POC Activity

[StevierayE]

Thanks to all that have served as Regional Coordinators and those who have volunteered as POC / Merch. Sales help in 2008.. Our roles are ever changing, and expect that 2009 will bring  on new challenges and opportunities for Little Feat.
While the www.poccentral.com site is active, it is limited in how volunteers can manage / modify their settings (email, address ..etc).

I am hoping that we may integrate some new forms with the LF site.

Scott Harder, the new Road Manager has been very happy with  what he has seen so far. we are talking about how we may enhance the operation...

[nycfeat]

Steve....thanks for all the work you do.   

Sang

[hank(us)]

yeah, what she said.

[mg]

I so appreciate this music in my life.

Thank you POCs and helpers who keep the red bus rolling.

I also appreciate Stevie E, even tho I can't hear as fast as he talks....all you photographers and tapers... all you storytellers.......all you webfolk and fans....
and Bill Payne who put us all directly in each other's path.
Who knew?

Any other Grassroots in Jamaica meeting comments?

[twheet]

Attended my 1st Grassroots mtg in Negril. Found the conversation and dedication amazing. Billy's input was very open and valuable. What stuck with me the most was the need to appeal to younger fans to keep the whole thing going. Billy remarked about the age and hair color in the room . I will try to be available for any help needed here in the Midwest.

[nycfeat]

what was discussed at the meeting...?  inquiring minds want to know...     

[twheet]

One topic discussed at length was merchandising. Moving existing inventory is crucial in order to bring on new items. Was stated having venue people in charge as opposed to Feat people reduces sales 50%. Understandably, Feat people want see the show and spend time with fellow fans. But new road mgr felt it necessary we handle it whenever possible. Also discussed was more offerings for the ladies. Mary (wife) showed an older pink ladies shirt at the tie-dye event that caught his eye. Also brought up the need to know what articles and items are most popular with the younger set at non Feat shows to see if there are things we have missed. As with any group, the need to expand Grassroot #'s and areas of coverage was discussed. Shred was a big hit with a box of Cubans for sampling- see photo of meeting.

[twheet]

Just thought of this..... we should probably post notes/minutes of meetings here to inspire more feedback.

[dbartenstein]

Attended my 1st Grassroots mtg in Negril. Found the conversation and dedication amazing. Billy's input was very open and valuable. What stuck with me the most was the need to appeal to younger fans to keep the whole thing going. Billy remarked about the age and hair color in the room . I will try to be available for any help needed here in the Midwest.

What's wrong with flesh-tone hair color?

[shays]

Just thought of this..... we should probably post notes/minutes of meetings here to inspire more feedback.

I agree ... I would be interested in seeing notes (or even faulty recollections). 

As to the bit about Feat vs Venue Merch Sales ... it stands to reason that knowledgeable fans are more enthusiastic and helpful moving the merchandise.  No show that I have attended when we did the Table was lacking for people to work ... often times, the problem is just the opposite.  I am sure this got mentioned, but it stands to reason that a key function of the POC is to make sure reliable people are signed up to work the table, or at the very least be prepared to do it themselves.  Yes ... this does mean possibly missing making connections (or even watching the show), but if you sign enough people up, covering for each other works pretty well.

[twheet]

Did my best recall events, hope it wasn't that far off. had been asleep a few times since then. just trying to help

[Featsteps]

One topic discussed at length was merchandising. Moving existing inventory is crucial in order to bring on new items. Was stated having venue people in charge as opposed to Feat people reduces sales 50%. Understandably, Feat people want see the show and spend time with fellow fans. But new road mgr felt it necessary we handle it whenever possible.

If possible, move the merchandise to a location at/in the venue where the peeps could still see the show.  I've seen numerous shows of artists who sell the goods right off to the side or near the rear of the venue.  That way people can still spend the $ on the goodies but THEY don't miss the show either.

[nycfeat]

If possible, move the merchandise to a location at/in the venue where the peeps could still see the show.  I've seen numerous shows of artists who sell the goods right off to the side or near the rear of the venue.  That way people can still spend the $ on the goodies but THEY don't miss the show either.

The Keswick Theater outside of Philly is a fan favorite because of that.  You can see *and* hear the show as well as sell merch.  Unfortunately, not many venues that I've been to are like that.  There are a few others that will keep the door open during the show so you can at least hear what's going on.

[hank(us)]

If possible, move the merchandise to a location at/in the venue where the peeps could still see the show.  I've seen numerous shows of artists who sell the goods right off to the side or near the rear of the venue.  That way people can still spend the $ on the goodies but THEY don't miss the show either.

very, very few venues I've been to in the last 11 years have had the right physical set up to allow this. most of the time, the folks selling merch are in a different space (the lobby for the most part). for the grassroots folks who do the selling, it's simply an acknowledged part of the volunteer deal; often there are enough folks so that the sellers can spell each other and everybody gets to see at least part of the gig.

another practical problem with being in sight of the stage is being able to hear each other ... sometimes wave & point just doesn't cut it, and it certainly negates the idea of having knowledgeable fans selling merch if the buyers can't talk to 'em ...

[RvrRat]

Innsbrook in Richmond has the merchandise table set up beside the stage.  You can certainly hear the show and might be able to see some if the speakers aren't in the way.  But as Hank says, once the show starts, the conversation is tough.