Car News

Last week, I spoke with Greg (the guy who handles events at the Sentry
Box). The Cole's Notes version is that the policy is going into
effect, but he did inform me as to the actual reasons and effects.

We had a good talk about some of my (and other's) concerns, and Greg
stepped back to explain the whole things. The concern stemmed from an
event that had to be turned away (a Magic: The Gathering release
event) because of the high number of bookings at the time. It sounded
like some other events were also bumped, but I could be mistaken. The
concern was over the amount of space and time private group were using
in store. He wants to encourage public events (ones that anyone can
join, like demos and such), although private groups are still welcome
to use the space in store. In effect, the new policy really only
effects those private groups.

It sounded like the policy would be used to help decide if long
running groups should get space in the face of a new event coming in.
The store consciously separates private and public groups, as well as
one off events and long running ones. Also, Greg assured me that
events would only be judged against themselves. If an event can only
bring in a small amount of money (like a small press or playtest
demo), the event would, in essence, be just as valid as one that
brings in a large sum of money. The events that are at risk of losing
space would be those that do not contribute to store sales.

It should also be noted that this policy only really applies to
Saturdays and Sundays, when space is in high demand, and that it is
only a once in a while things. Rather than telling a group that they
can't use the in store space, they will be asked if the event can be
rescheduled to another day.

I asked about one time events, or those that could not reasonably
generate sales (like a lecture series on gaming topics like diets and
group management), and the questions were well received. He even joked
that one time events are basically off the hook, as sales will be
looked at over time.

Following our talk, Greg did post a clarification (here
http://sentrybox.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/clarification-and-reminder-of-the-new-events-policy/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter).
He is also open to meeting again in a few months to reevaluate how the
policy is going, and if any changes need to be made. I did drop some
suggestions regarding the booking process and about games than blanket
book space but either don't show up or stop running the event.

I think it went pretty well. I'll be keeping an eye on how this plays
out.

Bryan

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