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Re: joining the AKA

KI>>When I joined the AKA, If you wanted to get the fish the members in the
KI>>Boston - New England - area would not even sell them to you if you were not
KI>>a member. If you wanted any kind of information that was reliable at all yo
KI>>had to join. Now every thing you need is on the AKA page or this list

KI>I feel that I need to weigh in on this discussion, in part before it
KI>gets too heated. While there are individuals like Al who feel that
KI>someone should have to join the AKA to get access to fish and
KI>information, most members don't feel that way. Most, as has been
KI>said, are generous with their advice and often with their fish.

I would like to jump in here in Al's defense (not that he needs
any--he's a big boy). Al (and every other killienut I"ve met) has proven
generous with fish and knowledge regardless of whether the person in
question was an AKA member or not. I would not be in the hobby without
people like him.

That said, I would agree that we need to think about what advantages
membership confers and ask ourselves if what we are providing members is
a good value for the money. I feel strongly that the value is good,
which is one reason I keep renewing.

One thing we might want to think about is how we want to go about
publicizing the AKA. Barry stated: "To my mind the web site has been a
great "recruiting
KI>tool" for the AKA. About one third of new members say that they found
KI>the AKA through the web site." That's well and good, but what about
advertising the AKA in aquarium magazines? Not every one has internet access or
cares to do searches.

Just some things to think about.

Catherine

The
KI>AKA web site and this list are intended to help those people who are
KI>just beginning to get interested in the hobby to make some progress.
KI>Most of us believe that such an attitude will attract more members
KI>than trying to coerce people into joining by denying non-members
KI>access to fish.

KI>On the other hand, we do recognize that there ought to be some value
KI>in membership. We offer discounts on some books to members and we
KI>have started a members only area on the web site providing access to
KI>such things as up to date versions of the membership roster. Of
KI>course, membership also brings you JAKA and the BNL.

KI>My view is that the best reason to join the AKA is to be part of a
KI>great group of people who have a special interest in these fish. I
KI>would urge everyone to be helpful to newcomers and at the same time
KI>to get them interested in their local club, where there is one, and
KI>in the AKA.

KI>The above is my own opinion and is not meant to represent AKA policy.
KI>This is a democratic group in a democratic society. We are all
KI>entitled to express our views. To the lurkers out there who might be
KI>interested in the hobby I suggest that you jump right in. You'll meet
KI>a great group of enthusiasts.

KI>Barry
KI>---------------
KI>See http://www.aka.org/AKA/subkillietalk.html to unsubscribe


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