback. People are here to listen to the music, not to you.

3) Try not to hog the demo with lots of your own music. Several others may also want selections played so listening to very long or multiple tracks can be a little selfish.

Finally I wonder if there is a leaf to be taken from the Hi Fi shows of old in organising 20-30 min 'sessions'. I remember these to be really good where the demonstrator would spend 5 mins introducing the gear and music, play selections and system changes and then discuss at the end. Takes a lot or pressure off, gives everyone a chance and a better chance to listen properly.

Hmmm - what do you think ???

 

sunbeamgls

Wammer
Wammer
Mar 19, 2011
5,088
2,334
193
North Wales
HiFi Trade?
  1. Yes
I think people run the rooms the way they want to run the rooms, and that's part of the charm of Scalford.

One person's "quick chat about a system" is another person's "stop yabbering and play the music", as an example.

Some of your points (e.g. don't stand in doorways) are kind of common sense though, trouble is, there's not always that much of it about :)

 
G

Guest

Guest
After my second visit I wonder whether there are things to make the event more informative / accessible and enjoyable ? So I have thrown together some thoughts that might improve the experience for both visitors and exhibitors;EXHIBITORS

OK, we are not all Steve Jobs copies, and probably not used to talking in public etc but maybe there here are some suggestions that might make things a little easier all round.

1) Don't succumb to the feeling that music needs to be played continuously. Leave a minute or two between tracks so you can;

2) Tell people about the music you are playing and the equipment it is playing through (you will need to repeat this as the day passes to reflect the ever changing audience)

3) Take a breather yourself and perhaps make any system tweaks you need to

4) Listen to, and try to answer, questions - many will be of interest to others so can save you time repeating the same responses over the day

5) Watch the volume - high sound levels are OK in short bursts perhaps but can mask dynamics. Can also exacerbate existing room problems. Not to mention protecting our mostly middle-aged failing lugholes !

6) Don't put chairs too close to doors - try and keep the entry / exit reasonably clear

7) Write clear details of equipment on the doors and in the rooms (write clearly, legibly etc - 12pt text does not work well in a dark corridor). Consider placing "Now Playing" cards on the equipment in use at any time (sometimes it is difficult to tell which set of 'speakers are actually in use)

VISITORS

1) Don't stand in the doorway. If you are coming in, come in and let others come and go

2) STOP TALKING during playback. People are here to listen to the music, not to you.

3) Try not to hog the demo with lots of your own music. Several others may also want selections played so listening to very long or multiple tracks can be a little selfish.

Finally I wonder if there is a leaf to be taken from the Hi Fi shows of old in organising 20-30 min 'sessions'. I remember these to be really good where the demonstrator would spend 5 mins introducing the gear and music, play selections and system changes and then discuss at the end. Takes a lot or pressure off, gives everyone a chance and a better chance to listen properly.

Hmmm - what do you think ???
As this isnt the Pub Car Park, I cant really reply in the way I would like to.

:clout:

Try exhibiting.

Then come back with your errrr "constructive" criticisms.

Right now I reaching for more Ibuprofen for the back I pulled moving 40kg Quad 2905s.

And a large espresso to make up for sleep deprivation.

:rant:

 

James Evans

Wammer
Wammer
Oct 26, 2006
2,826
23
68
Wirral
AKA
James
I really don't see why there needs to be a confrontational response to the OP. He's just throwing some ideas around based on his experience of the event. Perfectly valid. Hardly criticisms, more discussion points.

 

SergeAuckland

Certified Measurist
Wammer
May 6, 2008
18,607
1,915
173
Bury St Edmunds, UK
AKA
Serge
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
One year, I tried doing some 'chat' about the kit and what it was doing, and pretty much all I got was complaints that they didn't come for a lecture, and I should shut up and play some tunes. Of course they were much more polite than that, but that was the message.

So in later years, I just played some tunes.

People are constantly walking in and walking out, so any form of 'structured' event, 20-30 minute sessions or whatever, are pointless. With 50 rooms and 7 hours, that gives visitors an average of 8 minutes a room if they want to visit everything and not buy records, eat, drink or wee. (I've allowed 24 seconds to get between rooms)

Asking visitors if they have a CDs or LPs they'd like played is fun, as it finds new music, some of course will be dire, (beauty is in the mind etc etc) but many aren't.

As to talking whilst playing music, that's inevitable as visitors have questions and don't have the time to wait until the track's over, old friends meet, etc etc. Just live with it. It's only a stereo!

Scalford is BLOODY hard work for the exhibitors, but worth it, or we wouldn't all keep coming back and doing it again and again. Mind you, 40Kg 'speakers from the first or even second floor is no joke.

S.

 
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gintonic

Noise, distortion & faff
Wammer Plus
Apr 25, 2012
6,815
1,704
193
no where
AKA
simon
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Yes shame its not the car park.....

My polite reply.....as a regular visitor we don't need rules, guidance.....they stifle spontaneity.......live and let live...it is what makes Scalford, Scalford........

 

HoopsOnToast

Legend Wammer
Wammer
Feb 6, 2006
11,627
809
208
Oxfordshire
AKA
Rob
HiFi Trade?
  1. Yes
  2. No
After my second visit I wonder whether there are things to make the event more informative / accessible and enjoyable ? So I have thrown together some thoughts that might improve the experience for both visitors and exhibitors;EXHIBITORS

OK, we are not all Steve Jobs copies, and probably not used to talking in public etc but maybe there here are some suggestions that might make things a little easier all round.

1) Don't succumb to the feeling that music needs to be played continuously. Leave a minute or two between tracks so you can;

2) Tell people about the music you are playing and the equipment it is playing through (you will need to repeat this as the day passes to reflect the ever changing audience)

3) Take a breather yourself and perhaps make any system tweaks you need to

4) Listen to, and try to answer, questions - many will be of interest to others so can save you time repeating the same responses over the day

5) Watch the volume - high sound levels are OK in short bursts perhaps but can mask dynamics. Can also exacerbate existing room problems. Not to mention protecting our mostly middle-aged failing lugholes !

6) Don't put chairs too close to doors - try and keep the entry / exit reasonably clear

7) Write clear details of equipment on the doors and in the rooms (write clearly, legibly etc - 12pt text does not work well in a dark corridor). Consider placing "Now Playing" cards on the equipment in use at any time (sometimes it is difficult to tell which set of 'speakers are actually in use)

VISITORS

1) Don't stand in the doorway. If you are coming in, come in and let others come and go

2) STOP TALKING during playback. People are here to listen to the music, not to you.

3) Try not to hog the demo with lots of your own music. Several others may also want selections played so listening to very long or multiple tracks can be a little selfish.

Finally I wonder if there is a leaf to be taken from the Hi Fi shows of old in organising 20-30 min 'sessions'. I remember these to be really good where the demonstrator would spend 5 mins introducing the gear and music, play selections and system changes and then discuss at the end. Takes a lot or pressure off, gives everyone a chance and a better chance to listen properly.

Hmmm - what do you think ???
I think your post was supposed to be constructive but the timing probably all wrong. All the Organisers and Exhibitors are probably still recovering after an enjoyable but busy weekend so I think your comments could be seen to be a bit too soon.

Scalford works as the venue adds to the 'charm' of the event, sort of sums up the feel fo the wigwam community with a HUGE variety of members, systems and there is always something interesting round the corner.

Less is more, comments are welcome but probably not the day after :^

 
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batteredhaggis

Wammer
Wammer
Apr 29, 2013
2,622
540
158
East Sussex
AKA
Jamie
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
It's an imperfect event with a lot of perfectionists walking around. I think Serge and Simon hit the nail on the head.

As for common sense matters and courtesy, a public show brings in the public as well as the forum and I saw a very broad cross section of society at my first Scalford.

I thought it rocked!

 

Funkpig

Wammer
Wammer
Feb 19, 2013
383
89
58
Oakham
AKA
Tony
HiFi Trade?
  1. Yes
One year, I tried doing some 'chat' about the kit and what it was doing, and pretty much all I got was complaints that they didn't come for a lecture, and I should shut up and play some tunes. Of course they were much more polite than that, but that was the message.So in later years, I just played some tunes.

People are constantly walking in and walking out, so any form of 'structured' event, 20-30 minute sessions or whatever, are pointless. With 50 rooms and 7 hours, that gives visitors an average of 8 minutes a room if they want to visit everything and not buy records, eat, drink or wee. (I've allowed 24 seconds to get between rooms)

Asking visitors if they have a CDs or LPs they'd like played is fun, as it finds new music, some of course will be dire, (beauty is in the mind etc etc) but many aren't.

As to talking whilst playing music, that's inevitable as visitors have questions and don't have the time to wait until the track's over, old friends meet, etc etc. Just live with it. It's only a stereo!

Scalford is BLOODY hard work for the exhibitors, but worth it, or we wouldn't all keep coming back and doing it again and again. Mind you, 40Kg 'speakers from the first or even second floor is no joke.

S.
Another good post. And judging from the sounds emanating from your system Serge, I might have to start believing some of your views.... the horror!!

 

Gromit

Wammer
Wammer
Nov 17, 2006
7,614
7,210
158
Yellowbellyshire
AKA
Richard
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
I think your post was supposed to be constructive but the timing probably all wrong. All the Organisers and Exhibitors are probably still recovering after an enjoyable but busy weekend so I think your comments could be seen to be a bit too soon.Scalford works as the venue adds to the 'charm' of the event, sort of sums up the feel fo the wigwam community with a HUGE variety of members, systems and there is always something interesting round the corner.

Less is more, comments are welcome but probably not the day after :^
Very :goodone:

 

JANDL100

Wammer
Wammer Plus
Dec 5, 2006
20,125
7,866
208
Forest of Dean, Glos
AKA
Jerry
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
I recall one commercial show I went to - went into the Russ Andrews dem room (full system, not accessories).

Russ was in mid chat, no music.

Several minutes later, Russ was still talking, no music.

I piped up "This is all very interesting, but when are we going to hear the system and some music?"

RA smiled.

Or at least, he bared his teeth.

Music soon ensued.

I've demmed at all but 1 Scalford.

Just play the choons, ask at the end of each track if anyone has any preferences or discs of their own.

Play the next choon.

Chat with anyone 1-to-1 who wants to chat, but do it quietly.

Sorted.

 

navigator

Wammer
Wammer
Mar 6, 2012
470
58
58
m1 j28
AKA
dave
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Protocol or just courtesy ?

The " social" is very important

Equally so is the music.

I have an opinion about "talking in competition with the music " in a full room

i was demoing and on hearing the chat turned the volume to zero mid tune.

The chat continued .

There was a corridor available.

Personally im a dedicated 60s rebel /rule breaker and not keen to further "organise" Scalford ( unless driven by actual exhibitors) but ----there's a time and place .

 

Camverton

Wammer
Wammer
Jul 20, 2009
4,621
2,155
158
Herefordshire
AKA
Malcolm
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
If I've learn't nothing else about the Wam it's that codes of practice are not what it's about, and Wammers aren't terribly good at doing what they are told!

I'm (fairly) sure you are trying to be helpful but did you not stop to think how your neat prescriptions would sound to someone who has dismantled their system and lugged it half way across the country at their own risk and expense for our pleasure? It was great to see everyone doing their room the way they wanted.

You can stick as many codes up as you like but when I meet, for the time, Wammers who's posts I follow and enjoy (or otherwise!) no code is going to stop me greeting them, or enquiring about their new dog or cats whose antics I have been following online. No code is going is going to stop me telling an exhibitor how much I am enjoying their system and expressing gratitude for all the effort they have put in.

The organisation was excellent in that it was solid and and underpinning but not in your face with a superb brochure and plentiful signs to lead you onto the next area where there were more rooms. That I missed things was down to me and simply not having enough time.

The event struck me as a wonderful, mad blend of music, hifi and socialising. With imperfect rooms, which the exhibitors are not familiar with, stuffed full of bodies it inevitably is not going to show most systems off at their best. But it does give a terrific chance to try different approaches, music and volume than one is used to and ideas to follow up on oneself.

Chapeau and hearty thanks to all concerned. You made a grumpy old git very happy and a bit pissed, but I expect the sore throat from talking too much :shock: , not to mention the slight lingering headache ;-) will soon pass.

 

Bolts

Wammer
Wammer
Mar 10, 2013
2,615
2,137
158
Kingston Surrey
AKA
Ben
“We started off trying to set up a small anarchist community, but people wouldn't obey the rules.”

Alan Bennett

The point of the show for me is that its about the culture not the rules and the different rooms represent a culture of a common interest represented by diverse systems, music, personalities (especially personalities ;-) ).

We can't all do what for example SCIDB does (brilliant BTW) but you wouldn't want every room to be the same either.

It was my first time exhibiting and because the super-experienced Crimson Donkey quite rightly had to leave me at several points (to organise the raffle) I was thrown in at the deep-end, which was great (no really, it was).

My newbie take was that the music needed to be 'slightly judged' depending on the people in the room - (i.e. I could generally tell who wouldn't warm to hip hop) but most of the time people enter to something that's already playing anyway, so no choice. I had a few requests but not many - apologies to the guy who asked for something classical and I couldn't find the one classical record we had :oops: - requests are fine but can play to a market of one.

I did find that having one or two guaranteed crowd-pleasers (Random Access Memories for example) helped if you had a room full and a bit of brain-freeze about what to play next.

I found that people were polite - asked sensible questions, didn't pester to have masses of technical detail and were happy to go with the flow on the music choices, even if they hated them. Importantly, nearly everyone said thank you on leaving and complimented the system - that was plenty for me. If you're that sort of person then a bit of chat about the music is fine but only if it's relevant e.g. comparing a couple of tracks live vs studio or 'this is my favourite recording of... but my sense, as others, is people don't come for that - if the music's to your taste or just bloody great then it'll speak for itself and if you haven't got it you'll go out and buy it. On that point, displaying what's playing is useful but I know not always possible with digital.

So while it was a learning curve and I'll know more for next year, it actually felt very natural even for a first-timer, so no rules please, that would upset the natural rhythm of the Show.

 
G

Guest

Guest
If I've learn't nothing else about the Wam it's that codes of practice are not what it's about, and Wammers aren't terribly good at doing what they are told!I'm (fairly) sure you are trying to be helpful but did you not stop to think how your neat prescriptions would sound to someone who has dismantled their system and lugged it half way across the country at their own risk and expense for our pleasure? It was great to see everyone doing their room the way they wanted.

You can stick as many codes up as you like but when I meet, for the time, Wammers who's posts I follow and enjoy (or otherwise!) no code is going to stop me greeting them, or enquiring about their new dog or cats whose antics I have been following online. No code is going is going to stop me telling an exhibitor how much I am enjoying their system and expressing gratitude for all the effort they have put in.

The organisation was excellent in that it was solid and and underpinning but not in your face with a superb brochure and plentiful signs to lead you onto the next area where there were more rooms. That I missed things was down to me and simply not having enough time.

The event struck me as a wonderful, mad blend of music, hifi and socialising. With imperfect rooms, which the exhibitors are not familiar with, stuffed full of bodies it inevitably is not going to show most systems off at their best. But it does give a terrific chance to try different approaches, music and volume than one is used to and ideas to follow up on oneself.

Chapeau and hearty thanks to all concerned. You made a grumpy old git very happy and a bit pissed, but I expect the sore throat from talking too much :shock: , not to mention the slight lingering headache ;-) will soon pass.
Very :goodone:

 

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