10/25 Frag Swap attendee feedback

[MichaelB]

We will follow suit similar to the prior frag swap. Asking members to share feedback, suggestions, general observations or ideas for future frag swaps.

This isn't a place to bash or single anyone out in a negative manner. However if someone did something amazing or was helpful feel free to brag on them here!!!

 

[MichaelB]

My personal feedback

Attendance was noticeably down by at least 20-30% compared to the prior swap. However I left the swap feeling that it was most definitely worth the effort and look forward to future swaps!

I had a awesome time huge thanks to all those that volunteered ahead of time, in addition to those who just showed up and started helping out. It was wonderful meeting all of the newer club members and catching up with old and familiar one.

Thanks again for all the help it made things go smoothly, not once didn't I get a headache or have to worry about anything todaym cheers to a awesome club thanks, Michael

 

[Vincerama2]

I thought it went great, once I went to the correct Ohlone College. I mean serously, what are the chances that there are two Ohlone Colleges and both have a parking lot d.

I thought we used to have “sandwich board” event signs? I found that quite a few people were at first confused as to where the entrance was. The small Bar signs with arrows were helpful but maybe the BAR colors or a picture of the clownfish logo would be more noticeable? Just a thought!

Great job to Michael and his helpful daughter!

I think the rsvp poll was good and maybe it would have helped gauge the pizza amount?


Thanks to the sponsors for the raffle too!

Maybe we should give one free raffle ticket to each attendee as a door prize for a limited selection of the sponsor prizes?


V

 

[Alexander1312]

I tend to be quickly critical if being asked (cultural and professional background), but nothing here that would justify this in any way.

A Huge Thank You to all volunteers and for Micheal leading this event.

Clownvan was an outstanding moderator!

Food was very well organized.

I have not been to this location but it felt to be the best location yet.

Still, the attendance was indeed super low - in line with our forum engagement.

Probably needs another feedback request for all those who did not attend.

Is the location not ideal for the majority of our members?

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

I wasn’t able to attend, but a big THANK YOU to @MichaelB for putting this all together! I know a lot of time, effort, and planning goes into making these events happen.

One idea to help boost attendance would be to open the next frag swap to the public and start planning at least 3 - 4 months in advance. That would give us more time to promote it and build excitement with fragging and frag plug making workshops leading up to the event. We could also consider using club funds to purchase some more desirable corals to frag for the swap.

I’ve also noticed that the same members consistently step up to help, HUGE thank you as well! Maybe a dedicated Frag Swap Committee, separate from the BOD, could help bring in more volunteers and help MichaelB spread out the workload. There may be members who aren’t interested in a board position but would be happy to help plan and run frag swaps.

Also I think a separate Frag Swap sub forum is needed to keep all the frag swap related posts in one place.

 

[Michael Hans]

I tend to be quickly critical if being asked (cultural and professional background), but nothing here that would justify this in any way.

A Huge Thank You to all volunteers and for Micheal leading this event.

Clownvan was an outstanding moderator!

Food was very well organized.

I have not been to this location but it felt to be the best location yet.

Still, the attendance was indeed super low - in line with our forum engagement.

Probably needs another feedback request for all those who did not attend.

Is the location not ideal for the majority of our members?

I agree it was my favorite location. Not sure why attendance was so low, but I loved the coral selection and had a great time catching up with members.

 

[Apon]

Nice job to Michael and volunteers. It was a small and calm event. No yelling for anything but maybe because I was not announcing this time. I think volunteers should be defaulted to group 1 or at least get 1 special round for volunteer picks. No complaints.

 

[Alexander1312]

Nice job to Michael and volunteers. It was a small and calm event. No yelling for anything but maybe because I was not announcing this time. I think volunteers should be defaulted to group 1 or at least get 1 special round for volunteer picks. No complaints.

Great idea.

 

[spuri87]

shoutout to @MichaelB and all the volunteers who made this happen.. I missed seeing a lot of familiar faces this time round, but was refreshing to see so many new faces who chose to join BAR recently.

Shoutout to @clownvan for being a great announcer.. his calmness and humor spreads positive vibes all around.. well done!

I also want to give a shoutout to @Finnaddict .. When I reached there at around 11AM, the frag tables looked kinda full already.. When I checked what's up for grabs on those tables, I realized 75% of those frags were from 1 person - @Finnaddict .. It requires dedication and a lot of effort to frag so many corals, print labels, pack them and bring them to the swap, as my wife would tell you who wasnt happy I spent so much time doing this on a Saturday (for only handful frags compared to what Finn brought).. I am sure there wasn't one person who attended the swap and went home without a frag from Finn's tank.. Really appreciate the effort you put in swap after swap!

 

[Finnaddict]

shoutout to @MichaelB and all the volunteers who made this happen.. I missed seeing a lot of familiar faces this time round, but was refreshing to see so many new faces who chose to join BAR recently.

Shoutout to @clownvan for being a great announcer.. his calmness and humor spreads positive vibes all around.. well done!

I also want to give a shoutout to @Finnaddict .. When I reached there at around 11AM, the frag tables looked kinda full already.. When I checked what's up for grabs on those tables, I realized 75% of those frags were from 1 person - @Finnaddict .. It requires dedication and a lot of effort to frag so many corals, print labels, pack them and bring them to the swap, as my wife would tell you who wasnt happy I spent so much time doing this on a Saturday (for only handful frags compared to what Finn brought).. I am sure there wasn't one person who attended the swap and went home without a frag from Finn's tank.. Really appreciate the effort you put in swap after swap!

Thank You!

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

Also BIG shout to @Greg Owen for reaching out to sponsors to donate some of the raffle prizes!

 

[Vincerama2]

Oh yeah one more thing... we used to sell club shirts and tubes of IC Gel cyanoacrylate glue and whatever little things as a bit of a club fundraiser at the swaps. Not sure who in the past made up T-shirts and stuff. Wearing the shirts is kind of fun to show membership in the club.

But thanks MichaelB for organizing and getting all the cupcakes and stuff!

V

 

[BAYMAC]

Oh yeah one more thing... we used to sell club shirts and tubes of IC Gel cyanoacrylate glue and whatever little things as a bit of a club fundraiser at the swaps. Not sure who in the past made up T-shirts and stuff. Wearing the shirts is kind of fun to show membership in the club.

But thanks MichaelB for organizing and getting all the cupcakes and stuff!

V

T-shirts are sold direct from the printer now. That way the club isn't stuck with sizes no one wants.

Thread 'NOW OPEN: Bay Area Reefers swag store'

Apr 25, 2025

Hey BAR ready to get your swag on?!?!
You asked for it so we are delivering! The new Bay Area Reefers Swag Store is now live with more shirts, hoodies, sweaters, jacket, mugs, hats and more.....click the link below to check it out.

A few FYI and updates from previous requests:
1. 100% cotton shirts are now available in Classic, Tall Classic, Classic Long Sleeve and Allmade Organic Cotton. Also check out the cool tie dye shirt!
2. Rainbow logo design shirts now available.
3. Tall shirts now available.
4. Women and Youth shirts now available.
5. BAR is not making any profit...

• SupraSaltyReefer
• Replies: 56
• Forum: Social Media

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[SupraSaltyReefer]

Oh yeah one more thing... we used to sell club shirts.....

We have moved the club shirts to the BAR Swag store via the Bonfire print on demand website. This makes it easier for members to have more selection, delivered to your door, and allows more customization of designs and apparel choices. Also, makes it easier for BAR so funds aren't tied up in a box of shirts and no one has to store the box of shirts. Let me know if there is anything specific you are looking for.

Bay Area Reefers | Official Bay Area Reefers Merchandise | Bonfire

The primary purpose of BAR is to promote, foster & encourage education & appreciation for the ethical husbandry and propagation of marine life.

www.bonfire.com

 

[Vincerama2]

OK cool! But I stand by the IC Gel glue! It IS a frag trade after all!

V

 

[BAYMAC]

OK cool! But I stand by the IC Gel glue! It IS a frag trade after all!

V

This is where we got it from: https://www.bsi-inc.com/

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

OK cool! But I stand by the IC Gel glue! It IS a frag trade after all!

V

I use Dollar Tree or Harbor Freight gel glue. I prefer the smaller tubes.

 

[Greg Owen]

I use Dollar Tree or Harbor Freight gel glue. I prefer the smaller tubes.

you can also get BSI at any local hobby shop. usually better prices than lfs have

 

[BAYMAC]

you can also get BSI at any local hobby shop. usually better prices than lfs have

You used to be able to get it cheaper from BAR then anywhere else

 

[gmdcdvm]

My only complaint is they keep getting schedule on the one weekend I work every month. Hahahah. Bummed I missed another one.