For starters, no, this blog is not abandoned… I’m just having real trouble being motivated enough to do things for it lately. However, today strikes me as a day for procrastination, so I’m writing numerous articles and scheduling them. My apologies to people if they’re out of date by the time they post.

There are two parts to this review: There’s my rant about why, from an organisational perspective, this is a bloody shambles and could be done way better. There will also be the part where I go on about it as someone that attended it and had a bloody good time. Please keep in mind that one is my professional opinion, as an events manager, and the other is personal, and the two should be treated separately.

From an Events Management Perspective:

It needs to be pointed out that the venue for this is someone’s backyard in Northcote, but that backyard ceased being large enough a long time ago, and it now spills out in the communal ‘garden’ walkthrough path alongside the Merri Creek Reserve. This is rather picturesque, but I can’t help but feel that this event may be better suited to the actual park not 50 meters away. Whilst picturesque is nice, and the trees definitely prevent goths from going ablaze (or at least squinting excessively in their hungover state), flat ground that’s not covered by loose topsoil is always a rather nice for the traders at any event. In fact, at most, it’s kind of demanded. It allows tables to be setup without having to find half bricks or convenient rocks, and also decreases the likelihood of birds crapping on the merchandise. Considering the nature of the event, I don’t think it’s too likely that the council would actually object to the park being used for such a purpose, provided the correct permits were filled out, and insurance / liability waivers were correctly done. Whilst time consuming in nature, it’s inexpensive, and would actually greatly facilitate the market as it would reduce

overcrowding and traffic issues, whilst greatly increasing the amount of available space for use by merchants. This would also get people to park cars in the spaces by the park and nearby highschool, instead of creating dangerous situations in narrowly small side streets, attempting to find somewhere to pop their transport while at the market. At the very least, organisers need to mention that people should NOT attempt to park in the streets surrounding the market, as they are dangerously narrow.

I was impressed by the professionalism of many of the stalls present. Many people were selling first hand goods that they’d crafted themselves, or bought at wholesale rates. These folk had thought to come equipped with their own marquis, tables and cloths, as well as business cards. It certainly took the event a step above the standard Trash’n'Treasure market.

Having a BBQ at the event was a great idea. They’d even been so thoughtful as to actually have vegetarian/vegan options. This would have been a fantastic idea, were it not for the fact that the vegetarian/vegan options

were being cooked on the same grill, using the same utensils, as the meat. For anyone that’s doing it for strict reasons (i.e. allergies, kashrut, strong moral ideals, etc.) this basically negates any benefit of having the vegetarian options. That being said, the choice of brand for the vege-dogs was particularly good. It would be a good idea on the part of the organisers to get a few other things in perhaps. Desserty type things that either move quickly (i.e. muffins) or keep (those little biscuits in the tubes)… or simply have friends over to eat the remainders. Drinks were also available, although water ran out quickly (if it was there at all – I actually didn’t see any), and whilst some people had brought alcohol, none was being served. A temporary liquor license, and some quality light beers and/or wines, and the organisers could see themselves raking in a nice little windfall from the picnickers alone!

The live music is also another fantastic touch, making this much more of an actual event. Again, due to the limited size of the yard in question, it actually becomes difficult for people if they wish to pay attention to the live act (this time, The Resignators). Live music is a great way to finish off any

event, as anyone that has ever attended one of my DoujiCon events knows, but not so much if only about 10% of the crowd can actually get in, or there are neighbours close by that don’t appreciate the music.

Lastly, I’m actually surprised that there isn’t even basic merchandise or better signage. Considering that a vinly banner can be obtained rather cheaply (or for free if one knows where to look), it would greatly help visibility of the market to non-goths and increase attendance. Whilst there was signage on the streets abutting the market, they were small and placed on the ground. Unless you were already looking for it, one wouldn’t notice them. And this is where the merchandising ties in. Not only is it a great way for the organisers to make a bit of money on what is effecitvely a brand they’ve established here, it’s also a way to spread the word through the goth community, simply as people ask their friends what their Tshirt / Bag / Badge is all about.

For an entirely amateur effort, this isn’t bad, although given that the Black Market has been happening on and off since 2006, one would hope that the organisers would consider ways to improve it each time.

From a Personal Perspective:

I’ve been meaning to go to one of these for a while. Pick up some new (old) clothes, talk to people I only ever see at clubs and maybe actually engage in a real conversation with them without having to scream and say “WHAT?!” every third sentence, and maybe socialise Accel a little.

Veni vidi visa – I came, I saw, I spent.

It was odd how many people I knew were running stalls there, and how few of them were selling things I had any interest in. Ironically, the one stall that had stock I was actually very interested in was run by a guy that I thought I had almost no common ground with, other than being goth… We’re friends (or so I’d like to think), just not the sort that really have anything to talk about – well, turns out I’m wrong and our music tastes are almost identical. And now that he’s without a Thomas the Tank Engine back pack, we can even be seen in public together!

Honestly though, I was very disappointed in the near complete lack of male clothing. What little there was there was either way too small, for the pretty waif boys, or way too large, for the people that need to be reminded that PVC is a privelege. Perhaps the really frustrating thing was the number of women’s garments that I would have fit into. I’ve got nothing against wearing women’s clothing, it’s just that I look terrible in them, and most people avert their eyes. So my wardrobe still remains small, and predominantly first hand.

After shopping was concluded, a picnic by the banks of Merri Creek was had. Being one of “those background people” though, everyone assumed I’d know from the Facebook page, so I turned up with nothing other than a dog that would attempt to steal food from your mouth if he thought you weren’t paying attention. A dog with psychic powers to dominant the minds of lesser mortals… but with the same urges and drives of a dog, so these terrible powers are simply used to coerce complete strangers into feeding him and playing with his ears. I’ll teach him one day.

Perhaps the best part of the day, for me, was getting to talk to a few people about the goth convention idea I’ve had. Honestly, Black Market is substantially closer to the kind of thing I’d like to run than the Blue Moon Festival. Speaking with a few of the marketeers and the attendees, there was a general consensus that this kind of trade wrapped around a number of events, inside an appropriate venue, actually was something they’d be willing to pay for. I guess step 2 is to actually get some polling done, find out what the goths of Melbourne actually want out of this kind of event, etc.

Perhaps the most impressive part was simply seeing a whole bunch of teenagers. The sorts that are still too young to get into clubs. It gives me warm fuzzies when I see actual teenaged goths, isntead of another set of fucking emos. The scene isn’t dying, as so many people fear… it’s just that we’re not reaching out to the kids in the way that seemed so much easier when Marilyn Manson and Anne Rice were at the height of the popularity. We’re going to need to figure out a way of getting them back in, and sadly, repeating music that was controvertial when they were still too young for primary school probably isn’t it.

Simply, I had a great time.

You might also like to read:

1. The Black Market [VIC]

6 Comments »

1. 

   I was one of the ones that had a “trade stall” on the day. I like the market because it is small and quaint. It is run by friends. If you were to move it to the park, it would certainly lose some of it’s appeal. And having gone through the whole permint/liability adventure with Northside Makers, it isn’t as easy as you write!

   But I agree with what you write about seeing teenagers there. My day job is a teacher in an independent school and it was great to see some of my kids rock up with their terrified parents!

   Good luck with the Goth Convention idea .. sing out if you need some support.

   Comment by Margaret @ Konstant Kaos — April 28, 2010 @ 12:15 pm

2. 

   So basically after speaking to people at the black market, you’d like to take the idea of this event, remove what is popular about it ie. its casual, all over the place and run in a backyard, and call it your own so you can make some $$?

   Sweetheart, The Black Market is run by one person, who runs a family business full time and is not an events coordinator like yourself. Even if she was, I doubt she’d care to make TBM any more polished than it currently is. Like I mentioned before, the appeal of the market is the organized chaos and the community atmosphere. If stall holders didn’t like the current set up, they wouldn’t keep coming back, year after year – nor would more attend each time. If attendees want something more organized, in a cosy venue with all the mod cons, then they can go to Worn Wild (which they do… they go to both! *gasp*). Oh yeah, Egofreaky, there’s already an event a whole lot like what you’re planning [ http://www.myspace.com/wornwild ]. Bummer.

   Why are you surprised about signage? Firstly there IS signage, up and down St Georges rd…. secondly, the bloody thing doesn’t need a banner. Curious cats will see the sea of freaks and tents at the end of the street and think either a) ‘do not want’ or b) ‘OOOH! Interesting!’ A banner isn’t going to make much of a difference… but that’s neither here nor there…

   What IS important is that you had a great time – and so did most people! They turn up, see their friends, meet new people, have fun and score a bargain or two… and have done for 4 years. I’ve held a stall at every BM and wouldn’t have the day any other way. The organizer is a wonder woman and does a great job with this event, all the stall holders and the attendees are indebted to her. Signage or not. Needless to say I know your critique on your blog is your prerogative… but it’s mine to disagree. *shrug*

   Comment by fox&hound — April 28, 2010 @ 12:50 pm

3. 

   Indeed! Opinions are wonderful things, because you can actually have several of them on the exact same topic, and some of them can be totally incompatible. Doublethink. It’s like I said at the beginning of the post, I had two trains of thought about Black Market. One as someone that runs events professionally, and one personally.
   I find it odd that you’ve taken umbrage as much of it is really more thoughts on how I’d run an event like that rather than a personal opinion of “ZOMG! That sukd so harc0rez! No 1 shuld evar go!”.
   However, I still think signage could be improved upon. For a start, no one sees tents from the main road, as they’re along the creek bank. All they’re going to see is a bunch of goths wandering about, which more than anything signifies that someone’s having a party or there’s maybe a gig of some kind. Markets that are clearly sign posted get people’s attention, and the non-gawths are still people that are interested in kitsch things, vegan muffins and hard to find Depeche Mode EPs.
   Now, it’s great that someone’s willing to do this out of the goodness of their heart on top of their other commitments. That’s how most grass roots events actually do start out. I run one like that myself, on top of my own business, and a few other hobbies. But it takes surprisingly little time & effort to improve some aspects of an event, they’re things any one can do, and if the people running Black Market care for the advice, I’m happy to hand it out.

   As for the event I intend to run, again, no, not my intention to run another Worn Wild, much in the same way as it’s not my intention to run another Blue Moon. The even I have in mind is more a sub-cultural convention, and it’s an idea I’ve had for the last two years. Something more along the lines of the eGames or Manifest events, but aimed at the back-of-hand-to-forehead set rather than VG or Anime nerds.
   The only thing that’s been holding me back so far has been capital requirements as I haven’t been able to secure grants.

   Comment by Egofreaky — April 28, 2010 @ 4:10 pm

4. 

   I understand that the creator of this event does it with limited assistance and money, and certainly doesn’t charge a packet for stallholders. She largely does it to assist creative types within the alt fashion community. Given this, I think she does a brilliant job for an event that goes from strength to strength.

   In terms of not much male clothing being involved, that is probably an accurate observation, but its the nature of the general Melbourne alt fashion designers that they largely make clothes for females rather than males. If you look at designers at the alt fashion shows like Circa Nocturna and LunaMorph. you will see a lot more female fashion than male.

   Comment by Alt fashion Blogger — April 28, 2010 @ 4:22 pm

5. 

   “it now spills out in the communal ‘garden’ walkthrough path alongside the Merri Creek Reserve”

   There is nothing communal about this area, the entire event is run on private property. Just a little fact you might like to know.

   Another one is that it’s extremely unlikely that the organisers are interested in your advice (I’m confident that I can speak for them, just quietly), in no small part due to it being misguided nonsense and ill informed waffle. Pull your head in and start SUCCESSFULLY running your own events (what exactly are your credentials by the way?) instead of sitting behind your keyboard cluelessly critiquing those that do, then we’ll see how your tune changes. Perhaps people might even start listening to what you have to say without their eyes rolling like a pokie machine on pension day…

   The organisers, dozens of stall holders and hundreds of satisfied shoppers and browsers like The Black Market just the way it is, and especially because of the way it is, hence it’s continued growth and success. It ain’t broke, and it don’t need fixing. Srsly!

   Comment by The Milky Bar Kid — April 29, 2010 @ 4:41 am

6. 
   • Melbourne Anime Festival
   • DoujiCon
   • Numerous weddings, NYE parties & milestone birthdays
   • Over 100 educational sessions
   • Heavy involvement in events that are part of multiple Zine fairs, SupaNova, AVCon, & SMASH
   • A couple academic symposia & some book launches

   I can go on, but I won’t. My point is that I’m not “cluelessly critiquing”. My critique is quite clueful as my events are generally successful in what they set out to achieve.
   One incorrect point does not invalidate my entire critique.

   And again, it’s my own set of opinions. I’m allowed to have it, and voice it, just as much as you are.
   And people are free to pay attention, or not, or simply rant, much as you are.
   That said, I find it ironic that the most controversy I’ve managed to raise here in the last two years is about possible improvements for a trash’n'treasure market.

   Comment by Egofreaky — April 29, 2010 @ 11:35 am

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