Do you think the National should be expanded to twice a year ?

[tedzan]

Since the Baltimore venue has proven that it has a lot to offer. My suggestion is that the National should be held twice a year.
Perhaps in April and then September. With the venue rotation between Baltimore, Chicago and a California city.

[barrysloate]

delete

[Leon]

I should be able to add a poll also......we will get it right eventually

[Leon]

We can learn later...I added a poll. Hope that is ok...I also voted .

[tedzan]

....for getting this poll to work.

See, you can't teach an old dinosaur new tricks


T-Rex TED

[Rob D.]

I voted no because I think, like so many other areas in the hobby that have fallen prey to the "too much of a good thing" mentality, having two Nationals a year would cheapen the product.

My guess is this poll/discussion was sparked by the recent disappointment and continued poor performance of the Philly show. Though it's sad that the former hallmark shows of the hobby are going the way of the Edsel, the solution isn't to take what is now a strong and vibrant show -- the National -- and weaken it by asking it fill the void left by the other "big" shows that are dying or have died (condolences to the friends and families of those shows, along with the entire New York Yankees organization).

The National is fine as it is.

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by tedzan

My suggestion is that the National should be held twice a year.
Perhaps in April and then September.

First, I voted no, in particular because of the suggested months.

There is a lot of discussion about the growth or non-growth of the hobby, but one thing that I believe is that the long term growth of the hobby will not come from people on their death beds, but rather children introduced to the hobby.

April and September, kids are in school, and that would eliminate them from the mix unless they are local to the venue for the weekend.

August is perfect for the national as part of a family vacation. My 16YO had a blast with me in Baltimore this year, and along with my wife we also did many others things during the week that we spent there. It also makes it more financially reasonable for me to incorporate the National as part of a family vacation.

With that said though, looking back on Baltimore, I don't recall seeing many other minors at the convention. So maybe my thoughts that this is a good family type thing are not shared by many.

[Jayjones82]

With the exception of this year, why is the convention always in Ohio or Illinois? I attended the Atlanta show in the early-/mid-nineties with my dad and had a great time

[RiverOnFire]

Originally Posted by timzcardz

There is a lot of discussion about the growth or non-growth of the hobby, but one thing that I believe is that the long term growth of the hobby will not come from people on their death beds, but rather children introduced to the hobby.

I am not sure kids would get into the hobby by themselves. Kids always look for the cool new thing to do whether it's video games, music, etc. Why try to collect a set or a player when there are more rewarding* things to do?

I say this because had my dad not showed/purchased cards for me, I really don't think I'd be into collecting cards now.

[Tyler]

Currently 52.81% voted NO. Does this mean that Ted is now the contrarian?

[bbsports]

One good show is better than 2 bad shows.

[E93]

All things being equal, who among this group of geeks would not enjoy more Nationals and closer to home? The fact that more than half of us do not think it is a good idea is telling IMHO. I guess all things are not equal.
JimB