Personally, I think the community is fine as is… I agree with 100% of what Chace said above… anything else, and we might start driving people away…
traviscook makes a pretty good point A.J.
It just doesn’t seem like there is much information out there and if there is its buried in the forums pages pretty quick.
I run a classic Battlestar costuming group and we have a lot of cross over members from the 501st/Rebel Legion. I find that a lot of times the 501st template can kind of get in the way. When one 501st member found out I was a GB he said “oh…you’re one of them…”
I reference this group all the time with how things can run more effectively. With the 501st, there is a larger organization that is run fairly strict, and then local chapters that are a ■■■■ shoot. With the GB franchises it is pretty even. There are a lot of local chapters that are very effective and able to do quite a bit and set their own tone. I really like the way things are done here.
I like how we are now. The Sacramento Ghostbusters have worked with the 501 on occasion and its nice, but some can be very ■■■■ bout things. None that we’ve worked with though.
I don’t know much about the 501’s Legion and I only just started building my first pack within the last two months.
But if I had to relate this to anything it reminds me of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) that I belong to when I was an official. The WFTDA was the governing body of established flat track roller derby leagues worldwide who were part of the association. Roller derby has grown in popularity in the last few years and in Massachusetts we now have at least seven different leagues where there were only three before. Newer leagues that want to be part of the WFTDA have to meet certain requirements, follow guidelines and have so many months of games under their belt before they can be considered for just apprenticeship.
When I first joined I was entering an already established WFTDA league so there was nothing more for me to do but meet the requirements to officiate a game. Like a lot of newbies some were in it to say they referee roller derby, others were in it to learn something new, while others made it their life. This is where I think it relates to lots of people like me looking to join up with local GB organizations. I’m sure many people here involved with their own organizations have met some really cool people, creepers and even flakes. Speaking from personal experience I know what it is like to recruit potential members and sometimes you just know who was serious and who was not. But there are also some people who aren’t looking to make it their life and just want to have fun with people who share their passion.
To echo a point about “hurt feelings” that is very true. While my introduction into roller derby was great after I left I never looked back. This was due to a couple bad eggs in the basket who took it way too seriously. Though we were told we are all on the same page sometimes egos of experience officials would clash with newbies. On one occasion an official walked out in the middle of a game due to a difference of opinion with a fellow teammate. Unfortunately, when things like this happened it wouldn’t hurt just our league but all the other leagues within the chain. New policies would be put in place which would require months of drafts and revisions before being put to vote for finalization. The worst part was that it would go through many different individuals before reaching our screens. From the top dogs in the association, to the local executive board members, to committee heads, to captains and coaches of teams to the members that made up the league. Phew, talk about headaches!
If Ghostbusters fans formed a 501 legion would that mean a new forum for the “GB 501 Legion” would have to be created? Who would run it? Would members have to be screened before being granted access? How much on the forum could members see? Would certain content be blocked? These were all questions the leagued asked when we developed our new forum.
Personally I think it is better that organizations like the ones found here are better to be independently ran by it’s members and not have to answer to a higher authority. Keep it fun, casual and something everyone can feel they can be apart of without having to jump through hoops to be able to join up.
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to share my thoughts about this topic with a personal experience.
I don’t think we need to get all uber serious about it, if some people desire to take things to the next level that is okay; otherwise let people have their fun. Like we usta say around Fort Hood back in the 90’s “If nobody gets hurt, then nothing is wrong.”
Unfortunately some people will always walk away with hurt feelings. A big part of the reason for this is this is for some a hobby and for others a passion. Occasionally the two mix well but other times it will work like oil and water.
A lot of franchises out there do a lot of good work with fund raisers and such. I think they should recieve some kind of recognition for what they do.
I would also like to see some franchises host workshops for newbies who are trying to figure out how to build their packs and other equipment, not to build it for them or supply them with parts (unless they want to sell the parts, then thats their deal (I won’t endorse or condemn it either way) and just establish a system of fraternity and brotherhood of people working to get the most out of their hobby or passion.
Just a thought.
A lot of franchises already do this, they just don’t talk about it much on the forums, but you’ll see it on their Facebook pages…
I get that. But if they put it out on sites such as this it might get even more draw. Free advertising is always awesome. Besides its about networking, or am I wrong?
True, but we don’t need 501st style regulations to do that… I’ve been with the community for about a year, and what I’ve seen already established works…
Even with a different name (which is still GBI) and w/o an straight domain name, (which I can see registering again next year) Ghostbusters Incorporated still exists. All the info an individual, small group, or larger group needs for starting a franchise (fan club/group) is on the site. If you’re into the “realism” that exists on the site too.
I admit one area GB Inc. lacks is keeping up with events, charitable or otherwise for every franchise. That’s because in reality it’s just me. With the way web sites and social media has evolved over the years, that kind of information can be more easily accessed through a group’s site and/or social media extension.
I’ve fine with you guys stepping up and helping me get things organized and put together.
The problem is the responsibility always falls on me, without much help from outside sources. I’m quite frequently told that I need to do this, or that… without any offering of help from the person demanding it.
I still don’t see the need to have a governing body though, nor strict requirements. Currently as it stands all you have to do to start your own franchise… is to start one. Unless you’re stealing a name from another already established group, I see no reason for anyone to be able to tell you that you can’t create your own franchise. (Except for Sony).
When I relaunched and overhauled GBi/GB Inc at the beginning of this year one of the things I did was get rid of ghostheads having to contact me to make them “official.” With that too I updated the franchise application more for a group’s “internal” use, for when they’re “hiring.” Because of that too I updated the “requirements” (which lets face it became bloated from years ago, its what seemed needed) which were always more of a guideline anyway. Wasn’t intentionally quoting Ghostbusters.
I still think the model the Midwestern Ghostbusters Coalition works is a nice way to bring groups together. jmho
The “YOU need to do this” attitude doesn’t change in a costuming club. Trust me on that.
Unfortunately in the GB community I have seen a bit of arguing over territory and names (usually resulting in the addition of “the REAL” or “East/west, etc.” to the name) that ends in hurt feelings or strained relationships.
This is something I’ve seen handled well by organized clubs.
Everyone knows who goes where and what’s spoken for and can go through a process to get their own territory if necessary.
Also having a place to share tips on recruiting, connections with charities/hospitals and general rules of conduct (and an authority to enforce those rules) are positive parts of an organized club.
But all of those are possible on these forums, on facebook and in self contained franchises.
Many clubs have a specific message. A clear purpose.
Some of them have the blessing of their specific studios (Disney, Lucasfilm, etc) and think that makes them more legitimate.
Some have established their own IRS recognized charities and like to refer to themselves as “non-profit charity organizations” instead of cosplay clubs.
I believe with the 501st you can count trooping as community service and use it on college and job applications.
But alternatively, my local franchise in West Virginia recently raised over $5,000 and donated it to charity (in the form of toys). I never raised anywhere near that much as a part of any massive multinational costuming club.
Awful idea, through and through. I feel things work just fine the way they are.