[The Haddonfield Slasher]

I don't want to come off the wrong way for saying this, but posts like some of the recent ones seem to put some blame on shoulders of people who purchase rather than build. Was that the original intent of this forum in general at some point in the past, being a DIY haven for haunters? Not everyone has the skill, or the space, or time, to do so much of the wonderful DIY projects that have been shown. I for one, am very envious of a lot of what so many of you can and have accomplished and shown off. But I fall into the category of not having nearly enough time to do much, and in the off-season, I don't have space or a workshop to build or store projects in-progress. But to use the statement that most people are lazy and don't want to build stuff, within a thread just asking about forum activity seems to imply that it's because people are lazy and not DIY'ers and therefore don't frequent a forum for any other reason than for prop building help. There's so much more in this forum as a whole than that, at least as much as I've found, so I can't really agree with the implication that it's a big reason there aren't people on here as often.

Times change, other forums pop up, facebook groups grow in popularity, the pandemic shut down so many in-person things and might have taken the wind out of some sails, and those together would be more along my thoughts as to why there might just be less activity.

I feel this is a fitting topic for me to use for my post on these forums. I'm not a new "haunter", but I just joined this forum today. I've lurked for many years, and I was an avid contributor to that other forum for a long, long time. I'm actually really sad to see the slow down in posts here recently. It's actually delayed my joining by years.

Anyway, there is a lot of truth in your post, CharlzO, but I personally have mixed feelings. I really don't like that DIY haunters look down on those who purchase their props. Those folks have their reasons. They're either not talented enough to make their own stuff, don't have the time, etc. as has been mentioned. I suffer from a little of both. I just appreciate that Halloween is getting more love by the general public which is being proven out by the big box stores focusing on providing more options, although I miss the demise of Gemmy life-sized props. I long for a day when every other house is decorated, regardless of how. I'm tired being one of 2 people in the subdivision who do more than a pumpkin on the front step. I appreciate any and all efforts at decorating for our spooky holiday. Sure, the houses with more customized and homemade stuff will get more of my attention when I stop by in mid-October to appreciate the work of others, but I do stop at homes with store-bought stuff to see how they've decided to arrange things in their yard and appreciate the details. The only ones I won't stop for are the inflatables because you pretty much get the gist by just driving by.

That said, I have to agree with those who comment that almost everything in stores nowadays is crap. Most of it absolutely is. The 12' skellies are cool, but they make no sense to me. I like my yard and decor to have a sense of realism, and to me the 12 ft'ers don't do that. Giants aren't really a part of Halloween lore, so I don't see the logic. Aside from that tho, I found maybe one or two items this year that I wanted. I got the 8ft pumpkin stack from HD despite the cost. It was the only thing this year that I thought would add to my haunt. Aside from things I make myself, instead of the cheap crap at a high price in big box stores, I've been focusing more on Distortions' offerings because I can't build the kind of cool stuff they offer. That doesn't mean I don't add stuff I made myself. I made my cemetery fence, columns, customized lighting, and several props in and out of the house. Here a sample of some props I've made...

I just think it's poor practice and poor manners to look down on others who don't have your specific skill set. It's also a lonely way to live. I personally have the ability to build stuff like columns, and have an artistic ability too, but I can't make a lot of the unique stuff I've seen on forums over the years. I'm also not good with moving props other than maybe adding a wiper or deer motor to something. I won't touch servos, pneumatic, etc. I just don't have the knowledge, but I don't think it takes away from the couple of static props I posted above. Most of my props are static unless I buy something that moves. I have purchased a few deer and wiper motors to try my hand at a few moving props, but haven't had the motivation yet.

Back on topic. I really hope folks start posting here again. I look forward to getting to know the community and enjoying the creations of others.

 

[The Haddonfield Slasher]

People can do what they want, of course, it's their time and their money, but when every house has a 12" skeleton or the same props and the same inflatables, what's the point? If nothing you do stands out, why bother?

I don't disagree with your sentiment in general. My point is that I'd rather have 2 or 3 more houses in my neighborhood completely decked out with commercial type stuff including the 12 ft skeletons than to be one of only 2 houses that decorate at all.

I could say the same about the other house in my neighborhood regarding how he decorates. I find his stuff barely Halloween. He decorates completely Nightmare Before Christmas. I know the movie is pretty popular, but I never did like it and I find it more Christmas than Halloween. But that's all he does, plus 6 or 7 tombstones. This year I guess he's doing an electronic light display of some kind. He just told me about it, but it's not ready yet. Again, not my taste, but at least he decorates for the holiday. I appreciate that more than anything.

If folks like the holiday, but don't have the talent to build their own stuff, I say go ahead and spend your money on those commercial products and have fun. Hopefully they do a good enough job with common decorations to make it interesting.

 

[The Haddonfield Slasher]

Yeah, I agree. I understand the desire for trunk or treat from a safety standpoint, but it makes me sad. The most ToTs I've gotten was about 200, and the least was 45 the year it snowed Halloween morning. Not sure why that kept kids away, but it made for some really cool pics though and a TON of leftover candy 🤣...

 

[The Haddonfield Slasher]

I really do understand.

Two years ago I had a lady stop her car in front of my house and yelling from her car asking, "You givin' away free candy!?" Ten minutes later she returned with a car load of kids, who at least were wearing some semblance of costume.

Last year I had four kids come to my house. My roommate's girlfriend's two kids and their two friends. They were really impressed with my display, but still jacked my candy bowl when my back was turned.

One year, I had one sole ToT. Well, technically there were three, but his parents brought him over because he was less than a year old.

Anywho... I understand.

But...

I don't do it for anyone but myself. I'd really miss it, should I not put out something.

I hope you reconsider, and do something just for you.

Happy Haunting!

I'm the same way. I do my decorations for me mostly, but love when others enjoy them too. I love going outside while they're out and absorbing the atmosphere. I enjoy the spooky setting, and since COVID the new tradition is for my family come over on Halloween night after dark and we all sit around my propane turbo heater in the driveway. 😁

 

[The Haddonfield Slasher]

My record in this house is maybe twelve. Sad, I know. I live in the 'hood. Adjacent to a more affluent neighborhood called Ardmore. A.k.a. the neighborhood that gives out full size candy bars.

It hasn't happened... Yet. But I always hold a bit of fear that my display will be vandalized or the props stolen.

I used to have a vanity plate on my truck that read: Z0MB13, and it was stolen a week before Halloween a few years ago.

Anyway, I don't usually have to buy a lot of candy which is a good thing. 🤣

Yikes! 12 ToT on the high end is a rough. Sorry about that. I know you decorate for yourself as I do, but I know I'd be a little disappointed if no one else really saw my display at all. I mean, that's part of the point of decorating outside instead of just inside.

By chance, I found another way of possibly increasing traffic to see my display. When searching home haunts in the area to go see myself, I came across a website that lists home haunts for parents who want to take their kids to see people's decorations. I submitted my address to the website and it's listed there now. I don't know if it will increase traffic by 1 person, or 100. I don't see how it could hurt though. 😁 Maybe you could find something online that would allow you to do the same? Maybe?

That license plate is pretty excellent! Although I wouldn't steal it, I can see why somebody less than honest would want it. 😁