Originally Posted by
Chris P. Bacon
.If someone wants to give AMA money w/o flying, that's their choice. Just because I choose not to do that doesn't make me wrong.
No one stated you're wrong. I'm just beside myself trying to understand why someone who previously stated they have a six figure income would be so elated about saving $75 a year. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there's a lot more too it than just $75 year.
As you said, it's a personal choice how people get involved. All I'm saying is that for some, they expect a flying site within a reasonable distance.
Who are they expecting a flying site from? Is it the AMA's fault that "some" individuals moved to a location without a "convenient" flying site an now it's the AMA's responsibility to provide one?
What's reasonable? That's another individual decision.
It is. Many folks I know travel quite a distance to enjoy the hobby.
However, I still contend that if the distances become to great, or the cost becomes too high, the basic economic theory will take over and you won't have enough people willing to spend the money or willing to travel the distance.
You're entitled believe whatever you want. After over two decades in the hobby I haven't seen any evidence of that happening. Many of the clubs in my area with capped memberships have very healthy waiting lists.
Well, it's more like $175 - every year. That adds up. Despite a healthy income, this is just one of my hobbies. And again, it's my money to spend or not spend. I'm finding that I can do just about everything I want to do in the hobby w/o spending that money. For me I'd rather put that money into something else.
I don't expect the AMA to provide me a flying site; in fact, I'm demonstrating that I've found a way to enjoy the hobby without one. Others may do the same, others may not.
Yes, some folks do indeed drive a long distance to enjoy the hobby. I'm just not one of them. I could, but I've found ways to enjoy it just as much and lower the logistical "overhead."
On the two decades and no evidence of economic theory. Ok, but neither can we ignore the comment in last month's MA where Dave Scott said
"Starting approximately 15 years ago, many model airplane clubs began seeing a decline in membership..." I don't know how much of that is attributable to economic theory, but can the organization really just assume that's not some part of it?