AMA Insider calls for CHANGE. VP running for President supports TRADITIONAL MODELLERS
08-17-2016, 03:34 AM
#152
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Lets all remember though that these are the future of the hobby. Now this Christmas if they offered FREE membership to fixed wing and heli buyers wonder how many would be redeemed?
Mike
08-17-2016, 03:56 AM
#154
Banned
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Depends on the kind of accounting you use. Since a majority of the members could care less about this stuff it just slides by. Now when you have a program like the Best Buy deal for the new "droners" and give them a opportunity to get a FREE membership ( no cost to them) in a organization by redeeming a coupon and a very small percentage take advantage of the FREE membership seems like they have no interest at all in said organization offering them a FREE membership.
Lets all remember though that these are the future of the hobby. Now this Christmas if they offered FREE membership to fixed wing and heli buyers wonder how many would be redeemed?
Mike
Lets all remember though that these are the future of the hobby. Now this Christmas if they offered FREE membership to fixed wing and heli buyers wonder how many would be redeemed?
Mike
08-17-2016, 04:04 AM
#155
I mean we all know print membership/readership is up across the country for newspapers, magazines, etc.. and it's a big revenue generator...........right ? So these ama figures for the magazine must be incorrect.
It's time to pull the plug on the money-loosing magazine and lower the dues or spend that money more wisely elsewhere in the organization.
08-17-2016, 05:19 AM
#157
Sure, that seems like a good number, perhaps a lofty goal. Is that a problem though? I can't understand why looking for additional members is so stigmatized here. Isn't that a good thing? Of course we don't know what the true number of drone sales were, or if all of them would be subject to registration or the need/want for an AMA membership.
But again, why is it wrong to seek new membership? They also used Facebook, as well as Google advertising (at cost of 6.00 per new membership), Seems like the are casting a wide net for all types of new members, is this bad?
But again, why is it wrong to seek new membership? They also used Facebook, as well as Google advertising (at cost of 6.00 per new membership), Seems like the are casting a wide net for all types of new members, is this bad?
Again, the AMA is a by modelers, for modelers organization. If times have changed and there are not enough modelers left to stay solvent, then so be it, there have been lots of organizations that have become extinct due to losing their relevancy as times change. By reaching out and having to beg, buy (pay to acquire), lure (offer "free" and convenient membership to drone buyers) and use their CBO status as a sole reason to join its ranks, it is only alienating itself from its core members and will only serve to further dilute and divide its membership and will become weaker, not stronger. Strength is not solely based on sheer numbers. A strong organization is a unified an passionate organization regardless of sheer numbers (ever see the movie Braveheart?). We have discussed the apathy within our ranks (one thing that I think we actually all agree on) as witnessed by low voter turnout, lack of knowledge about our own organization and its inner workings (by-laws, election protocol, Model Aviation day, etc.). By buying, enticing, or otherwise simply acquiring membership that it will actually be a stronger, healthier organization. I believe that it should instead focus its attention on serving their existing members, a large percentage of which have been members for many decades. How long an organization keeps its members is a much better barometer than how many members it has.
So, as you can see, it is not as simple as making the blanket statement, "Is it wrong to seek new membership".
Regards,
Astro
08-17-2016, 05:26 AM
#158
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Labeling something, "good" or "bad", "right" or "wrong" is highly subjective. The AMA was originally founded by modelers, for modelers and has largely operated that way since its inception until recent years. When an organizations purpose is to serve its members and to allow them to enjoy, share and further their hobby, it seems rather desperate and counter-intuitive to have to "buy" new membership in order to stay alive. When the focus of an organization ls to simply grow its ranks by any means, it tends to lose focus on its original intent and core membership. I believe that is exactly what is happening now, hence some of its members starting to be more vocal and voice their concerns. These are the members that you have labeled "anti-AMA" and "haters".
Again, the AMA is a by modelers, for modelers organization. If times have changed and there are not enough modelers left to stay solvent, then so be it, there have been lots of organizations that have become extinct due to losing their relevancy as times change. By reaching out and having to beg, buy (pay to acquire), lure (offer "free" and convenient membership to drone buyers) and use their CBO status as a sole reason to join its ranks, it is only alienating itself from its core members and will only serve to further dilute and divide its membership and will become weaker, not stronger. Strength is not solely based on sheer numbers. A strong organization is a unified an passionate organization regardless of sheer numbers (ever see the movie Braveheart?). We have discussed the apathy within our ranks (one thing that I think we actually all agree on) as witnessed by low voter turnout, lack of knowledge about our own organization and its inner workings (by-laws, election protocol, Model Aviation day, etc.). By buying, enticing, or otherwise simply acquiring membership that it will actually be a stronger, healthier organization. I believe that it should instead focus its attention on serving their existing members, a large percentage of which have been members for many decades. How long an organization keeps its members is a much better barometer than how many members it has.
So, as you can see, it is not as simple as making the blanket statement, "Is it wrong to seek new membership".
Regards,
Astro
Again, the AMA is a by modelers, for modelers organization. If times have changed and there are not enough modelers left to stay solvent, then so be it, there have been lots of organizations that have become extinct due to losing their relevancy as times change. By reaching out and having to beg, buy (pay to acquire), lure (offer "free" and convenient membership to drone buyers) and use their CBO status as a sole reason to join its ranks, it is only alienating itself from its core members and will only serve to further dilute and divide its membership and will become weaker, not stronger. Strength is not solely based on sheer numbers. A strong organization is a unified an passionate organization regardless of sheer numbers (ever see the movie Braveheart?). We have discussed the apathy within our ranks (one thing that I think we actually all agree on) as witnessed by low voter turnout, lack of knowledge about our own organization and its inner workings (by-laws, election protocol, Model Aviation day, etc.). By buying, enticing, or otherwise simply acquiring membership that it will actually be a stronger, healthier organization. I believe that it should instead focus its attention on serving their existing members, a large percentage of which have been members for many decades. How long an organization keeps its members is a much better barometer than how many members it has.
So, as you can see, it is not as simple as making the blanket statement, "Is it wrong to seek new membership".
Regards,
Astro
Mike
08-17-2016, 05:40 AM
#159
Moderator
I'd say the reason the Best Buy program didn't work is through same reason the MR crowd still isn't interested in the AMA. That reason is a lack of value in the membership. The AMA leadership assumes that all RC hobbyists know what the AMA is and want to be a part of a national organization. That was a safe assumption for the builder and maybe the boomer generation, but not for anyone under 45. The AMA really doesn't give the MR crowd anything for their money, so why should they join?
The AMA reached out to them with FREE memberships thru Best Buy that by their own admission didn't do well but did net about 900 new FREE members. Now just how many FREE offers we given out and how many were redeemed I don't have off hand.
From the Jan EC minutes.
[B]"• Best Buy Program: the program is underperforming, not meeting expectations by a wide margin.
Mike
From the Jan EC minutes.
[B]"• Best Buy Program: the program is underperforming, not meeting expectations by a wide margin.
Mike
08-17-2016, 05:56 AM
#160
Perhaps someone will quote this so you can help us understand how so called FREE memberships as you call them generate $62,092.00 in revenue for the AMA? Where does this blatantly wrong information keep coming from?
FREE means 0
$62,092.00 doesn't sound so free.
More interesting info...fun fact: That "rag" magazine some call Model Aviation brought in 146 members...to the tune of about $11,000.
FREE means 0
$62,092.00 doesn't sound so free.
More interesting info...fun fact: That "rag" magazine some call Model Aviation brought in 146 members...to the tune of about $11,000.
08-17-2016, 05:56 AM
#161
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I'd say the reason the Best Buy program didn't work is through same reason the MR crowd still isn't interested in the AMA. That reason is a lack of value in the membership. The AMA leadership assumes that all RC hobbyists know what the AMA is and want to be a part of a national organization. That was a safe assumption for the builder and maybe the boomer generation, but not for anyone under 45. The AMA really doesn't give the MR crowd anything for their money, so why should they join?
Mike
08-17-2016, 05:59 AM
#162
I'd say the reason the Best Buy program didn't work is through same reason the MR crowd still isn't interested in the AMA. That reason is a lack of value in the membership. The AMA leadership assumes that all RC hobbyists know what the AMA is and want to be a part of a national organization. That was a safe assumption for the builder and maybe the boomer generation, but not for anyone under 45. The AMA really doesn't give the MR crowd anything for their money, so why should they join?
08-17-2016, 06:00 AM
#163
The free part was paid for by Best Buy. Problem is you don't bother to read all of the information.
08-17-2016, 06:01 AM
#164
I'd say the reason the Best Buy program didn't work is through same reason the MR crowd still isn't interested in the AMA. That reason is a lack of value in the membership. The AMA leadership assumes that all RC hobbyists know what the AMA is and want to be a part of a national organization. That was a safe assumption for the builder and maybe the boomer generation, but not for anyone under 45. The AMA really doesn't give the MR crowd anything for their money, so why should they join?
08-17-2016, 06:02 AM
#165
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Mike
Last edited by rcmiket; 08-17-2016 at 06:10 AM.
08-17-2016, 06:11 AM
#166
They were late on the offer and not that many sold with the free offer as most were sold before that, but they did net about 900 new members, maybe more since reported.
08-17-2016, 06:46 AM
#167
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http://www.bestbuy.com/site/academy-...&skuId=4565900
Just a few user reviews ( expand on reviews to see them) on the FREE membership from customers. BB still offers AMA memberships in their stores I wonder how many they have sold?
Mike
Just a few user reviews ( expand on reviews to see them) on the FREE membership from customers. BB still offers AMA memberships in their stores I wonder how many they have sold?
Mike
08-17-2016, 06:57 AM
#168
I think what Mike was trying to say is that although the AMA saw the revenue from these "free" memberships (essentially $$ subsidized by retailer who stood to profit from such subsidy), the actual members were likely merely taking advantage of a free offer, and could give a hoot about the AMA, and may not have otherwise joined. It will be interesting to see how man of the 692 will actually renew their membership when they have to write the check themselves (it looks like 129 may have already done so). Hopefully, the AMA can track these 692 members to see what percentage of them will renew. Until those numbers are known, it is premature to judge the success or failure of this Best Buy initiative.
Regards,
Astro
08-17-2016, 06:58 AM
#169
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He will keep using the word FREE in caps as if it's a slight on the AMA. Nothing new there, AMA =BAD, partnership with Best Buy bad, new members bad. Oh, and sure we got about 900 members but how many will really stay with the ama?
08-17-2016, 07:03 AM
#171
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Speaking about not reading......the numbers were posted in this thread a mere page ago! Best Buy accounted for 692 new members, 821 total w/ renewals. I am taking that to read that 692 people signed up through the BB program and 129 have already renewed their membership.
I think what Mike was trying to say is that although the AMA saw the revenue from these "free" memberships (essentially $$ subsidized by retailer who stood to profit from such subsidy), the actual members were likely merely taking advantage of a free offer, and could give a hoot about the AMA, and may not have otherwise joined. It will be interesting to see how man of the 692 will actually renew their membership when they have to write the check themselves (it looks like 129 may have already done so). Hopefully, the AMA can track these 692 members to see what percentage of them will renew. Until those numbers are known, it is premature to judge the success or failure of this Best Buy initiative.
Regards,
Astro
I think what Mike was trying to say is that although the AMA saw the revenue from these "free" memberships (essentially $$ subsidized by retailer who stood to profit from such subsidy), the actual members were likely merely taking advantage of a free offer, and could give a hoot about the AMA, and may not have otherwise joined. It will be interesting to see how man of the 692 will actually renew their membership when they have to write the check themselves (it looks like 129 may have already done so). Hopefully, the AMA can track these 692 members to see what percentage of them will renew. Until those numbers are known, it is premature to judge the success or failure of this Best Buy initiative.
Regards,
Astro
Mike
Last edited by rcmiket; 08-17-2016 at 07:05 AM.
08-17-2016, 07:06 AM
#172
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Right and I can read just fine and I figured most would be smart enough to figure it out but I was wrong. With that cleared up the bottom line is the end user DID NOT REDEEM THE FREE MEMBERSHIP. Who paid for it is beside the point the end user saw no value in a FREE membership.
Mike
Mike
08-17-2016, 07:10 AM
#173
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
Exactly unless those who received that free membership are converted to a paying member there is no gain. Same holds true for the youth members. I'll say it again how many would have been redeemed if this same offer were given to fixed wing or heli pilots? This will never happen as that group actually needs the AMA as most flying sites require it.
Mike
Mike
Say, how about that 10% of the membership focused solely on MR that Tougas has noted? Was he just making that number up?
08-17-2016, 07:16 AM
#174
Speaking about not reading......the numbers were posted in this thread a mere page ago! Best Buy accounted for 692 new members, 821 total w/ renewals. I am taking that to read that 692 people signed up through the BB program and 129 have already renewed their membership.
I think what Mike was trying to say is that although the AMA saw the revenue from these "free" memberships (essentially $$ subsidized by retailer who stood to profit from such subsidy), the actual members were likely merely taking advantage of a free offer, and could give a hoot about the AMA, and may not have otherwise joined. It will be interesting to see how man of the 692 will actually renew their membership when they have to write the check themselves (it looks like 129 may have already done so). Hopefully, the AMA can track these 692 members to see what percentage of them will renew. Until those numbers are known, it is premature to judge the success or failure of this Best Buy initiative.
Regards,
Astro
I think what Mike was trying to say is that although the AMA saw the revenue from these "free" memberships (essentially $$ subsidized by retailer who stood to profit from such subsidy), the actual members were likely merely taking advantage of a free offer, and could give a hoot about the AMA, and may not have otherwise joined. It will be interesting to see how man of the 692 will actually renew their membership when they have to write the check themselves (it looks like 129 may have already done so). Hopefully, the AMA can track these 692 members to see what percentage of them will renew. Until those numbers are known, it is premature to judge the success or failure of this Best Buy initiative.
Regards,
Astro
08-17-2016, 07:18 AM
#175
Exactly unless those who received that free membership are converted to a paying member there is no gain. Same holds true for the youth members. I'll say it again how many would have been redeemed if this same offer were given to fixed wing or heli pilots? This will never happen as that group actually needs the AMA as most flying sites require it.
Mike
Mike