ORIGINAL: FrankHawks
ORIGINAL: albsurfer
I think the AMA will flourish more, and especially local clubs, when the economy comes back up.
I have watched the ebbs and flows of the RC hobby for decades. It is not related to the poor economy. In fact, RC activity often decreases during times of prosperity and increases during recessions. People often move up to more expensive hobbies like boating or RVing when times are good. . The RC population tends to peak every 5 to 7 years and then retreat again. In this decade, the return of modelers was in the form of electric/park flyer type modelers uninterested in AMA. While it might appear to the AMA that the hobby is in decline the very opposite is likely the case. People aren't leaving AMA clubs because of costs or attitudes. They are leaving for convienence. And the demographic has changed as well. Many products are now directed toward younger people that may not be old enough to drive to an AMA facilty. And they feel that they really don't need one.
Currently our club is very busy. Unemployed and retired members meet daily to fly or just hang out. I would think a similar phenomenom is occuring aroud the country.
Well, Frank, you may be right and you may be wrong. I know for fact the economy has affected my hobby spending, and some of my friends too.
This recession may be a bit different than others before, and the decline in AMA, (and many other enthusiast orgs.) may be the proof. Or maybe not.
Most folks involved in construction, manufacturing, retailing, service industries etc., are working less hours (if working at all) for less money than in recent memory. How that can not affect hobby spending is beyond me.
I would have to see some stats. to prove to me that our hobby has grown during this recession.