I have read through most of this and just scanned other bits, and it seems to me that most people would rather do the NEC than CP. there was obviously some reasons why CC went back to CP this year.
I was talking to Niall Squires (Mr Campaign Cup) on Sunday when I was there, and from what I understood from talking to Niall at the NEC last year and talking to him on Sunday was, (and sorry Niall if I speak out of terms with this)
I dont know the ins and outs of this reason to move back to CP and dont want to, but in some way it seems as though the NEC "stuffed" either the CC or the MS organizers. Well "stuffed was the word Niall used to me. I dont know if that was meaning the price the NEC charged for the hire of a "CAR PARK" or the fact they were charging spectators to enter and park, or any other reasons. Like I said, I DONT know the ins and outs and think the reasons are best left with the organizers.
Another thing I heard alot of last year was, the actual cost of having a trade stand was very expensive. I remember Jules from Planet telling me it cost a fortune for them to have their tent there last year.
Taking these 2 reasons into acount we have to remember things like,
If trades are being charged the earth there wont be many cheaper deals for the average baller.
If spectators are being charged to enter car parks, most will turn around and leave.
If the organizers are being "stuffed" then the cost WILL be passed down the line for us to cover, or they will move to a different location. How many times will people put up with being sh*t on???
The food last year was so over priced it was unreal. I had a huge burger this year for £4-50. A fair price I thought for London Town. Face it, I live in somerset and could probably buy a whole cow for £4-50 but I still thought it was a fair price, and it was lush.
I dont know if any of the above reasons are why it moved back to CP, but if true I would imagine they had some bearing.
I know the amount of hard work Niall and his staff put into sorting the CC, and I am damn sure he is trying to do all he can to see the future of the CC remain in this country. Lets face it he has been running the CC for over 15 years now.
I will admit I didnt enjoy it as much as last year, and I was looking forward to seeing some good games. I didnt see hardly any because of the restrictions. I had more fun walking around and seeing people I only get chance to see once a year to tell you the truth.
I didnt notice much different stuff on the trade stands, or maybe I just got too much kit.
We all need to start supporting the Campaign Cup as like already said this is our flagship event of the year. Niall will sort all problems and I am sure the CC will be a great event next year where ever it is held, and I am sure 90% of you guys will be there too.
I would like to say well done to all involved with it and an even bigger well done if it was only set up in a couple of days. The mistakes with the netting and scaffold I am sure will be sorted, as we all learn from mistakes.
It was great to meet some of the guys I have got talking to on these forums, and for those I missed, catch you soon.
See you all there next year where ever it will be
Nige