[Archers] Interest to capitalize on

[John Atkins]

Interesting thoughts.  We have been lucky, on occasion, in my area that
when we do demos for schools that are studying the Middle Ages we get to
include archery.  Not all schools but most.  Space and MAJOR concern
from those not involved but "in charge" is the safety aspect, and a
valid point.  Some cities simply do not allow archery within city
limits.  If the owner of an establishment says OK, and sets up a space
outside their place of business for it, i.e. dirt lot next to parking
lot, the archers run the risk of having their equipment confiscated by
the police.  Not something I'm willing to face!  So check with the local
police before attempting a demo like this.
 
As for flyers or pamphlets, I personally think the very best thing to
have is business cards.  Small, easy to carry and something folks will
stick in their pocket.  I've gone the route of flyers and pamphlets only
to find them on the ground in the parking lots afterwards.  Lots of
expense for virtually no gain.  But a business card most people, once
handed one, will stick in their wallet, purse or pocket.  All it needs
are connection references and a short blurb about who we are.  Mine have
the web sites for SCA, Atlantia and local Barony as well as my mundane
and SCA name and email addy.
 
Now as for demos at schools, find out which schools in your area are
studying the Middle Ages.  Talk to one of the school officials and let
them know you have the ability to show the kids, first hand, a great
deal about life in the Middle Ages.  They love it.
 
Any way some ideas.  But realize I have NEVER felt the need to be a
missionary for the SCA.  The SCA is MY hobby.  I don't really care if
EVERYONE else is a member of not.  I thoroughly enjoy many of my friends
within the SCA as is.  It's not that I couldn't use more friends, it's
just that the SCA is not for everyone.  I coach kid's ice hockey teams.
Ice hockey is the most expensive team sport a kid will play.  Most of my
parents are business owners or high level executives within their
businesses.  As such these are NOT folks accustomed to putting on funny
clothes and going camping for the weekend or longer.  Some are, very few
some are, but most thinking camping is getting a room at the Hilton and
calling room service!  When they ask what Coach John does when not at
the rink I show them pictures and explain my weird hobby.  A few have
come out to watch the "freaks" most do not.  It's OK, it's my hobby but
I will talk to anyone for as long as they care to listen about archery
and my weird hobby.  If they don't join, I can live with that.  Again, I
don't feel the need to be an SCA missionary.  Weird to say that after
even bringing up this subject here!  Shows my dyslexia of
thought...........
 
cog

-----Original Message-----
From: Jessica Mulligan [mailto:slaoen at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2012 3:44 PM
To: John Atkins; archers at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [Archers] Interest to capitalize on


Yeah, my coworker was complaining that there weren't enough new heavy
fighters joining in his area and I pointed out the same things you said
below.  Realistically, more people are suited for archery than heavy
fighting or even rapier, and it's easy to get them started (and addicted
:P )
 
I'm not sure how to improve demos, because you're usually limited by the
environment, unless you're giving a demo at an SCA event.  You would
want a display of skill that impresses without making the audience
think, "man, I could never do that."  It's got to be something that
makes them think they can do it, and want to try it.  Although, I think
secretly everyone wants to try archery, some just get nervous and are
afraid it will be too hard.
 
I've thought about the lack of advertisement for the SCA a bit.
Whenever we're out and about in garb, or practicing rapier/archery
somewhere public, we get quite a few curious people who ask what we're
doing, some who end up joining us in the future.  I keep thinking
fliers, or pamphlets with local practices/gatherings, would be useful, I
just haven't taken the time to inquire if there is an official way to go
about advertising.  When I was in college I spent time putting up fliers
for plays, we put them up on bulletin boards on campus, at the
libraries, coffee shops, hobby stores, any place that would let us.  An
eye-catching flier advertising archery would be sure to draw more
people.
 
Sanada Katsumi

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