So much for my grand plans this weekend: I literally slept through most of it!
In my defense, I was feeling a bit under the weather – and just overwhelmed, in general – so I probably needed it anyway. And to be honest, I was running on very little sleep from the entire week previous, which was also entirely my own fault.
But I did have a little time to think about next year’s BreyerFest ticket scheme: basically, we’re back to the status quo, but with a limited online option.
While I will concede that I am not normally a person who defends the status quo – in fact, far from it! – I think that if the pandemic didn’t happen and the in-person event did in both 2020 and 2021, we’d be having a much different and much more positive discussion about the 2022 online option.
I had always assumed that there would eventually be an online component to BreyerFest, and the pandemic merely accelerated the timeline. I think what we would have initially gotten, sans pandemic, would have been much like what they’re offering now: the Celebration Horse, Store Special access, and online content like seminars and live feeds.
Putting aside the technical and logistical challenges they had in even putting together an online BreyerFest to begin with, Reeves International – as I’ve mentioned before – is a much smaller company than many of us realize, and they do quite a lot with relatively little.
But freed from the limitations of an in-person event, the previous two years have also shown us that there are limitations to the online format that make it impossible to perfectly replicate the in-person experience. There’s no handpicking, no last-minute decisions or reevaluations of your choices, no real-time haggling or horsetrading, no casual interactions that could lead to something deeper and longer lasting.
For many of us who are fortunate to attend in-person, it was reduced to a bigger-than-average online shopping event.
This may also be an unpopular opinion, but I also think something much bigger is lost when we attempt to replicate in-person experiences online. Human beings are designed to interact with each other not just on a visual or verbal level, but on a physical level as well. Social interactions can get really weird, and not in a good way, when the physical component is removed.
We’re already seeing that as some of us gently try to integrate ourselves back into the outside world. (Some, less gently than others.)
I’m not saying online events shouldn’t exist – I am all for being as inclusive as possible when it comes to the model horse world – but I fear if we elevate (or even prioritize) the online experience to the level of or even over the physical one, there will be profoundly negative short-term and long-term consequences.
All that being said, I think the way to go for Reeves is to create an online experience that complements the in-person experience, with each getting something the other does not.
Online distribution of the Ticket Specials was a major hassle, so aside from being a perk of attendance, it makes sense that they would reserve them to the in-person event. Though I am guessing that a small portion of them will be set aside as prizes for online exclusive activities.
For the online option, in addition to the Photo Show, I’d let them keep the Gloss option on Store Specials as an exclusive, as well as some seminars. While they wouldn’t be able to participate in the Costume Contest, the Customs Contest would still be open to them since only their model has to be “in person” if it is selected as a finalist.
I’m not sure if the same courtesy could be extended to the Diorama Contest, especially since they have a hard enough time managing that one as it is. I’d imagine they’re going to replace it with something that’s more online-friendly, like a themed photo contest or coloring contest instead, with the prizes possibly including Ticket SRs.
I could also see them offering an Online Ticket Special Run exclusive. The twist here is that if there were any leftovers from that offering, they could then offer it to all classes of ticket buyers at a later date. And vice versa, in the case of the Ticket SRs.
If there is enough differentiation of benefits in the tickets, it might even act as an incentive for people to purchase both. I would definitely consider it.
That’s all I have to say on the matter until Reeves has more to say on the matter.
19 comments:
I'm just getting sick and tired of the repeated implication that those of us who are financially or physically unable to attend Breyerfest in person are "lazy" and therefore "unworthy" of being able to purchase the SRs, or participate at all.
As someone who is unable to attend BFest in person, I’m beyond grateful for what Breyer offered the last two years and am thrilled they are willing to continue with any type virtual component.
One very appreciative collector here!
and I'm tired of the whining about poor me I can't go but I should be entitled to everything people go to the expense, work, and sweat of actual going get.
I wish online breyerfest would have never happened at this point.
I'm not able to go next year, oh well pickup people can grab a model for me.
"I'm just getting sick and tired of the repeated implication that those of us who are financially or physically unable to attend Breyerfest in person are "lazy" and therefore "unworthy" of being able to purchase the SRs, or participate at all."
Thank you, my thoughts exactly! I haven't been to an actual Breyerfest in about 20 years and was SO HAPPY to be included this year! I just want to be able to participate too! And "have a pick-up person get you a model" is just NOT the same as feeling included in an event.
I'll take whatever online option Breyer gives me next year because I enjoyed this year. It will suck not having access to the SR's, but hopefully the limited editions and such will be nice. :)
2021 being my first Breyerfest, I was very happy with being able to attend. Kentucky in July is right out for me for a number of reasons, and the SRs were a major reason for a purchase of multiple tickets.
But much as I love my models, I predate Breyerfest and the company will apparently get along fine without my purchases.
Virtual Breyerfest 2020 made me cry; as a person who does not weep easily, I decided to forego the virtual event this year and I have no regrets. I guess I'm not into the special runs all that much; I just love travelling to Kentucky and enjoying being in an equine oriented culture, surrounded by people who share my same hobbies and interests. As a customizer, I look forward to participating in a hands-on workshop for sculpting or painting techniques; with an instructor on site to help with or critique my work. Breyerfest is also a wonderful opportunity to pick up some bodies to customize, or to shop for that grail you missed out on previously.......there is just so much MORE to the live experience that cannot be replicated online.
I have never been able to attend the Breyer Events (Big Easy Bash, Chasing the Chesapeake, Scottsdale Stampede, etc) and I never will be. The 4 Event models I have in my collection I bought on the secondary market & I paid a lot for them. It has never once occurred to me that Breyer should make the Events virtual & every single model produced for the Events available to anyone & everyone. Same with the Breyer Tour models & the Breyer Fun Day Classics. I’ve have never taken to social media whining & complaining & demanding that I have the same access to everything as those that actually attend. Those that take the time & spend the money to travel to BF & the Events should have some models not available to everyone. If a model is available to everyone directly from Breyer it’s no longer an exclusive SR. It’s a RR.
Before 2019 if you weren’t at the KHP for BF there was NOTHING available to you. No live stream of BF. No access to workshops, demos, seminars or the auctions or contests. No access whatsoever to the models & merchandise in the Breyer Store or Pop Up Tent/Store. There was nothing to do or watch or buy unless you were actually there. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Now Breyer is offering those at home a chance to participate in a lot of activities & and giving them chance to buy the majority of the merchandise. But that’s not good enough. Talk about ungrateful. They didn’t have to offer anything. They could have saved a lot of time, expense & hassle by going back to strictly an in-person event and I wouldn’t have blamed them one bit if they had after all the complaints & vitriol directed at them.
And those not going to the KHP can still get the ticket SRs. Just buy an All Access ticket(s) & pass them along to a pick up person or a friend who’s going. There’s no requirement that an All Access ticket holder must be there in person in order to buy the ticket SR models. Breyer isn’t checking IDs at the gate or at the entrance of the SR line. Anyone who truly wants the SR models can get them even if they’re not at the KHP.
Breyer decided not to publish my comments on their blog despite me being polite and friendly. I merely implored them to reconsider their stance on walking back perks that benefitted them as a company, both financially and reputation wise. I also politely corrected them on some German translations. I am an actual German citizen, I know my language and culture. "Spätzle" never translated to "sparrow's nest", they made that up ;)
Them not approving of my comments shows me they will not listen to any negative feedback this time around and has me pondering about not participating in the online experience this year unless they give online attendees perks in the vain you described. In fact, I think you were being both fair and business savvy in your musings.
Model horses are a privilege to collect, they aren't neccessary and many people had to save their money for other things while being laid off. Was I "thankful" that Breyer gave me the ability to order SRs and Store Specials this year? Absolutely. But Breyer is a company, they did this to make more money due to the pandemic throwing them in a panic. Breyer bragged about so and so many countries participating and thanked us all just to limit their offerings again. It doesn't quite make sense to me from a financial standpoint and if int. shipping was a hassle to them, why offer select items to be shipped again?
People are complaining because they offered something when they needed the additional income and are walking it back because they are secure again. The fact that a lot of in-person attendees see the SRs as a sort of moneymaker to make back travelling expenses is not the fault of the people unable to go.
Breyer could offer all the workshops and shows just for in-person but this isn't the sort of thing people seem to want from BF. They seem to want to own a limited model to sell for a crazy price. That's the "status quo" of the Breyer fandom to me.
I hope anyone going in-person has a great time. I really mean it. Just don't call us rightfully questioning Reeves practices "lazy" or "whiny". I would never buy something second-hand off someone making fun of me for not being able to attend a festival halfway across the globe.
Thank you Andrea. As usual, you've hit the nail on the head.
Having just successfully entered my second coloring contest, I now have a soft spot for them. Somehow it's been a struggle for me to imagine online-only content, but you are pointing the way nicely.
Forty years in this hobby has only strengthened my conclusions: Collect only what you love, and know why; If I can't afford a horse, I shan't want him. Creative artistry is alive and well, so long as we support it.
Any exclusiveness will mean nothing to the in-person attendees who can (and will) also buy virtual tickets This puts the exclusively virtual attendees at a disadvantage. Personally, I only buy one ticket, because that's all I can afford. But I know it's common for people to buy multiples. Honestly, I wish it was not possible to buy multiple tickets at all. I find it to be kind of disgustingly indulgent and it encourages grabbing up multiple horses for resale. For me, buying directly from Breyer is the usually only way I can reasonably afford my hobby.
I can see why Breyer did it this way round... The logistics of arranging Special Run times of people there IRL, and people buying online are the things my nightmares are made of. The horror... the horror... And I say that as someone who was SO GRATEFUL to have an online event this past year. I had a great first Breyerfest, and would love to be able to attend in person one day. That's not in my immediate future though, and that's okay. I was bummed out when I read the breakdown of how they were going to do it, but it's not the end of the world. But giving someone an opportunity/privilege is going to be met with backlash when that is taken away. It's not a great look for Breyer, but I really don't see what else they could do in the situation. Hence all the rending of garments and gnashing of teeth...
But what we have to remember is this: It's plastic ponies. We're not saving lives here. If there's something I cannot live without, I will try to arrange a pickup, but being more isolated in my hobby I don't really have any close friends in the hobby. So it will be a stumbling block for many folks who are left having to scramble to try to find a pickup person.
My armchair quarterback solution? An online event, say in March sometime... It doesn't have to be Breyerfest, it can be something else. It could include SRs, and the event itself isn't dependent on having a collector's club membership. Then everyone can participate (or not... If it were a perk of being a collector's club memeber, I might even join). Sure, on the off chance it might make fewer people go to Breyerfest, but I doubt it. Most people who can afford to attend in person could probably add in an online event no issue, and it throws a bone to those of us who can't.
I am pretty disheartened at the attitude of some of the comments regarding those of us who are disappointed in 2022's online event. I spent a significant amount of money on tickets and models at 2021's event. While I understand the excitement of those able to participate at the Kentucky Horse Park, it doesn't mean those of us unable are petty or lazy or whiners or whatever epithets have been thrown around. The 'exclusiveness' seems relatively meaningless, to judge by prices of previous SRs - some are sought after and some not, and whether or not they were first acquired in person doesn't seem to have much to do with that. And I agree that there seems to be an undercurrent of love of flipping models that can only be obtained live. Hmm.
I also understand logistics. I know Breyer is a relatively small company, and they seem to be doing their best. There have been a lot of thoughtful responses to Andrea's post, and some good ideas. I hope in future years, Breyer can incorporate some of them.
they do online special runs many times during the year. And those are far more limited than breyerfest specials.
I don't want to see breyerfest sr quantities keep getting bigger and bigger. How is that even special anymore then? the celebration model these days are in regular run quantities. The store specials too now.
limited editions are just that. LIMITED not everyone can get them.
I am one who is definitely disappointed in not being able to get the SRs. (Yes, I have pick up people- but virtual meant they don't have to stand in line for ME)
And I'll be honest- the ONLY reason I go is for the models. I've been in real horses long enough to have been there, done that. The demos and exhibitions bore me, and I don't go. I literally just go for the shopping, and to see far away friends. I might do the live show. I'm not talented enough to do the custom contests or diorama. And never clever enough to do the costume contest. :D Virtual, I watched none of the clinics, demos, breed things. I bought my models and was happy.
Last year I spent well over $1500 in tickets and models. I can't go for multiple reasons. I went for many, many years when it was a much closer drive, now it's a very long drive or a flight. I will do virtual this year, and get an All Access for my SRs to have a bestie pick up.
Well, I have never been to BF live and have only been a CC member for a few years, despite having collected for 50. It's always been a casual, side thing, not a main focus of my existence so I don't know people who regularly go in-person. I will say I very much enjoyed the virtual offerings and the ability to finally get a SR at cost. Now if I could just get drawn (once!) for a lottery model...
I would like to still have the ability to buy a set of the stablemates, but I can certainly accept having the the traditional SR be limited to in-person. If there was a limit of tickets per person to cut down on resales, that would be nice.
I wonder what happens to a VIP buyer who can't attend at the last minute? Will there be an option to have models shipped? Honestly, I'd be happy to get a VIP ticket even if I couldn't get there; I think it's a good value and was disappointed to lose one this year to cart freeze.
I have only been to Breyerfest once and I may not be able to go again for health reasons due to the distance and the lines and the heat, so I am glad there are online options and I hope that continues in some form. I only collect more common SMs anymore, so that works out for me. Although the elitism in this hobby has been a real turnoff for many years and it seems to bring out the worst in people, whether they get what they want or not. The "I DESERVE THIS!" rants from any side come across as ugly and petty and I don't envy Breyer trying to appease collectors because the same people seem to complain at every new thing.
"and I'm tired of the whining about poor me I can't go but I should be entitled to everything people go to the expense, work, and sweat of actual going get.
I wish online breyerfest would have never happened at this point.
I'm not able to go next year, oh well pickup people can grab a model for me."
What kind of person gets this ugly and cruel over who gets to buy plastic horses? Yikes!
Same, it's doubtful that I will be able to attend as I'm actively in chemo right now. And who knows what the travel situation will be next summer. It's a bummer that I can't get the srs without paying secondary market prices. I really loved all the online content this year.
Hi
I have never have the opportunity of parricipate Breyerfest
I have a question plz : what is the price for a person, just for parricipate on one or 2 defferents catégories plz ? Thank you
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