Most of this is from a my post on www.rcscalebuilder.com and www.usscalemasters.org in this same titled thread, replying to other posts but still applies to this thread...

I have been working really hard to create a venue for members and non-members alike to be able to communicate... period. The last few years I have been associated with USSMA, first as a member, then Midwest Regional Manager and now as Director of Administration, there has been a big void in members communicating with each other and with the members of the Board. I am hoping the new web site and forums will do this.

I try to hit as many events that I can afford (both money and vacation time). I burn about 75% of my yearly vacation time attending events to show USSMA board support for the qualifiers. I take pictures, post and if possible run a live webcam feed as I did from the championships.

The biggest detriment to U.S. Scale Masters and can be applied to any organization relying on membership, are "part time members" as I call them. Folks who only join every 2-3 years based on if they think they are going to compete. We are working on ways we can keep people as repeating members. It's a two way street, not only is it what USSMA can do for you, but also what can you do for USSMA. Higher consistent membership numbers can bring about a lot to help. Then we also have the really dedicated few, who even though they have honorarily membership, and are not required to pay dues, still do and have been for year.

Now I have not been involved with USSMA for that long compared to many who have posted here. But didn't USSMA bring in a competition class for ARF's before Top Gun? Does Top Gun now allow ARF's? The last 3-4 years we have been trying to wrestle with issues like this. To keep the basic spirit what what the Scale Masters was intended. I have talked to a lot of CD's of qualifiers over the last couple years and one of the biggest complains was the major changes taking place yearly in the rules, more specifically the classes. It's not perfect and due to human nature, it never will be. But I think we are trying. The process for submitting proposed changes to the guide may have not been clear in the past, but that is going to change. It will be spelled out and looked at in the forums.

We have several committees currently working on rule changes, minor ones, but that is another story, re-aligning our membership fees and "perks" to help get and retain members. Check out the web site, and stay tuned for what I feel are going to be some exciting announcements in the near future...

Mitch
USSMA Director of Administration