SC - What would you do?

[KallipygosRed at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/23/00 4:50:58 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
watson at interconnect.net writes:

> Hello,
>  
>  I wanted to ask you all a question. I am about to put on my third feast 
for 
> 125
>  + people in two years.  I have bought books and try to do as much research 
> as I
>  kind to present a period feast that tastes good as well.  

My thought would be to find out who accepts the submissions for the 
newsletter. Contact them directly and explain the situation, as calmly as you 
can. Compromise by stating you will draft a notice regarding the feast 
yourself and have to them in x number of days. It may be that the newsletter 
expects the autocrats of events to supply their own articles about the 
upcoming event. In which case this is just a case of miscommunication. On the 
other hand, if you suspect there is more to their behavior than that, this 
should rectify it. 

If, in the latter case, and because you currently have such little time left, 
take that notice and also have it printed up in 1 page format, like a 
handout. Make several hundred copies. At the upcoming 12th night parties, 
hand out the notice to people who come to the parties. If this is a "make 
reservations ahead" situation, remind them politely at the bottom of the 
notice that first come is first served, so reservations--especially paid in 
advance--are always appreciated. If the reservations have been standing, and 
there are no openings at present, write in something about "currently 
reservations are for 125, but drop outs occur, keep checking and you might be 
pleasantly surprised to find seats are available." Also, play up the 
beginning of the notice: "For those of you who have been to the other two 
feasts prepared by XXXX, you will remember what a treat those dishes were, 
and we know you will want to attend this third in two years...." You might 
also follow that somewhere with, "For those of us with prior experience at 
these past feasts, we look forward to a delightful time. For those of you 
attending for the first time, it is sure to be a treat...."  

For God's own sake, blow your own horn. Get your name out there, and if 
anyone calls you on it, sweetly smile and explain that since your feasts have 
never been advertised in the newsletter, but have always been packed, you 
wanted to get the word out to some of the newer folks who might like to 
attend if they get the chance. Then turn on your heel and parade away as if 
sugar wouldn't melt in your mouth.

And hang any of them that say anything else on it.

Lars--who understands where you are now, I was once there too.