Originally posted by Red Scholefield
In fixing the AMA we have to first get the mindset of many of the EC members, including the President's, changed . . . That the modelers on the Internet are just a bunch of rabble rousers with nothing better to do.
The mission is to convince them is that until the AMA has their own forum, run by appointed AMA volunteers with guidelines that are enforced, that the lists like this can be a valuable sounding board for them and a place for them to answer the questions and concerns. They all have AVPs (except the Pres and EVP) one of which would be designated the Internet "PR" man for the District if the VP isn't comfortable doing it himself.
You will have VPs, which the last thing they want is to be questioned or challenged in public on any point, that will feel that it is in their best interest to stonewall the Internet "riff-raff". It has worked up until now - but as the Internet becomes more main stream will this attitude continue to serve them? . . . . Sooner or later the "Internet active" modelers reach a level where they will have an influence on elections.
You can only look to District V - in the thread;
http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread.php
s=&threadid=991449&forumid=211
to see an example. A VP gives it away that he is lurking here, and now is deluged with questions he seems to refuse to address.
District V will fix their problem in 2004 and challenges the members of other districts to do the same if they perceive they have a problem when their VP comes up for reelection.
Red
If such a forum were in the Member's Only section, and posts were appended with the name and AMA number of the poster, would it even need moderators?
Honsest question now, you and I included. Do you think that some of the comments to or about AMA leaders go over the line? Should some standard be set? Are moderators preferable?
JRR