ORIGINAL: frankp
As one of the original volunteers that joined the STF, I have to agree that the STF was doomed to failure from the first day. Many of the volunteers gave a lot of their time and had some very good ideas, however, if an idea does not come from the wise men on the EC it does not stand a chance. Another problem was that the STF began to opperate before all of the procedures were put in place so many people became fustrated. I do believe that the concept was good but it was never properly put into place. At this point, I belive it is dead. The GOOD OLD BOYS CLUB IS ALIVE AND WELL.
Frank, I seem to remember another list of ideas presented to another GOOD OLD BOYS CLUB that were ignored.
Presented to the IMAA Board of Directors at the July 21, 2000 meeting
By:
C. L. “Red” Scholefield – IMAA 18939 District V.
4138 NW 33rd Place, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 373-8856, FAX (352) 335-9715
ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Directors shall appoint as a minimum one assistant for each state or territory they represent. This shall be done within 60 days of assuming office. Since the election leads the assumption of office by at least two months this should give the elected director time enough to put his team together.
2. Directors shall identify an alternate, to be approved by the BOD, to succeed them in the event they cannot continue to serve in the position. This shall be done within 60 days of assuming office. This alternate will represent the Director at any required functions he is not able to attend.
3. Before being appointed as Assistant Directors the individual shall have demonstrated some interest in the IMAA by having assembled and flown at least 1 model aircraft meeting IMAA rules.
4. The BOD shall make an effort to involve more members to serve on committees established by the board. 1) This will take some of the load off the Board Members in the day by day running of the IMAA. 2) This will get more member involvement and hopefully stimulate growth of the IMAA. 3) It will enable to BOD to select individuals with specific expertise in the area under consideration. 4) It will serve as a training ground for future BOD candidates.
Areas of opportunity:
1. Inspection manual
2. Constitution and bylaws review
3. Web site archive review
4. Web site classified management
5. Guest book moderator
6. Forum moderator(s)
7. District News submittals for web site
8. Chapter list improvement to include chapter e-mail contact
9. IMAA “marketing” of benefits – why join?
10. Statistical studies – loss of membership, why, areas, differences.
11. Incident review and study – NTSB for giant models.
12. Industry relations – use of IMAA “legal” term, IMAA logo
13. Director peer review guidelines
14. High Flight proof readers
5. The BOD shall authorize a moderated IMAA discussion group (members only) as part of the web site.
6. Peer review (semi-annual) review of Directors performance by other directors as to contribution, involvement, service to District, membership numbers, sanctions. Each director presents his review of others to the President for consolidation and discussion of results with the individuals. Summary of these reviews will be made available to the membership via HF prior to elections.
HIGH FLIGHT
7. Opportunities for “cost improving” High flight. From the Summer 2000 issue:
1. New releases, page 62- 70, just two per page. Then look at RCM, Aug 2000 Showcase 5 per page.
2. Calendar of Events - 16 per page compared to 40 or more in Model Aviation.
3. Directory pages 120-122 - 3 full pages to list about 100 or so IMAA Officers/Directors and Assistant Directors – compare to complete AMA Competition Directory on 3/4 of a page - lists about 60-70 key people.
4. Advertisers index - 80 for full-page compare with RCM 150 2/3 of a page.
5. Accessories order form – full page compare with Model Aviation 1/3 of a page.
6. Index – full page 3 articles/6 departments/full listing of chapter reports – compare with R/C Report 10 articles/ 10 departments
7. Magazine general:
Magazine pages weight (oz) wgt/page
RCR 134 7.8 0.0582
MAN 138 8.1 0.0587
RCM 184 9.6 0.0522
MA 184 8.2 0.0446
Average 0.0534
HF 126 10.8 0.0857
High Flight weight compared to others 1.60
8. Formatting – 36 words/column inch - compare with Model Aviation 50/column inch.
9. Layout – Safety Corner (page 10) 3 ½ column inches of air. Builders Corner (page 26) 4 column inches of air. Tips From the Pros (page 38) 4 1/2 column inches of air.
10. Change of address form – is nearly half a page required?
11. Meeting minutes, constitution and by laws…. simply make a note that these are available on the web site or may be requested from your Director with a SASE.
There are many opportunities here, yet we are still following essentially the same “airy” format we have used over the past few years. Can we not put our 30% dues increase to a more effective use?
Respectfully submitted.
Red Scholefield
It would seem that organization is suffering a worse decline in membership than the AMA. Can we learn anything from this other than the GOOD OLD BOYS CLUB while still alive, are not doing all that well.