| I won't bother with any analogy. I will go to whatever event I think is likely to have good music, a good floor, and (for local events) my friends an aquaintances. If I don't know what to expect, I'll go for the cheapest option.
I understand that all venues have to be run as a business, and I'm very grateful for all the organisers who put in the time and effort to run them. But anything that is run as a business has to expect to be treated like a business. I wouldn't expect an organiser to keep an unprofitable venue going just because it's my favourite venue. In return the organiser can't expect me to keep going to the same venue just because I always have. I worked hard for my money - the organiser has to work hard to get it off me!
I do not have any loyalty to any business organisation or venue (other than those that have shown me favours in the past.) If I go to a free venue or party, I don't expect anything. But as soon as any venue starts charging, it has to offer value for money if it wants to keep my business.
Fulham last night cost £7. But they ran an advanced class, extended the time until 11:00, and I had loads of dances. It was a lot better than it used to be, and I'll definitely go back.
Monday at Clapham offered very little reason for me to go back, so I almost certainly wont. But Havana in Fulham was free, and had the bonus of some amazing dancers to watch. Even though I can't do Lambada, and don't really like the music, it was far better value.
As a consumer I like competition, because it gives me choice, and tends to improve value for money - either by things getting cheaper, or getting better. I expect an organiser to entice me to go to his event, not prevent me from going to another event.
Scot - if you are happy that your venues offer the best possible option in Edinburgh, you have nothing to worry about. I've only ever been to Ceroc Edinburgh once, and I had a great time. You are in a far better position to keep your dancers than your competition is in trying to lure them away. But be pro-active, not reactive. Ask people what they want before they try the other venue, and see if you can do anything about it. You won't be able to please everyone, but the thought does go a long way. (In 18 years of doing Ceroc, I've only ever been asked by one teacher what I thought of the evening and the class.)
David |