Coral Swaps

Although I'm looking for a discussion I posted this in Recommendations because I'm thinking it may help the presidency when planning upcoming coral cuttings.

From Paletta's article that came out today
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/3/aafeature3

Initially these swaps were somewhat random unorganized events where most hobbyists brought frags from corals that were overgrowing their tanks while only a few hobbyists brought a couple of rare choice fragments. As a result, the hobbyist with eh choice fragments was overwhelmed while the common stuff often went unclaimed, which frustrated the individuals that had brought them. Fortunately as the swaps have evolved, the organizing to set them up has improved as well. Due to internet and club forums and bulletin boards hobbyists attending swaps can now post what they plan on bringing and ascertain the level of interest before they bring it and thus bring more or less of the frags they have according to the level of interest. Some hobbyists now go so far as to set up specific trades before they go with other hobbyists to make things go more smoothly. In the best conceived of these swaps hierarchies are set up that allow individuals with the most desirable frags to get first choice of the other most desirable frags. This new twist increases the likelihood of rarer and better frags being present and this increases the attendance even further. Since many of these hobbyists are far enough away from each other that they are unlikely to see each others colonies or frags, many hobbyists now go so far as to post digital pictures of their corals and fragments to give hobbyists attending the swap an even better idea of what may be available. The more information that can be provided before a swap the more likely it is to be successful.

I completely disagree, and I completely agree.  Feel free to share your thoughts.

Adam

Dave-
We already have someone in this club to make those comments (me) so you try saying something else.  Doesn't it seem like every post you make is just what I'm about to say?  Sorry to say it, but you are just like me

Adam

Suzy wrote: And, I really don't want to "increase the attendence even further"! It's already a zoo!

Our last frag meeting (Jan-06) only had about 100 people in attendance. 20% of the frags went unpurchased. As a result, the next frag meeting may have less available frags. HINT:Get there early - sit by the doors!

Kevin,

Very good point. Thanks for the input.

Consider it noted.

I know many here think they are boring, but I had a great time at the Freshwater clubs auction last Saturday.  I know it takes a long time to auction everything, but they bring fish, plants, food, tanks, stands, anything anyone wants to sell and auction it off.  The club takes 30% and the seller gets the rest.

Even if we did this for fun rather than to bring a ton of money to the club.  I think it could be great.  It could also be a lot of work, but the freshwater club seems to pull it off pretty well.

Note:  This idea would not be intended to replace the Frag Fest, just another fun activity for the club.

Shane H wrote: Suzy wrote: And, I really don't want to "increase the attendence even further"! It's already a zoo! Our last frag meeting (Jan-06) only had about 100 people in attendance. 20% of the frags went unpurchased. As a result, the next frag meeting may have less available frags. HINT:Get there early - sit by the doors!

If I had only known there were frags that didn't sell.  I would have bought some.  I thought they were all gone!  How about having an after sale sale?  Just let people know on this MB what did not get sold and sell it here?  You could even ask the same price or go $5.00 more.  I'd buy more!

We could always go with a silent auction for the more rare frags and put a min. bid on them. the person that gives the frag yo the auction can either give all of the money to the club ofr thake a %.Then you can post pics. of the frag with the min. starting price a week or so before to get people interested.

As far as private trading/selling of frags, I do not want the club to inhibit this in any way. In fact, these interactions are encouraged on the MB and at appropriate times during the meetings. The club does not solicit nor expect a % of any of these sales. (We do gladly accept any donations! ) The only limitations are during our fundraising frag fest. We discourage private sales on this night to encourage people to support the club.

The presidency is always looking for ways to improve the frag fests and to ensure the meeting is equitable for everyone. (this is why the frags are not grouped together) You don't have to be the fastest to get the more sought after frags. (but it doesn't hurt!)

I am afraid that would kill my budget.
I like the fest because it helps me expand my aquasphere at a resonable price.
considering 1 ot of 10 of my frags die, I think the original prices are more resonable.

I think the best way to do it is keep it as is, the better the frag the more it costs, however, at the end, say just before dinner, knock off 50%.

Just a thought

Personely I love it the way it is....pushin...fightin...shuving to get to the best frags. Just kidding! It's all good.. I do like the idea of selling off the remainder by a post on the board. This would give a chance fro people who could'nt make the meeting but wish they could have to buy a few. More softies a great idea. At the end newly paid members get a free frag from the remaining 20% or so.