Originally Posted by porcia83

Maybe you don't know how they have, or will continue to spend the money. If you, or the "we" you seem to be speaking of haven't done your due diligence, then so be it, the "I heard from someone...", and sweeping generalizations will continue. Ironically, the comments I was referring to were written almost a full YEAR after decisions were made. Blank check? What? Did he not read the meeting notes from last year, or he did and missed the info, or perhaps saw them...but who knows.



Earlier you spoke of "we", and now you speak on my behalf, telling me what I know or don't know? You really shouldn't. If you, or others don't have a "clue" what's going on, that's on you. Do your own research and ask the questions to develop your information, then do with it what you will. I can read meeting notes and get a general idea of the money being spent, where it's going, and the time-frame for this. If I want further information, I ask for it. It takes some time and effort, but I think it's worth it. That way I can make the decisions I feel are best for me, and hopefully the hobby. I find it helps me to not speak in generalizations, or absolutes.

Given your comments here, as well as MrMatts, we appear to have differing opinions, as will happen. Although I disagree, I sincerely applaud you and Matt for wanting to do more than just complain. You've already reached out to your DVP, and MrMatt seems to be indicating familiarity with the EC and the AMA, and that change can happen (and I'm guessing he feels like he can make that happen). last year a member here wasn't pleased with what was going on in his District and threw his hat in the ring to run for office and try to get things changed. This is what the hobby needs now, more people to get involved. The vote to spend the money was split (Vlll and X voting no), and passed because of the the tiebreaker vote. If nothing fruitful comes of money and effort after 17 months, perhaps the members will speak to this and change will happen. I personally don't think the 17 months was long enough, but the only thing we can do at this point is wait to see.

Originally Posted by drb101

Maybe you could drop the mandantory magazine subscription and offer lower rate dues to us whom not care to receive it?

Also note my soon to be 19 year old son lives with me and now we receive two of the same magazines, really not needed.

Originally Posted by rcmiket

Last year the EC voted to spend the 250 thousand. In the article about the dues increase they say they have spent over a million dollars and have hired a PR firm to deal with the Feds. That's a additional 750 thousand+. My whole point is just how much will we spend on this? Nobody knows. That's pretty much "blank check" check spending anyway you cut it. I'm researching this along with questioning just what's going on. Your happy and feel it's "money well spent" and I'm the guy looking to keep them in check and held responsible for their actions with OUR money. As far as the time frame many here (myself included) will renew for 2 years and reevaluate the situation. In 2 years if they lose a bunch of us due to poor decision making than what? Is it not our responsibility to try and keep the organization healthy for the next generation of modelers?
I'm curious at what dollar amount spent do you go "hey what's going on here"? I've been involved since day one when the 250 thousand was spent and immediately contacted D8 for answers .

Mike

Originally Posted by drb101

Maybe you could drop the mandantory magazine subscription and offer lower rate dues to us whom not care to receive it?

Also note my soon to be 19 year old son lives with me and now we receive two of the same magazines, really not needed.

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

There won't be a next generation of modelers if the AMA doesn't invest in the future. As has been pointed out to you several times in this thread if you're that concerned about "our" money then run for a leadership position in the AMA and cast your vote on how the dollars are spent.

Originally Posted by rcmiket

I have no problem with Mark our D8 guy. He's as concerned as I am and willing to talk with us about our concerns. He voted against the 250 thousand. I want all of us involved the more the better.Unfortunately from what Mark told me they (the EC) don't get input from the membership. If we run the well dry there will be no next generation.
Mike

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

Obviously, you and your supporters were out numbered and the vote carried. Obviously, it was very close. If you fill the well with poor judgement there will be no next generation either. The vote carried, in the big scheme of things $250k isn't all that much money. Give it time and lets see how it works out....

Originally Posted by rcmiket

Well how about the other 750 thousand plus the PR firm hired? Where will the spending end? What's the plan? Lots of questions here Yes the vote was close the tie broken by the EC President. Apparently there is concern throughout the membership.This whole what's the big deal attitude amazes me.
Mike

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

I thought you spoke to Mark, your D8 AMA representative. What did he say when you asked him? If you have questions about the AMA why then why not ask the AMA?

The whole nickle and diming attitude amazes me too. It's 2015, a loaf of bread isn't a nickle anymore. You can't hire a good PR firm for minimum wage. If it wasn't for the AMA and the money spent on the lobbyists for the FAA the hobby might be permanently grounded right now

Originally Posted by rcmiket

As far as the AMA hiring "lobbyists" do you really think a that we as a organization have the kind of money it takes to buy that kinda influence in DC?

As far as us being grounded the ones causing all the issues would fly regardless if were grounded or not.

Mike

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I'm glad the AMA has hired lobbyists and I'm glad to see my dues going to protect "our" hobby. I'm glad to see dues going up as well.

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I'm glad the AMA has hired lobbyists and I'm glad to see my dues going to protect "our" hobby. I'm glad to see dues going up as well.

Originally Posted by rcmiket

I have no problem with Mark our D8 guy. He's as concerned as I am and willing to talk with us about our concerns. He voted against the 250 thousand. I want all of us involved the more the better.Unfortunately from what Mark told me they (the EC) don't get input from the membership. If we run the well dry there will be no next generation. Most just just back and complain it's the same on the local club level I'd really like more people involved.

Mike

Originally Posted by BarracudaHockey

There's a system in place for that.

Find your local AVP (though you've already talked to Mark directly) they should take their local clubs concern to their VP who should express it at the council.

You've done exactly what you should do, discuss your concerns, thats how they know.

Others shouldn't gripe here, they should find out who local to them can express those views to their district rep or contact the DVP directly.

These guys are just modelers that want to help run the organization and everyone I've met or talked to which is most current VP's and EC members, are more than willing to talk AMA issues, or their current modeling projects just like anyone else at the club field.

Originally Posted by drb101

Maybe you could drop the mandantory magazine subscription and offer lower rate dues to us whom not care to receive it?

Also note my soon to be 19 year old son lives with me and now we receive two of the same magazines, really not needed.

Originally Posted by rcmiket

Got back into town last night and visited with the other local club president this morning he mentioned their members had the same concerns as our guys. We have a new field opening in the near future up the road and looks like that might be a good place to hold our "town hall" with Mark from D8 on this issue, Now I've got to put it together.

Mike

Originally Posted by porcia83

Now this is something that you don't hear about everyday....can you expand on that? Private club on private land, or town/city/state owned? AMA involved at all? Tough to make all the moving parts come together to get new fields in the New England area, between finding new members, land etc.