PMC Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 (edited) Near my house there is this toy and train museum and in their parking lot there is a train caboose, and when I drove by it over the Christmas Holiday it was just sitting there in the darkl I thought how cool of an attraction that would be to "light that thing up" I have a spare 16 channel controller, and it would be easy to string some lights all over it, I know the owner of the business can't afford to do this (or know how), and I really don't want any signage or advertising or money for itOne thing I'm considering is using my 14 CCR's and 2 CCP's and string that train up, I could sequence music from the Polar Express, Boogie-Woogie Choo-Choo trainso my question is..... Would You Do Lights on a Train Caboose? Edited January 16, 2013 by PMC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LORi P Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 (edited) I have a hard enough time getting my own display up, but if you have the time, extra equipment and drive, I say approach the owner about it.I think it would draw a lot of interest to his museum!Edit: ....and while you are at it, you could make the musem a better website! Edited January 16, 2013 by LORi P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMC Posted January 16, 2013 Author Share Posted January 16, 2013 (edited) well, I got an email from somebody who had this to say (they didn't post because of their reply could come off as harsh), "It's a business, and its your hard work, don't give anything away for free, do you think they would give you something for nothing? unless you can get something in return, in either cash or promotion for your own light show they get nothing!. I would suggest you send him/her an email with what you can do to generate interest in his/her business during the holiday season, if they have any sense at all they would take you up on the offer and work with you, if it does work and he gets business, what do you end up with? nothing and for what,being nice? while they cash the check. What you offer is nice if it was for a non-profit business, but this isn't so sell your display like it was a business, you might as well go to McDonald's and sell it to them too" Edited January 16, 2013 by PMC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheJackal Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 (edited) It is your time, effort and equipment. Maybe you want something or not. If you're willing to make the offer as a gesture of Christmas spirit (something that sometimes gets lost), then more power to you.In the end, you need to ask yourself 'Do I want to do this to get something in return, to help a local business owner or just because I WANT to?'Wish you luck in your decisionED Edited January 16, 2013 by TheJackal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 (edited) well, I got an email from somebody who had this to say (they didn't post because of their reply could come off as harsh), "It's a business, and its your hard work, don't give anything away for free, do you think they would give you something for nothing? unless you can get something in return, in either cash or promotion for your own light show they get nothing!. I would suggest you send him/her an email with what you can do to generate interest in his/her business during the holiday season, if they have any sense at all they would take you up on the offer and work with you, if it does work and he gets business, what do you end up with? nothing and for what,being nice? while they cash the check. What you offer is nice if it was for a non-profit business, but this isn't so sell your display like it was a business, you might as well go to McDonald's and sell it to them too"I say DO IT for free!!! This past year I put two light shows together on two different houses (432 channels on one and 96 on the other)...neither one was my house....I have no qualms about people making money off their work...but does not sound like this is case for you...especially since it is/was you approaching him about it...not the other way around.Spread your Christmas Cheer...it's better to give than receive...especially at Christmas... Edited January 16, 2013 by jimswinder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CKSedg Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 There is nothing wrong with helping people out for free. I am impressed with your willingness to help the museum. We don't have to be compensated for everything we do, even Christmas lights! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobschm Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 If you collect payment for your display, you will also collect any complaints or criticisms for it. e.g."Can't you put more red lights on it? I don't like that song. " etc etc. I vote for keeping it a charity work, but of course if they want to give you free admission or a gift card for the shop... You could also frame it as an experiment. You just want to see how it would look...free of charge this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I think it is a great gesture on your part. Hate to be the wet towel but I just want you to think about a few things. First, how are you going to handle any lost, stolen or damage equipment of yours? What if your equipment should cause damage to the caboose? Or any electrical shock to someone?On the surface this sounds great and if it was close to me, I would surely come by to see it. But in this "I'll sue you" society we live in. Ya better CYA before sticking your neck out in this great gesture of yours.dang that was not only wet, but a cold towel, Sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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