Academy of Model Aeronautics promotes ... Model Aeronautics?!?

[Dennis Leonhardi]

Am I missing something here?

AMA Expo West - an activity of AMA - includes:

   Boats
   RC Cars
   Trains
… and don't forget the AMA Expo West Cup for Drone Racing.

I spent many years in public accounting and consulting.  In taking on a new client, I almost always asked the owner/manager "What makes you different from the guy down the block offering the same products or services?".  Truth is, most answered they never thought about that.

I submit that anyone running a business or organization ought to give a great deal of thought to their purpose and objectives.  And I further submit that simply growing a business or organization isn't much of a goal at all when you lose track of your purpose.

Dennis

[Brett Buck]

Am I missing something here?

AMA Expo West - an activity of AMA - includes:

   Boats
   RC Cars
   Trains
… and don't forget the AMA Expo West Cup for Drone Racing.

  You aren't missing anything, and I think they are pretty clear on what their goals are. They might not be the same goals you and I have.

     Brett

[Mike Keville]

Certainly makes me glad I quit that once-great outfit after 65 years of membership.  They have truly "lost their way".

[frank williams]

Dennis
Well said.

[Dave Hull]

I have seen 3 different flyers for the Expo so far. Two different ones were attached to the magazine, and one was recently mailed to me along with a letter by the AMA. I am my club's point of contact for AMA business, so I get the club mail.

The first one leads with "R/C activities" and photos of some 3D planes. Top billing is "...RC Model and Hobby Event." Between the graphics and the text it next bills R/C cars, racing drones (significantly, not camera "platforms"), "Control Line," R/C Boats, Garden Train, Exhibit Hall & Indoor Flying. Working your way down the text, it then mentions R/C Helicopters, Paper Airplanes and some other stuff.  They have the Knight's of the Round Circle logo along with lots of other logos, which seem to all be for companies, not clubs or organizations. There may be one or two other organizations, but I didn't recognize the names.

So while I may disagree with the AMA business approach on drones, yada yada, yada, it looks like a good agenda for an expo. Go and see lots of hobby stuff that concentrates on things that fly. There aren't a lot of control line guys compared to R/C airplanes, so I don't expect to lead the bill. but we were not excluded. My understanding is that the control line area was expanded due to this change of venue. They have more space and we get some of it. The AMA marketing partner lead, Erin Dobbs, sent a package with extra flyers to help clubs promote what we do. She is asking (counting?) for help to run the Control Line activities.

So the only question in my mind is do we opt out so we can get down to doing some serious complaining about not being a major part of it, or can we get enough guys to do something at the show. Our choice....

Dave
VCB

PS--I would think the worst thing we could do for ourselves is to play along like we are interested and then not show up. I know it is hard to find enough guys to keep activities staffed for three days. I know I can't support at that level. I generally don't go to anything that has crowds. I just don't like crowds. But this may be the year I support control line at the Expo. Anybody else?

[Dennis Leonhardi]

I respectfully disagree, Dave.

Fifteen or twenty years ago, it might have seemed AMA staff were literally ready to pounce on a phone call or email to quickly assist members.  It was almost beyond belief in my opinion.

My most recent inquiry was by email directed to two staff members who should have been in a good position to answer a request for info.  That was perhaps 18 months ago.  When no response came within 6 to 8 weeks as I recall, I submitted the request to a higher level - president or executive director.

When the effort to grow by including other hobby activities results in greatly diminished service to the people whose needs originally justified the organization, the whole purpose is lost.

When AMA leadership decides to cover golfing and tennis too, we might all decide there has to be a better solution for us.

Dennis

I have seen 3 different flyers for the Expo so far. Two different ones were attached to the magazine, and one was recently mailed to me along with a letter by the AMA. I am my club's point of contact for AMA business, so I get the club mail.

The first one leads with "R/C activities" and photos of some 3D planes. Top billing is "...RC Model and Hobby Event." Between the graphics and the text it next bills R/C cars, racing drones (significantly, not camera "platforms"), "Control Line," R/C Boats, Garden Train, Exhibit Hall & Indoor Flying. Working your way down the text, it then mentions R/C Helicopters, Paper Airplanes and some other stuff.  They have the Knight's of the Round Circle logo along with lots of other logos, which seem to all be for companies, not clubs or organizations. There may be one or two other organizations, but I didn't recognize the names.

So while I may disagree with the AMA business approach on drones, yada yada, yada, it looks like a good agenda for an expo. Go and see lots of hobby stuff that concentrates on things that fly. There aren't a lot of control line guys compared to R/C airplanes, so I don't expect to lead the bill. but we were not excluded. My understanding is that the control line area was expanded due to this change of venue. They have more space and we get some of it. The AMA marketing partner lead, Erin Dobbs, sent a package with extra flyers to help clubs promote what we do. She is asking (counting?) for help to run the Control Line activities.

So the only question in my mind is do we opt out so we can get down to doing some serious complaining about not being a major part of it, or can we get enough guys to do something at the show. Our choice....

Dave
VCB

PS--I would think the worst thing we could do for ourselves is to play along like we are interested and then not show up. I know it is hard to find enough guys to keep activities staffed for three days. I know I can't support at that level. I generally don't go to anything that has crowds. I just don't like crowds. But this may be the year I support control line at the Expo. Anybody else?

[FLOYD CARTER]

The present AMA leadership can't really do anything to assist me in my hobby activities.  I can get along very well without their help.  I maintain membership only so I can enter contests.  Otherwise, they can promote anything they want. 

[Steve Helmick]

The present AMA leadership can't really do anything to assist me in my hobby activities.  I can get along very well without their help.  I maintain membership only so I can enter contests.  Otherwise, they can promote anything they want.

"Can't" or "Won't"? Our guys tried to get help from the "Flying Site" division of AMA and got zero. If it's not R/C, with lots of members, we came to conclude that they don't give a rat's butt.    Steve

[GERALD WIMMER]

The present AMA leadership can't really do anything to assist me in my hobby activities.  I can get along very well without their help.  I maintain membership only so I can enter contests.  Otherwise, they can promote anything they want.

Hello Must be the same world over for those of us that fly control line. Our controlling body Model Flying New Zealand (was better named as NZMAA in the past) has other interests at heart other then C/L but does provide insurance and a sort of Nationals event plus a Magazine, other then that we use special interest groups to run control line flying. After 28 years as secretary treasurer for our club and having helped in public Expo/Show events in the past all I can say is I'm over it and will not prop up 'general' MFNZ events again.

Regards Gerald

[Mike Keville]

In case it's escaped your attention, what we have in Muncie today is a bunch of Money Managers heading-up an over-inflated payroll dedicated to drones and imported foam ARFs.  They have NO CLUE about what real aeromodeling is about.

And what's so great about SANCTIONED contests?  Why not hold a few without their blessing?  It's not a big deal!!!

I know: I'll take some heat over this - but isn't it about time someone stood up and said "Who needs 'em?"

[john e. holliday]

I've done it in the past. Local get together type meets.   Mostly balloon burst type meets.

[Avaiojet]

I've always had great relationships with the AMA.

Well, the 80's anyway, help with field qualifications, never claims.

They are trying to helping us in Florida.

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