Posted by Jeremy Kriewaldt on May 27, 2001 at 23:13:31 from 203.27.30.240:
In Reply to: Re: Events for youngsters to encourage interest in AR's books posted by Mike Field. on May 27, 2001 at 01:36:13:
I generally agree with Prue, Mike and Eric, although I tend to think that the more "hyped" activities mentioned by Paul are no bad thing either.
This is an issue that TARS shares with many others. For example, model airplane enthusiasts torture themselves trying to work out the best way to attract new blood to their sport/hobby, with some favouring a lowering of the hurdle approach and others favouring an exposure to the interested approach. The former works on the basis that some enticement is required to attract attention in a world full of other activities which are heavily promoted, while the second says that the product will sell itself if people only knew about it.
I tend to think that the line between the two approaches is quite fine and that there is room for both in most areas of activity. Really it is a question of how we as enthusiasts for AR (in this case) set up opportunities to communicate our enthusiasm and then do so. Really that will be more a function of our own strengths and personalities than of one approach being objectively right - if quiz nights suit you - then do it; if not, then do something else. There must be room in this world for all these responses to AR's work.
My main concern is that we should try to encourage reading generally and of AR in particular. But that is not the only reason to promote AR to younger people and there is room for many approaches in this endeavour.