Thread: 2012/2013 SLABFEST planning, need your input

I think Speckanator and Flycaster have been doing a great job, but, I can understand that they just
might be a little tired of being the leaders and would probably enjoy it if someone else could take a turn at those duties.

I learned a long time ago that ya got leaders and then ya got followers, and that,
I kinda liked being a follower = I don't really get off on being "responsible" ...............
I do feel for these guys and certainly appreciate their efforts.

As to a solution to the problem, I can't really offer any advice other than some other members
step up and volunteer to take the thing over. It is indeed a substantial undertaking and
responsibility to put one together and pull it off, keep the books and forcast the future ones.
And, is admiral of the fellows that rent the places and assume the duties that all that encompasses.
And of course, the cooking and prepping and clean up, etc, etc, etc

Once upon a time there was no such thing as a slabfest, then someone suggested it, and,
it became so, due to the efforts of the ones that assumed the leadership rolls, etc, etc, etc ......
The first one we had was on January 17th 2009, that equates to 4 years, 5 months ago.

I enjoyed it etc, then it started to take form and evolved into a "monthly" event (during season).......
And, more involved and more complex. I was somewhat taken aback by the monthly schedule
as I was working at the time and the requirement stressed me a bit. But, I have tried to stay up on
attendence, however, it is a bit (for me) to make those long trips to the far away lakes.

The management structure of the way it is set up at present seems to be working great, but, I detect
in Speckanato'rs tone that he'd like some relief from those duties.
Flycaster was doing it, then Speckanator has done it for awhile now, and, I guess, it's time for another
shift change ..........

These two guys have paid their dues so, we need another couple of fellows to step forward.
They (Speckanator and Flycaster) need to train the new fellows, "Master of Ceremonies" and "Bookkeeper" and these two, with the input from the
forum, decide the schedules together, etc, etc, etc ..........

I think what the problem with the schedules is, is that nobody is really "THAT" concerned about em = whatever ya'll decide
is fine, and if it isn't, "THEN", the individual should bring it up and work it out with the schedule makers..........
I don't think we all got to vote on it, it's kinda like Senators, ya elect em then they go ahead and do what they want to......

I recall years ago that we had PWP (Parents Without Partners) over here. They required a president, vise president, treasurer, and all that stuff.
Eventually, it all disolved, because everybody wanted to play but nobody wanted to be the leaders = so now, there is no PWP around here .......
The same thing could happen to our slabfests if our leaders get burned out.

I am reminded that I look forward to the Talquin Superslabfest, why, because it is "rare", even though it's just gotten established, it only happens
once a year = refreshing.......
I offer, that the monthly slabfests we have now might be just a little too much and that is wearing out their uniqueness, and the ones that pull it together.

Well, that's just my opinion .....................

From an outsider (sorta) looking in, Speckanator and Flycaster have done an outstanding job of putting these Slabfests on and have gone way "Above and Beyond"!!! After the Crescent event was over last year, Mike asked me what could he do to make it better...I told him not to change a thing because I thought everything went perfect. I have attended several Slabfest and have had a hand in putting a few of them on and these 2 guys make it look like they have been doing it all their lives...With that being said, I think they have paved the way and set an example for some other folks to step up and play Host at some of these events and let these 2 guys really enjoy a Slabfest. Maybe let them handle the Slabfests at their "Home" lake and someone else take the responsibilities at the next Slabfest. Hosting a Slabfest where you have door prizes and cooking and cleaning up is involved is a lot more work than what it appears, but can really be self satisfying to know you helped make something happen that several folks enjoyed. I only get involved with 1 Slabfest a year now at Talquin and it has really grown since my first one there in 2008, and that 1 event is enough for me.....In my opinion, it would be nice for some other folks to step in and take charge and give these 2 gentlemen a chance to enjoy the fishing and fellowship without all the work and every Slabfest. I can honestly say that the Florida Bunch has the greatest bunch of folks I have been associated with and I know yall can share the responsibilities to keep these events the success that it has been in the past....Just my

I think I sent the wrong message earlier......John and I wouldn't have it any other way than it is now. We enjoy what we contribute. If anyone has any more fun than me at a slabfest they should be doing time. Keeping up the supply boxes and cooking is fine with me and isn't a big job at all. I think the suggestion that we only have 3 traditional slabfests this year will even make things even better. We still we be able to meet each month at the slabtogethers (thanks to specktackular for the name).

It's just my opinion we need to publish a schedule maybe sometime in early August. Something like the one on the first page of this thread so we can make changes and tweek it where everyone is ok with it.

As far as keeping up with the money I'm good with that too. I just wanted to let everyone know how it's being done and welcome suggestions.

Originally Posted by Speckanator

I think I sent the wrong message earlier......John and I wouldn't have it any other way than it is now. We enjoy what we contribute. If anyone has any more fun than me at a slabfest they should be doing time. Keeping up the supply boxes and cooking is fine with me and isn't a big job at all. I think the suggestion that we only have 3 traditional slabfests this year will even make things even better. We still we be able to meet each month at the slabtogethers (thanks to specktackular for the name).

It's just my opinion we need to publish a schedule maybe sometime in early August. Something like the one on the first page of this thread so we can make changes and tweek it where everyone is ok with it.

As far as keeping up with the money I'm good with that too. I just wanted to let everyone know how it's being done and welcome suggestions.

The old saying " if it ain't broke don't try to fix it"
You and John make a great team we don't want nobody else :thumbup:

^^^^ what she said

I agree , you Guys do an Outstanding Job RR

Well, guess we ain't gonna get rid of em after all ! ! ! (J/K)

Naw, I kinda got the impression that ya'll were wanting to take a break from your duties, etc...
I love both of you guys = you do it best as far as I'm concerned, etc, etc, etc ..................................
If ya'll ain't unhappy = I ain't either ....................................

1st off, I agree that from an attendee's prospective, I couldn't ask for any better direction then the current format offers, thanks John & Mike. I guess if you add a November, March, & Talquin dates as points races, this would make a total of 8 events October through April. That being said let me throw this at the wall & see what sticks or makes any sense. I think the best 5 out of 8 events would give everyone ample ability, work & travel wise to meet a 5 event quota, " if you will " for a points race. Maybe as a bonus, some T-shirts ordered through Slab saying something like "True Gamer" to those that attend all 8, as well then have 8 events to choose your best 5, 7 of 5, 6 of 5, etc... Heck some may only need 4 events. This should allow any participate to represent their favorite Lakes. Embracing that scenario, I feel as called upon to do my part in aiding with one of the issues pointed out in the schedule, whether or not to use Talquin as a points race event, personally I don't mind as long as it in NO-WAY infringes on what has been patented as the Super-Slabfest & I'll try my best to attend this year! But for those who can't attend, I propose a November " slab-together " at Lake Harney on Saturday the 30th of a long Thanksgiving weekend. By proposing I stand ready to co-host or host if needed for the event. November & December have traditionally been the best opportunity to catch 15" plus specks in Lake Harney. There's a pavillon at the Rt. 46 bridge that can be used as weigh-in, which could be as late as 3:00pm, at which time you could be on your way or stay eat & or drink your dinner at the Jolly Gator Bar & shoot some B.S. back & fourth. The PRO'S= Bring nothing but fishin equipment, invites either the in-laws or out-laws, a couple days removed from the gorge when you start to get stir crazy around the house, & the weather is outstanding for a long day of catchin' , & most are off work for the holiday weekend. The only CON I can think of is for those that travel out of town to visit relatives, allah, the best 5 out of 8 scenario. Anyways, that's what I can offer as a solution to fill a void in the schedule. This would leave but March to figure out.