Quote Originally Posted by auld argonian
Todd's comments are very near to my own point of view about Xmarks...it exist as a sort of kilt-advocacy group and care has to be taken to keep it sort of "neutral" in the kilt hierarchy. It would be unfair to advocate or to even seem to advocate one style of kilt or any particular kiltmakers...the idea is to promote the everyday wearing of the kilt in situations, as it says, other than highland games or celtic fests or whatever. As much fun as it is to spread the word about Xmarks and kiltwearing it's obvious that one would have to tread lightly and respect some of the other organizations' "turf".

I always favor the "soft sell" approach. Buttons or bumper stickers that get them to ask or to look up the URL. I think that you'd be preaching to the choir at highland games...if there's anyone there who DOESN'T own a kilt when they arrive, they'll be seriously thinking about getting one by the time they leave...not to mention the opportunity to make arrangements with one of the vendors present to either buy a ready made on the spot or place an order. The trick is to get those marginally interested or those who aren't quite sure that they can carry it off to come to this forum and get some info and support....not to mention that you guys are some of the funniest and most literate people posting on the web. That's what Xmarks does well...act as a support group.

Best

AA
To further AA's comments:

I've been setting up clan tents now for about 6 years now, and based on my experience, most folks make a quick breeze through clan row, unless they are on a "mission" to find their clan/family (and have usually been sent by someone at the COSCA/SDFA tent) -- And you'll have quite a few folks that will not know what "Xmarks" is and will probably not stop at all.

Also, the games/festival may not classify this type of tent as a traditional "clan" -- so you might end up a "vendor", and have to pay. Not all games are going to understand what you're trying to do either, and as AA said, most folks already at the games are "kilt-friendly" anyway.

I agree with AA: a t-shirt, sticker, etc. will be more effective, because people will stop and ask where you got it, and now you have a captive audience to tell them about Xmarks. Another option would be to take up the rep for Clan Cian for space in his tent, and make a wee sign (laminated) to hang with the Xmarks logo (you'll need to clear that wi' Hank, btw) which might attract visitors' attention. I know the Clan McFritz, a "chum-and-chowder, tounge-in-cheek" group at the games does this: www.mcfritz.com.
It also gives the Xmarks folks a place to hang out, store stuff, etc. I know the Springfield Scots that go to the St. Louis Games usually hang around my tent.

Cheers,

Todd