Hello everyone,
After just coming back from Blackpool, I firstly want to say that hubby and I had a great time. We did think it was better than last year and it was great to see some new fresh acts and of course the time-warp that is the Ruskin.
However, there is the ongoing saga that is the bmc v's the semc and considering the massive amount of money made by the bmc, during convention weekend, is the money going where it should?
Firstly, let begin by saying I am not on a hate campaign or wanting to begin a persicution posse of any individuals and if these matters have been discussed over previous years, I apologise for repetition.
Yet, we have worked out that if the convention has 500 V.I.P tickets at £90.00 THIS = £45,000.00
Then another 2000 adult tickets at £70.00 THIS = £140,000
Plus all junior gold and v.i.p tickets. (conservatively at £4000)
OK, so thus far we have £189,000.00
now add the gala dinner of £12.00 a head, attended by say, 600 people = £7200.00
So we are now closing in on £200,000. and these figures are conservative, then add on any costs for show tickets only, day registration only and fees charged to the dealers for their stalls and the bmc are making a very health profit!
Now before anyone jumps in. These are presented as obsevations only.
But, considering the standard of acts booked, could we not expect a little more, for what the convention organisers bill as the worlds best convention ?
The gala shows has less acts from previous years and the v.i.p slots where shorter with the identical act repeated from the horseshoe.
Some of the acts where just repeats from previous years and whilst enjoyable, most people go to see something "new and fresh".
Which brings me to my second point. I think it is very unfair that the dealers have been banned from trading at the SEMC and the BMC.
Dealers have been informed in writting that they must not attend any other magic convention 5 weeks prior to the BMC, or they will be banned. (with the reason given that the BMC want the products to be "new and fresh") Rubbish, if people are researching tricks they will have found and bought it on the net in days and if its an old classic, then if it is sold last week, last year of 10 years ago, people will still buy it.
Therefore if you intend to go to the SEMC, then you are not welcome at Blackpool. HOW UNFAIR!!!!
This is people's business, this pays mortgages and puts food on the table.
This is not hearsay, by the way there are sites showing the bmc paperwork on this ruling.
Basically, could Blackpool do better? and aim to improve / keep their "reputation"?
Any opinions anyone?
