Reefkings new year resolution! (1 Viewer)

[a1t2o]

You asked me in the other thread if I thought you were not as dedicated because you were unable to attend meetings because of family and other reasons. And I'm going to be honest with you there are many opportunities to become a member. To be frank with you and this is my personal opinion and not that of the club but yes you are not as dedicated as others and the reason is because others have the same lifestyle as you do and they still put in more effort choosing to either attend a meeting or purchase a membership.

And I do feel like you're one of those Member at only pop up once in awhile and only say things from the top of your head without having any logical reasoning behind it or any factual data to back it up. There are many people on this forum and and members who volunteer their own time to put meetings together, to attend meetings and to help at the swap and expect nothing back in return.

I'm not saying this to be mean I'm just saying it because you asked me in the other thread about this and I'm just being honest with my opinion.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

I respect your opinion, but the only reason I am not as involved anymore is because of the decision that was made to remove the open classifieds. I was very active before that and really only came back because I am setting up a new tank. I am speaking out because I remember how this club used to be and the fact that I could actually get answers to questions the same day or even hour that I asked them. I come back and see less than 10 updated threads in the last day. How sad is that. Like I said in the other thread, this site is like a dying VFW, I just want to help turn that around so I can enjoy being here again. If the discussion gets a bit heated, then that's fine, we are passionate about the hobby. I do think that my call for change is for the best though.

You are probably right, I am not dedicated enough to be on the BOD, but I never wanted to be. I just want this club to be better, and from what I have seen it is getting worse. Open trading would help with that and partially restricted classifieds would be the solution. The only question is how closed do we want it to be, right now is fully closed and that isn't working, fully open didn't work apparently, so lets find something in the middle.

 

[patent]

Its pointless for me to get access on my own since there are so few people active anymore. Also, I fully understand that you have no more vote than any other member that shows up, but who makes the details for the issue that is voted on, who decides how to implement the rules?

Sigh. Any member who wants to can make any motion they want. The agenda is usually a vote for the BOD positions, then motions are opened. That goes until no one has another motion.

Who leads the discussion and sets the tone for how the matter is discussed.

I've been leading them the last couple years, but that varies.

As to setting the tone, that's the membership, really.

The BOD has authority and can make a huge difference in this discussion, you can have a new proposal to do things differently where I would get ignored or told to leave. I have no say since I am not a full member, and even if I was, nothing would change unless I brought 5-10 friends with me. Even then, it probably wouldn't make a difference.

I can't remember anyone ever telling someone to leave. You are being silly. You keep making all these statements about what would happen as if they were true, when you've never been there. Instead of condeming all of us for everything, maybe ask how they go? There was a video posted somewhere of the last one, maybe watch it instead of accusing people.

You say there are 20-35 people that show up to these meetings when it was 40-50 a couple years ago? Shouldn't that be a red flag right there? Things are going down hill and maybe you should try to do something to increase the number of people the give a crap about the club. If all you have is repeated excuses and declining numbers then you might want to start looking for new ideas.

We had one business meeting with a large attendance. We had one right before it without almost no one there (5-10) and one right after it with 6 people there. So no, its not declining numbers. It goes up and down depending on the issues of the day. When people are happy, they don't come (except for a few of us).

 

[Travis Dragan]

Its pointless for me to get access on my own since there are so few people active anymore. Also, I fully understand that you have no more vote than any other member that shows up, but who makes the details for the issue that is voted on, who decides how to implement the rules? Who leads the discussion and sets the tone for how the matter is discussed. The BOD has authority and can make a huge difference in this discussion, you can have a new proposal to do things differently where I would get ignored or told to leave. I have no say since I am not a full member, and even if I was, nothing would change unless I brought 5-10 friends with me. Even then, it probably wouldn't make a difference. The bod are just referee's at the meeting, they each have 1 vote but only try to keep the discussions moving along.

You say there are 20-35 people that show up to these meetings when it was 40-50 a couple years ago? Shouldn't that be a red flag right there? Things are going down hill and maybe you should try to do something to increase the number of people the give a crap about the club. If all you have is repeated excuses and declining numbers then you might want to start looking for new ideas.

Have you been to a meeting? I am not trying to be snarky. I have been to every business meeting available since i found TCMAS. I suggest wildly unpopular ideas at the meetings, they are discussed in a civilized matter (most of the time lol). My concerns are for a better club, and generally i am looked at as an outsider because i am a sponsor and the club members fear sponsor interference in how the club is run. I still voice my opinion because i truly think it would make the club better, even though i understand my ideas most likely will be shot down, but at least i am heard and the discussion is had.

 

[WadePW]

I think this video sums up new year resolutions very well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ6-nCLeDsI

I know...very off topic from what everyone is saying...haha still funny

 

[mnmuskyman2011]

Its pointless for me to get access on my own since there are so few people active anymore. Also, I fully understand that you have no more vote than any other member that shows up, but who makes the details for the issue that is voted on, who decides how to implement the rules? Who leads the discussion and sets the tone for how the matter is discussed. The BOD has authority and can make a huge difference in this discussion, you can have a new proposal to do things differently where I would get ignored or told to leave. I have no say since I am not a full member, and even if I was, nothing would change unless I brought 5-10 friends with me. Even then, it probably wouldn't make a difference.

You say there are 20-35 people that show up to these meetings when it was 40-50 a couple years ago? Shouldn't that be a red flag right there? Things are going down hill and maybe you should try to do something to increase the number of people the give a crap about the club. If all you have is repeated excuses and declining numbers then you might want to start looking for new ideas.

You can come and propose aany topic you want, nobody will tell you to leave or ignore you. The only think you can't do is vote on the issues. My numbers were didn't include the first timers. This last business meeting was the most attended business meeting I have been to since I started in 2011. Even having a speaker event after the business meeting didn't draw many people above the regular attendees. Maybe take a look at the video posted in the 2015 business meeting thread to see how things go. The BOD asks if there is anything anyone wants to propose, then it's up to the members who are in attendance to propose ideas. BOD members become voting members just like everyone attending at that point. The secretary, and most of the BOD members, takes notes and posts a meeting summary thread in the officers section outlining the changes voted on by the members. We then implement the changes. The BOD has no say in what can or can not be brought up in the meeting. The BOD just keeps the meeting moving along.
And if it is so pointless for you to become a member because there are so few people active anymore, why are you making a big fuss about not having access to the classifieds?

 

[a1t2o]

And if it is so pointless for you to become a member because there are so few people active anymore, why are you making a big fuss about not having access to the classifieds?

That is exactly what I want to change. My purpose is to grow the club, my reason is because I would better enjoy and benefit from having a better and bigger club. That is all. I'm not trying to kick anyone out or bash anyone, but I will defend myself if I feel I was attacked, I just want this club that I am attached to, to be better than it is now. I also think that using old school methods is a little out dated and that we could move many of these functions and votes online to have them more presentable and with a clearer idea of what is going on.

Based on what patent said, a small group of people that is offended by something could show up and make any change they want as long as they have the majority of that meeting unless the BOD blocks it? So for example, a group of old-timers (not referencing anyone just a random example I invented) could come in and say they want to make things more old fashioned and simple, like getting rid of the mobile site to cut costs since none of them use smartphones anyways? I think that is a terrible way of doing things. No offense but really, how much could be changed at one meeting? The matters should be discussed at a meeting but the voting should take place at a latter date when everyone knows what is up for a vote, or preferably online. That would provide better stability for the club.

Could someone try to take over the leadership of the club by gathering 10-15 people to come into a meeting with low attendance and vote themselves into the BOD as well as what ever issues they want? I know that it is an "out there" scenario, but what's to stop that from happening?

 

[Travis Dragan]

Its the same system you currently use to run this country. You elect some people to decide things. Enough people make noise about an issue, it goes on a ballot, then you show up, vote and live with the decision. I really have not noticed a lot of things show up out of the blue at meetings, most items are posted for everyone to see and decide if its worth them showing up or not.

 

[mnmuskyman2011]

That is exactly what I want to change. My purpose is to grow the club, my reason is because I would better enjoy and benefit from having a better and bigger club. That is all. I'm not trying to kick anyone out or bash anyone, but I will defend myself if I feel I was attacked, I just want this club that I am attached to, to be better than it is now. I also think that using old school methods is a little out dated and that we could move many of these functions and votes online to have them more presentable and with a clearer idea of what is going on.

Based on what patent said, a small group of people that is offended by something could show up and make any change they want as long as they have the majority of that meeting unless the BOD blocks it? So for example, a group of old-timers (not referencing anyone just a random example I invented) could come in and say they want to make things more old fashioned and simple, like getting rid of the mobile site to cut costs since none of them use smartphones anyways? I think that is a terrible way of doing things. No offense but really, how much could be changed at one meeting? The matters should be discussed at a meeting but the voting should take place at a latter date when everyone knows what is up for a vote, or preferably online. That would provide better stability for the club.

Could someone try to take over the leadership of the club by gathering 10-15 people to come into a meeting with low attendance and vote themselves into the BOD as well as what ever issues they want? I know that it is an "out there" scenario, but what's to stop that from happening?

People caring enough about the club and showing up to the meeting is what will prevent that from happening. But If you really want your voice to be heard, I will step down right now and you can throw your name in for the position. I said the same thing to Reefking. Just let me know and I will.

 

[Travis Dragan]

People caring enough about the club and showing up to the meeting is what will prevent that from happening. But If you really want your voice to be heard, I will step down right now and you can throw your name in for the position. I said the same thing to Reefking. Just let me know and I will.

Ted, you need to stop threatening people with that cruel and unusual punishment.

 

[mnmuskyman2011]

Ted, you need to stop threatening people with that cruel and unusual punishment.

Hahahahaha.

 

[a1t2o]

Ted, you need to stop threatening people with that cruel and unusual punishment.

Agreed, you are civil and are actually discussing this rather than trying to argue semantics and throw insults. You are someone I want on the BOD. Plus I am not close enough to be there often enough for the club, so I can not make that commitment. I do plan on moving back to the cities soon, which is another reason why I want the club to be better, so maybe then I could become more involved.

To me though, an hours drive shouldn't exclude people. This is more of an online community that is also local than it is a personal club. If we don't embrace that, then I think we will find our community growing older and older without new younger members joining in. Just like a VFW.

 

[mnmuskyman2011]

Agreed, you are civil and are actually discussing this rather than trying to argue semantics and throw insults. You are someone I want on the BOD. Plus I am not close enough to be there often enough for the club, so I can not make that commitment. I do plan on moving back to the cities soon, which is another reason why I want the club to be better, so maybe then I could become more involved.

To me though, an hours drive shouldn't exclude people. This is more of an online community that is also local than it is a personal club. If we don't embrace that, then I think we will find our community growing older and older without new younger members joining in. Just like a VFW.

Its doesn't exclude anyone unless they choose to not participate. And thank you for the kind words. I want this club to be better as well. The whole point of closing the classifieds was to drive up meeting attendance to try to get the club back to being a face to face club instead of an online thing.

 

[zoolan70]

I used to miss the off-topic forum when it was removed. Then ReefKing and a1t2o showed up and brought all the fun of idiots spewing baseless attacks to the regular forums. Bravo, guys...bravo!

 

[dougers31]

Just my two cents.... There is no "inner circle". It's just people who have known each other for years and have put countless hours into contributing to the club by organizing meetings/events/etc. The main byproduct of this is called friendship. Just cause you may not be on a first name basis with these folks doesn't mean they will automatically look down upon or treat you poorly, in fact it's quite the opposite.... as long as you're not a jerk(Disclaimer: not calling anyone here a jerk).

I myself make it to maybe one event or meeting a year and that's only because I have kids, live 1.5 hours away from the TC area, and work every single weekend. When I do make it to a meeting I always feel welcome as most of the folks are pretty awesome and are actually nicer in person than online like Angie and patent I have never driven 1.5-2 hours to a meeting and thought that it was a waste of time. I am not usually the kind of guy who goes out of his way to meet people but I"m respectful and try to be a nice guy when spoken to. The results have been that I consider many of those "inner circle" folks friends of mine. There have only been 3 or 4 bad members(out of hundreds) that I've dealt with during my many years of attending events or meetings and those folks are gone now... not dead, just were given the boot

My tip for anyone going to their first meeting is try developing an online relationship with 2 or 3 that will be attending said meeting, then when you show up you can continue to develop that relationship. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't as we all have different views and interests, but there is almost always someone there who you will jive with IMHO.

 

[tthorn125]

Agreed, you are civil and are actually discussing this rather than trying to argue semantics and throw insults. You are someone I want on the BOD. Plus I am not close enough to be there often enough for the club, so I can not make that commitment. I do plan on moving back to the cities soon, which is another reason why I want the club to be better, so maybe then I could become more involved.

To me though, an hours drive shouldn't exclude people. This is more of an online community that is also local than it is a personal club. If we don't embrace that, then I think we will find our community growing older and older without new younger members joining in. Just like a VFW.

By this logic, you would also want to change ANY fish club in the country. Smaller clubs are created to be just that, small. There is no desire to be a national club.

 

[acharpenter]

When I do make it to a meeting I always feel welcome as most of the folks are pretty awesome and are actually nicer in person than online like Angie and patent

LMAO - I am the same in person as I am online - no one can deny that - so Doug, I will take that as a compliment - nerdball lol

 

[Kyle T.]

LMAO - I am the same in person as I am online - no one can deny that - so Doug, I will take that as a compliment - nerdball lol

She really is the same person either way... lol

 

[Jager]

I believe it's been a great 2015. Here are my goals for 2016.

trade...trade..trade

It feels like there may be an inner circle that trades within TCMAS.

I find this transition interesting, as the topics don't seem to relate and there certainly isn't a closing thought to the later, it is just simply a statement placed randomly serving no support for your thread topic.

It would be great if we could get coral trading among a greater group of members. It would be fun to require a member to trade 1 time per the year; however, that is not realistic. The fun part of this hobby is fragging corals and trading/sales.

Requiring people to trade is not only unrealistic it is irresponsible. That would encourage people to potentially frag an unhealthy coral and the potential of pest spreading (knowingly or unknowingly) could be devastating. We have a healthy trading section which is available to our supporters and members and it is 100% voluntary, as it should be.

It would be healthy to remove the financial aspect of corals, which would benefit all hobbyists.

I would like the automakers to remove the financial aspect to cars, it seems to me that this would benefit the entire world.

Wasn't there a show that competed on trading up, which could be applied to corals. A friendly trade up competition. Everyone starts with green star polyps.

Interesting, I don't watch much TV. I would be interested in hearing more on this, and possibly visit creating such a program, or competition as it were, within TCMAS if it is feasible.

 

[zoolan70]

"Wasn't there a show that competed on trading up, which could be applied to corals. A friendly trade up competition. Everyone starts with green star polyps.

Interesting, I don't watch much TV. I would be interested in hearing more on this, and possibly visit creating such a program, or competition as it were, within TCMAS if it is feasible. "

There's a great idea. Let's see who can screw the most people over by trading lower value corals for higher value. Talk about a great way to grow the club...screw the newbies. :brick:

 

[Jonty]

I used to miss the off-topic forum when it was removed. Then ReefKing and a1t2o showed up and brought all the fun of idiots spewing baseless attacks to the regular forums. Bravo, guys...bravo!

I could to have put it better with out getting banned