First of all I'd like to say I appreciate the constructive criticism and the time you guys took to respond.

When I look at the entire hobby it's much easier to see the benefits of the AMA. There's lots of good people doing alot of good for everyone else. Although I may not agree with how things are directed in some cases I can't help but see the cohesion as a whole. Cohesion of everyone...the events, the clubs, the vendors and those competing against us in other countries. Some things would be nice but...."Its a cruel world".

I wont be going out of my way to raise the interest of insurance companies. For it to work you'ld have to convince them of taking too much of a cut away from the AMA. I wouldn't want that. And I agree with Wardly...It probably would be a waiste of time.
I'll accept the part about barking up the wrong tree.

I guess the best advice would be to work from the inside. I haven't changed my mind about the magazine and would sure like to see someone consider making it an option. I just recieved four issues of MA (Because I finely called and asked them to send them) and I couldn't help but notice several letters to the editor.
They were complaining about similiar things...the magazine and insurance.

So, from an inside perspective, I'd be a little concerned about the growing number of people out there voicing there problems with the AMA. Consistently it seems to be centered on insurance and MA. All I can say to this is that you can have a happy family or a family that is secretly sick of it.

I've always believed that a little finess goes a long way. Outward integrity, letting people know why things are the way they are and being open with them makes a happy business family. Giving one side of the story, holding people by the balls and showing that you've monopolized the industry creates a bad picture. The AMA needs to work on there picture a bit. Presently it may be good on the inside but the outside needs a little work.

Only the officers know where they can flex but the two things that affect the majority are MA and insurance. These and the money that people pay for them will make the difference of how the AMA is percieved in the furture. My suggestion to the AMA would be to make sure their prices parrallel necessity. A jump in price equal to appx 20% of their expenses for 2001 isn't easy to swallow.

So...That's that. I've got to get my new plane together.. Picked up a new one today.

No hard feelings I hope. See ya guys around.

John