by Ventus » Wed Oct 15, 2008 5:14 pm
Some experience based advice on doing a Bel realm on a college campus.
1. Make sure your friendly to those whom come up to watch. There have been a few times where I've been surprised that the people who would make fun of it, would often try it, and occasionally like it. Something to note is that recruiting Bel fighters can be like picking up women. Usually, ya gotta make the first move.
2. Public practice field. This is definitely more difficult to achieve, depending on the campus. We're blessed with a fantastic field right near the center of campus and our location has given us great exposure.
3. Don't get discouraged. Colleges are where people try new things. Sometimes people will try it, and just not stick around. It's okay. Just keep plugging away and you will gain more and more people.
4. Do your research and find out what it takes to become an RSO (Recognized Student Organization) with your Uni. You will probably have to communicate with a student life office or something to that effect. Even if your school doesn't do funding, the RSO will give you more legitimacy on campus, and usually several other perks. For example, Ameth doesn't receive any funding, but we get an indoor practice gym. Go go college dollars at work.
5. Identical weapons / shields. This one is a tad more complex to explain, however it's something that we've found to be an influencing factor. 3 friends walk up. Out of those three 1 or 2 of them will be slightly better, leaving the 3rd frustrated. We've found that by handing them similar weapons, and offering more help to the odd man out, that we have better odds of keeping all three of them interested in it, then losing all of them because one or two believe it to be "stupid"
6. Consistency. With 2 practices a week, at a constant time, you'll be sure to pick up some fighters.
I'm sure I could come up with more, during the past year and a half I've compiled page after page of personal notes on what I felt I could have done better personally. Ideas I've had, all that stuff. Keep me posted with all of your success man!
Templar Draconis Kestevara