The Little World

All depends on the tone of voice.

I’ve been associated with a modelling group that has had a permanent display at a public library for a few years. Changed four times a year, it gave us a good way of showing off our builds and our collections. That’s largely gone by the board as the library has asked for the cabinet to be moved.

The alternative seems to be a temporary signboard, easel, or sandwich board put out when club meetings are held. Quite what this would achieve is unknown – signing up an event that is visible only while it happens seems to be ineffective advertising.

Other ideas that have been mooted are an online presence or printed publication.

a. A website would be a constant advertisement and would allow images of member’s models to be seen widely. However, it would require investment of both a considerable amount of money and of time. For a hobby that already costs a good deal, the extra impost may not be attractive to the members.

b. A social media page may be inexpensive to run, but would tie the club to advertisements and control by whichever platform was used. Some of the members may not be comfortable with social media involvement, and junior members may be barred by law from accessing the sites anyway.

c. Printed publication is expensive. We had a small book printed a few years ago with images of our models, and while it was very satisfying, the number of copies was limited to the members who paid some $ 35 each for them. Very little exposure to the general public.

I am wondering whether there are any programs maintained by the various public libraries or community centres that provide an internal on-site video display. We see any number of these large screens at pubs or taverns blaring sport and gambling out to the punters – is there an equivalent in public facilities for local groups?

Don’t get me wrong – large prints or posters tacked up are visually attractive, but printing costs can be hefty and some venues may not want to devote space to a small club. At least keeping the images and club promotion information in electronic files is extremely cheap and fairly flexible.