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Re: KillieTalk Digest V2 #1138
> Since we have been discussing the benefits of being an AKA member I was
> wondering why there has been no mention of the Beginners Committee. Why
has
> there not been any mention of the "sale of a pair of beginners killifish
for
> $5". Is there some reason that this should not be emphasized more as a
> benefit to a prospective new member? Maybe this idea needs to be tweaked a
> little bit but it could be a real hook to get new people to join. The
> program supposedly already exists. Why not publicize it more?
I am confused here. I joined the AKA about 4-5 months ago. I receive the BNL
and the Journal. That is all I have received. Whatever these other
'benefits' that new members get, this new member didn't get. The BNL lists
all these committees, books, videos, etc. Is there a reason? Can someone
check these out, buy a copy, even get a description of what it is? I do not
know.
Even though these things could improve my knowledge and enjoyment, they are
secondary.
I am pleased I have joined the AKA, am pleased that the dues pay for good
things, and will certainly renew. But the item of value to me has been this
list, and the web site, both of which are available to anyone. But then I
believe that a person should pay his own way, and I want to help pay for all
this stuff too. I hope that my joining supports in some small way a group
that I believe in. Hopefully the organization does everything possible to
help people enjoy a truly delightful group of fish which are almost
impossible for the 'walk into the pet shop guy' to ever even see! I have
made some great 'internet' friends whom I hope to meet in person at the
convention next year. Thanks to these people who have seriously bailed me
out with both diseases and how to grow food for the babies, I have more
happy fish with more eggs and fry than I ever dreamed possible!
I am a new member nobody. But much of this list is buried in who gets a BNL
on what day and heaven forbid that a non AKA member buy a fish. So they buy
a fish. Wow, first thing you know they will gets some eggs, want some help,
and join the AKA.
The fear of the non members getting all the good fish is paranoid. Easy
solution. When they call to say gimme, talk to them and see if they appear
to have enough knowledge to take care of the fish. If not, suggest an easier
fish. Just because they called does not mean you have to sell them the
fish/eggs. Dog breeders do this all the time. It took 30 minutes talking to
a local breeder of Corgis to get us put on a waiting list for one of their
pet quality puppies. They will not sell a dog to just anyone. They want to
feel comfortable that the animal has a good chance of a good home. If that
seems extreme, try to buy a hand fed parrot baby from a breeder! Fish
breeders should do the same thing.
David Ramsey
Lawrenceville, GA USA