[MR] Event fees

[Greg Porter]

	If the profits for an event are used to keep the event alive and  
improve it, I don't see a problem. If they're used to buy personal  
stuff for the people running it (e.g. cars, tv's etc ), that's a  
problem (and probably illegal). :) :) I've enjoyed WOW every time  
I've gone, and don't mind paying a bit more if I keep doing so. The  
main things that determine whether or not I attend an event are time,  
distance, friends likely to be there, and interest in the activities.  
Money (including trip costs), isn't the main factor. I don't usually  
eat on board due to dietary problems, and I generally daytrip.
	The feasts I have been on board for usually have enough food that I  
can eat to be worth it. Yes, I've been to feasts that dragged due to  
the number and length of the removes (even wrote a song about  
it :) ). Those are the exception, rather than the rule. Decreasing  
the number of courses might help costs, and is up to the host group.  
As far as entertaining at a feast, I used to go table to table, and  
ask if those there wished a song. If they did, I sang. If not, I  
moved on. For the last 10 years or so, the halls are too crowded,  
with acoustics too poor to allow it. I might do some instrumental  
stuff wandering around the edges, but no singing unless asked. It's  
hard to sing well when you can't hear yourself or your instrument  
over the background noise.
	My primary complaint about fees is the  non-member fee being  
charged. I've never liked them, though I can see why they came about.  
My solution? I made a vow that no non-member guest of mine would ever  
pay one. They pay the member rate, and I pick up the rest.

Fare well,

Morgan Wolfsinger
(Cathy DeMott)