Post #218802 by caerthe on Sat, Mar 4, 2006 3:28 AM

Hello Tikibars,

You have my gratitude for your post. Some good info and some fair questions.

To give you a little background on myself, my discovery of tiki was completely by accident and though I've come to realize that I've spent large portions of my life around Tiki, I only developed a true passion for it a little over a year ago. My tiki experiences (when not the result of my own efforts) have been far and few between (yet quite excellent) and because of budget and timing, I've enjoyed the events you've mentioned, but only within the pages of tiki magazines, tiki event websites and by viewing conversations of these events on the Tiki Central lists. The area in which I live is almost completely devoid of any tiki and very far from any formal tiki gathering. Though it would greatly sadden my wife, my dog and I to be apart, I do yearn to attend these incredible events and would be willing to sign up for a tiki foreign exchange or tiki "semester at sea" if such were available.

Anyhoo, Tiki within the area I live is struggling, at best. I'm currently endeavoring to assist it's growth in a number of ways and one of those is an event. The reason; however, that no site has been confirmed, date been set or volunteers solicited is because I truly feel that the event has one shot at succeeding. If I rush my attempt and the arrow falls too far from the bullseye, then I think it's unlikely that someone (including myself), will try to hit that target again for many more years. I could be wrong, but since no such action has yet been taken, I don't think I'm incorrect. Therefore, since I've decided upon this course of action, I'm simply gathering as much information as possible before embarking on some of the more daunting facets of such an effort.

One part of my information gathering, so you know, will be attending at least a few of the events mentioned in your post. Ultimately, I won't be able to solely rely on the words of those who have and will hopefully continue to respond to this thread (Thank you all!), I'll need the experiences these grand gatherings offer, first hand. This is crucial. Not only to better know and be a part of this great community, but to better formulate my own approach to the event I wish to host.

Regarding the "Perfect" tiki event. I've been in the event game some time and I've yet to see (at least from a creator's point of view) a perfect event. I know from personal experience that what an event creator hopes to achieve generally differs from the final product. The creator always sees the slightly off angle in the final piece that nobody else does. However, if the final product or event (in this case) is seen as perfect by everyone else, then pass out the champagne (or Mai Tais)! I realize that there can be a great difference between what is desired and what can be realistically achieved. That doesn't mean anyone should stop trying for perfection. In fact, unless I'm mistaken, our tiki heritage is heavily dependent upon the past pursuits of Polynesian pop perfection. The Tikis come to mind as one example. I sorely wish the "if you build it, they will come" analogy was the rule more than the exception. Sadly, this isn't usually the case. Especially in a nearly tiki devoid region, like mine. Therefore, to better strive for tiki perfection, I think we all need to question and re-examine convention on occasion. Sometimes, that means questioning ourselves and others as to what we see as perfect.

Just to be clear, because I think it needs mention, the purpose of this thread is not to nit-pick or degrade current tiki events, it's just to find out what tiki event attendees want to experience, experience differently or experience less of and to explore all of this through discussion. Please know that if this thread or any comments that I have made within it have implied that there is anything wrong with any current tiki event, it was not intentional.

Whew! It's late and I have to work tomorrow. Well, Tikibars, I hope I've adequately answered your questions and given you and everyone else a little insight into who I am and the intent behind this thread. Thank you for the offer of the Zombie (a favorite drink of mine before I even knew it was tiki). When we do have the chance to meet, I'll gladly accept. This has been an excellent exchange.

Hmmmm...zombies.

Zombies like brains and I've been trying to pick all of yours with this thread.

Well, if you're feeling charitable, please send your brains in a sealed, non-returnable container to:

Rob the Zombie
1515 Moose and Squirrel Ave
Frostbite Falls, MN :wink:

Mahalo

[ Edited by: caerthe 2006-03-12 21:02 ]