Re: Subject: [Harp-L] Re: SPAH convention

[Tim Bete <tim@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

"You seem to have a completely erroneous idea of what a SPAH is about"
That's exactly my original point -- not that SPAH is a bad product but that it's not sold well. I've learned more from this discussion about what SPAH is and ins't than from reading the entire SPAH web site. What you're telling me now is "selling the experience." That's what Jon does so well with the Jam Camps. I'm not saying the Jam Camps are better then SPAH but they are SOLD much better. If you want to attract new members and get them to invest fees, hotel and flights and vacation time, you have to sell it. 
I ran a national writers' workshop (as a non-profit) for many years. I built it from a local event to one that sold out in 72 hours (300 attendees) with 200 on a waiting list. I know you can bring in new members and grow SPAH. You have a great product. But the way it's sold on the Web site, I wouldn't be willing to gamble on it. That's just my honest opinion.
If anyone at SPAH would be interested in chatting offline abut some tips I have, I'd be glad to do so.
Tim