Conference ideas

[valarltd]

So, I'm basically planning on running a bookshop out of my hotel room.
I'm thinking of doing up a raffle prize bag for Alive on the Inside.
A gift bag with:
A print copy of the book, ($15 value)
A ticket to the Ten in One
A coin box trick ($5)
A snake bracelet ($7)
A tiny Bible and magnifying glass ($3)
A folder with a picture of Wolfgang and sheet music (printing costs)
An autographed set of glow-balls for fire spinning practice ($15)
A souvenir spoon ($5)
A folder with a picture of the Twins and their sheet music (Printing costs)
Three postcards of Torturo the Pain King (printing costs)

Does this sound like anything anyone would want or does it just sound like a junky dustcatcher?
It's going to run me into some money (~$40) to get the stuff.

Seriously considering grab bags with post cards, pens, a toy surprise, chocolate and book marks.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

The D-Man Checks In: I'm afraid my vote must be cast for, Junky Dust-Catcher. You have noted a few times how tight money is for you--with hardly enough just for decent food or to go out & have a little fun while in The Big Easy--and yet you can find the funds for something... like this?! $40+ in The Big Easy buys 1 person at least 2 very nice dinners.

I appreciate your creative spirit in trying to put something like this together, but I sincerely feel that both your energies & finances could be much better spent.

Maybe put this collection of would-be gift bag goodies out on display with the rest of your wares and try to sell them individually. See what sells, and what doesn't. Those items that sold would maybe be worthy of a gift bag in the future. (This coming from a person who has attended Sci-Fi & comic book conventions here in Denver, and who has won drawings for gift bags/boxes... only to discover the money I spent on my raffle ticket(s) netted me a collection of junk most people would not be able to unload at a garage sale for next to nothing because that was exactly what they were truly worth; next to nothing.) Basically my dollars got me a collection of drek that I would not have wasted my spare change on had I been able to see what was in the bag. These are not happy memories, and unhappy memories are not things an author wishes prospective buyers & fans to associate with them.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

You seem to miss the point. It's not that the money isn't there, it's a matter of where I choose to spend it. Leaving the hotel is NOT on my agenda. I am WORKING not on vacation. Going out to eat is a waste of money and, more importantly, time when I'm at a con. Fun? That's not even getting packed along.

But yeah, it is essentially carnival souvenirs that turned out to cost a bit more than expected.

[(Anonymous)]

The D-Man Replies: ..."Essentially carnival souvenirs that turned out to cost a bit more than expected."

=-=-=-=

As it appeared & as I suspected.

In my opinion, such gimmickry is for gypsies & 2nd-rate hacks trying or begging to get noticed.

You are better than that.