The Line for Numbers - necessary or just cruel?

[TheOkieNoodler]

As a first timer at RG, I have to say, you folks are dedicated.  I'm amazed at how much preperation and sacrifice is required to obtain not just prime, but good camping/seating.  

With that said, it appears you folks want the best of both worlds here.  The reason why you only compete with 300 or so other festivarians for priority seating is because sacrifice is involved.  I can speak for myself that if I knew for a fact that numbers would be handed out in a 1-2 hour window, I would DEFINITELY stand in line.  The prospect of staying in line for 3-4 hours in the middle of the night is exactly what keeps me from getting in line (and ultimately sitting in the back of the festival).  I'm fine with that.

Is everyone here fine with decreasing your odds of sitting in the front half of the festival?  If everyone (or a lot more) folks are included in the number hand-out it's a fact that, on average, your seating choices will not be as good.

Without TRUE sacrifice, the dedicated are not rewarded.  Only the lucky.

[Sap]

So no one likes the way it is going, but no one has come up with a good solution?

Here's one shot: 

1) State that numbers will be distributed between 11:30 and 1:00.  This should be a long enough time that only the committed will stay to keep down the crowds.

2) Send out 6 people with numbers at a randomly appointed time.  One starts at the front and one starts at the end.  The other four are paired off.  Each pair starts at the same point working in opposite directions.  (That will prevent the festivarian on the other side from feeling gipped from not getting something his neighbor didn't.)

3) Each person has 100 numbers.  When they are gone, they are gone.  If you got a number, great.  If not, smile and go to bed happy because while you might not have a number, you DO have a ticket.

4) Announce all of this.  No secrets except the exact time.

So someone poke holes in this...why won't it work?

Craig?  Steve?  Are you listening?

Lindsay
Who likes historyman's line, "Sustain the Fesitvarians!"

Good Suggestions.  Really, only step 1 is needed.  Just have a more reasonable window, even 12:00 to 2:00 would be fine with me.   I was there, and it is true that everyone who was going to be in line was there by 12:15.   And I saw very few people leave due to the late time.   

[BanZoid]

I am really psyched that everyone is talking through this.  It will be very cool if this works better next year.

Cause you know?  RockyGrass rules!

How about a big sharpy X on the forehead.  A badge of honor!   

[landshark]

OUHHH I've got it!! How about earning your spot.... The more festivals you attend the closer you get.....

[landshark]

Without TRUE sacrifice, the dedicated are not rewarded.  Only the lucky.

Man if that isn't a great quote I don't know what is., and so true,,,
however as you age your less willing to bleed for things.

[jjwood64]

What LuAnna said!!!

[landshark]

Thanks for this post- it has some good ideas that we will consider. I don't like adding more wristbands to the equation, but maybe I'm not fully understanding that part. But hole punches, or sharpie marks might be the way to go.

The main problem with this is the Thursday night line...some people don't get there until after we are closed.

But still, keep the ideas coming!

Also, sorry if I come off as a little defensive this morning- it's only out of the frustration that the line seems to cause everyone:)

No need for extra PB man hours. Do it all before fest, all linked to the day of purchase, or number of fests attended(?) and number 1-10,000 posted on your wrist band like a tatoo. Where is a stats guy when ya need em....

[Cindy Lou]

  I think the line should start with everyone seated. Have a little cabin or a booth, with the all-powerful number hander outer call out "OKAY WE ARE STARTING!"
The first person gets up, takes their chair with them,  goes to the booth, and sings:

"YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT, AT ALICE'S RESTAURANT"
they get a number, and leave. 

NEXT!
second person, ... "YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT, AT ALICE'S RESTAURANT"
get a number, and so on.....

If they don't like it, they can go sit on the Group W bench until everyone else gets a number.
 

And if they are    they get shrink-wrapped, then wakened by the smell and sound of bacon frying.
okay not that last part, that would be cruel and unusual, but funny, punishment.

 

[landshark]

  sooooo funny

[LuAnna]

Cindy Lou, you rock!    I hope you get in the line first so that we can ALL hear you sing that!

Thanks for the great idea which we all know will work... especially the shrink wrap part. 



 
LuAnna

[retsin2000]

What if we were just allowed to lay down and sleep while in line?

I don't think that rule change would make many more people show up and we could at least get a little rest on the late number nights. I think if they guaranteed that the numbers would be given out by a certain time there could end up being a lot more people in line.

I for one don't mind that people get multiple numbers, although I haven't gotten multiples. I think it sort of helps create a sense of community and sharing when people get miracle numbers given to them in the morning. I have gotten numbers in the morning several times and I'm very grateful for that.

[Dancin-feet]

Hey Laura;
You are the best! I am reading your post and I hope that it helps others understand all that you have tried to do over the years in making the line situation as good as it can be. Our camp was able to get a good number for Sunday's show and decent numbers the previous 2 days. I like the random numbering system as it affords everyone a chance to be up front or in the shade, as they desire.
I do agree with handing out numbers between certain hours and not too late.
Volunteers for this? Well, I think that I could help out at Rocky Grass if you need me for just one hour each night.
Please tell Craig that I found my instruments and took them home, and thank him for  watching out for them for me.
Teresa

[Dancin-feet]

Hey, I am a four star festivarian!  Cool!      



I am really tired at work today too!

[answerguru]

Every camp I knew had more than one number this year, the guy who was number 1 on Sunday had pocket of 5 numbers.

First, those numbers were all received by different people who waited in line just like everyone else.

Second, ALL of those extra numbers were given away to other folks...many of them got bumped up to a better number and then they got to give their number to someone else.

It's good karma to give away an unused number!

I actually think it's just fine that PB hands out numbers in a wide time window....I believe that if the time was set, or if the window was small the number of folks looking for a random number would go UP dramatically making even more of a mess.    Personally, I find it fun to hang out in line and pick with friends to all hours of the night with a few beers....or just listen to the great pickin' going on around you!

[Bevin]

I want to applaud Bluegrasslaura specifically, and Planet Bluegrass in general, for even trying to manage what is ultimately just chaos.   

There's no perfect solution to this matter, but the fact that Laura and PB are listening and trying to improve things is truly in the Festivarian spirit.