Re: [Callers] Request about requests

Greg - I think you have hit on an important point.  My experience has been that much of the objection to a mixer is you ask someone to dance and the don't get to keep them as a partner.  Announcing the mixer in advance (the dance after this one will be a mixer) would address this and, perhaps, make it more acceptable.  This would then slot the mixer around the 2nd or 3rd dance of the evening - which I think is fine.  I don't want to start the evening with a mixer when we have so many experienced dancers eager to help the new ones during the first dance. Mac McKeever ________________________________ From: Greg McKenzie <grekenzie(a)gmail.com> To: Brian Hamshar <bhamshar(a)yahoo.com>om>; Caller's discussion list <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Sent: Saturday, March 3, 2012 2:19 AM Subject: Re: [Callers] Request about requests There are two points I'd like to make here: 1. A lot of callers will get "rubbed the wrong way" if you give them any guidelines or requirements whatsoever.  Callers getting "rubbed the wrong way" is probably the only way to make sure that they are paying attention. Look at the issue of squares at open, public, contra dances.  I have had one caller who bristled when I informed him that our Board has an on-time start policy.  It's good for callers to get "rubbed the wrong way."  It builds character. 2. A policy of one mixer is not going to drive people to arrive late.  The point is to make the first dances lively and fun with little or no walk-through.  That can work with mixers or without.  It is up to the caller to make it fun.  If folks are arriving late it's probably because the callers are not starting on time.  That would be the best policy to address that problem--with or without a mixer. As some of you know I don't see the point of using mixers at open public contra dances.  The way I do it most of the evening is structured as a "mixer," even though it's all contras.  I would call a mixer if that's how they want to do it, but I would be sure to announce it in advance to alert the regulars.  I would also try to keep it short, lively, and lots of fun. I don't think it would cramp my style much. Just a thought, - Greg McKenzie *********** On Fri, Mar 2, 2012 at 9:44 PM, Brian Hamshar <bhamshar(a)yahoo.com> wrote: _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers