Post #800557 by AceExplorer on Sat, Feb 8, 2020 11:43 AM

On 2020-02-08 08:33, santa wrote:
I took the verbiage straight from Ohana on the lakes website about garbage people . AKA folks that want to shop without paying $300 to go to a swap meet, which is what the vending parts of conventions are.

Speaking of vending, and as one who has attended close to 15 big tiki cons and plans to attend more around the country:
I think the "vending" comments are a broad generalization. It's not without merit, but it is a broad generalization. The vending stuff serves many purposes, including as a platform for some distilled spirits companies to showcase their products. And also for casual book (and other) signings that both the authors and artists and attendees appreciate. Some examples are Martin Cate, Jeff Berry, and even Shag. Sometimes the vending is in the same room with a big stage and the room doubles as a performance venue.

It's my opinion that we shouldn't get stuck on broad generalizations or defend-to-the-death our own personal views which may be narrower than others. And we should also recognize that if we pulled the vending from these events, there would also be an uproar.

With regard to "garbage people," well, that's definitely bad stuff from ONE web site. It does not represent either my view or what I mostly see in the tiki community at large. Some folks are just plain crude at times. I've put my foot in my mouth too.

And to Skip - dude, you're a gem with a lot of tiki experiences and involvement in tiki and also in the restaurant industry. Keep on keeping on. santa, I value your comments, they have merit, I appreciate the friendly and thought-provoking conversation.

Have a good drink and a hearty laugh, everyone!

I have a cool-looking tip tray at my bar. People ask about it all the time and I tell them anyone can own one. They're very easy to get - you can get one at any restaurant! :)