ORIGINAL: RCadmin
Early in the voting game but just about split...keep in mind this poll is in the ama forum so this is the audience that uses it that will be voting to keep it or not. Ultimately it is up to the members that use the site what they want and what they don't want. We just want to make everyone happy...a seemingly impossible task... [&o]
Now your starting quote:
The AMA forum has always been a hot bed of controversy. It is often times politically charged and I've seen more "noise" around this forum then every other forum on rcu over the years. I wonder if the benefit it produces is worth alienating those who become divided by the politics or attacks that often occur in this ama forum.
Sound off and vote if you think we should keep it or close it down
marc
SOUNDING OFF
What is your objective with this forum? Do you wish to really discuss the actions, directions, and effects the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has on the long range future of model aviation, RC being the main one, or do you simply want a bunch of happy folks sitting around typing in, "That is so nice."
If you want some study of objective realities about this country's only national organization that has some chance of protecting and advancing the rights of RC model airplanes within the sky, then you should want this forum both open and active. If you only want to please everyone, then even thinking of closing the forum has already defeated your purpose.
In this world the thought of satisfying each and everyone is pure folly. Check the news of the day. Iowa and New Hampshire prove such a point. This forum has far too many individuals with personal experiences from many years and much knowledge of the subject material right down to the Zero-Zero level to expect that passion and expression will be and remain totally utopian.
I personally pay the top asking price each year simply to maintain the privilege of trying to present just how AMA works or doesn't work as the case may be. Check my posts in the beginners forum, and other forums and you will probably find my nature to be as helpful as possible. OTOH, the AMA is a political organization -- BTDT -- and like any other organization, it isn't all too friendly for each individual.
Now do you think you would want to share a foxhole with someone that you know will jump and run when the first hot mail comes your way? What about if you're a fighter pilot rolling in on a target and your wingman pulls up and out when the first little tracer comes his way? Those are the types that come here and then find something beyond "what propeller", "what color XXXcoat", "how do you make it go", and once they find some disagreement with their brand new input, they cry and run for help. I don't mind answering such questions when the time and place is right for such.
OTOH, if one is not already somewhat learned in the subject, then the AMA operation is really no place for the neophyte in organizational structure, economics, systematic promotion of a sport, and is short of at least middle school reading comprehension. This forum will better serve those capable of objective argumentation, along with ability to research problems and engage in objective problem solving exercises.
IMO, this forum should have a warning that egos well may get bruised for those unable to keep up with a fast moving train. In addition I don't think any one person should be allowed to be total judge, jury, and executioner. Directing the Editing of a post seems much better than the present yanking as has been so common the past year or so. Just reading the above posts certainly displays a number of executioners so ready to claim the carrion. Some of those names I seem to recall are those that are constantly just critical of AMA, its clubs and members, and provide nothing to assist AMA over all. I think those that cannot stand the heat should simply be allowed to leave the kitchen while the real chefs stir the pots.
This is your turf. You have the right to call it as you wish. However as you well know my vote is to maintain the forum.