Echo what JAWS says
[Serious post]
In 2003 we just about broke even on the BASH and that was because he sold a lot of BIRD clothing
In 2004 we had to increase the BASH prices to break even - JAWS and I had one hell of a row because he wanted to keep the BASH ticket price at the previous levels - just as well we did increase the ticket price
In 2005 we kept the ticket prices the same as 2004 and we lost a fair amount of money between the two of us
Sorry peeps but in 2006 unless we get 90 people booking [so that we can break even] the event will be cancelled - so far we have just 25 people "hard booked and paid for" but with some promises to attend
In 2005 we had a lot of "hard promises" but people never showed, cancelled at the last minute or just didn't cough up
In 2006 with what I have on my plate [moving homes and businesses etc just 4 days after the 2006 BASH] I'm not prepared to take the financial risk.
Please understand [and again for the newbies] how the finances are set up:-
Bikers Oracle own the domain and the server that the forum sits happily on
ALL monies from sponsorship go directly to Bikers Oracle - JAWS and myself do not see one single penny of the sponsorship money
I am personally a shareholder in BikersOracle but since it's conception and initial investment, the company has yet to make an profit or pay any shareholders dividend
The only "fiscal income" that JAWS and myself receive to fund B.I.R.D through the year comes from the BASH. The BIRD clothing project did a great job to start off with but now we would have to restock and on all the sizes and colours in all the embroidered clothing styles...it would cost an initial investment of ?2000
We try and raise money for CLIC [our chosen charity] and last year [I forget the exact amount] we raised a thousand quid - all of that money goes direct to CLIC
So.............
We both rely on attendance at the BASH to "fund and support" B.I.R.D throughout the 12 months - without the BASH the entire forum and community is at risk I'm afraid
JAWS and myself DO NOT and never have seen BIRD as a money-making "opportunity"
To JAWS it's a way of marketing
www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk to a wider biking audience - lets call it advertising
To me - it's a hobby - simple as that
The link on forum and website to my business
www.net-effectz.co.uk reaps minimal return for me. Contrary to one [ex] members belief, I do not make millions on webdesign from the link on the forum!!
JAWS and me have both met and made a lot of good friends through BIRD [as well as some arseholes!!]
The BASH is quite a costly event to organise - unfortunately we aren't big enough to attract "exhibitors" so we get no income from there - would you attend a 3 day event to sell 3 sets of tyres?
We actually have to PAY the Burger/Tea/Butty Van to attend the 3 days cos the takings they make are less from the BASH'ites than they would make selling buns in a laybye - we have to fund the difference or they wouldn't attend
The Club House [whilst a good venue] charge us for the use of the grounds and facilities
The security guys, the band
, the banners, the signposts, the organisation and other expenses all add up
Without people attending the financial risk is relatively high
BUT neither of us are prepared to risk having to dip our hands [again] deep in our pockets
So.............sorry peeps but unless "hard bookings" are confirmed and paid for within the next two weeks, the 2006 BASH will have to be cancelled
I for one will be sorry to see the event NOT take place - for those who have attended in the past, you KNOW what a cracking weekend it is - beer, bikes, banter and bolloxx. If you haven't riiden a wanky moped across rough grass and tarmac you haven't lived - ask Lumpy!!!!
Ball rest firmly in the members court now
Over to you lot - cough up or cancel? It's your choice
