After some of the most successful (financially and attendance) years TRF has ever had, several staff members were let go.
There is a rather long thread about Charlie Thacker's rather abrupt departure (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=13493.msg282194#msg282194) at the beginning of the fair, as well as other staff of TRF.
I have just learned that his wife as also let go today, as part of a process to reorganize TRF.
Do you have any other names? I need to know if Shelly Lee is still there.
By the way the attendance was cusshioned by the new GM giving out 40000+ comp passes to racetrack contacts and buddies.
I will check on the Shelly ? George and Shelly have a really good relationship at TRF and I doubt he would allow her to be let go.
Be back soon with an answer.
Well I was wrong. I just got word that Shelly has been let go. The Wedding Staff has decided to join her.
I will not go into details (not my place), but I am saddened by this changing of the guard and the new direction that TRF is heading in.
From what I have seen and heard changes are far from over and TRF probably will not be what we have come to know and love.
Shelly and her Staff are wonderful caring people who make miracles happen for many couples every weekend at TRF. They are loved and will be missed....... but I hope they all come out to play at least once!!!!!
Well, shoot. Shelly was a good friend who did a lot for my booth over the years. She will be missed.
I hate breaking new vendor coordinators........
that's it, done with TRF >:(
Quote from: BryanPopp on December 18, 2010, 09:19:48 AM
By the way the attendance was cushioned by the new GM giving out 40000+ comp passes to racetrack contacts and buddies.
40,000 comp passes !!? TRF's management as an organization is generally described as being very "profit motivated". I know comps can generate repeat custom, but I can't see them giving away that many free rides...
Well along with the free rides the former management team have been replaced by his contacts and buddies.
The commitee that use to vote on changes are all gone replaced by thoses who will vote with him no matter the
fairness or intelligence behind it.
The vendors I know are not to happy. More fees and new little rules with fines attached to them. Major corporate sponsorships.
I expect to see budweiser back in force at the faire.
And more $ store trinket booths popping up.
General Manager
Shelly
Marketing Manager
Head Grounds Keeper
The Wedding Staff (Though they left as a show of support to Shelly)
Security
I'm sure there are a couple of others.
Next few years will be interesting.
Holy CRAP! Are they trying to self-destruct? :o
I'm not saying this is the death of TRF, but it is certainly putting economic Darwinism to the test to be sure. If they jack gate and camping fees up on top of getting rid of their key people and over-commercializing it into a medieval flea market, they're going to get a nasty kick in the pocketbook.
As a vendor, I'm kinda holding my breath here. There has always been some changes from year to year, that's just part of the game, but it's the drastic changes that can hammer us. My understanding that none of the new people have any ren experience.
Quote from: ravic on December 26, 2010, 12:26:47 AM
As a vendor, I'm kinda holding my breath here. There has always been some changes from year to year, that's just part of the game, but it's the drastic changes that can hammer us. My understanding that none of the new people have any ren experience.
They don't. The GM refused to attend faire in garb until George forced him closing weekend. He made fun of everyone who did come in garb, employee and rennie alike.
I don't see this going well. I pray it does but I'm not holding my breath.
I do see a silver lining. Sherwood should benefit from this.
I hate to see anyone lose a job, escpecially at this time of year and in this strained economy. I wish the best for all of them.
It will be interesting to see if any of these moves change the playtrons faire experience. One thing that popped into my head when reading this was 'I wish they would bring Coca Cola back, I don't care for Pepsi' lol. (CC just mixes better with my libations lol) :)
Hoping for the best where all are concerned!
Quote from: BryanPopp on December 26, 2010, 09:50:36 AM
Quote from: ravic on December 26, 2010, 12:26:47 AM
As a vendor, I'm kinda holding my breath here. There has always been some changes from year to year, that's just part of the game, but it's the drastic changes that can hammer us. My understanding that none of the new people have any ren experience.
They don't. The GM refused to attend faire in garb until George forced him closing weekend. He made fun of everyone who did come in garb, employee and rennie alike.
I don't see this going well. I pray it does but I'm not holding my breath.
I do see a silver lining. Sherwood should benefit from this.
Oh my, if that is the case then that is a shame. Interesting that the GM had to be told to wear garb.... wonder how long George will put up with someone that mocks where he gets his bread and butter....
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on December 26, 2010, 09:52:32 AM
I hate to see anyone lose a job, escpecially at this time of year and in this strained economy. I wish the best for all of them.
It will be interesting to see if any of these moves change the playtrons faire experience. One thing that popped into my head when reading this was 'I wish they would bring Coca Cola back, I don't care for Pepsi' lol. (CC just mixes better with my libations lol) :)
Hoping for the best where all are concerned!
Bonny P and I are pretty much of the same mind on this, I'm concerned when we hear about the management shake-up and loss of jobs, and how troubling it is to many of my friends. But, to be honest, while I know they make a big contribution to the faire, I didn't really know most of these folks personally, and have less 'emotional investment' in the matter. So I ultimately wonder as a more casual playtron, how any of it will change the playtrons faire experience? Will gate prices go up? will food cost more? will my favorite acts get run off?
(I doubt any of it is going to reduce the crowding and traffic jams, which are my main issues the last couple years)
(I wish they would bring Coca Cola back too, BTW)
You know though, one of the main motivations I have go back every year is to see friends, some I only see at TRF. So if a bunch of you quit going, it would jack up my faire experience! I might stop going too, or at least only go a couple days, for opening or AHE etc..
But sadly you have to realize, if hundreds of folks on this forum decided to boycott TRF, the powers that be would not really notice. they have 450,000 other patrons to fill in for you.
See ya' at Sherwood
The effect such a major and ill-advised management change will have on playtrons will be gradual, but notable within two to three years. Price increases, loss of major, popular acts, artisans and good vendors driven out and replaced by McMedievalMart trinket shops, etc. are all likely. This will impact the fun of the faire, to one extent or another, either directly or indirectly.
Wow... Ok, this might make me a little unpopular, but I'm seeing a whole lot of fortune-telling, conjecture, assumptions, and hyperbole being tossed around, here.
I don't know any of the people who were let go on a personal friends-type level... my sympathies do go out to them as people who have lost their jobs at this time and added stress to what should be a festive and joyfull season, but I have no emotional investment in whether or not they continued to work at TRF.
As much as TRF is a second home to many of us, at it's core it is a BUSINESS. And if the behind-the-scenes business had long-standing issues that needed addressing (which I'm given to understand it did), then sometimes a small revolution is the answer. And revolutions hurt, and there are always casualties.
I'm not a fortune-teller or a psychic. I'm also not involved in the day-to-day operation of the TRF office. But unless I'm sadly mistaken, neither is anyone else who has been flailing and wailing and forcasting doom in this thread. I'm willing to take a wait-and-see. Who knows, the end result may beneficial to TRF in the big picture.
Quote from: Morrigan on December 26, 2010, 09:13:19 PM
I'm also not involved in the day-to-day operation of the TRF office. But unless I'm sadly mistaken, neither is anyone else who has been flailing and wailing and forcasting doom in this thread.
No offense meant, but yes, you are mistaken. Several of the people who have posted here have varying connections to- or are directly involved in- the behind-the-scenes goings-on in the TRF main office. I know several of the people let go, and they were responsible for many of the few GOOD things going on. I'm not speaking as a psychic, I'm speaking as a businessman who has been working at TRF for over 20 years. Doug charted out the general pattern of faire's cycle, with its peaks and troughs of success and failure based on the decisions of management and George, and this is WAY outside the curve. The last time something this major happened was when the concession booths were "annexed" something close to thirty years ago, and that caused major problems for faire that lasted well into the 90s. As I said, this is not the death of TRF, but it is a major blow to the prospects of its financial future due to fiduciary irresponsibility in the decision-making process (well, insofar as the GM's decisions will inevitably have a direct effect on the bottom line of TRF, inc.)
QuoteNo offense meant, but yes, you are mistaken. Several of the people who have posted here have varying connections to- or are directly involved in- the behind-the-scenes goings-on in the TRF main office.
No offense taken. I was just very unaware that any members of the main office staff (either the ones that were let go or the ones still working there) were posting on this thread. Because IMHO, the people actually working IN that office every day are the only ones who REALLY know what happens in that office. Anyone else posting here about how many tickets went where or who said what to who or anything else like that is just posting conjecture and heresay. Sorry, but conjecture is not certainty, and heresay is not irrefutable fact. If anyone who actually WORKS in the office every day has posted something that I have assumed is heresay, then I apologize.
However, I still maintain that this thread contains a lot of doomsaying that is essentially taking the worst-case scenario imagined and accepting it as a foregone conclusion. This serves no purpose but to foster negativity.
Reminds me of presidential elections... no matter which party wins the presidency, the opposing party in congress can be counted on to thwart the process as much as possible in order to prove their claims that the new leadership sucked.
Are we really serving the TRF we love so much if we take the same tack? Instead of saying "Oh, it's all going to shiner bock" and then digging in our heels (thus giving it the best chance of actually going to shiner bock), aren't our interests better served by working WITH the changes that are happening the best we can?
I dunno. Maybe I'm being a little Pollyanna, but as was said by someone I respect very much, "We can't change things, so we've all got a choice, here. We can say yes, or we can say no."
Quote from: BryanPopp on December 26, 2010, 09:50:36 AM
Quote from: ravic on December 26, 2010, 12:26:47 AM
As a vendor, I'm kinda holding my breath here. There has always been some changes from year to year, that's just part of the game, but it's the drastic changes that can hammer us. My understanding that none of the new people have any ren experience.
They don't. The GM refused to attend faire in garb until George forced him closing weekend. He made fun of everyone who did come in garb, employee and rennie alike.
I don't see this going well. I pray it does but I'm not holding my breath.
I do see a silver lining. Sherwood should benefit from this.
King George has always had a reputation for having sound business sense even if some people consider him a bit on the ruthless side. Why would he hire a GM who thinks renfaires and garb are something to be mocked? That is what brings in the mundanes who pay the bills. Something else seems to be going on here. What is the new GM's exact relationship to George?
Morrigan
I fully understand what you are saying.
The things I have posted here I learned from current vendors and former and current staff members that I know and I get to talk to often.
I believe most of the people who know what went on this season and off season are worried that the faire we love will not be the same or even a close resemblance of the faire that we love. Think about the disaster that was Excalibur when it moved from Smithville.
Quote from: BryanPopp on December 27, 2010, 12:22:04 PM
Morrigan
I fully understand what you are saying.
The things I have posted here I learned from current vendors and former and current staff members that I know and I get to talk to often.
I believe most of the people who know what went on this season and off season are worried that the faire we love will not be the same or even a close resemblance of the faire that we love. Think about the disaster that was Excalibur when it moved from Smithville.
Of course. And trust me, I'm not saying it isn't cause for concern. I'm concerned, too. But given the choice between woe-is-us chest-thumping and cautious/hopeful optimism, I'm gonna choose the latter.
One thing I've learned about Morrigan in the many years I've known her, is that her advice and opinions are always very sound, reasonable and level headed. She is always able to discuss a topic pragmatically and without being inflammatory.
I usually refrain from offering a personal opinion on topics having to do with the inner workings of TRF because often it would not be politic for me to do so, but I don't see the the experience for the regular faire goer changing except for the better. As far as the entertainment side of it goes, I don't see much changing at all.
I'm maintaining a positive outlook as well.
I'm am truly sorry for all that lost their jobs in these economic times. But, I'm an optimistic person and only time will tell how this effects TRF. Let's give it the benefit of doubt.
I'm not a TRF regular by any means, as I haven't been to that faire in probably 20 years, but I would like to make an observation. Morrigan has a very valid point, and rephrased the way my dad used to phrase it, "Don't squeal `till you get stuck."
That many of your well-known, well-liked personnel have been turned out is upsetting for sure, but its future effect on TRF cannot be known. We were told some years back that a lot of TRF vendors were peddling cheap foreign sweatshop trinkets rather than the quality craftsman-made goods that you would hope to find in a faire. It was one of the reasons we decided that we didn't want to make the long journey to TRF each year. The 5½ hours to Scarby are long enough. But, in reading this thread, I'm realizing that perhaps that information wasn't quite true.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that the perceptions of everyone are going to be as varied as the number of people. Some are going to be hurt by a given action, others may benefit. Only time is going to tell which is going to be better for the largest group.
Quotearen't our interests better served by working WITH the changes that are happening the best we can?
Hitler, 1938
That's a bit extreme, don't you think? There is no analogy between TRF and Nazi Germany.
Quote from: BobSmith on December 29, 2010, 10:24:30 PM
Quotearen't our interests better served by working WITH the changes that are happening the best we can?
Hitler, 1938
O_o erm.... seriously? SERIOUSLY?!?
*insert eloquent eye roll here*
dangnubbit, didn't even make it to page 3 before Godwin's Law came into effect >.<
Look, it's simple- some of my friends were among those that got sacked, and for no discernibly good reason. I personally lost a lot this last year out there, in part due to the changes being made. I am an artisan and have been edged out by trinkets. I don't like the Medieval Mart mentality to say the least, and am a very vocal opponent of it. So, that being said, if anyone was going to start flinging hotheaded comments and spurious analogies around it would be... well, Frasier first, and then me :D Point being, you don't see me tossing virtual vitriol around like that. Level-headed discussion and general civil bytching are fine, but tossing out the Godwin Bomb is a facepalm moment.
:D ;D :D ;D :D
ROTFLMAO!
Why, thank you, my friend.... i think. :D
Can we invoke Rule 34 yet? (Sorry! Couldn't resist ;D)
I'll confess...
I had to google Godwin's Law. *grin*
Quote from: Tudor-Diva on December 30, 2010, 07:40:16 AM
Can we invoke Rule 34 yet? (Sorry! Couldn't resist ;D)
Allright! My kinda woman!
Quote from: Breandan on December 29, 2010, 11:36:02 PMLook, it's simple- some of my friends were among those that got sacked, and for no discernibly good reason.
.
In my not so humble opinion it sounds like a lot of personal feeling are being vented here. Just because they were friends doesn't mean they were good staff. Not saying they were bad either but maybe they couldn't keep up with the growth of TRF?
As this is only my 3rd year, I too will wait and see with positive expectations.
Quote from: Morrigan on December 30, 2010, 10:32:37 AM
I'll confess...
I had to google Godwin's Law. *grin*
Me too. Pretty interesting. I think there's a corollary involving Nazis, Bigfoot and Space Aliens that applies to cable TV.
Quote from: Breandan on December 29, 2010, 11:36:02 PM
dangnubbit, didn't even make it to page 3 before Godwin's Law came into effect >.<
I saw that and was immediately trying to remember the name of the conversation law, sure enough Breandan would be the one to get it. Kudos (o:
Well, there was that person dressed as an SS officer a few years back ;)
yeah, I remember that fracas... wow...
There's an announcement today on the Texas Renaissance Festival Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/texrenfest) that they've "... entered into a partnership agreement with local event service and rental company Prestigious Events (www.perentals.net (http://www.perentals.net)) in order to develop the Festival's wedding, group and special event business for the 2011 season. ..."
Take Care,
David Baldock
I saw that. Does this mean there will be castle-shaped bounce-houses for the receptions?
That would probably be an extra charge. :)
Srsly tho, I have been to some of their catered events before & they always seemed professional & appropriate.
On another note, in a vendor memo, TRF announced that the Castle Stage would be rebuilt & possibly renamed.
I thought they were quoting Kirk from Star Trek VI ("We need breathing room!" "Earth, Hitler, 1938")
On a similar but converse topic - A new rumor to be qualified or squashed - A new general manager has been hired. The rumor is that the new GM is anti entertainment. No music, no shows, reduced cast. The story I over heard is that the new GM believes that the patrons who attend faire are there to eat, drink and shop and nothing else.
Again - Hearsay at this point. Lets hope TRF doesn't go this route or there will truly be no point in going (for me and mine anyway). We'll just have to save up our TRF funds and visit Scarby more often.
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on February 21, 2011, 12:02:35 PM
On a similar but converse topic - A new rumor to be qualified or squashed - A new general manager has been hired. The rumor is that the new GM is anti entertainment. No music, no shows, reduced cast. The story I over heard is that the new GM believes that the patrons who attend faire are there to eat, drink and shop and nothing else.
Again - Hearsay at this point. Lets hope TRF doesn't go this route or there will truly be no point in going (for me and mine anyway). We'll just have to save up our TRF funds and visit Scarby more often.
Wow - I can do that at a mall and not pay (mightily) for the privilege! I am there to eat, drink, shop and to be entertained!!! (you can't get that at a mall!) I hope the new GM quickly sees the errors of his rumored thinking! I am hoping that all the changes will be for the better and not for the worse.
Heresay makes me giggle...
The new GM's name is Terre Albert. Haven't heard about the reduced entertainment. As stated before, they rebuilding at least one stage & I doubt they would do that if they didn't plan to use them.
Quote from: ravic on February 21, 2011, 03:35:40 PM
The new GM's name is Terre Albert. Haven't heard about the reduced entertainment. As stated before, they rebuilding at least one stage & I doubt they would do that if they didn't plan to use them.
Excellent Point Ravic
Let me start by saying I love rumors. Let me address them one by one.
George hired me to handle the growing business that is TRF. Staff member changes were made according to that business need.
I love entertainment and would do nothing to change it only add more as needed. There are three main focuses of the festival (Food, Entertainment and Vendors/Artists) (all are important)
Comp tickets are used to increase attendance and business to you the vendors. They are a great way to introduce new people to the festival. Not used to pad attendance numbers.
I didn't dress but not because I didn't want to but because while running a business with 450,000 George wanted me to be in a polo shirt to address accidents and customer service issues. I don't make fun of people in costume they are what make our business different from any other festival.
Coca Cola is returning!
Rumors are not the best way to get communication about the happenings at TRF. I would encourage anyone who wants to meet me stop by the office or call me 281-356-2178.
In closing nothing you come to know and love about TRF will change. George is still at the lead on the direction of the festival.
Thank you, Sir, for posting that information. Rumors tend to get a life of their own! And I'm so happy Coke is coming back!!! YAY!! You've made me a very happy faerie! ;D
Yes - Thanks Terre for clearing that up. Glad to hear that the entertainment we love to see will still be there. And now that you're part of our forum community - hows about perusing some of the camping threads *wink wink* we'd love your insight into some of the ideas we've thrown around.
Good luck in the new job - I know its not easy (o:
Quote from: Terre Albert on February 21, 2011, 04:07:37 PM
Let me start by saying I love rumors. Let me address them one by one.
Welcome Terre! and thanks for the updates. Think this forum is a great place to get some insight for you as well. So many of us here love TRF and we all know change can be hard!!
Got to love scuttlebutt... Welcome aboard!
Coke....when they don't have Pepsi....Thankfully.
Not sure if Teach will agree, but pepsi just never goes well with rum
I would disagree - I have people look at me funny when I mix my rum with Dr. Pepper. This of course is deviating from the topic, but I personally cannot stand Coca-Cola. Other Coke products I'm fine with, but I can't stomach the flagship. Sorry, I'll drink the Sprite. Oh and Mr. Pip is not Dr. Pepper (o:
Just to carry on off topic rant a little further, I put Coke, Budweiser and Microsoft all in the same camp. Three major corps whose competition makes superior products, yet they have the best salesmen and end up everywhere.
Try rootbeer with rum, especially spiced rum, pretty darn good! ;)
Quote from: Trillium on February 25, 2011, 10:48:29 AM
Try rootbeer with rum, especially spiced rum, pretty darn good! ;)
That actually sounds really good. Someone else who doesn't mind shunning the norm (o:
Quote from: JackGonzo on February 25, 2011, 12:36:11 AM
Not sure if Teach will agree, but pepsi just never goes well with rum
Hah! Cherry Pepsi goes well with rum, especially spiced rum.
As does Cherry Vanilla DP,
Vanilla Coke, Mountain Dew and Orange Crush.
Mountain Dew goes well with anything.
It's just as well to spike your rum with Yellow #5
I'll take my rum with fruit juice, please! And a little paper umbrella!
Or hot chocolate... depending on the temperature!
Hot chocolate and Bailey's is MMMmmm! BTW, what's this got to do with TRF??
If it involves booze, it involves TRF...that is my take anyway!
Makes sense. Just wanted to make sure I understood! ;D
...This Thread has officially been Hi-Jacked...
...Thar be pirates in these here parts...
And the pirate have RUM! :P
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on February 25, 2011, 09:21:50 AM
I would disagree - I have people look at me funny when I mix my rum with Dr. Pepper. This of course is deviating from the topic, but I personally cannot stand Coca-Cola. Other Coke products I'm fine with, but I can't stomach the flagship. Sorry, I'll drink the Sprite. Oh and Mr. Pip is not Dr. Pepper (o:
Just to carry on off topic rant a little further, I put Coke, Budweiser and Microsoft all in the same camp. Three major corps whose competition makes superior products, yet they have the best salesmen and end up everywhere.
pssst... you know your very own Lord Badhorse is a Coca-Cola minion...? and that it pays for him to go to faire??? I <3 my hubby's multiconglomerate wh*ladyofthenight*re !
Yes I am quite acquainted with Lord Badhorse's affiliation - Doesn't mean it's gonna make coke taste any better (o:
YAY for Coca Cola returning! ;D Sorry KP lol.
So I saw on the TRF website that a new website is coming. Anyone have an idea of when that will launch?
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on February 26, 2011, 11:08:13 AM
...This Thread has officially been Hi-Jacked...
...Thar be pirates in these here parts...
Yes, and? ;D
Quote from: JackGonzo on February 25, 2011, 12:36:11 AM
Not sure if Teach will agree, but pepsi just never goes well with rum
I would rather skip the pepsi thanks
*Rum goes best with more rum*
Diet Dr Pepper Cherry goes quite well with Kraken...
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on February 27, 2011, 10:48:07 AM
YAY for Coca Cola returning! ;D Sorry KP lol.
So I saw on the TRF website that a new website is coming. Anyone have an idea of when that will launch?
The end of March is the target for launch.
Quote from: JackGonzo on February 28, 2011, 04:44:16 PM
Diet Dr Pepper Cherry goes quite well with Kraken...
ooooh.