Swap Meets

 I love Swap Meets.

What I have found is that “out here” on the East coast swap meets and train shows are, as a rule, pretty good. On the West Coast these events were, at best, hit and miss. And to be honest, usually miss. Take Greenberg Shows. On the West Coast I found these events to be WORTHLESS. They had a high entry fee, and I was personally guaranteed of being completely disappointed EVERY time. On the East Coast I have found these shows to be treasure troves. Same with Timonium. 

Now here’s my problem, Club Shows.  I want to go, let me repeat that, I WANT to go to these events. But what I have found, at least here in Winchester, is I never find out about them in time. I’m going to expand on this, out here it’s not just train events, but ANY event. What I have found is that around here, for what ever the reason, I am never made aware of these events. What ever medium organizers use to communicate with the public, seems to miss me entirely. 

I have to say those events that utilize social media seem to get on to my radar, and I am not a big fan of any social media. But if it’s advertised on Facebook I seem to learn about it. 

What I also would point out is, posting on Facebook is of little use if it is once a year. NUMEROUS organizations seem to think a January posting of an annual events calendar is going to be of any use to me in August.

The days of putting out a flyer, that gets magnetted to the refrigerator, that lists the handful of upcoming dates is LONG GONE.

I don’t think I’ve made it to a Winchester Model Railroad Club swap meet in over two years, and I’m a member.

Telling me in January about an event in March, let alone November is of no real use to me. Reminding me monthly works better. 

Is it just me? Okay, I’ll concede that. I guess i’m the only person in the world who forgets about an event in November, even though I got a reminder e-mail in January.

Well then.. I guess there’s no real problem here at all. 

As usual, it’s all my fault.

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