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Woohoo
Topic Started: Feb 2 2008, 08:57 AM (989 Views)
Lovemy1971Camaro
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Speed Junkie
First post! First post! ;)
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STUTZ
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Diecast junkie
Second post! Second post! ;)
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Third post! Third post!

So who's got some official Jam info for us?
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DaleFan
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Midsize
I like Jelly :D
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Swifty
Feb 2 2008, 07:32 PM


So who's got some official Jam info for us?

I do.

There will be a Johnny Jam '08! Too many people had too much fun to stop now.

Plans have begun for yet another Jam, and the date is under discussion. We'd love to hear from folks as to ideas and suggestions, both for the event itself, as well as a date. We think not having the same date every year means that some people who can't make it one year, might have a shot at coming next year.

One thing is determined; we had considered changing venues to accommodate an even larger crowd, as Jam gets bigger and better every year. However, we all decided that the "intimacy" of Dave Antonelli's back yard provided the perfect atmosphere for the event we were trying to capture. But 60 attendees is about the limits of comfort for that location. Anymore people are just too many.

So rather than changing locations to accommodate more people, we are focusing on quality, not quantity. We'll do less promotion - which would have focused on reaching additional first timers - and do more of an "invitational" type event. We have directly contacted numerous people two years in a row, to no avail. We won't be "chasing" those people anymore, trying to convince them to join our fun.

Also decided for this year is a return to the "trading" emphasis of the first Jam. The sheer volume of cool door prizes really overwhelmed the event, and we feel not enough focus was placed on the camaraderie of trading.

Lastly, the event car for this year was decided before last year's show, and discussions have begun for tampo designs and placement. :thumbup:
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Thanks for the scoop, Rich. :thumbup:

As for a date, I'm fairly confident that you're still limited to late May through early September due to Rhode Island's climate. The CARnival is in April and 'Fest is normally in September, so slotting somewhere in the middle (late June/early July) would probably work best.

And the intimate feel the first Jam had was perfect. I'd also say 60 is a stretch for Dave's backyard- keep it to 40 would be my recommendation.
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ViperMan
Diecast Viper Club
Too me JJI was alot better. I am alot more comfortable in smaller groups. Last year to me was close to being too large of a group. There also didn't seem to be that closeness that was experienced year 1.
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ViperMan
Feb 16 2008, 09:13 AM
Too me JJI was alot better. I am alot more comfortable in smaller groups. Last year to me was close to being too large of a group. There also didn't seem to be that closeness that was experienced year 1.

I forgot to hug you last year, didn't I ....... :( :P

Yeah, it was on the verge of having too many people to get to visit and meet everyone. More people works better over a two day event, which has been discussed for Jam.
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Dragnet_Supporter
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SUV
I would agree with Swifty as to the time of the event. Too close to the surrounding events might make it hard for some who can't afford trips too close together.

I can't say what the first year was like, but last year was a blast. As far as intimacy, one of the best parts of the day was the after hours gathering. And there were a number of people I just said hello to when I recognized their HT name, but then they vanished into the crowd.

Of course, last year was a tough time for me, and just getting out there was amazing. But I also spent part of the time being a quiet observer of it all and just taking in the much needed change of scenery. So my above 2-cents on the number of people may have been just me at the time.

But if you'll have me, I would love to come this year, and even bring the wife if there's room :thumbup:
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DadsCoronet
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I think it is safe to say that the Jam Crew got temporarily caught up in all of the excitement when it was realized how many people were expected for JJ'07.
Speaking for myself, I was originally a strong supporter of growing Johnny Jam and if it meant bringing it to a larger venue, then so be it!! JJ'07 was indeed a blast but there were a number of attendees that are not members of HT, Swifty's or JLTalk. To me, that was significant and cause for concern. And then I got to thinking about the afterglow session on Dave & Jan's deck from JJ'06 & JJ'07 and how I did not want to give that up. If we move Johnny Jam "off site" we would lose the intimacy and a whole lot more. Dave, Rich, Rob and Bill know what I'm talking about.

I agree with Sean - 60 people would be a bit too much. I think a crowd of 40 to 50 should be our limit. And there really should be more time and focus on the commraderie and the trading and bartering. From some of what I observed, it seemed that the raffle was the sole purpose for some people's attendance - it was just something I sensed. Especially when comments were made about the delays and lag time between raffles. CHILL DUDES! It's a party!

Rest assured, Johnny Jam '08 will be spectacular! B) :thumbup:
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
DadsCoronet
Feb 20 2008, 11:03 PM
From some of what I observed, it seemed that the raffle was the sole purpose for some people's attendance - it was just something I sensed.  Especially when comments were made about the delays and lag time between raffles.  CHILL DUDES!  It's a party!

You know what's funny? I felt too much emphasis was placed on the raffle last year and too much time was wasted on it. If it were to disappear entirely in '08 I wouldn't miss it in the least. I also think we'll lose the people only interested in getting something for nothing if the door prizes are trimmed down or eliminated entirely.

I think I speak for a lot of the people on this board when I say I come to these events (Jam, 'Fest, CARnival) to talk about toy cars with my friends on the boards first and foremost, and actually getting toy cars secondly. I see you guys once or twice a year, and that's just not enough.
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ViperMan
Diecast Viper Club
I agree w/ you Swifty. Although it was nice to get some nice stuff at the Jam it seemed like that was all that was going on. How many times did they have to yell at boston matt, dalefan, you and I when we were having our discussion during the raffle.

Since I only collect vipers everything I got in the raffle went into my trade box. The kids liked getting their raffle items but that too was too much I almost didn't have room enough to pack everything in the car for the return home.

Now if there are some super thunt vipers in the raffle bring it on baby LOL
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You all have valid points that are generally agreed with by all of us at JJ; howvere ....... you've got to admit; there were some spectacular door prizes!!!!!

[size=7]SPECTACULAR!!!!!![/size]

And that racing helmet autographed by all those famous drivers - Sterling freaking Moss, people!!!! - WOW!!!! I can honestly tell you, it was the thrill of a lifetime meeting all those famous drivers in one place and convincing them to sign that helmet. More than one of them wondered if it was going to end up on E Bay, and I assured them it was going to end up in the hands of a lucky car enthusiast!

I actually made Dan Gurney laugh in front of a crowd when I busted on Johnny Rutherford, as Stirling Moss sat in the Birdcage Maseratti!!!!!!!! I still can't believe that! :lol: :lol: :P

But yeah, without a doubt, that great Door Prize Raffle got in the way of too much fun. It needs to be scaled way back :twocents:
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ViperMan
Diecast Viper Club
Are the Dates set yet? I am trying to get my calendar set up for the year so many good shows I would love to go to but most likely will only be able to go to 2 maybe 3. I am wanting to make JJ3, MBUSA, and possibly Hershey. I would love to do the others Autofest, MCCH gathering and Keystone but don't have the $$ and time off to get to them all but will be marking them on the calendar in case I win the Lotto (Perhaps I should start playing)
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accobra64
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Swifty
Feb 21 2008, 05:28 AM
DadsCoronet
Feb 20 2008, 11:03 PM
From some of what I observed, it seemed that the raffle was the sole purpose for some people's attendance - it was just something I sensed.  Especially when comments were made about the delays and lag time between raffles.  CHILL DUDES!  It's a party!

You know what's funny? I felt too much emphasis was placed on the raffle last year and too much time was wasted on it. If it were to disappear entirely in '08 I wouldn't miss it in the least. I also think we'll lose the people only interested in getting something for nothing if the door prizes are trimmed down or eliminated entirely.

I think I speak for a lot of the people on this board when I say I come to these events (Jam, 'Fest, CARnival) to talk about toy cars with my friends on the boards first and foremost, and actually getting toy cars secondly. I see you guys once or twice a year, and that's just not enough.

I liked your comments Swifty.
I believe that these kind of informal and friendly events should be about the people and meeting each other.
Trading diecast is secondary.
People who only come for the "big raffle" are attending for all the wrong reasons.
So does an event like this really need these people? I think not.

And to Carnut, I always enjoy reading any and all of your comments both here and in the past elsewhere. Good stuff!
And before I forget, thanks for that awesome Christmas card!!!

Good luck to all of the committee on a successful '08 Johnny Jam.

Cheers. Cobra
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
accobra64
Mar 21 2008, 04:57 PM
We'd all enjoy meeting you! :)I liked your comments Swifty.
I believe that these kind of informal and friendly events should be about the people and meeting each other.
Trading diecast is secondary.
People who only come for the "big raffle" are attending for all the wrong reasons.
So does an event like this really need these people? I think not.

And to Carnut, I always enjoy reading any and all of your comments both here and in the past elsewhere. Good stuff!
And before I forget, thanks for that awesome Christmas card!!!

Good luck to all of the committee on a successful '08 Johnny Jam.

Cheers. Cobra

You should come to the Jam (or the CARnival or Fest) one of these years! We'd all enjoy meeting you! :)
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