There is a trend of positive changes at the AMA and Model Aviation. It's not too late to have our voices heard! At a dynamic time like this, any of you non-AMA fellers can speak up about what would make you consider joining. Now, we know that a reduced rate would be nice. And much like cutting taxes, it would likely increase membership and revenue. But, also like cutting taxes, it would be nearly impossible. So let's work on the assumption that the dues will remain static. We all know that AMA reps are actively watching this forum. Keep it positive and you will probably get listened too. But by all means, speak up!

Would you like to know what the AMA does by communication through the magazine and website?
What kind of programs would make you feel like a part of something good?

I'll start it off. I'd like to see more communication from the high levels through the magazine. Any person involved in a new project (or old for that matter) should write an article. Be it short or long, just write something.

It's probably ok to tell you the Dave Mathewson wrote me back yesterday. He is involved in many new things, but I won't talk about it. It's his right to announce these things as they become viable projects. But, it looks like I'm a convert. He's a well spoken and polite man. Mostly, he seems very optimistic. Watch out! It's infectious! He's also the reason I started this thread. I'm curious whether the new projects will be filling the desires of the members and nonmembers.

p=mv thats momentum mass times velocity kgm/s

Ha! Ha!
wrong thread dude, formulas go in the Aerodynamics forum!
way to go, hijacking this one early, ehh?

I'm all for anything good from the AMA. I've been happy with them so far for my $58 a year. Me thinks a lot here complain too much.


Ronnie

That's a record. Off topic at the first reply. Toolman, I'm very glad you're happy. Mind telling us why you are so happy? This is an informational thread. What things don't you want changed and why? What exactly has the AMA done for your $58 that makes you all giddy inside? Even Mr. Mathewson admitted that the AMA has done a terrible job of showing value. Mind you, I'm not saying it's not there. Just can't pinpoint anything at the moment. I do expect that will change.

btw, the statement about complaints is a personal attack. Let's stay away from that for awhile, please. I'd like to see real communication here.

Personal attack my *****. That was intended for everybody that spends every waking minute complaining about ama and anything else they can think of at the minute. I used to think there was a bunch of cry babies on the Goldwing Forum, but I think you all have them outdone by about double.

Don't worry pardner, this will be the last time I'll post anything in this section of the forum!


Ronnie

Gentlemen...
I think a thorough re-reading would be in order.

Discussion is always a good idea, and quotes always help. Had I not seen the highlighted quote, I wouldn't have understood any of this.

Again, I think a review is in order.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

I also am happy with AMA. I do have perhaps a mis-guided view that it is an insurance policy as the main role. Just my view (no attacks on what goes on in my grey space please).
I also recognize it as the sanctioning body for my hobby similar to SCCA, AAU, and other organizations, that have guidlines that help people enjoy their hobby and make opportunity for members to compete. It is also a common thread to the hobby from coast to coast.

Vic, that's one heck of a markup on insurance! No, I ain't gonna make fun of what goes on in your head. (or lack thereof... oops, that slipped out.)

Look, one way or the other, I will continue to be a member. Simply because it's necessary if I want to fly at our club. But, what if they did something you could point your finger to and say that you are "one of them!".

I'm happy with the AMA too, at least the way it works. The only think I think lacks is the leadership, but only the President. Other then that, great org, great magazine, great tradition and great members ... at least the ones in the high IQ states.

What states are high IQ? Texas and?? My only real unhappiness with the AMA the lack of interest,at the national level, in promoting model aviation to the general public. It sounds like this is being addressed, at least to some extent. Good!

JT, I think it was another toss at PT's good intention seeing as he is from the state where The Dukes of Hazzard was filmed.
His area is also where the 8th Air Force was based, and not too far from where many features of the Hydrogen device was created.

I look at model airplanes and AMA as one and point at that and say "I am one of them". Other wise my true brothers are the revvers. 165 strong worldwide.[>:]

Vic, true brothers? I didn't see the CC mentioned there...!? We must be father-figures. (at least one of us)

Interesting thread, ptulmer. If I may, I'd like to toss my $0.02 in.

1) I'd like to see the AMA improve the way it handles various financial transactions, particularly membership acquisition and renewal. In today's day and age, it is, imo, unacceptable for ANY business, particularly one with a stated goal of appearing modern and streamlined, to take several days to process a credit card. The opportunity to enter a card number, have it processed immediately, and have a confirmation e-mail sent automatically should exist on AMA's website and via AMA's telephone number just as it does with the majority of hobby-related sites we shop on.

2) I'd like to see far less of MA Magazine...specifically, none. For ME, the magazine offers little of interest, and what notable information IS there I've had access to online, or at the LHS, or out at the field for months prior. For much the same reason, I don't willingly take delivery of a single periodical...no magazines, no newspapers, no newsletters. Now, here's the thing...I fully realize that what I just said is my personal opinion only, and for others, MA is a preferred valuable resource. There are those who lack the time necessary to haunt the internet, or those that prefer some of the more personal insights brought by MA, or even those who just "don't like them new-fangled computers, and prefer real paper in their hands". So be it...their opinion about MA is as valid as mine. For that reason, I believe MA should be a choice, not mandatory. I think it's only fair that the cost of producing MA be deducted from membership dues, but to be honest, EVEN if my dues remained the same, I'd STILL like the option to not have an MA sent to me that month.

That's a pretty good couple of cents. The first point is very good. It's something you only deal with once a year, so it gets easy to forget what a pain it is. Don't forget to renew early or you may have a couple of non-flying weeks!

The second point puts me in mind of the "American Rifleman". It used to be a terrible rag. They spent some time, money and effort on it and it brought in new members! No joking. I was a new NRA member about the time that happened and remember all the talk about it. It's now a terrific magazine and continues to pull in new members years later. I do have to qualify my remarks by saying I do like getting the magazine. Kinda hard to take the computer to the "reading room".

Agreed. And it's also, imo at least, an "image" thing. The AMA would like to be seen as the legitimate entity it is, with regards to business, lobbying its case before various agencies, etc...yet its own members see what APPEARS to be a mom and pop back room operation whenever they try to manage their membership.

Getting an online CC processor isn't difficult, nor is it terribly expensive (especially as compared to the fees already charged by ANY CC processor, online or not). Heck, PAYPAL offers the service.

Please note, I didn't say at any point that MA is a "bad" magazine...simply that I don't happen to find it a resource of any value.

Each of us is different, and each has different opportunities. As I've mentioned in other threads, I'm blessed with a SUPERB LHS just 5 minutes up the road. I probably spend at LEASt 8 hours a week in there, just hanging out hangar flying with other local hobbyists, including the owners. We stand around, give each other grief, drink a bit of coffee, and...of course...talk about the latest greatest ________ to hit the market. There's a sim there as well, along with a small TV with a selection of the latest videos from various vendors about their product.

As an example...and again, I'm not bashing MA, just highlighting an example...MA has not yet provided more than a cursory overview of the new Spektrum DX7, yet I've held one, touched it, seen Spektrum's complete video about it, and seen one installed...all at the LHS.

What does this mean? Simple...when MA has a thorough and complete review of the system, with gobs of good technical info, excellent reviews, and great pictures....I'll skim over it. No, that's not MA's fault, nor does it make them a "bad" magazine. it just means that, in SOME cases at least, certain members may have other means by with they can obtain information well before MA provides it.

I simply submit that for that reason, said members shouldn't have to find MA in the mailbox every month if they don't want to. Could I not go to the AMA website if there DOES happen to be an article, editorial, or review I particularly want to see? Besides, it would seem, to me at least, that the AMA would PREFER not to send me MA, wouldn't they? I mean, would this not cut down on their production and postage costs??

*shrug*

Why do you think I installed wireless in my home???

Sorry, I didn't mean to put words in your mouth. Glad you caught it and straightened it out. My LHS (if you can call it local) is 1.5 hours away, the other magazines are far worse than MA, so I enjoy it when they have a good issue. I don't see how it could costs anything to not send the magazine to someone that doesn't want it. Implementing a process to discount a membership for not receiving it may be another matter. The process could be prohibitively expensive.

No worries.

Exactly my point. You are one of many who enjoy MA for any number of perfectly good reasons. It's a quality publication, and you appreciate getting your issue every month. By all means, the AMA should be applauded for that effort, and you should continue to have the opportunity to receive it.

I'll agree here as well. Like you, I'm not sure how it could do anything but SAVE the AMA money not to send it to those who don't wih to receive it. I also acknowledge, however, that there could be some expense in managing separate membership dues for those who take the magazine vs. those who do not. I'm really not sure what those expenses would be, but they may well exist. As I said, however...IDEALLY i could have a less expensive membership without the magazine, but even if that weren't the case, it's still in the best interest of the trees.

If you feel strongly enough about not getting your mag, why not change the mailing address to the local library or high school library and make a contribution out of it. All the while potentially encouraging/finding new blood.

Ya know...

That's a GREAT idea. Not so sure about changing my mailing address, as I'd kinda like to get my renewal documents and such.

But taking them up to the local library is a super idea. Our family has a "library morning" every couple of weeks ANYway (random threadjack : That may be THE most important gift my parents ever gave me...a voracious appetite for reading. A regular library day is a fun experience for everyone, and if my daughter's inside, you won't find her without a book) so it'd be no problem to take MA up there.

Thanks for a super idea, vic.

There ya go PT!
I can honestly say this is the first good experience I have ever had in the AMA discussion arena in RCU.
Glad you like the idea GB

Cool.

I really have to disagree about MA, I think it is almost the only good model airplane magazine, left. It has construction articles, product reviews and tells what is happening both locally, nationally and internationally. I do spend time on the "confuser", also. However, I am distrustful of the information gleaned from here as people will pawn themselves of as experts, which really are not. Not so with the published word, as these people have reputations which precede them and is a part of why they are being published. Not saying this is 100% true, but these are reasonable assumptions. I like hearing about the other aspects of model aviation, C.L. and FF, also.

My biggest problem with all the magazines is the amount of advertisements compared to text. I feel MA has the most amount of text compared to advertising. I like nothing better then to be sitting in my easy chair with a model airplane magazine to to read! And of the ones I get or have gotten, I feel MA is very good. The Old RCM was the best, I mean from the 70s and 80s.

Well, I'd like to point out again that I never called MA anything OTHER than a "good" or 'excellent" publication. I gave credit for their extensive and thorough product reviews, and their ability to bring us information from the administration of the organization. I don't disagree with you at all...MA is a fine magazine. i would further agree with you that, based on my limited exposure to other periodicals in the industry, it's among the best available.

Again, I merely pointed out that I am one individual who A) prefers to pick up information elsewhere and B) is lucky enough to have the opportunity to do so.

I completely recognize that not everyone has a quality LHS nearby, staffed and owned by people with over 50 years combined experience in the hobby. Not everyone has a job that affords them significant web browsing time. Not everyone has the opportunity to work from home, and thus spend more time at the airfield. Etc etc. I simply submit that, for those who find MA doesn't serve them in the way that suits them best, the option not to receive the magazine should be available.

Simply, each modeler should choose the sources of information (s)he prefers.

==================

As it is, however, I don't think PT really started this thread to rehash a topic already discussed in another thread, but rather to give us the opportunity to offer suggestions we'd like the AMA leadership to consider. As far as this specific topic is concerned, I've done so, and have appreciated the opportunity.

I like MA too. It is the only mag that gives me list prices in USD since I subscribe to Brit mags.


I really do like it for other reasons too.[8D]

gboulton,

I was not disagreeing with you, only speaking my opinion on MA. I have no problem with the AMA making your subscription optional, also. However, I think as an organization, the AMA has a duty (maybe it's even a legel obligation) to keep it's members informed, through some type of publication. This would mean providing two publications, a newsletter for those whom opt-out and Model Aviation to the rest of us. This would mean added work for the staff! And, in fact, this service was provided at one time back in the 70s and maybe 80s. As a matter of fact, I did just such, when I first got started in the hobby. I think the AMA figured it wasn't cost effective to do so and quit offering it.