Thoughts on CMAS swap

I was one of the hobbyist's selling at the swap (I think there was maybe 3-4 people who were selling that were not actually a business). I had a good time and enjoyed meeting people from this forum. The prices at the swaps have been steadily going up over the years and I think it is because there are less and less hobbyists (fraggers) selling at the swaps. Years ago there might have been 3-4 businesses (commercial sellers) and the rest hobbyists. I am not saying that is a bad thing because the businesses are bringing in a lot of really cool and unique things at reasonable prices plus the majority are great people and have become friends of mine over the years. I think a lot of hobbyists are turned away from selling at these events anymore due to the amount of work to setup and it is very difficult to compete with the commercial sellers. Overall I think this is hurting the overall quality of the events by there be less variety of corals, less knowledge sharing and I think it is intimating to new people into the hobby. I met and talked with a bunch of people who had tanks setup for 6 months or less and they said I was the first person to actually talk with them. They walk around and see a lot of frags priced at $50 or more and get discouraged. It maybe the last time they show up for an event like this. In the end I think it hurts the hobby overall as they may decide not to get involved in a club or a forum.

Overall I think CMAS does a good job with these events but they could use a few tweeks to make the events more enjoyable for everyone.
 
goat585 said:
I was one of the hobbyist's selling at the swap (I think there was maybe 3-4 people who were selling that were not actually a business). I had a good time and enjoyed meeting people from this forum. The prices at the swaps have been steadily going up over the years and I think it is because there are less and less hobbyists (fraggers) selling at the swaps. Years ago there might have been 3-4 businesses (commercial sellers) and the rest hobbyists. I am not saying that is a bad thing because the businesses are bringing in a lot of really cool and unique things at reasonable prices plus the majority are great people and have become friends of mine over the years. I think a lot of hobbyists are turned away from selling at these events anymore due to the amount of work to setup and it is very difficult to compete with the commercial sellers. Overall I think this is hurting the overall quality of the events by there be less variety of corals, less knowledge sharing and I think it is intimating to new people into the hobby. I met and talked with a bunch of people who had tanks setup for 6 months or less and they said I was the first person to actually talk with them. They walk around and see a lot of frags priced at $50 or more and get discouraged. It maybe the last time they show up for an event like this. In the end I think it hurts the hobby overall as they may decide not to get involved in a club or a forum.

Overall I think CMAS does a good job with these events but they could use a few tweeks to make the events more enjoyable for everyone.
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+1

by the way it was nice meating u bro..
 
I realy had a blast at this swap, but it was more because of getting a chance to meet all of the members here. Any excuse to talk reef with adults actually using my voice is a good day for me. It definitely could have been better, but I'll still go to anything like that to give it a chance.
 
Joe5688 said:
I volunteer my garage. Its 22x24 and empty. And i have a huge grill lol. I'm like 15 miles from the city. Farthest anyone is probably from me is like 25-30 mins except for Japan guys. the
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KeishaKornbread said:
Are we doing a Holiday party?
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I think what people fail to see is that there is liability with any of these types of events, the holiday party, frag swap etc. The hosting party whether it is a business or a personal address accepts the liability if anything were to happen at the event. If a person's tank had electrical issues and someone stuck their hand in it and died of electrocution, or say started a fire and burnt your house down (these are extreme cases but could happen), the host is the one liable. This is a responsibility that a sole individual can not or should not assume. That is why swaps are held in a public space that are insured and bonded, and why the holiday party was at a place of business last year.

There was an official venued CR swap that was on the book that was going to occur this past summer, but that was canceled.
 
goat585 said:
I was one of the hobbyist's selling at the swap (I think there was maybe 3-4 people who were selling that were not actually a business). I had a good time and enjoyed meeting people from this forum. The prices at the swaps have been steadily going up over the years and I think it is because there are less and less hobbyists (fraggers) selling at the swaps. Years ago there might have been 3-4 businesses (commercial sellers) and the rest hobbyists. I am not saying that is a bad thing because the businesses are bringing in a lot of really cool and unique things at reasonable prices plus the majority are great people and have become friends of mine over the years. I think a lot of hobbyists are turned away from selling at these events anymore due to the amount of work to setup and it is very difficult to compete with the commercial sellers. Overall I think this is hurting the overall quality of the events by there be less variety of corals, less knowledge sharing and I think it is intimating to new people into the hobby. I met and talked with a bunch of people who had tanks setup for 6 months or less and they said I was the first person to actually talk with them. They walk around and see a lot of frags priced at $50 or more and get discouraged. It maybe the last time they show up for an event like this. In the end I think it hurts the hobby overall as they may decide not to get involved in a club or a forum.

Overall I think CMAS does a good job with these events but they could use a few tweeks to make the events more enjoyable for everyone.
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I was expecting more reefers along with the vendors selling. I thought it would be more of a swap then a coral sale. I'd like to see more local fraggers selling their goods at these events. Perhaps a group can buy half-tables and share the tank to sell what they have. Not everyone is looking for expensive high-end pedigreed and lineaged pieces. It would be nice to diversify these events and make them more inclusive. I'm so glad I ran into Cubbie and his frag tank. Though I didn't pick anything up from him, it made me happy to see a local reefer doing business and representing for the non-business entities.

Tom, where were you?
 
poidog said:
I think what people fail to see is that there is liability with any of these types of events, the holiday party, frag swap etc. The hosting party whether it is a business or a personal address accepts the liability if anything were to happen at the event. If a person's tank had electrical issues and someone stuck their hand in it and died of electrocution, or say started a fire and burnt your house down (these are extreme cases but could happen), the host is the one liable. This is a responsibility that a sole individual can not or should not assume. That is why swaps are held in a public space that are insured and bonded, and why the holiday party was at a place of business last year.

There was an official venued CR swap that was on the book that was going to occur this past summer, but that was canceled.
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I understand this, and I can see why insurance is needed at an organized formal event but for a BBQ or get-together at someone's home I think we would be ok. If I get electrocuted I wouldn't fault the host or look to make a payday of it. I don't think Joe would come after me because Daisy ripped his curtains off of his rods. Daisy pissed all over Eric's floors and there was no love lost.
 
I know exactly who that was then. I had no idea. I would have said hi. I saw those clowns. I even took mine out to show Jay in front of him.
 
Obviously with any hosted even there Is a risk, whether its a bday party or bbq. Obviously its not gonna be anything big just a bbq with a spot for people to sell off some of, their stuff. If it happens which who knows its not going to be some red neck party with people drinking and posting with electricity with wet feet. It'll be a get together with the locals on cr. lol
 
Joe5688 said:
Obviously with any hosted even there Is a risk, whether its a bday party or bbq. Obviously its not gonna be anything big just a bbq with a spot for people to sell off some of, their stuff. If it happens which who knows its not going to be some red neck party with people drinking and posting with electricity with wet feet. It'll be a get together with the locals on cr. lol
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We can make it a pajama party with scary movies!!
 
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