GIRS Members-Please read
- Thread starter Coralfreak
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We also have a website that we can be proud of that only cost the club $100 along with a donated tank and livestock. BTW...it will be updated so please don't bash me.musty baby
New member
Wow. Missed all this.
I'm a fairly new member to the club. I'm not familiar with how the club ran in the past, only with how it's been going for the last 8 months or so. It has seemed a little slow.
I've also been involved in several clubs/organizations where discussions like this have occurred, and much more laid back clubs that didn't really care about bylaws but had membership that cared enough to pressure the leadership into making things happen. In my experience it is not how a club is set up but the drive of individuals within the club to make things happen and make the club successful.
This club definitely has membership that cares enough to push things through, and having met all of the current board (I think) I don't get the impression that any pushing will be needed.
I am NOT saying ditch the bylaws or don't follow protocol or anything of the sort. I just don't think that heated argument will lead to anything. Good or bad. I think these guys have their own drive to make the club more active, and I didn't get the impression that any of them are dumb enough to forget that there is a lot of land in the state, not just the areas immediately around where they live.
...and if I'm wrong, well, I know where most of them live
That being said, I would be happy to serve on a committee (or whatever) for the Ames/Des Moines area for as long as I'm in the state.
I understand everyone's opinions and am certainly not downplaying any of them. No poo flung here.
I'm a fairly new member to the club. I'm not familiar with how the club ran in the past, only with how it's been going for the last 8 months or so. It has seemed a little slow.
I've also been involved in several clubs/organizations where discussions like this have occurred, and much more laid back clubs that didn't really care about bylaws but had membership that cared enough to pressure the leadership into making things happen. In my experience it is not how a club is set up but the drive of individuals within the club to make things happen and make the club successful.
This club definitely has membership that cares enough to push things through, and having met all of the current board (I think) I don't get the impression that any pushing will be needed.
I am NOT saying ditch the bylaws or don't follow protocol or anything of the sort. I just don't think that heated argument will lead to anything. Good or bad. I think these guys have their own drive to make the club more active, and I didn't get the impression that any of them are dumb enough to forget that there is a lot of land in the state, not just the areas immediately around where they live.
...and if I'm wrong, well, I know where most of them live
That being said, I would be happy to serve on a committee (or whatever) for the Ames/Des Moines area for as long as I'm in the state.
I understand everyone's opinions and am certainly not downplaying any of them. No poo flung here.
bgreenlee
Member
Bob
I honestly can't speak for what the club was previous to my joining earlier this year. However, when I joined you could feel tension amongst the membership. My original post was not meant to start a crap slinging fest, it was meant to bring up a discussion about the effects of decreasing the number of people in leadership roles in a club that has, in my opinion, been a little slow due to some internal conflicts amongst its leadership. It was meant to bring up the fact that such a major decision should be made by the membership.
However, I stand by my feeling that reducing the leadership is not a good move at this point. The membership in the group is from a fairly widespread area and each area needs to be represented fully when the club is making any decisions. In earlier posts it was said that the trustees were not active so why have them, and I can see the idea that the current BOD makes sense on some facets. However, I still feel that each area should have a representative involved in any voting, or decisioin making that affects the club.
I am sure that after my starting the "debate" in this thread I will feel that tension that I am taking about when I attend meetings in the future. However, I feel it was necessary to get this discussion, at least the on topic part of it prior to the crap slinging, out there so people could either agree or disagree with what I was saying. I think as a dues paying member I have the right to be concerned with what is going on with this group.
Lastly, I for one know full well who was putting the effort out last year to get the events scheduled and done, I can assure you that I appreciate it. I do think we could have had more meetings and get togethers, but I also realize that takes planning on more then just one or two peoples part. I would not dare take away from the value of the speakers, the frag auction, or the other knowledge I gained from the tank tour and meetins. But I think that if we had been more focused around a common goal, those events could have been even more beneficial to the entire group.
Billy
I honestly can't speak for what the club was previous to my joining earlier this year. However, when I joined you could feel tension amongst the membership. My original post was not meant to start a crap slinging fest, it was meant to bring up a discussion about the effects of decreasing the number of people in leadership roles in a club that has, in my opinion, been a little slow due to some internal conflicts amongst its leadership. It was meant to bring up the fact that such a major decision should be made by the membership.
However, I stand by my feeling that reducing the leadership is not a good move at this point. The membership in the group is from a fairly widespread area and each area needs to be represented fully when the club is making any decisions. In earlier posts it was said that the trustees were not active so why have them, and I can see the idea that the current BOD makes sense on some facets. However, I still feel that each area should have a representative involved in any voting, or decisioin making that affects the club.
I am sure that after my starting the "debate" in this thread I will feel that tension that I am taking about when I attend meetings in the future. However, I feel it was necessary to get this discussion, at least the on topic part of it prior to the crap slinging, out there so people could either agree or disagree with what I was saying. I think as a dues paying member I have the right to be concerned with what is going on with this group.
Lastly, I for one know full well who was putting the effort out last year to get the events scheduled and done, I can assure you that I appreciate it. I do think we could have had more meetings and get togethers, but I also realize that takes planning on more then just one or two peoples part. I would not dare take away from the value of the speakers, the frag auction, or the other knowledge I gained from the tank tour and meetins. But I think that if we had been more focused around a common goal, those events could have been even more beneficial to the entire group.
Billy
Coralfreak
Premium Member
Ok Everyone,
I've got very little time to reply to this, so I'll be brief. I have read most of this thread, long story short, you want Trustees for your area, no problem. Lets not get mad at each other, it does no one any good and creates unneeded stress.
So, we have already had Matt(Got2lb) volunteer for the Waterloo area.
We had a nomination for Clayton(Covey) from Davenport.
Did I miss anyone?
We still need someone from Des Moines and Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, any volunteers or nominations?
Lets get past this so we can have some fun with the club this year.
Allen
I've got very little time to reply to this, so I'll be brief. I have read most of this thread, long story short, you want Trustees for your area, no problem. Lets not get mad at each other, it does no one any good and creates unneeded stress.
So, we have already had Matt(Got2lb) volunteer for the Waterloo area.
We had a nomination for Clayton(Covey) from Davenport.
Did I miss anyone?
We still need someone from Des Moines and Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, any volunteers or nominations?
Lets get past this so we can have some fun with the club this year.
Allen
Coralfreak
Premium Member
Just saw that Ryansholl had volunteered for Des Moines.
Coralfreak
Premium Member
For the record, I do not feel that last year was a total failure, if I somehow implied that in any way, I apologize. The first part of the year was great, yes maybe more could have been done later in the year, that could be said no matter what. Lets not lay blame on any one person or persons. It does no good to have people who share a common interest and who should be friends, to be bickering over this.
Allen
Allen
tibbs2
New member
I will second RyanSholl. If his participation in the Club is anything like his messageboard activity on ReefCentral then we should be in good hands. :thumbsup:
I'd also like to say the Club did a good job this past year. I enjoyed Palleta's speech and the Omaha tour. The frag auctions are also really great (Though I'd like to see a few more Blastos, Acans and Brains up for sale next time).
Heres my 2 cents for next year:
Chris
I'd also like to say the Club did a good job this past year. I enjoyed Palleta's speech and the Omaha tour. The frag auctions are also really great (Though I'd like to see a few more Blastos, Acans and Brains up for sale next time).
Heres my 2 cents for next year:
2 frag auctions in IA City area.
A local frag auction or trade in the local areas.
Behind the scenes tour of the Georgia aquarium.
More speakers.
Devise a few more ways to get the word out about our club for those who don't frequent reefcentral. (Maybe ads at LFSs and places like Petco and PetSmart.)
Chris
tuffy1845
Premium Member
I have kept quiet for most of the past year as we are no longer members due to a problem with the past BOD and the attitude that we didn't mean crap to the club and our problem was never resolved.
I apologize in advance for upsetting anyone but I think I should speak up.
I agree that we don't need the trustees, as only 2 of the trustees did anything for there area, and no I didn't volunteer because we are not members.
I took it upon myself to design a t-shirt and had 5 samples made that I paid for myself and the design layout which wasn't cheap, we had 1 person that wanted one and unfortunately to have that 1 shirt made was outrageous, so he wasn't able to get one.
I see a problem with membership as they want to say they are member then do not participate which hurts the club alot. Members offer there disagreement but give no alternative idea then when they no longer like that idea they just choose not to participate.
We would love to be back in the club, but not sure how things are gonna be different.
I hope that things start moving forward with the new BOD as I know they have big ideas and plans that I hope will all work out because honestly this club needs help and participating members to make it last and grow, not just members that speak there mind then never show up unless it benefits them.
Good Luck to the new BOD and congrats on the new plans.
I apologize in advance for upsetting anyone but I think I should speak up.
I agree that we don't need the trustees, as only 2 of the trustees did anything for there area, and no I didn't volunteer because we are not members.
I took it upon myself to design a t-shirt and had 5 samples made that I paid for myself and the design layout which wasn't cheap, we had 1 person that wanted one and unfortunately to have that 1 shirt made was outrageous, so he wasn't able to get one.
I see a problem with membership as they want to say they are member then do not participate which hurts the club alot. Members offer there disagreement but give no alternative idea then when they no longer like that idea they just choose not to participate.
We would love to be back in the club, but not sure how things are gonna be different.
I hope that things start moving forward with the new BOD as I know they have big ideas and plans that I hope will all work out because honestly this club needs help and participating members to make it last and grow, not just members that speak there mind then never show up unless it benefits them.
Good Luck to the new BOD and congrats on the new plans.
Pygmey
New member
The issue not being resolved was out of GIRS's hands. If something sells something on ReefCentral GIRS cannot guranetee the item nor the sale. Just no way of making GIRS responsible for that. GIRS is a group of people that want to share ideas and help anyone with questions or needs they may have. In no way can GIRS be responsible for an individual.
Secondly I feel that you saw the benefits of the club. We were at the first meeting and you were at both Frag auctions. So the benefits were definately noted. I hated to see you guys go but there absoluetely was nothing the board could do to resolve the situation and therefore no matter what we said would not matter. In fact I tried to follow up on that deal and I got no where but that was on my own time and out of concern.
Thirdly if people feel GIRS helps them then I would hope the small membership fee would encourage everyone to help make this club grow. Just look at what we started with 3 years ago. And now see how big the club is and friendships everyone has made. I think that in itself is worth the 20 bucks and the rest is just bonus'
Secondly I feel that you saw the benefits of the club. We were at the first meeting and you were at both Frag auctions. So the benefits were definately noted. I hated to see you guys go but there absoluetely was nothing the board could do to resolve the situation and therefore no matter what we said would not matter. In fact I tried to follow up on that deal and I got no where but that was on my own time and out of concern.
Thirdly if people feel GIRS helps them then I would hope the small membership fee would encourage everyone to help make this club grow. Just look at what we started with 3 years ago. And now see how big the club is and friendships everyone has made. I think that in itself is worth the 20 bucks and the rest is just bonus'
tuffy1845
Premium Member
Well I wasn't referring to the action I was referring to the response I received. And yes we did attend the auction at Bob's house as we thought about becoming a member and decided to change our mind which was our choice.
But since we are not members we haven't attended any events since then until we decide if we want to rejoin the club or not, and honestly I thought we could attend the auction and decide if we wanted to rejoin if this was our mistake then I apologize for stepping on anyone's toes, and it won't happen again that I can promise.
Like I said hopefully things will be better and grow for the club.
But since we are not members we haven't attended any events since then until we decide if we want to rejoin the club or not, and honestly I thought we could attend the auction and decide if we wanted to rejoin if this was our mistake then I apologize for stepping on anyone's toes, and it won't happen again that I can promise.
Like I said hopefully things will be better and grow for the club.
Pygmey
New member
Everyone is welcome to come to the auctions... That definately was not what I meant. I was just pointing out some of the benefits. Definately did not step on anyones toes and I appreciated the food you guys made for us at Dan's. That was definately above and beyone.
As far as the tshirts. The design was great. I am not sure why more people would not order them. I hope that you guys will be pointed out as the ones that brought this idea to light and utilize the contacts you have to get them done
As far as the tshirts. The design was great. I am not sure why more people would not order them. I hope that you guys will be pointed out as the ones that brought this idea to light and utilize the contacts you have to get them done
. It was also a pretty good free meal for everyone!
got2lb
New member
I should clarify what I stated about this. The year started off really good. Got to see Scott Micheal which was cool, then was supposed to see Mike Paletta got to the meeting and it ended up being postponed and I couldn't make it to the next one, due to a previous engagement.
The year started off great but then nothing.
xroads
New member
I joined in Oct of 2005. I really enjoyed Paletta & the frag auction in Waukee. There were many things I couldnt attend due to my schedule. It would help if we could get a calendar a year ahead of time so that we may plan farther ahead of time. I realize that no matter what day is chosen for a particular event, many people will have conflicts & not be able to attend.
I look at this club kinda like my college fraternity. A social organization that had business needs. The BOD should take care of the business needs & different members volunteer for other duties/ chores. One position I would love to see is a membership officer mainly in charge of recruiting & retaining members.
Everyone participates at different levels. But it is a social club & participation should be voluntary no matter what the event. I wish I could participate much more then I have time for. The Waterloo area seems to be hungry for any type of event that can be thought of. (Probably because there isnt a real lfs withing 50 miles) I dont knock the other areas cause they dont want to get together every month, it is voluntary.
I love the club & would hate to see anyone get hurt feelings or feel like they are getting pushed out. We are a club because of our common passion. Salt tanks, that should be enough. Whether they post on here 10 times daily, or 10 times yearly.
Just my 2 cents
Craig Johnston
I look at this club kinda like my college fraternity. A social organization that had business needs. The BOD should take care of the business needs & different members volunteer for other duties/ chores. One position I would love to see is a membership officer mainly in charge of recruiting & retaining members.
Everyone participates at different levels. But it is a social club & participation should be voluntary no matter what the event. I wish I could participate much more then I have time for. The Waterloo area seems to be hungry for any type of event that can be thought of. (Probably because there isnt a real lfs withing 50 miles) I dont knock the other areas cause they dont want to get together every month, it is voluntary.
I love the club & would hate to see anyone get hurt feelings or feel like they are getting pushed out. We are a club because of our common passion. Salt tanks, that should be enough. Whether they post on here 10 times daily, or 10 times yearly.
Just my 2 cents
Craig Johnston
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