Vintage Computer Festivals???

On 18/04/2016 20:43, Evan Koblentz wrote: Well I haven't done any VCF's but as a DEC Marketing Manager I was involved in many more than nine computer trade shows. It's not surprising and very laudable to want to make the show be the best you can. However once something intended as a gathering of enthusiasts and pioneers turns into a general "bring the family" show with good signage and marked areas. Then I fear for the future. Its happened before. Here in the UK the Ham Radio hobby used to have lots of what were called rallies. Just another name for a hobby show Lots of surplus parts, radios dealers who just sold ham equipment and so on. They grew in number and size. Lots of so called attractions, crafts and cake stalls were added. Then one year they imploded. The hams who used to go to by a few parts and meet friends and the ham related vendors had had enough and did not attend. The number plummeted and now there are only a few. So to quote American western lore. When the farmers arrive and enclose and manage the range the pioneers go over the hill. So enjoy your well deserved pleasure in a job well done. But ask yourself do men who inhabit basements full of piles of old computers care about what is where and how tidy the show is? Belshazzar's feast may have already begun, That the show's (in show organizers terms) are well run is not in doubt. But in doing so have those for whom the event was started been cast aside in favor of ma, pa, grandma, the kids and the dog. Rod Smallwood