Thread: What a waste of time

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Well, that was a complete bust. Don't think I'll bother next year.
I can't continue to do this and then not even enjoy it in the slightest.
So many factors contributed to this whole thing being nothing but a grueling, horrendous experience that I doubt I could even list them all. And on top of everything else, IT SNOWED!!! My entire graveyard has a thick layer of snow on it....talk about a buzz-kill!!
There's a dude down the road who bought the old funeral home, and he's right on the main road through town. He hosted his own haunt, with around 25 volunteers as actors. It was really quite good, especially for his 1st year, but with his location (and obvious budget), well....let's just say there's no point in trying to attract anyone to my own haunt. This was self-evident last night.

So, all in all, a totally miserable experience. I'm not interested in repeating it.
You folks have all been wonderful and generous with your time, assistance, and encouragement. I may be around once in awhile just to see what your talents are producing, but for me the game is over.

Thanks to one and all, and keep on haunting.

I'm so sorry you wont be doing your own haunts anymore. Maybe you can help the guy you mentioned. Volunteer to be an actor so you can enjoy it without the pressure.

That sucks. Sometimes it does not matter what you do. Location is everything. Unless you move, it probably won't get any better.

Personally I would drive miles to see good yard haunts, but some people will not even cross one busy street. I don't get it.

Maybe the fever will hit you again next year.

You know, last year I felt the same way as you do right now. Needless to say, this was my first Halloween in about 22 years that I didn't do anything. I walked around with my wife and we took our son trick or treating. Where we live there is one whole street that is blocked off and all the houses go all out. I should have recorded it but I wasn't thinking. I'm sure you all would have loved it! Anyhow, by walking around the city and seeing so many people celebrating Halloween made me realize just how much I love doing what I usually do. Last year, I had around a dozen tot's, needless to say out of all the work I had done I was crushed. Then just a couple of weeks ago it hit me as to why I was losing so many of them. For so many years now, since all my friends have went their seperate ways and have stopped helping me, I haven't really did anything new. It's always been throwing up black sheeting on the porch and pretty much doing the same thing which always ended with chasing the kids down the street with the chainsaw. Granted, it's a great effect but even that won't bring back the tot's if nothing new is ever added. I'm not saying that's your problem but I truly believe that's been mine. I hate to see someone lose interest in their passion. I would suggest thinking about what you can do to get noticed again

Originally Posted by LadyRohan

I'm so sorry you wont be doing your own haunts anymore. Maybe you can help the guy you mentioned. Volunteer to be an actor so you can enjoy it without the pressure.

This is an excellent idea!

I think everyone here has had moments of doubt, disgust & just sheer boredom & hatred for various reasons. Some because of vandals, some get that Jack Skellington feeling, that I've-done-it-for-so-long-it's-old-hat-&-repetitive, some just give up, some cut back, some take a break.

Taking a forced break, moved into a basement apt. & had no room or place to do anything for about 3 years, was the best thing that happened to me.

You've got a year to think about it all, take a break & see how you feel next Oct. It's not the end of the world if you have to stop or cut back or work for someone else.

I agree with maybe offering your services. When one door closes, another one opens. This could be a whole new opertunity for you.

You'll be back.

I don't know, but if you get mad or frustrated about your haunt, it's time to step back, and decide WHO you are making it for.

I create my haunt for me, and take joy in involving my teen grandchildren, who still enjoy scaring people! There will always be someone with a better haunt. SO... offer something unique! Make one outstanding new prop, that everyone will talk about. "If you build it, they will come!"

Best of luck next year.

You never know if he will do another haunt... you shouldn't let his haunt stop you from creating one of your own

Sometimes people realize that the time, energy, and money is not worth it after they do their first haunt

And even if the haunt was a success they may not have made enough money to cover all their expenses

Plus how can any town have tooo much Halloween fun?

I hate to hear this as well but when ya get burnt out...ya get burnt out. It happens. I have had to put lots on hold this year because we had twins! So in a year or two maybe, I'm gearing up for a triumphant return as "that strange Halloween guy"

Keep your head up mate, we here appreciate all of your hard work. We know how much goes into a small walk-through or a decent sized haunt. Its a labor of love.

I would suggest like some here have, take a break, recharge, and remember why you love to do the haunts and Halloween activities. Whatever you decide to do just know we all here support you.