[TheForge] Conference Light

[Bruce Freeman]

Phlip,

Don't waste time polling.  Polling has to be done aggressively like the professionals do to get enough response to be meaningful.  Before that, even, you need professionals to set up the questions to not bias the answers.  But the short answer is, don't bother with polling.  People don't return questionaires.  People don't like filling them out.  

You're much better off taking a good idea, vetting it with folks who may have useful opinions, and going with it.  We're not dealing with a black or white issue, like an election.  

If BAM isn't going to hold the conference, then just go with it - but don't really expect ABANA to help.  Instead, put together a preliminary proposal of what you'd like to do, then engage the regional chapters (Say, MD/VA to Ohio to NY to NE) to cosponsor a regional blacksmithing conference.  If you get enthusiasm, do it.  

Bruce
NJ