Solutions for AMA's membership decline
09-12-2010, 10:43 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
Why should the US government fund the AMA?
NPOs get enough breaks ( taxes they dont have to pay for a start)
They are supposed to be self supporting, providing charity not recieving it.
NPOs get enough breaks ( taxes they dont have to pay for a start)
They are supposed to be self supporting, providing charity not recieving it.
09-13-2010, 12:38 AM
#79
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
Solutions:
1 - Reduce the annual membership to under $40 with the magazine.
2 - Allow for annual membership at $20 without the magazine. ( The magazine is baised and nearly useless. )
3 - Fire all the AMA lawyers.
4 - Stop wasting our time and don't in**** our intelligence by claiming that the AMA is monitoring the FAA. We know the AMA has no voice or influence with the FAA. Stop pulling our chain!
5 - Stop wasting the membership dues by going on expensive trips for what is really personal pleasure.
6 - Stop paying out ridiculous salaries and outside contracting fees for services that are not needed.
7 - Sell the building and its contents. The AMA does not need sucha a large building, nor staff, nor the most expensive office equipment.
1 - Reduce the annual membership to under $40 with the magazine.
2 - Allow for annual membership at $20 without the magazine. ( The magazine is baised and nearly useless. )
3 - Fire all the AMA lawyers.
4 - Stop wasting our time and don't in**** our intelligence by claiming that the AMA is monitoring the FAA. We know the AMA has no voice or influence with the FAA. Stop pulling our chain!
5 - Stop wasting the membership dues by going on expensive trips for what is really personal pleasure.
6 - Stop paying out ridiculous salaries and outside contracting fees for services that are not needed.
7 - Sell the building and its contents. The AMA does not need sucha a large building, nor staff, nor the most expensive office equipment.
09-13-2010, 05:27 AM
#80
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
ORIGINAL: Airplanes400
Solutions:
1 - Reduce the annual membership to under $40 with the magazine.
2 - Allow for annual membership at $20 without the magazine. ( The magazine is baised and nearly useless. )
3 - Fire all the AMA lawyers.
4 - Stop wasting our time and don't in**** our intelligence by claiming that the AMA is monitoring the FAA. We know the AMA has no voice or influence with the FAA. Stop pulling our chain!
5 - Stop wasting the membership dues by going on expensive trips for what is really personal pleasure.
6 - Stop paying out ridiculous salaries and outside contracting fees for services that are not needed.
7 - Sell the building and its contents. The AMA does not need sucha a large building, nor staff, nor the most expensive office equipment.
Solutions:
1 - Reduce the annual membership to under $40 with the magazine.
2 - Allow for annual membership at $20 without the magazine. ( The magazine is baised and nearly useless. )
3 - Fire all the AMA lawyers.
4 - Stop wasting our time and don't in**** our intelligence by claiming that the AMA is monitoring the FAA. We know the AMA has no voice or influence with the FAA. Stop pulling our chain!
5 - Stop wasting the membership dues by going on expensive trips for what is really personal pleasure.
6 - Stop paying out ridiculous salaries and outside contracting fees for services that are not needed.
7 - Sell the building and its contents. The AMA does not need sucha a large building, nor staff, nor the most expensive office equipment.
09-13-2010, 06:09 AM
#81
Thread Starter
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
I had hoped that someone would come up with a readily available solution, but it appears that for all practical purposes, unless AMA changes it ways and the membership desides there is indeed a lack of growth problem, since AMA depends mainly on membership dues to stay afloat therefore, it's just a matter of time before the organization goes under. We lose the AMA and we lose flying sites and much more. It would seem that with so much to lose, those at AMA headquarters would be ready to turn over every stone to find a solution. But just like any other business, just as long as those at the top continue receiving their pay checks, with a wink and a nudge, they will continue pretending to do whatever is necessary to keep the organization in business.
Since some see no reason for growth and some probably feel it's not their job and others actually fear growth, the only possible source of a solution should come from those with the most to lose...members of the RC aero modeling industry. Ironically, we don't hear a blessed thing from any of them.
Fliers1
Since some see no reason for growth and some probably feel it's not their job and others actually fear growth, the only possible source of a solution should come from those with the most to lose...members of the RC aero modeling industry. Ironically, we don't hear a blessed thing from any of them.
Fliers1
09-13-2010, 06:49 AM
#82
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
ORIGINAL: fliers1
I had hoped that someone would come up with a readily available solution, but it appears that for all practical purposes, unless AMA changes it ways and the membership desides there is indeed a lack of growth problem, since AMA depends mainly on membership dues to stay afloat therefore, it's just a matter of time before the organization goes under. We lose the AMA and we lose flying sites and much more. It would seem that with so much to lose, those at AMA headquarters would be ready to turn over every stone to find a solution. But just like any other business, just as long as those at the top continue receiving their pay checks, with a wink and a nudge, they will continue pretending to do whatever is necessary to keep the organization in business.
Since some see no reason for growth and some probably feel it's not their job and others actually fear growth, the only possible source of a solution should come from those with the most to lose...members of the RC aero modeling industry. Ironically, we don't hear a blessed thing from any of them.
Fliers1
I had hoped that someone would come up with a readily available solution, but it appears that for all practical purposes, unless AMA changes it ways and the membership desides there is indeed a lack of growth problem, since AMA depends mainly on membership dues to stay afloat therefore, it's just a matter of time before the organization goes under. We lose the AMA and we lose flying sites and much more. It would seem that with so much to lose, those at AMA headquarters would be ready to turn over every stone to find a solution. But just like any other business, just as long as those at the top continue receiving their pay checks, with a wink and a nudge, they will continue pretending to do whatever is necessary to keep the organization in business.
Since some see no reason for growth and some probably feel it's not their job and others actually fear growth, the only possible source of a solution should come from those with the most to lose...members of the RC aero modeling industry. Ironically, we don't hear a blessed thing from any of them.
Fliers1
Nah, I must have bumped my head and had a brain slip for a moment and thought some of those members out there would actually care about the AMA [:@]
09-13-2010, 06:52 AM
#83
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
ORIGINAL: fliers1
I had hoped that someone would come up with a readily available solution, but it appears that for all practical purposes, unless AMA changes it ways and the membership desides there is indeed a lack of growth problem, since AMA depends mainly on membership dues to stay afloat therefore, it's just a matter of time before the organization goes under. We lose the AMA and we lose flying sites and much more. It would seem that with so much to lose, those at AMA headquarters would be ready to turn over every stone to find a solution. But just like any other business, just as long as those at the top continue receiving their pay checks, with a wink and a nudge, they will continue pretending to do whatever is necessary to keep the organization in business.
Since some see no reason for growth and some probably feel it's not their job and others actually fear growth, the only possible source of a solution should come from those with the most to lose...members of the RC aero modeling industry. Ironically, we don't hear a blessed thing from any of them.
Fliers1
I had hoped that someone would come up with a readily available solution, but it appears that for all practical purposes, unless AMA changes it ways and the membership desides there is indeed a lack of growth problem, since AMA depends mainly on membership dues to stay afloat therefore, it's just a matter of time before the organization goes under. We lose the AMA and we lose flying sites and much more. It would seem that with so much to lose, those at AMA headquarters would be ready to turn over every stone to find a solution. But just like any other business, just as long as those at the top continue receiving their pay checks, with a wink and a nudge, they will continue pretending to do whatever is necessary to keep the organization in business.
Since some see no reason for growth and some probably feel it's not their job and others actually fear growth, the only possible source of a solution should come from those with the most to lose...members of the RC aero modeling industry. Ironically, we don't hear a blessed thing from any of them.
Fliers1
09-13-2010, 07:13 AM
#84
Thread Starter
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
There has been a few ideas thrown around, but nothing that could immediately turn things around.
Now, the big bucks should be coming from members of the multmillion dollar aero modeling industry. They already spend extremely large sums on full page color ads. How many full page color ads do you see in magazines like Model Airplane News, for example. I hear one full page color ad runs around $3000 per month and they have to pay for a full year, not just per month. Maybe that's why we haven't seen any of the biggies for example, post here. Hobbico, Horizon, Great Planes, Sig, MRC.
Could it be that one reason the membership/consumer isn't 100% behind growth efforts is that we finally realized that we are being used by the AMA and the industry. They are paying collectively, millions for promotion and advertisements, not to mention consulting fees, but are USING us for their UNPAID in-the-field, hands-on salesforce. How's it feel being so blantantly USED? I feel so dirty. lol
Fliers1
Now, the big bucks should be coming from members of the multmillion dollar aero modeling industry. They already spend extremely large sums on full page color ads. How many full page color ads do you see in magazines like Model Airplane News, for example. I hear one full page color ad runs around $3000 per month and they have to pay for a full year, not just per month. Maybe that's why we haven't seen any of the biggies for example, post here. Hobbico, Horizon, Great Planes, Sig, MRC.
Could it be that one reason the membership/consumer isn't 100% behind growth efforts is that we finally realized that we are being used by the AMA and the industry. They are paying collectively, millions for promotion and advertisements, not to mention consulting fees, but are USING us for their UNPAID in-the-field, hands-on salesforce. How's it feel being so blantantly USED? I feel so dirty. lol
Fliers1
09-13-2010, 09:36 AM
#85
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
Haven't you people got it yet? 3 years ago I quit renewing my AMA for various good reasons, The one reason that stands out (BESIDES THE MANY MENTIONED HERE (THANK'S GUY'S AND GAL'S) and is a dead givaway about them is MA FORCED PURCHASE with membership ripoff, Does somone approach you at the door of your LHS and tell you that you cannot enter unless you purchase this Stupid MODEL AVIATION MAGAZINE First? Heck no, I would throw it in reverse and go to the next HS where that didn't happen. the trouble is that AMA is the only watchamacallit for modelers, and they are taking advantage of us, that is why park flyers are so popular and can you really blame the parkflyer crowd? heck no, they are FREE and not only are they parkflyers but they have FREEDOM and don't need AMA Socialism. I am a strict fuelie flyer and I fly off of any abandoned place I can call a model airstrip where there aren't any people and I fly till my heart is content, No AMA PERIOD and no stupid clubs where some Grownups are really animalistic punk disrespectful predator kids in reality. I am missing the good people though at the fields and I am looking at some park flyers for the occasion(s). As for the AMA, you people that are dissmayed at the AMA as I am, pick up the pieces and put your hobby back together without the AMA as we no longer have their support but are still blessed with alternatives. AMA is an entity as of a leopard who's spots you cannot change and one day they will awake to an awakening they earned as of results of their own doing(s).
09-13-2010, 10:37 AM
#86
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
Just thought I'd post this information again ...
Join this club and get r/c insurance for just $20 a year ... U.S. Aero Modeler's Association
http://www.sportfliers.com/
It covers aircraft using any kind of fuel
•Maximum model weight limit 12lbs. (Dry)
This should be sufficient to cover the needs of nearly half of the current AMA members. Imagine that ... cutting the AMA membership in half! That should send a message to the AMA, huh?
Spread the word....
Join this club and get r/c insurance for just $20 a year ... U.S. Aero Modeler's Association
http://www.sportfliers.com/
It covers aircraft using any kind of fuel
•Maximum model weight limit 12lbs. (Dry)
This should be sufficient to cover the needs of nearly half of the current AMA members. Imagine that ... cutting the AMA membership in half! That should send a message to the AMA, huh?
Spread the word....
09-13-2010, 10:54 AM
#87
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
ORIGINAL: Airplanes400
Just thought I'd post this information again ...
Join this club and get r/c insurance for just $20 a year ... U.S. Aero Modeler's Association
http://www.sportfliers.com/
Just thought I'd post this information again ...
Join this club and get r/c insurance for just $20 a year ... U.S. Aero Modeler's Association
http://www.sportfliers.com/
09-13-2010, 10:56 AM
#88
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
airplanes400; Thank you so much, you are indeed a GENTLEMAN and a SCOLLAR and our AMA worries are over, but mostly our venting out on them is over, Thank you again so much for the info..
09-13-2010, 12:33 PM
#89
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
I detect scarcasm from you greengoose. However, I'm just putting the information out there again for those that need it. Consider it EDUCATIONAL. There are alternatives to the AMA. It's just that the AMA doesn't want people to know.
BTW, the US Areo Modelers Association is not a sham. It's 100% legit.
BTW, the US Areo Modelers Association is not a sham. It's 100% legit.
09-13-2010, 12:55 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
When the only information about the organization to be found is from the organization, things don't seem quite right.
09-13-2010, 01:01 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
airplanes400; No sarcasm intended, just greatful that there is a better way, If you detect sarcasm I appologise if I offended you..
09-13-2010, 01:39 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
ORIGINAL: Airplanes400
No Arbo,
The US Areo Modelers Association is not a sham. It's 100% legit.
No Arbo,
The US Areo Modelers Association is not a sham. It's 100% legit.
Regards
Frank
09-13-2010, 02:13 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
ORIGINAL: phlpsfrnk
Has anyone recieved a claim through them?
Has anyone recieved a claim through them?
No one with a claim doesn't mean they aren't legit though.
09-13-2010, 02:43 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
isnt this just a simple case of
folks issuing potentially slanderous libel against an RC Hobby organization?
Isnt the current trend here for folks to demand PROOF before even an investigation
in regard to slandering companies like AMA/USAmA ?
Cause it appears folks like Cisco,BP,MrP,Muroc,etc
have been saying possibly libelous slander against establishments like AMA,USAmA,etc
Goose
Gander
Where is the outcry against folks' malicious slander of USAMA
that was see against Cisco's intent to fix problems in his own org
...edit:
hmmm, might not be MrP I'm thinking of.... gonna look it up
folks issuing potentially slanderous libel against an RC Hobby organization?
Isnt the current trend here for folks to demand PROOF before even an investigation
in regard to slandering companies like AMA/USAmA ?
Cause it appears folks like Cisco,BP,
have been saying possibly libelous slander against establishments like AMA,USAmA,etc
Goose
Gander
Where is the outcry against folks' malicious slander of USAMA
that was see against Cisco's intent to fix problems in his own org
...edit:
hmmm, might not be MrP I'm thinking of.... gonna look it up
09-13-2010, 02:57 PM
#97
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
the US Areo Modelers Association is not a sham. It's 100% legit.
I think I'd prefer to invest in a Nigerian guy who wants to give me a couple of million for helping him get his funds out of the country. All he needs is my bank account info. He says it's 100% legit.
09-13-2010, 04:56 PM
#98
Thread Starter
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
Whether it's legit or not, USAMA is destined to fade away like the other modeling organizations.
Why? There simply aren't enough modelers to go around, whether they might be interested in joining a modeling organization or not. It will be Like what happened with SFA and the other one, hard core AMA members will not allow non AMA members fly on their field and their probably won't be enough USAMA members to create USAMA clubs.
I think USAMA is simply putting out feelers to see how big the potential market is, which is why there isn't more information on their web site.
Fliers1
Why? There simply aren't enough modelers to go around, whether they might be interested in joining a modeling organization or not. It will be Like what happened with SFA and the other one, hard core AMA members will not allow non AMA members fly on their field and their probably won't be enough USAMA members to create USAMA clubs.
I think USAMA is simply putting out feelers to see how big the potential market is, which is why there isn't more information on their web site.
Fliers1
09-13-2010, 05:54 PM
#99
Senior Member
RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
The hobby needs more involvement from the younger crowd. Simple as that. That job to an extent is up to all of us who actively enjoy the hobby now. My club is involved in mall shows, learn to fly days, public events during flying season etc... Things like that have helped our membership climb, in turn the AMA's as well. It's an interest that someone has or hasn't, it's a hobby - one of many. I really don't think that adjusting dues or eliminating a magazine is going to make a difference with enrollment. I'm sure there are other activities that may require membership at some level to participate. If it was say "speed knitting" and I needed to join the ASKA (American Speed Knitting Association), I don't care of it was five bucks and they came and washed my car every weekend - it's not for me. Even if their magazine had "Miss Speed Knitter" in a fold out 
Our chosen hobby has alot of competition today. That was touched on earlier in this thread. And alot of that costs as much if not way more than what we all invested, at least to get our start. I don't think $58 or $48 or $40 or whatever is going to make a bit of difference. How much is an average video game, let alone the console to put it in. I-phones, I-pods, computers - the list goes on and on. I'm not saying $58 isn't tough for some, but the bulk of people I don't believe would balk. Not at least until they find threads like this.
If we want the AMA membership to grow, then get out there and do your own individual part. Alot of us do so I don't need the flame for that thought. But it's the truth. If we all start relying too much on any one organization, no matter how good or bad (don't need to go there either) to fix things for us, then we are all headed down the path to oblivion. I didn't join the AMA before I had an interest in flying, and neither did any of you who signed on.
So next weekend, get the neighbor kid who's been eyeing up your Mustang, get him to the field and let him tickle the sticks. The smallest spark can lead to the largest fire.... that's how it worked for me, and I would bet most of you as well.
Best regards to all,
Dan
Our chosen hobby has alot of competition today. That was touched on earlier in this thread. And alot of that costs as much if not way more than what we all invested, at least to get our start. I don't think $58 or $48 or $40 or whatever is going to make a bit of difference. How much is an average video game, let alone the console to put it in. I-phones, I-pods, computers - the list goes on and on. I'm not saying $58 isn't tough for some, but the bulk of people I don't believe would balk. Not at least until they find threads like this.
If we want the AMA membership to grow, then get out there and do your own individual part. Alot of us do so I don't need the flame for that thought. But it's the truth. If we all start relying too much on any one organization, no matter how good or bad (don't need to go there either) to fix things for us, then we are all headed down the path to oblivion. I didn't join the AMA before I had an interest in flying, and neither did any of you who signed on.
So next weekend, get the neighbor kid who's been eyeing up your Mustang, get him to the field and let him tickle the sticks. The smallest spark can lead to the largest fire.... that's how it worked for me, and I would bet most of you as well.
Best regards to all,
Dan
09-13-2010, 07:14 PM
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RE: Solutions for AMA's membership decline
This thread was supposed to address solutions for AMA's membership decline. Two individuals did...and their solutions are to quit bashing and start recruiting...but for some that would be impossible...for they are like sharks who smell blood and keep on attacking. This thread has been anything but a fact finding endeavor to find solutions. It continues to be one of the worst cases of internecine warfare I have ever seen.
When someone does give a few genuine ideas of what it will take to turn the memership decline around...they are ignored and subsequent posts continue to attack the AMA. If you don't like the organization, quit. It is that simple and then go about bashing the next organization that comes along. Most membership organizations experience ups and downs, and this is part and parcel with the fickle behavior of members. When trouble looms, membership explodes...when things are going along with no distinct threat level...members leave. That is a fact of life. When the FCC bans the 72 frequencies...everyone will start yelling...where is the AMA?
Now, if what another poster suggests...that a full page color ad costs $5,000...it is no wonder the AMA is losing revenues. Many of the outdoor magazines charge upwards of $24,000 for a full page color ad. Some even more.
When someone does give a few genuine ideas of what it will take to turn the memership decline around...they are ignored and subsequent posts continue to attack the AMA. If you don't like the organization, quit. It is that simple and then go about bashing the next organization that comes along. Most membership organizations experience ups and downs, and this is part and parcel with the fickle behavior of members. When trouble looms, membership explodes...when things are going along with no distinct threat level...members leave. That is a fact of life. When the FCC bans the 72 frequencies...everyone will start yelling...where is the AMA?
Now, if what another poster suggests...that a full page color ad costs $5,000...it is no wonder the AMA is losing revenues. Many of the outdoor magazines charge upwards of $24,000 for a full page color ad. Some even more.