ORIGINAL: Minnreefer
Well Mike, I will say it
"Boy, I'd build from plans if only the plans weren't so expensive"
I currently have a set of plans for a plane that I am building, I have enough extra balsa to build 1 or 2 more planes from plans, but I really can't justify spending $20 on plans that once I look at, may not like that much. I probably should not even be in this hobby for financial reasons, but I am and I am trying to do things in this hobby that don't cost much. Building from plans is one of the ways that I can enjoy the hobby for little expense.
I don't want to get involved in the financials fo AMA, but plans is one way they might be able to give "perks' to members for the monopoly of model airplane insurance.
Just my thoughts
Jon
I can understand those thoughts, but if you can't justify spending $20 on plans, perhaps attaining plans through a commercial plans service isn't the right route for you? There are alternatives. Download them and take them to a printer. I doubt your costs will be less than $20, though. Trade them with others. Buy plans locally, from other modelers. Borrow them.
As an AMA member, I don't care to have my dues subsidize your desire to build from plans. The AMA's plans service serves an important function in preserving collections and keeping them available to the public. Their role is not to undercut others who make their livings distributing plans, to "give back" to members who are interested in plans but unable to afford them, or to provide "rewards" for membership. Ultimately, the plans service should be revenue neutral or profitable, so as to serve
all AMA members.
If people can't see that, I can only ascribe their thoughts to personal desires to get something for less than the going market rate. That's unfortunate. It's equally unfortunate when said people attempt to dress up their selfishness by wrapping it up in a "do it for the children!" message.