New members' events?

I know people can find it a bit scary coming along for the first time, not knowing whether they'll be the only one there who's new and everyone else will be in groups already. Maybe we could have an event aimed at anyone who's been thinking of coming along so that they can expect to not be the only newbie, or at least that anyone there will be expecting newbies and be welcoming.

It could be just one of the regular Tuesday sessions designated as a newbie night occasionally.

BeardyTom wrote:I know people can find it a bit scary coming along for the first time, not knowing whether they'll be the only one there who's new and everyone else will be in groups already. Maybe we could have an event aimed at anyone who's been thinking of coming along so that they can expect to not be the only newbie, or at least that anyone there will be expecting newbies and be welcoming.

It could be just one of the regular Tuesday sessions designated as a newbie night occasionally.

That's a really good idea we could advertise it as such, maybe even invite a reporter from the Star?

Once a quarter maybe, starting a week or two into term-time for the students?

If you ever spot any new people, send them my way I usually bring (and prefer) shorter games. I don't mind meeting and teaching new people.

DaveB wrote:Once a quarter maybe, starting a week or two into term-time for the students?

Sounds about right to me. I have no idea when terms are, though.

Kes, we need a picture of a nervous cartoon cat about to play a board game, can you oblige?!

Some words of encouragement might be appropriate, to try and head of some of the misconceptions some people may have -

e.g. You won't be asked to play a 3 hour game of Monopoly - most games will be 1 hour if not less
Fun games are preferable to excessive competitiveness - maybe a note about Co-ops being available?
Feel free to bring games you like but there is a library available already
Everyone welcome
etc...

Another thought, is there any way we can offer some feedback so if people do turn up and don't like it for some reason they can let us know why? Anonymously if needs be?

People have talked about this every now and the in the past. I'm all in favour of it because I hate to think of people wanting to game but being to shy to come along or whatever.
At this point we do have to this about our attendance numbers and realistically we are quite often basically at capacity. In the medium term, it might actually be counter productive to encourage too many more people to come. Depressing as that is!

That's certainly a fair point Kes, as often as not we are packing the place out atm...

RikTheChief wrote:If you ever spot any new people, send them my way I usually bring (and prefer) shorter games.  I don't mind meeting and teaching new people.

Hi! I'm new to the area and hoping to join (and a bit terrified to do so). Would it be possible to join in one of your games if I come during this week (or whatever week you are there)??

Hi Melissa, there are always people playing good gateway games and people are always happy to accommodate new players. If you try and arrive around 7 you'll definitely be able to get in a game. Everyone is very friendly, it's well worth coming down.

Brilliant! See you there!

The other option is to increase the frequency of weekend events... like
Fornightly or weekly Sunday sessions. With more options we might see some dilution and therefore space for new players?

MelissaLee wrote:

RikTheChief wrote:If you ever spot any new people, send them my way I usually bring (and prefer) shorter games.  I don't mind meeting and teaching new people.

Hi! I'm new to the area and hoping to join (and a bit terrified to do so). Would it be possible to join in one of your games if I come during this week (or whatever week you are there)??

No problem it's a really friendly place, I'm sure we can accommodate!

Aneurin wrote:The other option is to increase the frequency of weekend events... like
Fornightly or weekly Sunday sessions. With more options we might see some dilution and therefore space for new players?

I like this idea!

I can check with The Red Deer what their availability would be

I could ask Ash about the Uni arms... might be useful if the games are there?

They don't open on Sundays. We could do some Saturdays, but might get confusing where we are when?

Maybe even an extra night during the week.

If someone wants to make this their baby I'd happily talk over a particular evening with Ash at the Uni arms. I wouldn't be able to commit to anything more than a Tuesday myself... but the club should have a presence there regularly on these extra nights... anyone up for the challenge?

I'd be up for running something like a single extra session a month, aimed at new members , possibly something like the first thursday of a month , or something like that ?

Scott_Fryer wrote:I'd be up for running something like a single extra session a month, aimed at new members , possibly something like the first thursday of a month , or something like that ?

Great - thanks for stepping up Scott... Let me send you Ash's email address and you can sort out the best date to start... would seem sensible to get this setup at the Uni arms for continuity and access to the library...

Aneurin wrote:

Scott_Fryer wrote:I'd be up for running something like a single extra session a month, aimed at new members , possibly something like the first thursday of a month , or something like that ?

Great - thanks for stepping up Scott... Let me send you Ash's email address and you can sort out the best date to start... would seem sensible to get this setup at the Uni arms for continuity and access to the library...

Well done Scott.

I can't commit to running anything unfortunately but I'll certain turn up whenever I can.

RikTheChief wrote:
Well done Scott.

I can't commit to running anything unfortunately but I'll certain turn up whenever I can.

Likewise

DaveB wrote:

RikTheChief wrote:
Well done Scott.

I can't commit to running anything unfortunately but I'll certain turn up whenever I can.

Likewise

Yes, same goes for me too

hi all, i would definitely interested in this. Bit apprehensive about coming on a Tuesday as the extent of my gaming is carcassonne and settlers. Had axis and allies for about a year but nobody is brave enough to attempt a game with me!

I feel a new members night would be perfect and a little less scary than walking into a room where virtually everybody is already friends with each other!