Wednesday Review : Snail mail, shotguns, books, and how to hold on to a dollar.
Added 2019-05-01 22:36:34 +0000 UTCFirst and foremost, we did set up a PO Box finally:
PO Box 80849
Charleston, SC 29407
I fear what I might find. Obviously no firearms guys. We have Carolina Rod and Gun for that.
This has been a pretty exciting week behind the scenes.
1. The auction we referenced last week, the one with a random fan who went the extra mile to bid for us? Well we had him bid on a set of shotguns we assumed were the same. If we could get both at a low price, we'd have spare parts enough to ensure proper function no matter what was going on inside.
What actually happened is he won both and while the same model, they are two clear and distinct variations, one of which I've never seen or heard of before. I'm now extremely curious to get them in as this information now places the number of distinct variations of this (currently mystery to you guys) shotgun model up to 5 known, with 1 more possible due to observed early advertising.
https://i.imgur.com/IFivyDo.jpg
2. One of our Discord volunteers found a Burgess at a local show for, well roughly half the lowest price I've known one to go for. It wasn't a folding model, those are insanely pricey now. But we weren't looking for a folder really anyway, as the shotgun series is going to focus on aerial shooting.
This plus a few other tidbits like a cheap Winchester 1893 have placed the shotgun series already dramatically under budget. Which might be the first time I've ever said that. I'm sure we'll find a way to complicate things. The good news is we were supposed to take like 4 months to find what we've found already, so for the immediate moment we're broke again. THAT I am used to.
https://i.imgur.com/sIdq0jSg.jpg
3. By the way, the secret shotgun hunt is semi-public. You really just have to come by our Discord and drop me a PM. I have a copy/paste list of "rules" so that we aren't just giving people a wishlist to compete with us, and instead are getting those willing to do some hunting/researching in pursuit of a series. Once something is acquired for the show the same group can help each other track down their favorites that turn up after.
4. I had a lovely conversation with a young machinist about possibly doing some side work and even visiting us. I always try to stay plugged into skilled people with undecided futures because I feel there is a LOT we could do to further support old guns as a community. Anvil is still very early and very rough but I have a feeling Mark and I could possibly work up a hub of historic preservation for collectors to utilize.
5. Traditionally I don't get recognized while still in my home state of SC. Well I do, but by people who knew me before the show. Lately more and more people are bucking that trend and I ran into about a half dozen fans in Greenville this weekend both at the collector's show and a Cabelas. If any of you are here, thanks for the warm greeting!
I never know what to do with even my low-grade celebrity. I've always been a sociable person and warm with strangers, but being representative of C&Rsenal makes me panic a bit. I get fixated on whether or not the fan is enjoying their time with me. Sometimes I think the fans the same and we end up having a very awkward interaction of trying to give the other person the floor.
Also I'm really trying to digest using the word "fan" because once someone is in front of me I cannot see them as a part of a blanket body of people. I just end up talking to enthused individuals which is always pleasant even if I'm unsure about being worth the attention.
6. We're considering releasing all the old episodes of Primer as digital downloads on the site. To make them more interesting, I was going to also provide a commentary track with Mae, myself, and possibly Bruno or other team members talking about any memories associated with that episode. Loose pricing now is $3 a pop -OR- patrons over $5 get 2 a month. Thoughts?
7. Schiffer Publishing sent over a pair of books for us to try on, free of charge. My favorite was a history of the Chilean Mauser, which is so often over looked. I'll be mentioning them in an upcoming update, but it's nice to have some help as research costs are generally pretty high for our show!
I'm hoping to work out a more regular ad slot for them on the show in exchange for a budget on reading material. Not even going for cash changing hands, just easing the bills. If you decide to buy anything from them in the coming days, maybe mention us.
Finally, I've noticed Patreon slipping a bit. I'm unsure of the reasons why as exit surveys are rare and often random for reasons. I do feel like the more frequent updates actually tend to nag people into remembering to save their pennies, so I'll have to stay with just once a week and when episodes release. Don't forget, if you're upset with Patreon for any reason, we also exist on Subscribe Star now. Just search CandRsenal.
I'm also looking to make time for sustainable ideas (like the commentary) that can be tailored towards rewarding you all. I welcome suggestions, just know some are more complicated than they sound!
Comments
The C96 is a potential candidate for a reshoot but the big ones are the Lebel Rifle, Gewehr 98 and while the Kar98az is good enough, we'd like to reshoot another example as part of a Gewehr 98 redo. The Berthier may also need an update.
C&Rsenal
2019-05-08 03:29:45 +0000 UTCYou posed the question on Patreon. So... ;)
Scott Ripley
2019-05-07 08:07:33 +0000 UTCDo you have an idea where the cut off for that would be? I imagine the pocket pistols won't be getting an update, but seeing a bigger episode on say the C96 would be nice in with what I'm assuming will be a fair handful of extended Rifle vids.
Anders Patrick Bradley
2019-05-07 05:14:14 +0000 UTCViewers is definitely the easier word. Although, again, very few of you all just view it seems!
C&Rsenal
2019-05-04 05:12:33 +0000 UTCA few are getting re-done. We already have plans in the works there!
C&Rsenal
2019-05-04 05:12:03 +0000 UTCWe luckily avoid the worst since we keep the show so narrow and don't tend to tell people what to do or think outside of some data on old guns. Overall, now that Patreon has given me back some time, I'd like to put it towards patrons ASAP. The challenge is making sure it is sustainable BEFORE executing.
C&Rsenal
2019-05-04 05:11:38 +0000 UTCMy problem is I need a word that says "they watch the show." I only see two growth vectors going forward: 1. Converting casual viewers into serious ones 2. Establishing new topics (commercial, other wars, etc) We're going to try for both in the long run.
C&Rsenal
2019-05-04 05:07:52 +0000 UTCcandrsenal.com and there is a logo at the bottom
C&Rsenal
2019-05-04 05:05:40 +0000 UTCWe hit nearly ever SCACA show
C&Rsenal
2019-05-04 05:05:29 +0000 UTC"Fellow gun nerd?" ;-D
Bruce Brodnax
2019-05-03 18:26:36 +0000 UTCFWIW, a ton of YouTube celebrities who don't let it go to their heads are uncomfortable talking about "fans." I've always thought "viewers" was a natural-sounding alternative that emphasizes how much you appreciate your dependence on them while also not sounding at all presumptuous.
Michael Stueber
2019-05-02 18:17:50 +0000 UTCbetter idea: re-release old episodes as full-length
Andrew MacDougall
2019-05-02 14:50:00 +0000 UTCI just finished reading this in my email. I felt compelled to come here and thank you. I also wanted to tell you that of all the curses one can put on someone, fame is among the worst. The only thing you can do to ward off the ill effects of fame is to continue to be humble. People who you don't even know discuss you over coffee: That is a very weird thing to deal with. All you can do is be yourself and don't "read the gossips". The negative comments, in whatever format, often have an agenda having little to nothing to do with you. Consider the real criticism and input, but completely ignore the crap, which can erode your confidence. You keep doing what you do and we'll keep liking what you do. Fluctuations in Patreon support can have many reasons. Don't let it cause you to change anything significantly: People get cranky about changes. They should be done sparingly and with a well thought out cost/benefit analysis. Finally, I went to the Amazon page to look at the Chilean Mauser book. I can't be the only one who read the description in your voice, can I?
Kyle
2019-05-02 12:56:58 +0000 UTCHow about "comrade in arms" or "fellow enthusiast? As to the downloads, if I didn't live in the middle of nowhere stuck with Frontier DSL (the next best thing to dial-up), that would be nice. However my downloads during your "Project Lightening" taught me that with Frontier, the words download and enjoyment would never be found in the same paragraph. I still would love to be able to buy CDs with the past episodes. There is much there that is worth preserving well into the future. As to the drop-off on Patreon, some attrition rate is to be expected once you reach saturation of your market as currently structured. We collectively need to get you more exposure. Of the boards I frequent, most folks have not heard of your efforts. I can point them in the right direction, but seem to be unable to grow your support base much. Oh well we can keep trying and if anyone has any bright ideas on how we collectively can do more, please share.
Richard Anderson
2019-05-02 01:12:03 +0000 UTCTry using "Ally" instead of "fan", or some other word of your choosing until you find one that works
2019-05-02 00:42:02 +0000 UTCHow does one find you on discord?.. behind the scenes commentary would be cool..maybe mix in any outtakes from episodes
James G. Jones
2019-05-01 23:22:48 +0000 UTCCrap! Had I known you were at the Greenville gun show I would of gone for nothing else to shake your hand and offer moral support. I live about 5 minutes away from the venue.
John R. Dorn
2019-05-01 23:17:26 +0000 UTC
