I want to open a discussion with everyone on the thought of a 'marketing' plan for Civil War living history in Maine.
Think on that for just a moment. What does that statement mean to you? Okay, now let me explain.
Jason has in the past talked about flyers to post everywhere. I thought of business cards for us to handout. We talked at the January Kitchen Conference about doing a 'walk-about' sometime. And recently, Seamus shared with me that he has been thinking about this idea of 'selling' this hobby to others.
So many of us are thinking about how to help along our passion and get it into the minds of others. Attract some new people to the hobby and increase our contacts to related aspects of living history.
With that in mind, I am looking for some ideas about what should be on a business card if I decided to have cards printed? What would be a good, short slogan about Civil War living history and reencating in Maine? I was thinking of putting a reenacting group name and web address in each corner. A nice slogan in the middle. MaineMilitia.com somewhere. A nice card to hand out whenever someone asks about 'the hobby'. A card for a future 'walk about'.
I am looking for a graphic designer, if anyone knows one who works for peanuts, to help me design a nice logo for MaineMilitia.com and perhaps some other pieces. A logo that would print well to shirts, mugs, cards, posters, etc. I'm thinking that MaineMilitia.com might have some "logowear" in the future. Maybe we can all have a mug on our desk and people will ask, "What's that all about?"
Maybe we do a mailing. But what should be in it?
I don't know what the goal is right now. I've got ideas. I know others do. And I just thought it was time to open up a discussion. Where do we focus? What should the goal be?
As for the business card idea. I am looking to move forward on this and would like to have cards for people to take from the Mrch Kitchen Conference. My contribution to 'the cause'. :)
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Maine Civil War Foundation
Here is a name for thought. A foundation to set standards for the Civil War Community in Maine. I am not necessarily against the idea about the inclusion of other time lines but that can happen on another level with a different purpose. We should stick to what we know best for the time being. To promote our time line and work towards education and embetterment of the community as a whole. It can also serve as a clearing house for scholarships related to Civil War groups or even history from other time lines.
For the logo, perhaps each of the unit can submit a portion of their logo or a symbol that represents their unit to incorporate into a new logo.
Brainstorming for the moment.
Will
It is a facinating idea - it
It is a facinating idea - it is a topic that many people enjoy and have interest in. Maine sent quite a few of its sons off to fight, so the region has a strong attachment to the War. I was amazed when we were doing drill in Freeport how many cars would stop and pull over and watch us. People like reenacting. Cons are: interest in the civil war is on a "downswing" right now, and the low population desity of the state makes marketing anything inefficent.
But I think that you can tap into an interest with this. I was attracted to it!
This is why.
"Cons are: interest in the civil war is on a "downswing" right now, and the low population desity of the state makes marketing anything inefficent."
This is exactly why we are planning this . In order to stop the downswing we need to get the word out. With a low population that is spread out the only way to get the word out is with advertising. No one said that it would be easy, it's going to take hard work from everyone to make it a success.
Lt. Jason Porter
29th Georgia Volunteer Infantry
ferinus vis quod ignarus
Brainstorming is good!
Keep it coming Will, I think most of what I'm doing right now is just tossing out ideas. Let's see what we can manage and what sticks. And what falls flat. But let's keep brainstorming.
Thanks Tom, Jason answered your concern the way I would have. the only thing I would add is that interest should be considered to go way beyond recruiting. Creating opportunity and 'talk' may be a good start.
I occassionally get stopped at worked by people who know I reenact and the conversation goes something like this,
"Hey Mike, I say a bunch of fellas out by 'so-and-so' this weekend. Where you there?"
My answer could be yes or could be no. But I usually add that, "hey there will be a group at 'such-and-such' in a couple of weeks. You should stop and say hello."
"I will. The kids will love it."
Weather they go or not is another matter but they are thinking about it. Some do go and in the cases where our respective groups are being paid to be present and put on a good show then a good turnout encourages the organizers to ask us back. Creating more opportunity for more recruiting.
Maybe this all means nothing. But I'm just feeling that the more exposure we have the more opportunity we have. We have to turn down some events now. But maybe we can be even more selective if we have greater events to choose from.
--
Michael Johnson
MMF slogan...
How's this... Long time ago in a field far away..... then we will need a music chip in the card ( GRIN )
OR,
Remembering the American Experience... Glimpses of the American Experience
OR,
Preserving the Memory of Maine's role in the American Civil War
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
That's one nice...
... Sack coat you got on there BootLicker!
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
"Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
How about....... 150 years
How about.......
150 years of history, unhampered by Progress.
as far as Down swing, thats age and attrition. the guy who joined with his son who was 16 at the time is now older and his son is away at college, Military or just away for his job. some are just older.
every Hobby has a shelf life of about 7years...some who are into it more It will be their second life job. but we have to look at averages....
We always say we have to get the young involved, which is true, but come 18-19 away to Life...hopefully in Four years they will return...if we could attract the twenty somethings....
Marketing we have to get the face out there, media, ads...
we need events just for us about us but advertised to the public...more on that later....
Seamus
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Seeking
Add for Reenacters
Seeking individual interested in history...
Who has most weekend free from May to September
Must be able to afford a moderate investment in happiness
Can not be allergic to wool or campfire smoke nor bothered by Jake
Weather is only a mild distraction to the enjoyment of the hobby
Enjoys taking walks and tenting with a few or hundreds of friends
If this sounds like yourself, then check out a local reenacting unit
A new friend is waiting for you! at www.mainemilitia.com
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Profiling... Whats their MO
Camp Chase' s Reader Profile
Camp Chase Gazette readers are primarily adult males who actively participate in Civil War battle reenactments and living history activities. Upon entering the hobby, the average reenactor spends two to three thousand dollars on uniforms, weapons and other equipment in order to properly outfit himself. Over time, a typical reenactor seeks to improve his primary impression by acquiring new, better, and more authentic items, and often adds other impressions to his repertoire. Camp Chase Gazette readers tend to be very serious students of the Civil War. In addition to being active reenactors, they are also frequent buyers of Civil War books, music CDs, art prints, artifacts, and collectibles.
Tipical Reenacter's Profile (MO)
Reenacters are primarily adult males who have an interest in the American Civil War. They tend to be very serious students of the Civil War. They express their interest by attending battle reenactments, living history activities, and by belonging to Civil War Round Tables, the Sons of Union Veterans or by joining historical societies. They have a strong connection to history and may be involved in geneolgy. They are also frequent buyers of Civil War books, music CDs, art prints, artifacts, and collectibles.
So,
Upon entering the hobby, the average reenactors are males that either have had a family tradition of living history or are history nuts. I believe that the average age of a new reenacter is mid thirties. The best places to recruit are living history events, book stores, and historical organizations such as CW Round Tables, Sons of Union Veterans, Historical Societies, and Weddings (ie socail gathering).
What do you think???
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Graphic Designer
Mike,
I blew the dust off of my diploma, and lo and behold, it says I'm a Commercial Artist! I'll give the Logo a try and it won't cost the group anything. Sent me a few ideas on what you want it to say and I can take it from there.
"Never Apologize, It's a sign of weakness!
Cpt. Nathan Brittles
Pvt. Steve Henry
Co. A, 3rd Maine Volunteer Infantry
"Bath City Greys
Email coming
Thanks Steve,
The business card I can handle. That's going to be very simple. Nothing complicated there. But some other thoughts I have may need more. So i'll send you some of my ideas and see what you think.
--
Michael Johnson
Future 911 call......
911 how can I help?
We are having a wedding reception at the vfw, and we have some people here.....er we think have crashed the reception...
Can you describe them?
Well some are wearing grey wool coats and some are wearing blue wool coats, some are kinda tan and some ...im not sure what color they are, some have gold braid on and some have rectangles on their sholders....
Are they Armed?
At first no but the ones with the braid and the rectangles appear to have pistols and swords, and the ones who dont wave their hands at the ones who do and then they wave back.....Is this some kind of Gang sign they are flashing? we have some kids here who think they are part of 24/7 or m-13 we dont want any gang fights to break out...
Dont worry mam, we have had reports of this before, they are not a gang, their civil war reenactors, give em some beer and bacon and some bread or cornbread oh and at least 2-5 new recruits and they will be peacefully on their way.
Arent you gonna send an officer?
No, they will just try and recruit them....just feed them....
Seamus
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Got History?
"Where Civil War in Maine lives on, MaineMilitia.com"
"Bring history to life, contact a Civil War reenactor in Maine."
"Bring history to life, contact a Civil War historian in Maine."
"Men Wanted! Become a reenactor in Maine!"
"Men Wanted! (and women too) Become a living historian in Maine!"
"Got too much spare time and need a hobby? Love history? Give us a call, we can help!"
Slogan-mind-dump in progress...
--
Michael Johnson
How about...
"How? Why? Where? When?...Learn
at MaineMilitia.com"
~Miss Patti
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind~Dr. Seuss
Just a thought...
...Maine Militia...
Could it be taken as a bit.... um... militant?
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
"Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
Huh?
Sorry Miss Patti, I couldn't resist! :) It seems a little too vague.
Maybe...
"Civil War? Learn!
...MaineMilitia.com for more"
Or maybe...
"History, learn, participate!
Join the Civil War at MaineMilitia.com"
I was also thinking something along the lines of...
"Chamberlain knows! Do you?"
"Howard knows! Do you?"
"Oates knows! Do you?
But that's a little too vague too, I think?
Then I was thinking of something a but longer, like...
"Maine sent over 70,000 men off to fight the Civil War. Some even fought for the south. Now you can choose to join them!"
But I don't know. Something better is out there. Anyone else have any suggestions? Keep 'em coming Miss Patti! Something will stick eventually...
Major, why yes it is militant! But is was a civil war. :) I'm open to suggestions? mainelivinghistory.com is a bit long but I'm game if anyone thinks that might have some usefulness?
--
Michael Johnson
How about?
Civil War Reenactors..Keeping History Alive!
Civil War Reenacting..Relive the past!
Civil War Reenactors..We live in the past.
Lt. Jason Porter
29th Georgia Volunteer Infantry
ferinus vis quod ignarus
Here's my two cents:
Visit: MaineMilita.com, “The Home and Voice of Civil War Reenacting in Maine
LV Slogans
LV Slogans
Get a Grip on History
An Organization of People who bring History to Life
Experience the past for yourself
Living Breathing History
We Bring History Alive!
Don't miss out on experiencing history!
Welcome to your past
Don't just read about the past .... RELIVE IT!!
Presenting unique and wonderful pattern of daly life woven in to the fabric of time
Experience the daly lives of Americans during the Civil War
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Best part?
Don't forget to tell them about the shooting guns part...
We like to run in the woods
We like to run in the woods with guns and shout "YEHAAA"
Also a little vague, and militant.....
Get out and get some fresh air,mixed with gunpowder and campfire smoke....
The Past, we'er doomed to repete it....by choice
Remember the past firsthand
Rally 'round the flag! pick one(boxes in front of the two different flags
Theres some more to consider...
Seamus
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Be a thorn...
Troubled by too many Yankees?
Now's your chance to be a thorn in the side of the ever present, always irritating Yankee. The Confederate States of Reenactors is looking for a few good Rebs....
If ya'll don't like to be told what to do...
If ya'll don't like looking 'xactly like the other guy...
If ya'll prefer yelling "YEHAAAA" over "HUZZA" (which makes no sense anyway....)
If ya'll like to say "ya'll"...
Then come join the Union of Confederate Reenactors.
We burn powder!
Okay Mike
Does this ring a bit better?
"Learn it, Live it, Love it
Maine Civil War Re-enacting
at MaineMilitia.com"
~Miss Patti
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind~Dr. Seuss
how about this?
"What else do you have to do?.... MaineMilitia.com"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
"Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
Second only to ..... Get off
Second only to .....
Get off the Couch Lard a**!
Seamus
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Hey...
We do not get all dressed up for nothing... Just go out there and be our loveable selves!
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
I've been thinking...
A very dangerous thing! :) I've been thinking of some strategies.
What do you think...
Of a quarterly press release with upcoming events and contact info to all news outlets and museums, historical societies. maybe three times a year is all that is really necessary. But the idea is to put paper in the hands of people who should be thinking of how to take advantage of us. Make sure they know where we are and how to see us in action.
An annual poster of upcoming events and contact info to museums and historical societies and super market boards. Not necessarily every event but the biggies in state. Something that can be put in the window for people to see.
A marketing email distribution list. Monthly newsletter at the very least. Funny, humorous side of "inside" the hobby. I'm not sure how to describe this idea. Funny anecdotes and stories of history and hobby. Something that people will want to forward to their friends and associates. A second email newsletter for the serious reporting. Or maybe a creative combination of these. Some really compelling articles that people will want to share.
The expected result is that more people are aware of who we are and what we do and where we are doing it next.
I'm not really considering the financial side of how we do this right now. Obviously email is free. So ignore the practical for a moment. What do you think of the idea?
There are some good slogans. Thanks, I'll post more thoughts on the slogans in a few days.
--
Michael Johnson
All good and valid concepts,
All good and valid concepts, its the logistics that get in the way.
We can talk more on Sat....
Seamus
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Dear Friends,Can we agree
Dear Friends,
Can we agree on some Hobby Definitions? Please, feel free to add to these suggestions.
Reenacting is entertainment for both the public as well as reenacters.
Living History is an educational presentation/demonstration of the daily life of a common soldier/civilian during the civil war.
Authenticity is our guide and the public's filter which allows us to experience the past and give a historic value to our presentation..
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
A new idea for our slogan
With the help of my husband we came up with this
"America's First Homeland Security
MaineMilitia.com
Celebrate the Heritage"
Hope you like it Mike
~Miss Patti
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind~Dr. Seuss
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