Eye of The Storm: Build it Up!

How you can build a scene for yourself

So in speaking with some people, and of course, seeing things for myself. I tend to get to thinking about certain things. Instead of just keeping to myself, I figured I can give you a look into my mind’s eye so to speak.

Something that a lot of people want to know is how you can build a scene if you have none. There is no one single answer to that. I can at least provide you with a bit of advice from experience in regards to that. Naturally there are more intricate steps involved. But like I said, there is no one single way to get things in order. You’ll have to find a way.

Find Players

This is probably the most obvious thing. You want to find players somehow. What game(s) do you play? What is the furthest you can travel? Are you able to have people over yourself? Nowadays it’s a lot simpler than being at a game store or arcade and hoping to strike up a conversation with someone in regards to what you play. Granted, those methods do still work. But you don’t have to be restricted to the old ways. With sites like Dustloop, SRK, Homing Cancel, 8wayrun, Smashboards, and more. You can easily make a post and find others near your area. Not only that, you can find those willing to travel much easier as well.

Recruit help

Surely you’ve tried this, but it doesn’t hurt to mention it. Have you tried any of your friends? Try sitting down with them and helping them improve. It takes a lot of time, but at the very least; you’ll have something to look forward to eventually. Patience is probably one of the biggest keys. The other thing, is that they may very well know or have met someone that plays as well. It doesn’t hurt to ask around.

Build a rapport

Make a name for yourself with those you meet. Try playing online or find some other method. Talk to them through the forums or other social media. Share ideas, learn, and improve. People will take away impressions from you beforehand, so be sure to get yourself a good reputation. It doesn’t hurt to post videos of your matches or perhaps a combo or something along those lines. Give people a reason to want to play you. You don’t always have to be GOOD to get a good reputation.

“This will take work, and be tiring. The end result is that you’re making a scene, so it’ll be worth the effort.”

Find a venue and/or go to/host a session

While the former might be a bit more difficult the latter might be somewhat easier. It’s all about availability. If you can’t quite find a venue for tournaments or anything; then hosting a session might be the next best thing. At the very least, go to a session. This is all tends to go hand-in-hand with getting that reputation of yours going. The key to building your community is to give people a reason to continue playing. In the mean time, look for places that might want to run a tournament. Offer to run it for them if you can. Some places, like a rec center, are willing to let people use the space for a certain period of time. That could be all you need for now.

Learn and advertise:

Well, no matter what you do once you’ve found a venue: you’re going to want to advertise, this takes effort. While you’re doing this, take the time to learn other things about getting an event together. Put up flyers, advertise on the forums, on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Be sure to talk to people as well. You might just run into someone who is interested. Find ways to build up the excitement to your event. Whether your event is a serious tournament, a free one, or even just a session. You want to grab people’s attention. This will take work, and be tiring. The end result is that you’re making a scene, so it’ll be worth the effort.

Don’t give up/Learn to adapt:

Your first event may only net a few people. The important thing is not to give up. Have fun with who shows up. They may go back and bring more people with them next time. There are times when people are unsure. You may find out the opposite as well. Your event may net more than you expected. Again, have fun, and enjoy it. Not every single session will go how you want it, but keep on trying.

Also keep in mind that not every player will be friendly. Nor will every player be an easy-going player, they might be a diva, or just more emotional than most. Learn to adapt and roll with the flow. The biggest part is try to accommodate what dates work for most so you can have optimal attendance. Keep track of your regulars, and those who you know will show. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I can’t stress this enough.

This is especially if your events get bigger and bigger. It is imperative that you enlist help for the sake of everyone there.

Maintain communication

Talk to regulars, newcomers, venue owners, and those you meet at other tournaments and sessions. Advertise! Don’t be afraid to talk to that top player if they’re within a reasonable distance. Sometimes they enjoy just playing.

 

I hope that this provides some help in getting a scene started for your area. It’s a tough road, and can take a long time. In some cases, it may even take years. The key is to keep at it, and make the proper adjustments. Having fun is the most important aspect of it all, though.

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