Originally Posted by
R_Strowe
So again, how does the ED raise revenue? Cutting the magazine eliminates a cost, selling off the Muncie facility eliminates a cost, reducing salaries in Muncie eliminates or reduces a cost, but none of these generate revenue. The only way for AMA to substantially increase revenue is to either A: Increase dues (we all know where that'll get them), or B: Increase membership #'s.
So I would love to hear how to increase revenue for AMA. Not reduce cost, because that falls under the theory of 'shrinking to profitability' (which doesn't work). Actual, viable revenue increase.
R_Strowe
I don't know abut everyone else, but budgeting 101 tells me that as my income decreases, my expenses need to decrease as well, so trimming the budget is absolutely necessary as our membership numbers decline.
I think the writing is on the wall that our hobby is slowly becoming "obsolete", not because of declining membership necessarily, but because flying just isn't all that interesting to the younger generations, not to mention they really don't like "doing" stuff with their own two hands (beside holding a phone or a video game controller!). What the AMA really needs to establish (as the largest and longest-standing modelers' group), is how big the "market" actually is, and how do they remain solvent, viable and relevant with however many members that turns out to be. They don't need to focus on bringing in volumes of members (just for the sake of volumes of members), they need to make sure that every MODELER that is left out there sees value and WANTS to be a member. If they do that, they will ensure their longevity and livelyhood, and might have a chance at being respected by the Feds again. We need to be a focused and cohesive group in order for that to happen. We do not need to artificially increase our ranks by trying to woo photographers and videographers and/or perverted peeping Tom's and "hold my beer while I film this" types.
Astro