hey guys,
Just an idea I had; and I don't know if this sort of thing is out there, but considering this is meant as a re-enactors resource.. would it be worthwhile having a thread/sub-forum somewhere, or some kind of document or some such, detailing various suppliers that are out there?
I know Aaron this may kind of run counter to what you'd like for MFC.. but it could be useful for others :-)
I have no objection to a free market as I am far from anti competitive unlike some of
Medieval-Fightclub's competition.
It is probably a good idea but I think before we add the commercial sites we should let the re-enactors with their small focused business to promote their wares, because lets face it if people haven't already heard of the larger business's like MFC and Esford then we dont deserve to be in the industry.
So if you know someone who could do with some promotion encourage them to get on here and make a post in the buy, sell, trade section.
We have reserved a spot for commercial traders to advertise on the home page, for the sake of the ARA lets encourage them to advertise there instead of flooding the forum with adverts.
In contradiction to that, I think if someone was to help others source a complete kit and listed item X from this supplier and Y from that supplier, then this is really helpful for our fellow re-enactors.
What do you think???? I am open to suggestions.
ah fair enough :-)
and yes, definitely got to agree with pluging the small guys first.. I'll have to see who I can think of, as I believe Dayna is already on here with her furs.. the main other one I can think of is Jean the Hornmaster?
and I definitely like the idea of people coming together to make suggestions to people for putting a kit together! It's what every new re-enactor could want! lol
and I was thinking, even if one was to have one great big admin-editable only post just listing the stores, and a basic description of their types of wears.. helps newbies, or those who haven't looked far afield, get an idea of what's out there (if they can't or don't have the time/skill to make it)
btw apologies if the familiarity was a bit odd. I have bought a fair bit from MFC; have spoken to both you and Simone a couple of times lol
Hi Edward
I think your idea has some really good merit.
In the circles i frequent there are a number of smaller traders and suppliers that operate on a far less scale than say a commercial Buisness. They are great to deal with and each form a nice little supplier niche.
I am sure they would appreciate being listed in supplier section , if asked , and if it can help ARA members get better access and choice to quality suppliers then that is a good thing.
Names that already come to mind for me would be Roy Castell of Castle d reu Jewllery , Martin and Dorte Planert who supply horns amongst other items and closer to home for me Adam Mc Kay ( Frodo) a very capable blacksmith who supplies unique items when ppl want something a little different from the MFC racks!
I am sure there is even a far more extensive list that others on this forum could reccommend that i would be unaware of. I would favour a seperate section for the smaller suppliers and would be happy for the larger ones to advertise/sponsor in the ARA seperately.
I don't think you would find that would be a problem for the larger buisnesses such as MFC. But To be perfectly Fair to Both Aaron and Simone , most ppl will find they are already generously supporting the ARA with their IT Literate buisness with the website and forum.
I certainty would like to follow up this idea further if there is interest.
Cheers
Kirk
hmm. How do we do this? Just invite them to post over where the fur and leather vendors have already posted? and maybe a locked thread for admins to post links to the major store holders?
Hi Edward
I think a dedicated suppliers Page/Link would probably be best. We could simply Invite suppliers that may want to list their details and wares .
Some basic contact details , web/ facebook links etc and a short paragraph from the supplier on what they sell/provide etc.
That way any ARA members , whether new re enactors or not , can look up in a single section for a wide range of goods and services they may want or need.
Naturally they would be traders and suppliers that the ARA could recommend to its members. Newcomers would always be welcome to list as well. Any traders that ever become a major problem eg dodgy ,unscrupulous could simply be removed by the Admins at the members request.
I can't see too much downside in all that personally.
But I'm far from being an IT tech head , so we would need to get the ARA admin to add another link in the forum and/or webpage.
Happy also to hear other ideas or thoughts.
Cheers
Kirk