I think that perhaps the AMA needs to set a goal other than simply ensuring that its own existence, (the self-aggrandizing bureaucracy part) is around in its current form, at any cost, even if it were at expense of modeling. I agree with Hossfly, if the AMA were run like a business that is responsible to its customers for its very existence, I think we would see a positive change in the AMA and its relationship with the membership which; seems to be getting worse each year.

As it stands right now, it seems to me that the AMA is not in the business of promoting modeling, at least not to new members. I don’t know of any AMA member that first found out about the AMA and then got into modeling. It’s the modelers who build and fly models that promote modeling. Like the poster above, I have for years been wondering why the AMA approaches new prospective members (youngsters) and touts such things as those stick and tissue contraptions in an effort to win their interest over the countless other sports and hobbies that seem far more appealing.

As far as I know, kids still dream and aspire today, just like they did when we were young. Just because a kid can’t start out on a 40% extra or a turbine powered jet doesn’t mean we shouldn’t at least show those aspects of the hobby as being what is possible. In other words I think the AMA should promote itself by using the example of what has been achieved most recently in the hobby while at the same time never forgetting where we came from. I think that if the AMA wants to grow, it needs a new direction and new leaders but as the past elections have shown, this is going to take a little time.