Is the Advisory Committee (read that Horizon and Hobbico) running the show now? Are the luntatics in charge of the Asylum? What in Hell is going on?



Surely not....hehe


Ron
Bottom Feeder

It's ridiculous to think that the right solution is to resign from the AMA instead of simply not receiving the magazine.



The AMA put the last issue together to show guys how to do the little foamies. I thought the articles were great. This is a segment of the hobby that encourages own designs and experimentation. No other planes on Earth can perform like they can, looks like fun. Someday I'll make a point to try it.
The AMA puts issues like the last one together for guys like me, I am interested in and can appreciate other segments of the hobby. I do not see my own interests as being BETTER THAN the others.
I outgrew that line of thinking about my toys being better than the other guy's long ago, it gets you nowhere.

I agree but some say they are "forced" and that simply is not true.

Perhaps there are some Open members who are indeed interested in these things. One has even so posted here.

Do you really expect that MA is going to cover only the building of scale models from kits or scratch? We all know that is your primary interest, and your disdain for anything not built from sticks is well known. It's quite unrealistic for you to expect an organization which serves the interests of a very wide and widening range of interests to cater only to yours. My guess is that there is a large and growing contingent that may groan at the magazine when they see what they consider to be yet another boring and wasteful article about a kit/scratch build of a 25% scale Waco.

In another thread that has recently been brought back to the surface you ask "What's Happened to My AMA?", and I think that's really the crux of what you are saying in this thread as well. The AMA that you knew 40 years ago really doesn't exist anymore. It's grown and changed. Such is the nature of life. The PRIMARY focus is no longer on stickbuilt aircraft as it was several decades ago. That such still exists is without question, though, and IMO it remains the foundation of the hobby. But it's no longer the primary focus and I don't believe that it ever will be again.

To me, the great thing about AMA is the breadth of activities, skills, equipment and technology that it embraces. If one has an interest in any sort of aviation one can find something in AMA that will hold their interests. What I don't understand is why some can't find enjoyment in that part of the hobby and AMA that holds their interest, and at the same time recognize and embrace that others find THEIR enjoyment in something different. The latter doesn't diminish the former.

Very well said, Chuck. Bravo.

I think that everyone pretty well agrees that the PP program isn't living up to expectations. It is also a fact that the "crap" as you call it, is quite popular with Open AMA members, bringing a whole new world of materials and construction techniques to the hobby and opening up inexpensive ways to experiment with creative designs. It also opens year round flying with indoor venues that would be impossible with "conventional" IC powered models. High performance at a reasonable cost has probably captured the imagination of younger modelers as well. Small foam and EP models using carbon fiber, etc. has opened a whole new world of available flying sites where "conventional" models can not be tolerated. "Foamies" offer the experienced modeler a flying fix while working on his dream Top Gun model and allows him to keep his flying skills honed for the big event. The Editor of MA has no doubt recognized these new technologies as the wave of the future for model aviation. I hear a few "seasoned" modelers frequently denigrate, foamies and electrics in general. I also don't seeing them flying much of anything as they age. On the other hand, some of our oldest and most experienced modelers are extending their modeling life via these new technologies being featured in Model Aviation.

Red
What does the poll that you started on RCG show for those who do or don't what MA?

Bill, I just read this entire thread and I am SO glad the folks stepped over to YOUR thread....

....but, you know.....AMA COULD just send us a free plan or two every year instead of getting the magazine. At least we could use the plan and have some fun with it. (OH NOOOO[X(]...not THAT idea AGAIN.....)

Seriously though, I didn't care much for last month's MA issue either. I read though it and cut out the pages for the Rubber models (I did like that Beechcraft!) and simply tossed the rest. No high blood-pressure problem either...I simply tossed it out and was done with it.

Soft landings.

Stickbuilder,

I guess you look at MA as nothing more than junk mail.
I'm ok with that ,it's your choice so do as you please.

Let me share an idea with you that I do with all my junk mail.

You know all those "pre-paid envelopes" you get in the mail for
different offers ? Cut up the magazine and stuff it in those suckers.

This way you won't be adding to your landfill and you can stick
the advertizers with the bill.

What the hell, might as well have some fun.


Regards,
Roby

See post 51 & 52 in this thread.

HA HA! I think that applies to one "L" of a lot more than just AMA in these days.

There have been a number of questions, etc., in this thread. In the past 5-6 years, my personal situation has resulted in my NOT having to get really involved in other than rather basic IRS/IRC materials. The latest volumes of the IRC that I have are for 2004.
There is no requirement listed for newsletters, etc., for an IRC 501(c) (3) organization that I find under IRC Subchapter F - Exempt Organizations, Part 1-General Rule, Section 501, [501(c)]. There was such back before 1984, which I do remember. Mind you, I am only speaking of the main text, and I am not going to waste my time studying the pages of the various amendments to locate such. [X(]
Now here is an interesting point: While AMA Bylaws allow "Special Members" such as PPP members, and certainly AMA's legal team has made up AMA's answer to any such question, I still hold the question just what might happen to any Class-Action lawsuit if some were to question Section 503. Requirements for Exemption, [Sec. 503(b)], (which defines Prohibited Transactions applicable to all organizations of Section 501) paragraph (3), "makes any part of its services available on a preferential basis to; (I.E. PPP) and paragraph (6) "engages in any other transaction which results in a substantial diversion of its income or corpus (financial worth) to; which is later defined. One definition which I find interesting defines persons of corporations with 50% or more voting power.

I'm wondering just where would AMA's Marketing (formally Membership Development) Committee (P) (4/05): Chair: Mark Smith; Mission Statement: “Will advise the president and Executive Council on programs to attract and retain AMA Members.�
Committee Members: Don Anderson, Eric Meyers fit in???

With all the thoughts and stuff being posted in this thread, I think that the vast majority are missing the point. Model Aviation while serving as a vehicle to keep most members connected to the AMA, is not being built to serve the AMA other than that current purpose.
IMO, MA, is being formulated to become the #1 magazine for model aviation, and as time passes it will generally be following the wind, moving in whatever direction the business community develop. MAN is now reducing its pages down to 130 for Mar. issue, and MA is following suit down from 200/Jan. 184/Feb., 168/Mar. I don't read any other monthly except for FM which is not a contender in pages. The IMAA's quarterly for Spring '09 issue is 130 pages.
IMO the Academy of Model Aeronautics is far too entrenched within their own walls to really be concerned with other than the "shooting stars" which they are not going to catch. In the not-too-distant future AMA will consist mainly of a privately owned insurance company, and possibly the only surviving periodical publication for the model aviation enthusiast.

Horrace Cain

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."
George Washington

Umm Bob,

Nowhere have I ever asked that MA include my discipline within the covers of that rag. I really would not wish to see an article dedicated to any Scale model, since there is not and will not be enough space required to do justice to the build. It would actually be a waste of time, effort and paper, since there is only a small minority who would benefit therefrom.

What I have said, is that there is absolutely zero that the Editorial Staff of Model Aviation has to say that I wish to read. If I want to know what is going on within a particular District, then I can ask a friend who resides within the confines of that District, and get a better overview than from what is submitted by the several DVP's. Heck, normally, I can find out more of what's going on within my District by reading the report from District II than from what my DVP has to say. Don't know why, but that's the way it's been for years. Before we got the one that we have now, we had Mr. I. Attended. Sorry for having to say that, but it's the unvarnished truth.

To repeat what I have said all along, I don't want the magazine. I don't want a discounted membership. I'll happily pay the full price, and never ask what's going on the MA. What could be simpler than that?

You can read whatever you wish into it, but again, you are wrong. It's not because they don't lean toward scale, but it is because they lean so far toward electrics, and foam airplanes. If you want to read all about how to make a geeky little nerd airplane go ahead. I'll pass.

Bill, AMA 4720
Bottom Feeder Brother #1

OK, perhaps I've read more into your comments than are really there. If so, it's probably a result of your obvious affinity for scale building and your well known feelings about everything ARFS, electric and foam. I'll certainly take you at your word.

So let me ask you this, then. What WOULD you like to see in MA? You said you don't really want scale articles, or how to's on nerdy electrics, so what do you want? If you were suddenly given full editorial control of MA what would you do with it, keeping in mind that you're now Editor-in-Chief of a publication that serves the complete range of activities covered by AMA. I understand you don't want the magazine, but this is an entirely different question.

What would I like to see in the Magazine? That's exactly what I've been trying to tell you! I would like to see NOTHING in the magazine. If I didn't receive it, I wouldn't see it now would I?

Oops, I missed part of your question. If I were Editor in Chief of the Magazine, There would be a requirment that each DVP would be required to post at least 2 pages per month on what is going on within their Districts (not counting photographs that eat up the majority of the column). EVP would be required to post what is going on with his department, as would the Executive Director, and not provide him with a vehicle with which to run over his crankshaft.

There would be a larger column for both Free Flight and for Control line models and flying, rather than combining the disciplines found within each of them. R/C would be combined rather than having less than a full page for each portion, so if Giant Scale needed 2 pages this Month, and Electric needed only 1/2 page, then there could and would be a blending of the articles. The repetitive sections of the magazine would be eliminated, or only be published on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. The Classified section would become just that, and the Plans ad would list more of what is available, and the prices. The stupid shopping pages would go, and the section that shows what modellers are building would be expanded. There would be a small plan included each month, and the type of model would rotate into and out of the mix. Finally, there would be an avenue to opt out of receiving the magazine if so desired. If someone did decide to opt out, then that decision would stand until the next renewal of membership, or a subscription could be bought at the going rate. That would keep those who get whizzed about something that is there one month from having a tantrum and wanting out, only to want back in the following month. But it would allow those who don't want it at all to not receive it.

Bill, AMA 4720
Bottom Feeder Brother #1

Not-so-sorry to butt in here, Mitchell, even though you are trying to argue with Stick'.

If I had that chance as "Publications Director" since there is no designated "Editor-in-Chief" critter [:-], I would do this:

1. EC Member columns would be in front of the magazine. Any editorials would follow.

2. EC members would discuss AMA situations as they see those situations.

3. The number of different column for modeling stuff would be determined. That number would be divided by 12. For example there are 18 columns determined. 1/2 column is out, so 2 columns per month would be done. That's all.
I would solicit one model of 1 category, built-up or ARF to present each month as a "Build" article. Then 1 or 2 (depending on length) good modeling subjects presented. That's all.

4. Then the AMA News section. Now I have developed a great respect for the "In The Air AMA" , section of "AMA This Month".
AMA This Month would be presented about as now in the mag.

5. I would go beyond "editorial" and present to the EC, and the membership if necessary, that which is needed to bring MA into a profitable "Unrelated Business" as so determined by the IRC. There would be NO SECRETS withheld from the membership.
Advertising would significantly increase. Requiring less $$$ for a conscripted 130,000+ distribution each month, twice the nearest competition, MAN, about 60,000, is, IMO, absolute total insanity and Dereliction of Duty of the CEO.
If MA was paying all the bills, who would really care just HOW it was being accomplished??? [sm=greedy.gif]

BTW, I think all the numbers of the total distribution of the previous MA distribution year's copies, around 135,000, IIRC, are in the Nov. '08 issue which is now in my barn and I ain't gonna' make a special walk to go check on it.

After all that is done, I would think of more.


Horrace Cain

Nothing to be sorry for Horrace. It's kind of hard to "butt in" on an open message board such as this where folks are encouraged to add comments to any posted message. That's the whole purpose.

And actually, I'm not trying to argue with Bill at all.

Does MA print the minutes from EC meetings
... you know, as the primary way to get info from Muncie to the members.

Hoss is right,
MA is not now a newsletter for the org,
its coming out as a entertainment magazine that misses out on getting org info to the members.

I think that you have nailed it, only with me, It's like forcing me to watch Woody Allen for entertainment, I couldn't handle it for 5 seconds, and I don't find MA entertaining either.

Bottom Feeder Brother #1
Bill, AMA 4720

I get this mental image of Bill, tied down like the guy in "Clockwork Orange" with his eyelids held open, being force-fed violent movies.


been reading this thread since it started. I, too would opt out of receiving it if possible, Why doesn't AMA look into just making it an on-line pub, use your AMA# and a password for access, for those who have computers, send the rag to those who don't. Savesprinting cost, everyone still gets what they want (or don't want, as the case may be)

Bill, if you're starting another "Brotherhood" can I be Bottom Feeder Brother #2?

Now that's an Idea that I'd buy into.

Bill, AMA 4720
Bottom Feeder Brother #1

me three! me three!
actually, 13 would fit better with my ama # so


mongo
Bottom Feeder Brother #13

I'M #2




Ron

Oh Lord, another Brotherhood group, Oh well, let her rip. Maybe it will be as successful as the other one, and then maybe Muncie will start paying some attention.

Bill, AMA 4720
Bottom Feeder Brother #1

Stick is #1. "Stick Built" could be embroidered in gold under the jet wings of the patch he ordered for all us bottom feeders without knowing he was was actually ordering a patch, but I don't think he'd want the legacy and so that will play out.

Coming soon with voting privileges