Date: Fri, 3 Jun 1994 09:17:44 -1000 From: sasaki@das.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) Message-Id: Organization: Harvard University OIT/NSD Subject: An AKA Convention without competition (was Re: AKA Qualifying/Ranking System) In article , Frank Kenisky writes: >So why not try an annual convention, without competition. Does there really >need to be competition? Now, there's a solution, which is fair. This has been discussed in the past and I think it is worth talking about again. This came up in the context of the "Steve and Marty Show" about a year ago. For right now I'm going to lump the comprehensive (kite making) with the stunt kite stuff. These should be separated, but lets try to keep things simple for now. Points for this: - Without competition, attendees can concentrate on all of the non-competitive aspects of the convention, i.e., workshops, socializing, fun flying, playing, etc. - The cost of the convention will be smaller since it takes money to put on a competition. These savings can be passed along to convention attendees in the form of reduced fees. - Allows the opportunity for a separate event centered entirely on competition. This should allow more competitors since energy can be concentrated on competition logistics. Points against: - Many competitors won't attend a non-competitive event, denying attendees the opportunity to witness world-class performances, stunningly beautiful kites, and to meet these nice kite people. - People with limited resources (time and/or money) will be forced to choose between a separate competition event and the convention. - Because of the above point, attendence at both events will likely be lower. So, what do you think? I'm particularly interested in what the Europeans have to say since they have large kite festivals and generally have a much lower emphasis on competition at their kite events. -- Marty Sasaki Harvard University Sasaki Kite Fabrications sasaki@noc.harvard.edu Network Services Division 26 Green Street 617-496-4320 10 Ware Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Cambridge, MA 02138-4002 phone/fax: 617-522-8546 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =