I went to buy my Salute 2013 queue busters earlier tonight, and found that the ship has sailed; apparently they stop selling them 2 weeks before the event. Doh.
I could still buy at the door, but I now find myself in two minds about whether or not to go this year, partly because of the expense, and partly because there's nothing that is really saying "you must see this" or "you must buy this", to me. I don't tend to play in the participation games at Salute, either, I prefer to do that with friends, or at more intimate venues.
Shall I have a lay-in and paint some minis, instead? Hmmm...
EDIT- I have now located a ticket, and thought of a couple of good reasons for making the trip, so I'll be there, Saturday week!
EDIT- I have now located a ticket, and thought of a couple of good reasons for making the trip, so I'll be there, Saturday week!
14 comments:
Queue buster tickets never seem to get you in much earlier (though I have mine).. having said that this is the UK's premier, and largest, wargaming show - how could you miss it?? So many little metal men to look at, so many inspiring games, the buzz, I never fail to come back with mental batteries charged...
Ah, "convention fatigue", we all experience this at times. ;-)
From a "continental" point of view: If I had a show like Salute in reach (both spatial and financial) I'd go there for sure. It's like Essen for boardgamers, a release day for many – even some yet unknown – products and the place to meet people from all over the gaming community.
But you have my sympathies nonetheless. :-)
Cheers, SG
www.mountainsoflead.com
I don't have anything I'm particularly after either but I'm going to go just because, as Sire Godefroy says, you never know what you may spot. Some little scenic item that you would not otherwise have seen, perhaps. I never bother with a queue buster as I just turn up at 11.00 and there is no queue. Compared with the £150-£200 I usually spend the saving is nothing anyway.
I feel your pain. With the cost in travel for me and entrance plus food, maybe my money is better spent buying more lead to paint....
Its a must show for any gamer, the Rejects never buy a pre-paid ticket, we're far too unorganized for that. And as others have said you get in reasonably quick in the normal queue. So get that lazy butt outa bed on the 20th and we'll see you there!!!
I suppose, on the plus side, that not having the queue buster does leave my options rather open; I can make a final decision a couple of days before.
When I'm involved in running a game at Salute, I always think its a daft idea and I should keep the day clear for shopping and socialising. On the other hand, when I'm not running a game, I feel much less motivated to go. Odd, neh?
BRB, no that's how it's supposed to be. Last time I visited a con without actively staging a game there, I felt a bit useless. And despite my best intentions I managed to play only a few games, so it was almost a disappointment.
But then again, that's probably the experience of most 'regular' visitors. Hence I learned a lot about what makes a show/participation game/shopping opportunity worth the visit. And hopefully this will positively influence our game plans for next year…
Cheers, SG
www.mountainsoflead.com
I'll not be going this year due to other more important commitments. But if I were then I wouldn't bother with the so called queue-buster tickets. Did that last year, didn't get in early at all, and got trampled by some ignorant fat blokes in a rush ... didn't hear a Tannoy announcement about free pies?
Probably a show I shall give a miss in future. There are better, friendlier shows.
Matt
Thanks all. It's not the friendliest show, on account of aircraft-hangar size, but it is the largest.
Legatus, it's the toys I might spot, that are worrying me! ;-) I shall leave my wallet at home. And take a sandwich.
Sire G, I am feeling a game come on for 2014...
Cheers, Simon
I think it does depend on when you arrive whether the advance tickets are worth getting. Last year (my first time at Salute) I didn't get one and ended up queuing for 45 minutes. This year I have bought one, so I'll see how it goes.
I have a queue buster ticket and I agree you don't get in much earlier but on the plus side you get put in the draw with a chance of winning £500 to spend at the show. You have to be in it to win it, as they say.
Hope you all have a great day.
I'm usually running a game; never ever get to enter that draw.
In any case, what on earth would one do if one won it, though? It's right at the end of the show, how on earth could anyone decide what to spend it on in the short time remaining? I'd probably suffer a nervous collapse. ;-) Simon
I have a spare advance ticket as I am now helping on the day on one of the Frothers games, so happy to sell it on.
Mike, thanks that is very kind of you, but I am sorted; helping on a stand, now.
Cheers, Simon
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