Payment for Demonstrations

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Jim

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Oct 4, 2023, 4:28:05 PM10/4/23
to NC ABANA
Hello Everyone,

I saw the post about a request for demonstrators.  I know that there are a variety of similar request for blacksmith demonstrators.  I wanted to offer some thoughts and a bit of a rant.  I think some will know that I was the Treasurer for a few year for the group.  Historically NCABANA offered volunteers $50 for demonstrations, that grew over time to $300 when I was Treasurer.  I would like to thank all the people who volunteer to demonstrate at the NCABNA events.  I think that the amount of money offered to the volunteers really would not really cover the true value of time and expenses for all their efforts.  To end my rant, I would suggest any requests for a public demonstrations should be include some payment.  Be careful what you give away, your time and talents are valuable and should be tied to some meaningful remuneration.

Jim  

Jacob King

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Oct 4, 2023, 4:52:03 PM10/4/23
to Jim, NC ABANA
Hi All,

I’d like to take the opportunity to echo Jim’s sentiment, while also providing a clarification to the request I received and shared with the group, specifically focused on demonstration requests outside of NCABANA events.

In discussing this opportunity with the contact, I made it very clear that most requests for demonstrations, generally speaking, usually include reimbursement for not only a variety of expenses incurred by the demonstrator, but mainly as a way to recognize the talent that is being requested of the smith; we are all unique individuals with a very special skill set. I’d like to thank Jim for bringing attention to this and he is absolutely correct.

With that in mind, this is a new venue that is navigating this scenario and attempting to potentially establish monthly demonstrations. I understand there are a few amongst the group that travel to sell their wares, but I want to also reiterate that, in my opinion, our talents should not be trampled on as a means of financially elevating another party. Accordingly, I also did not want to inadvertently alienated interested smiths within our group that do not mind volunteering services.

For any demonstration requests moving forward, I am more than happy to communicate to these 3rd party contacts that some form of reimbursement is required before distributing and/or canvassing to our membership; there is the possibility for exceptions, but I would love to garner any thoughts/feedback from you, our membership, so that I can best champion us in this regard.

Thank you all for the opportunity to humbly serve you and please let me know how I can further accommodate - I’ll gladly make it my endeavor.

Respectfully,
Jacob

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Martin Seck

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Oct 4, 2023, 6:43:58 PM10/4/23
to Jacob King, Jim, NC ABANA
Yes. The most valuable thing we have is time. It shouldn't be for free unless you choose to volunteer it.

Martin
Panda Bear Forge
Forged in Fire Alumni S8E22

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Cynthia Alexander

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Oct 5, 2023, 8:48:34 AM10/5/23
to Martin Seck, Jacob King, Jim, NC ABANA
My two cents….sometimes it was hard to find demonstrators but the inticement of reward helped. I agree with Martin it shouldn’t be free unless you choose to volunteer.

Cindy
Past President of NCABANA 

lyle wheeler

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Oct 5, 2023, 12:34:35 PM10/5/23
to Cynthia Alexander, Martin Seck, Jacob King, Jim, NC ABANA
Mike Burns, Simpsonville, SC is looking for a blacksmith demonstrator for a fall festival, Pioneer Farm Days, at his farm on 10/21.
A stipend is offered and sales are allowed.

robert timberlake

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Oct 6, 2023, 7:34:42 AM10/6/23
to lyle wheeler, Cynthia Alexander, Martin Seck, Jacob King, Jim, NC ABANA
Good morning all. I'm all in favor of persons or organisations wishing a demonstrator to offer suitable remuneration for a demonstrators efforts. It has been my experience that folks wanting this service make a feeble effort by allowing the demonstrator to sell their wares. Big whup. The problem is there is usually a major lack of a buying public attending events such as his. It has also been my experience that demonstrate or sell, trying to do both successfully by oneself is not productive. If Mr. Burns wishes a demonstrator for his festival and is offering a stipend, how much is the stipend? It's a pretty good haul to Simpsonville SC from NC so I hope he is willing to make it profitable or at least a break even for this service. RT



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Robert Timberlake
Moonshine Ridge Forge
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