Improving Your Impression: Not About Money: by Paul Calloway

[CJDaley]

Never Mind.

[1stMaine]

Chris,

Perhaps I should have been clearer in my post. I wasn't talking about you, or Nick, or other sutlers who try and produce top-shelf items. Items based upon research that is never fully recouped by your sales.

My comments were directed at those who set up an account with some of the "offshore" makers, shall we say, and who view those wares as "close enough". They base their entire business plan on low-cost high-profit volume sales regardless of the historical accuracy of the items. They don't really sell reproductions so much as costumes.

One example of this was seen recently on ebay, where a fellow was selling a CD full of "how-to's on becoming a civil war period sutler. It was chock full of contacts for India and Pakistan businesses, and lots of advice on how to maximise profits through volume sales online and at mega-events of deeply-discounted items, especially "get you started" sets for under $250.00! It listed how to get other sutlers price lists to comparison shop and mark your items accordingly, etc. Needless to say, it was a classic example of teaching someone how to make a small fortune by starting with a large one

I attended a lecture once by Mr. Niemann of the Niemann-Marcus company. He opined, accurately, that anyone who goes into business to make a profit is doomed to failure. The ones who succeed are those who go into business to produce an item or service for which people are willing to pay you a profit.

That's where you and Nick and Dan and Scott and the others part ways with the mainstream sutlers. You are making an item, and providing a service, for which I and others are willing to pay you a profit to acquire. Those "other" folks are selling whatever sells regardless of accuracy, quality, etc.

If you have taken offence at my posting, then I apologise, because none was intended nor implied. My comments were directed at a specific type of sutlery, one which values profit above all else.

Respects,

[CJDaley]

If you have taken offence at my posting, then I apologise, because none was intended nor implied. My comments were directed at a specific type of sutlery, one which values profit above all else.

No need for an apology. I think you were very clear about who you were talking about and I didn't take offense. I also think our hobby's small business people (AC Approved or not) do value other things besides profit.

[Fenianboy]

Nick,You nailed an important point with the word "consistant" What separates the pro's from the "wanna be's" the tailors,artisans and historic clothiers from the "missing the mark" set is consistant quality.When I buy an item I am pleased with and can tell a pard, my brother or anyone who admires it where they can get one with worrying about the quality not being there I am pleased and a customer.With much of the foriegn stuff it is a gamble each time you open the box.I'll take consistant quality from you,Chris Daley, Chris Sullivan et al than a "bargain from abroad" Bud Scully 13th Nj and 69th NY

[Randy]

Guys,

Thought I'd post this inquiry here: Would it be authentic for a Federal private to use two shelter halves made into a horse collar and tied together at the ends to make a blanket roll? I don't think I've ever noticed this in any period photo of soldiers in the field but I'm wondering why not. It would be convenient and common, would it not, for a soldier to acquire a second shelter half and just use them as a blanket roll in lieu of a blanket, especially in the spring and summer? I mean, wouldn't a Federal soldier have tried to hang onto his tent half for just such a purpose? I'd appreciate any info you might have.

[CAWallis]

Guys,

Thought I'd post this inquiry here: Would it be authentic for a Federal private to use two shelter halves made into a horse collar and tied together at the ends to make a blanket roll? I don't think I've ever noticed this in any period photo of soldiers in the field but I'm wondering why not. It would be convenient and common, would it not, for a soldier to acquire a second shelter half and just use them as a blanket roll in lieu of a blanket, especially in the spring and summer? I mean, wouldn't a Federal soldier have tried to hang onto his tent half for just such a purpose? I'd appreciate any info you might have.

Mr. Valle,

As a lurker/casual observer to the site, and one who has experienced more than one time period over the years, might I respectfully point out the slippery slope upon which you are beginning to tread? Logic and circumstances in today's world allow for things which were not available in what simply was an illogical time/place.

While it might have been optimal for Billy Yank to acquire an extra shelter half, the evidence...which you state...does not appear to support such a conclusion.

I will, however, await a more enlightened response from those more educated on the subject than I.

Warmest regards,

[Drygoods]

Two things I would like to point out....

Success isn't measured by your bank account balance. You may do a fantastic job with your trade, and that in itself is enough. The small businessman may run rings around the big tents in quality, reputation, and show the better character.

The second thing that I noticed missing in some of the responses is that sometimes your friends may not want you to improve yourself. I heard some months ago a woman telling her friend that she could do her impression 'good enough' by just taking shortcuts. This was after I had heard an expert lecture on how to improve your impression. Why would someone discourage a friend to improve? Basically I think a certain part of vanity comes into the picture and the friend doesn't want to be left behind looking like a farb. Yes, perhaps mainstreamers don't want their friends to become hardcore authentics and be left alone in the Coleman camp. Thank heaven we have sites that encourage discussion and thought to make us think on our own, improving all the while.

Thank you Mr. Calloway for an excellent editorial.

[61' reb]

I would like to note that how a person improves their impression has a lot to do with their own personal attitude as well. I mean as progressive's, how many new reenactors have we talked to on the phone explaining where to buy their gear from and it never fails that some newbie will say "aw heck man, why do i need to spend $150 on a pair of brogans when i can get a pair at mainstream sutler for $100 and spend the other fifty on some hat brass and non necessary haversack stuffers?" Seems like most new people that try to get into the hardcore side of the hobby seem to try to impress you with the amount of stuff they know and no matter what you tell them, it seems like some just want to do things that they want to do, not the things that are correct.

Like i said alot of how newbies improve their impression just depends on their attitude of wanting to learn or having the attitude of "knowing it all and that you can't learn anymore."

Of course to, as Mr. Calloway has stated, it seems a scary fact that some people are calling this "tammy" and asking for advice on authenticity when she has never been to an event.

[Randy]

Anyone esle with info about whether or not soldiers used a rolled up shelter half as a blanket roll?

[Pat.Lewis]

Anyone esle with info about whether or not soldiers used a rolled up shelter half as a blanket roll?

I personally don't have any evidence to either confirm or deny your hypothesis. I do, however, suspect that a lack of responses to your question may be due to where it was posted. This is a thread for discussing the opinions in Paul's article.

Perhaps you would be better served starting a new thread in the Camp of Instruction or Research Discussion folders.