Since we all know that the motivation of the posters here is to improve the AMA, I have to ask them....................................<div>
</div><div>So how would you if you had the ability to, make Model Aviation profitable?</div><div>
</div><div>Reduce content?</div><div>Increase addvertising rates?</div><div>Sell on Newsstands?</div><div>
</div><div>It's easy to just complain about the subsidy to MA....  how about some answers?  Or is the reality that you just want to be part of the problem and not part of the solution?</div><div>
</div><div>Brad</div>

If I were running AMA, I would move the function of AMA's "Model Aviation" (MA) into the profitable mode.

1. Advertising rates in MA would be adjusted to the distribution of MA versus the competition's distributions. In reality, MA would be at least 50% higher than the nearest competitor and adjusted annually. All magazines publish their distribution schedule in the late months of the year. They are no secret.

2. A newsstand distribution would exist. This would take some time and negotiation but it would happen. There just may have to be two separate printings with the newsstand issues being somewhat less than the member mailings. Content of the newsstand issues would most likely be reduced, especially that part mostly AMA officer reports. Information would be included to tell buyers that such existed should they join the AMA.

3. Assigned staff would either work to the objectives, as directed, or their replacements would do so.

4. Of course this would not be accomplished overnight as the EC would have to approve the plans, and that may take some time. Fortunately there are available means to obtain realistic changes to an outmoded operation within the fiscal objectives of the organization.

5. IMO the current use of funds and personnel in the production of AMA's MA is parallel to how Congress uses our tax monies. [:@]

Hmmm... i'd split the newsletter/political portion from the magazine/hobby portion. That one change would make MA more desirable for every modeler... not just AMA members.

I would then continue the magazine portion at a rate that promotes all model aviation aspects as effectively as possible regardless of profitability with an eye to keeping quality production costs as low as possible... then, just maybe, even a have positive return by making the magazine as desirable as possible for potential new/real subscribers and members alike but I certainly would have an opt out for members that did not wish to take it... at about half any actual cost... since I feel the biggest part of being an AMA member should be promoting the hobby, first and foremost!


Bottom line; if there were any profits possible, then that money would then go to lowering membership dues... so there would be some actual incentives to making MA all it could be...

[quote]ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf

Absolutely brilliant!!!! So now there would be two mailings to open members, that's a real saving. [:'(] Maybe they would make up the difference in not mailing to the few that wanted to opt out. Don't give up your day job to become a business consultant!

Brilliant indeed. Atotal hack job on the cites turns the stereotypical drooling of venom mildly humorous.

I guess it would never occur to the super dense that the/any newsletter could be mailed along with the member’s magazine or simply emailed if preffered... maybe even quarterly or semi annually...as that is more than often enough...and the otherwise paid subscription revenue could go to our bottom line...

Red, methinks you and rumbly should revise your quotes to who said what when. Those there right now are not a credit to your posting abilities.

May I suggest that you not allow your zeal to lash out totally upset your abilities to provide sensible structure, especially when you credit certain individuals with someone else's inputs.

Oh well! [:-]

Well...let’s hope he doesn’t give up his day job...LOL Snooping around on the internet is a full time job for some.

As much as things change, some things never change.

By the time you read this, several significant events will have transpired - - for one thing, this column will grace (?) the THIRD issue of MODEL AVIATION - - judging from membership reaction thus far expressed, we have a “Hit” - -and for another thing, the 2nd 1975 Executive Council meeting will have come and gone, leaving in its wake the usual stratification of opinion regarding the wisdom or lack of same attendant upon the deliberations and resultant decisions of its members - -“Monday Morning Quarterbacking” will be the order of the day, and those of traditionally suspicious bent will attribute all manner of evil and corrupt motives to the machinations of the very few, who have been elected by the many, to assure the success of AMA for the benefit of all who comprise its ranks - - one crying need emerges from all of this, and that is the absolute necessity of opening broader communication - - MODEL AVIATION is one effective step in this direction - - your pen, paper, envelope and stamp add up to another powerful means of communication - - write to our magazine Editor - - or to John Worth - - or to the Executive Council - - or to your District V.P. - - or write something for your club’s newsletter (they really get around) - - by one means or another, you are bound to get listenership to your suggestions for improvement, or what-ever else may be on your mind - - but remember: Be CONSTRUCTIVE, as no one benefits by an aimless attack upon a person or institution with destruction as the sole objective.

The article above appeared in MA 37 years ago by the then District II VP. I wonder if John could have imagined the types of communications we have available to us today and how far Model Aviation and the AMA have come. Yet for all the advances that have been made his words are as profound today as they were then. Just something to think about.

Regards
Frank