AngraRULES
Member
I would disagree with part of this. ProgPower is a unique, fantastic experience that I look forward to every year (this will be my 8th PP since IV), but the line-up certainly matters. If I lived close to Atlanta I would probably attend every year regardless of the bands, but I live 3000 miles away on the west coast. It takes major resources to get me over there, and with 2 kids in day-care I don't have a lot of extra money these days. There have been years when I had to sit it out because I simply couldn't justify to myself taking that much money away from my family to fly across the country for a concert, no matter how awesome the experience is as a whole. This year I'll be down there for all 4 nights. The line-up doesn't truely reflect the whole experience, but it matters.
Fair enough. I completely understand your situation given that you're so far from Atlanta. I live in the East Coast (Connecticut) and it does take some money to make it to Atlanta indeed (especially now with a baby). However, to me (and lots of my friends who attend the festival), the people and the festival itself are worth the trip. Glenn could book Freedom Call as a double-night headliner, and I'd still attend.
I try to put a little bit of money aside from every pay check. Even if I have to put aside as low as $20, I will. I try not to eat out/buy lunch for work (my biggest problem). I avoid making lots of stupid purchases. I choose not to go to certain places so that I can save in gas. These little things may sound dumb, but it makes a huge difference at the end of the year. You'd be surprised how many people feel the need to buy a cup of coffee every day, or every other day. Those $8, $10/week can add up!