[MR] The importance of pre-reg

[Sean D. Sorrentino]

Why doesn't everyone simply understand that the vast majority of us will either Pre-register or not based on OUR circumstances? Each of us will make a decision based on what we get out of pre-registering versus what we give up. It is a basic economic decision to bet money on weather, time, and random family or job commitments. 

The decision to go to an event can happen as late as 5 minutes before I leave for day trips and as late as Thursday night for camping events (I have to load the truck after work on Thursday night). 

By then I know what the weather will be like. I know I won't have to work late, go see my mom, or do anything else which would prevent me from going. And the only thing I have given up is a small discount and a guaranteed spot On-Board. Most times, pre-registering does not make sense for me. When it does, I Pre-Register. The rest of the time I don't.

I hear Autocrats complaining that it makes their calculations difficult. Sadly, it is not the job of your guests to Pre-register in order to insure your event makes a profit. It is not bad manners to decide against spending one’s money and time getting rained on at an event just to insure the profit margin of that event. It is a fine thing for you as Autocrats to suggest to people that Pre-registering is a nice thing to do, but it is quite another thing to insist that failing to do so is some sort of lack of manners. 

Please remember that, by my calculations, it costs about $100 every time I go to an event when I include gas, event fees, food, and incidentals. It may cost more, but it only very rarely costs less. If I am going to commit to spend that much money, I am probably going to check to see if it is going to rain before I go. I am generally only willing to suffer through rotten weather (Ymir this year) if there is something special about the event that will make it worth my while. 
Respectfully,
Domenico
 
Sean Sorrentino
Email:
sean at seansorrentino.com
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