RE: Affiliates (was Re: [Killietalk] RE: Importations)

[Wright Huntley <whuntley at verizon_net>]

Edd,

"Kray, Edd" <Edd_Kray at rf.doe.gov> wrote:

> Don't blame Joe, I started this thread with my opinion that we shouldn't
> buy fish just for distribution to affiliate clubs.

I agree with that. I was just a bit confused by the out-of-context 
statement Joe made. [Yes, I do confuse easily. ;-)]

The older clubs are perfectly capable of getting their own fish.

AKA *could* be useful in helping them arrange box swaps, etc. and by 
reactivating the census in such a form that a club could target known 
shortages in other areas when assembling a trade box.

> Don't get me wrong, Wright, (hey, that's; funny: wrong, Wright!). 

Hey, Edd. Nobody's perfect. I thought I was wrong once. Turns out I was 
mistaken. :-)

> I
> certainly believe that the affiliates are wonderful things. They give
> those of us that CAN be members lots of enjoyment, lots of personal
> contact, the ability to exchange fish (usually dirt-cheap), picnics,
> auctions, local shows, all kinds of good stuff. I don't think anyone in
> the AKA would deny their value and suggest not supporting them. They
> make things fun for those of us who have one to join.
>
> BUT, not everyone has or can have one and sometimes people in the clubs
> forget that. I agree with Joe, that the AKA shouldn't take actions that
> benefit one group at the expense of another. (Now, let me acknowledge
> that the AKA has not suggested that, It was only a suggestion from one
> member here on killietalk a day or two ago: good for starting a little
> controversy on the list and that's all)

And I'm not above jumping on it to advance my pet peeve that the AKA 
does precious little to assist folks like Joe to have a good active 
local club, everywhere. The objective is to improve the hobby. If local 
clubs do the good things you say, then shouldn't AKA get behind a move 
to make starting them easier and running them more effortless? [I know. 
It seems about like an attempt to herd cats. :-)]

When I was Chairthing of the Small Boat Racing Assn. of Northern CA, I 
was responsible for the summer racing schedule of 42 yacht clubs. That's 
right, 42! All in N. CA. That such activities could be coordinated and 
managed made it possible for folks with a launch ramp or a few docks 
anywhere to have a Sailing Club or Yacht Club. The cost of a boat and 
the cost of a fishroom are comparable, but the hobby of racing sailboats 
is far better organized than our hobby. The volunteer hours spent 
running it are, proportionally, far less than the hours of pleasure, as 
a result

Personally, I think it is ridiculous that anyone has to drive more than 
about 30 minutes (in urban areas) or an hour or two out in the sticks, 
to attend a meeting, have a bowl show and auction, hear a program and 
generally schmooze, swap Najas fragments, and share the latest myths.

It is equally ridiculous that it has taken us so long to have bigger 
regional shows like WCW and the NE new one, so adjacent local clubs can 
enjoy (?) hosting a bigger event, once in a while. Experience gained 
there makes for better conventions, too. [I bet, Edd, you even got some 
experienced help from BAKA/NWK at the last one. No?]

Wright

--
Wright Huntley - Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514 - whuntley at verizon_net
                      760 872-3995

   "The direct use of force is so poor a solution to the problem of 
limited resources and diverse ends that it is rarely employed save by 
small children and great nations." -- David D. Friedman, Law's Order.



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