Official XmarksTheScot.com Calendar

[auld argonian]

Perhaps "a kilted city a month" calendar? A photo of a gathering of the kilted at a recognizable landmark in some of the areas of kilt concentration.

Best

AA

[MacSimoin]

Now, that would be a great photo to be seen! Fantastic idea, auld argonian.

[davedove]

Perhaps "a kilted city a month" calendar? A photo of a gathering of the kilted at a recognizable landmark in some of the areas of kilt concentration.

Best

AA

That is a great idea. Perhaps the Xmarkers in each area could get together just for that purpose. Those in the DC area could get together and pose in front of one of the buildings or monuments. Those near Philadephia could pose in front of, say Independence Hall. Those around Denver could do the same at a landmark there. And similar posings could be arranged at other cities. I'm certainly willing to make the short trip into DC for this purpose.

Poor Graham. He'll have to pose by himself in Tasmania! Unless of course he can get someone from mainland Australia to join him.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

While I think this is a great idea, I think that if we want it we should manage all aspects, including getting quotes, setting prices, receiving photos, then present Hank with a draft version for his approval. I don't think it is fair to expect Hank to take this on, since it is not his idea. I think that we could handle most/all of the work, and just let Hank have final editorial control.

I also like the idea of a kilted city per month showing the Xmarks members in front of a local landmark. It would give us all a chance to see people in their home towns and with soime great landmarks.

[A Dhuglas]

I had a good experience with Color K Graphics. Dealt with them online for biz cards for the board members of my Trout Unlimited chapter. Going to approach them shortly to do the Chapter's letterhead stationery and envelopes.

http://www.colorkgraphics.com/

[bmrtin]

im a photographer/graphic artist with alot of time on his hands, i could touch-up or edit any photo

[MacSimoin]

While I think this is a great idea...I don't think it is fair to expect Hank to take this on, since it is not his idea. I think that we could handle most/all of the work, and just let Hank have final editorial control.

KiltedCodeWarrior:

While I respect your albeit unnecessary defense of the site's owner, I never assumed Hank would take on anything other than having control over what photos are submitted and/or accepted for the calendar, as well as having the final say as to what goes into it. Please don't put words in my mouth by making such an assumption.

In reference to creating a PayPal account and accepting donations needed to get the calendar done, that is something Hank would need to do for himself or at least delegate someone to do for him. Getting a job quote is also something that could be delegated but again, this would be something Hank should have direct control over. As I originally stated, "...we (or the site owner) could start off this venture by getting an estimate for the print job...". The moderators of these forums could or should have an active role in the creation of the calendar (if they're interested) as its fairly apparent Hank trusts them enough to help run this site.

I also realize Hank is very busy and I respect his space. That's partly why I started the calendar suggestion as a thread rather than contacting him via PM or email; I also wanted to see how everyone else felt about the idea. If and when Hank chooses to provide feedback on this is entirely up to him, so I won't push the issue on him or anyone else. It's just a nice idea (or so I thought) but realistically, it's totally unnecessary to 'shoot the messenger' over this as some of you seem to be doing.

I'm more than willing to help get things done. I agree that as many of us as possible should join the pitch and turn out a great calendar; there's enough artistically gifted people at this site who could lend their expertise. But, Hank is in control here and after all, this is his site and he should have the final word on everything.

[Mike1]

Before wasting too many more ones and zeroes, you are really going to want to get Hank involved in this one. It is my understanding that the use of the forum's domain name is severely limited.

Speaking from personal experience, you may find the entire project a bit of a flop. I've spent the last 6-8 weeks trying to sell calendars for Siol nan Gaidheal. When the calendar was in the planning stage, everybody in cyberspace had to have at least one. When it came time to actually pay for them, people looked like prairie dogs, ducking into their holes. Now that we are well into 2006, the decision has been made to simply give calendars to patriotic homes, charging only enough to pay the postage. Even at that, people don't want any calendars.

Remember the hoopla that surrounded the design of the X Marks tartan? When the rubber hit the road, there was some concern that there would not even be enough orders to get a mill to weave the material.

My advice would be to gang wary.

[MacSimoin]

Mike1,

Well said, and thanks for your input. I appreciate you sharing your experience with Siol nan Gaidheal. So, maybe the Xmarksthescot.com calendar will come to fruition, but then again maybe it won't. I just thought I'd share the idea with everyone and offer to help out, but I won't be offended if there's continued lack of interest and it never gets off the ground.

[Riverkilt]

Last year my local Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society did just that, they sold calendars with pics of kilted members. Also sold them on line. For some reason, they're not offered this year.

They do have a great site, and still sell "regimental validators."

http://www.nachs.info/shopping/shop.asp
Ron