AMA membership interests
06-08-2020, 02:15 PM
#101
In terms of turning our ears to the AMA rhetoric, I recommend we train ourselves to note how they describe membership numbers. For example, when they say "nearly 200,000 members," or "over 140,000 member," we need to remember that these numbers include all those "free" members the AMA gave away with little more than a stroke of a pen. So where I pay attention is when I read some measure of PAYING members, as those are the only ones that really matter from a financial survival standpoint. And of the paying members, those that matter most are the full price adult, followed by those members that enjoy small discounts, followed by those who enjoy discounts of 40% or more (park flyers and a proposal being considered by EC as of April).
I'm quoting these numbers off the top of my head, but they're likely pretty close. I want to say that as of 3 or so years ago, there was a quote somewhere that indicated 140,000 or so paying members. As of recent CFO column, it's down to around 110,000. I suppose there's a floor, and that declines aren't linear, but the point is they're heading down at a steady clip.
I'm quoting these numbers off the top of my head, but they're likely pretty close. I want to say that as of 3 or so years ago, there was a quote somewhere that indicated 140,000 or so paying members. As of recent CFO column, it's down to around 110,000. I suppose there's a floor, and that declines aren't linear, but the point is they're heading down at a steady clip.
06-08-2020, 06:20 PM
#102
Senior Member
In terms of turning our ears to the AMA rhetoric, I recommend we train ourselves to note how they describe membership numbers. For example, when they say "nearly 200,000 members," or "over 140,000 member," we need to remember that these numbers include all those "free" members the AMA gave away with little more than a stroke of a pen. So where I pay attention is when I read some measure of PAYING members, as those are the only ones that really matter from a financial survival standpoint. And of the paying members, those that matter most are the full price adult, followed by those members that enjoy small discounts, followed by those who enjoy discounts of 40% or more (park flyers and a proposal being considered by EC as of April).
I'm quoting these numbers off the top of my head, but they're likely pretty close. I want to say that as of 3 or so years ago, there was a quote somewhere that indicated 140,000 or so paying members. As of recent CFO column, it's down to around 110,000. I suppose there's a floor, and that declines aren't linear, but the point is they're heading down at a steady clip.
I'm quoting these numbers off the top of my head, but they're likely pretty close. I want to say that as of 3 or so years ago, there was a quote somewhere that indicated 140,000 or so paying members. As of recent CFO column, it's down to around 110,000. I suppose there's a floor, and that declines aren't linear, but the point is they're heading down at a steady clip.
of the members AMA claims as growth are off-field flyers who will be the first to go under the new rule.
06-08-2020, 09:50 PM
#104
Senior Member
09-27-2020, 07:49 AM
#105
Thread Starter
What happened with the new issue of Model Aviation??
Usually it is good for about 20 minutes then into the trash. This issue is actually a keeper, with many good articles - some good 'build' articles. I don't particularly find these really old school planes of interest to me but I did find MANY cool ideas within them. Gimlick's build primer is excellent, even for experienced people.
Maybe the magazine has some new blood? Or maybe they figure this is a good time to have a good issue with renewals coming up? Either way, I am encouraged.
Usually it is good for about 20 minutes then into the trash. This issue is actually a keeper, with many good articles - some good 'build' articles. I don't particularly find these really old school planes of interest to me but I did find MANY cool ideas within them. Gimlick's build primer is excellent, even for experienced people.
Maybe the magazine has some new blood? Or maybe they figure this is a good time to have a good issue with renewals coming up? Either way, I am encouraged.
09-27-2020, 08:01 AM
#106
Every year there's a "build issue" that features submissions like the ones you referenced plus kit built review or reviews. I did an Old School Modelworks Robinhood 80 kit build for last years, I'll admit, I had to brush up on stick building to get it done in time because it's been a while
