PyratePhil Posted May 29, 2006 Posted May 29, 2006 Hopefully someone here can answer this question that just popped into my head the other day... Does anyone either KNOW or can figure out a way to ESTIMATE how many people are re-enactors AND fantasy pyrates? Failing any firm numbers, I'd be happy to entertain guesses! I'm primarily interested in world-wide numbers, but one country at a time is fine (given the location and membership of this board (just shy of 3,000 - WOW!), I'd expect the most guesses / facts for the US, but I AM very interested in global figures. Thanks for any and all comments / ideas. ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
DocF225 Posted May 31, 2006 Posted May 31, 2006 I would think that if you were able to get firm attendance numbers for the various Pyrate Fests like PIP and others. Figure in a percentage of duplicate attendees (those who attend more than one fest). You'd be close. Might add in those who frequent the various Renn Faires and SCA types to round out the numbers. But since there's no actual "International Federation of Pyrate Portrayers" from which to glean membership numbers, I think the best you could do is a solid estimate. Doc Wiseman - Ship's Physician, Stur.. er... Surgeon Extrodinaire and general scoundrel. Reluctant Temporary Commander of Finnegan's Wake Piracy- Hostile Takeover without the Messy Paperwork We're not Pirates; we're independent maritime property redistribution specialists. Member in good standing Persian Gulf Yacht Club, Gulf of Sidra Yacht Club and the Greater Beruit Rod & Gun Club.
PyratePhil Posted May 31, 2006 Author Posted May 31, 2006 Hmmm...I undestand the logic of counting the attendees at fests and such, but what percentage of the total are actually going to these, as opposed to the ones that stay home, leading quiet lives of pyratical desperation? Just as there are lurkers on the boards, I'm sure there are "closet pyrates" out there. But you're right, Doc - it would be an excellent place to start. See, I'm trying to hatch the germ of an idea - you know the "Dummies" and "Idiots" line of books? I'm wondering if there's enough of an audience among re-enactors, dress-ups, stay-at-homes, and the just plain curious to sell a proposal. Something tells me the numbers won't be anywhere near enough...although I can't for the life of me imagine how "Baby Massage for Dummies" has a much larger audience...I've massaged babies, too...but they keep falling through the little hole in the head rest on the massage table... ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
DocF225 Posted May 31, 2006 Posted May 31, 2006 Hadn't thought about "Closet Swashbucklers" . I know there are a bunch of Pirate Wargamers out there as well. Doc Wiseman - Ship's Physician, Stur.. er... Surgeon Extrodinaire and general scoundrel. Reluctant Temporary Commander of Finnegan's Wake Piracy- Hostile Takeover without the Messy Paperwork We're not Pirates; we're independent maritime property redistribution specialists. Member in good standing Persian Gulf Yacht Club, Gulf of Sidra Yacht Club and the Greater Beruit Rod & Gun Club.
PyratePhil Posted May 31, 2006 Author Posted May 31, 2006 Ah, see? I didn't even think of the wargamers...thanks! Closet Swashbucklers - ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
Sir Eric Posted May 31, 2006 Posted May 31, 2006 Y'know, when we host pirate nights on the river boat in Omaha, it's amazing how many people come out in costume or garb. We had about 250 or so of them last time, and they really go all out... in fact some of the patrons looked better than us! (LOL) It was obvious that many of them did NOT simply rent a costume or stop by Nobbies on the way to the boat. I'd guess that in our last crowd of 250 there were at least 25 or 30 closet pyrates who only garb when they know they have numbers. NOAH: Wow... the whole world flooded in just less than a month, and us the only survivors! Hey... is that another... do you see another boat out there? Wait a minute... is that a... that's... are you seeing a skull and crossbones on that flag? Ministry of Petty Offenses
PyratePhil Posted May 31, 2006 Author Posted May 31, 2006 Wow - I think that's more than the entire population of my town... Thanks for the info, Sir Eric - you can be sure I'm writing this all down. I think my brain will hurt if and when I get to the proposal stage, but it's a good start! One other thing occured to me - it's highly probable that I would need a lot of help on resources, quotes, experts, etc...luckily, I'm already in probably the best place to get it all... ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
PyratePhil Posted May 31, 2006 Author Posted May 31, 2006 Sigh... There's already a "Complete Idiot's Guide to Pirates", but there's no "Pirates For Dummies" one... ...and Wiley (the publisher of "Dummies") only accepts proposals from agents, even if you're already a published author. Grrr..... ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
Rumba Rue Posted May 31, 2006 Posted May 31, 2006 Actually that's not true, Wiley the publisher for those Dummies books, came to Gail and asked her to write the book. Well ok, she's done a number of presentations regarding pirates here and there, and she wrote a bodice ripper years ago (now out of print), but still she was asked, she didn't ask them.
PyratePhil Posted May 31, 2006 Author Posted May 31, 2006 Interesting - the same thing happened to me on my last book... Thanks for the info, Rumba - seems that like always, there're the written AND unwritten rules. I know "Dummies" and "Idiots" compete a bit with each other... Ehh...maybe I'll just stick with what I know... ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
oderlesseye Posted June 1, 2006 Posted June 1, 2006 at least there ain't no competition between pyrates and nijas. Pirates/pyrates Rule! http://www.myspace.com/oderlesseyehttp://www.facebook....esseye?ref=nameHangin at Execution dock awaits. May yer Life be a long and joyous adventure in gettin there!As he was about to face the gallows there, the pirate is said to have tossed a sheaf of papers into the crowd, taunting his audience with these final words: "My treasure to he who can understand."
lady snow Posted June 5, 2006 Posted June 5, 2006 and let us not forget the PIE RATS! eh, pphil????? ~snow with faith, trust and pixiedust, everything is possible if it be tourist season, why can't we shoot them? IWG #3057 - Local 9 emmf steel rose player - bella donna, 2005 improv cast member and dance instructor - fort tryon medieval festival lady neige - midsummer renaissance faire
Kidd Dread Posted June 5, 2006 Posted June 5, 2006 well, i know there be pyrates about who wont be counted. at me place of contract there are closet pyrates about... i seen them, smelled them and i even like one! she's a damn pyrate! once during a chat she said: i like the name "dread" (it is what she calls me). and so i said: well, we can get you a pyrate name if ya like... she smiled and said: you may call me red anne flint! shiver me timbers, she already has a name! damn pyrates are everywhere! in numbers, hidden, blending in with the crowds.... unlike those guys in the black pijamas! ...up close and personal means one of two things: You are either waking up with me in the morn or I am the last face you will ever see...</span>
PyratePhil Posted June 6, 2006 Author Posted June 6, 2006 As Vulcan Rider says to Man With No Teeth... "Faith...there are more of us than you know"... ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
Coastie04 Posted June 6, 2006 Posted June 6, 2006 And then there are those pirates who just simply don't have the means to get to a festival. I'm in the Coast Guard and stationed in Alaska. Heck, a plane ticket just to Seattle costs over $500! However, I do know of at least three pirates in the Sitka area (besides me). Two have converted their house into a complete pirate theme. They live on Pirate Lane and also own 'Smuggler's Cove Storage' and have authentic Russian 19th Century cannons outside their house. I was fortunate enough to get a tour, and anybody who ever saw it would be completely floored by the work that's gone into it. It's more fantasy piracy, but even hardcore reinactors would appreciate the style. The other pirate lives on his own island near town. I met him at the local sushi place on just another normal day, and he was wearing pirate garb. Again, not really historical, but there was no doubt what he was. I pointed him in the way of this pub, but he's probably one of the non-member lurkers in the darkness. Unfortunately, I haven't seen him around lately. But, that's all in a little isolated town in Alaska, and I'm sure some of the local fishermen probably have piratical ways. There's also a slew of 'outlaw cabins' that can provide outstanding hideouts in the wilderness. Coastie She was bigger and faster when under full sail With a gale on the beam and the seas o'er the rail
Arthur Richards from Kent Posted June 6, 2006 Posted June 6, 2006 last year the number 1240 sticks in my brain as the number of in costume pirates all at the pirate festival in Ojai on Lake Cassitas. Thats one day Saturday! Just one event now I don't know about all of you but it is suppose to get really close to doubling this year! Anyway you said I can throw out a number so how is this one? 64,315 worldwide pirates! Touch somebody you don't know today with a smile.
PyratePhil Posted June 6, 2006 Author Posted June 6, 2006 Coastie - that's SO cool! Wish I could see that myself...as you say, if that's just in Sitka, the possible number of pyrates just in the US is staggering... Anyway you said I can throw out a number so how is this one? 64,315 worldwide pirates! I like it! A good, firm, upstanding number...with a delicate nose, yet offering a presumptuous bouquet... ...Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum... ~ Vegetius
Arthur Richards from Kent Posted June 6, 2006 Posted June 6, 2006 thanks it had a nice ring to it too! Touch somebody you don't know today with a smile.
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