MARS Mobile

[Brian Prestwood]

Pete

"aside from our monthly meetings we do not sponsor enough events to get sufficient use from it"

When the club was smaller (approx 20-40 members) we did...
Pet Expo booths
Mini-Conferences
Sac-Zoo setups
etc

all would have benefited from a trailor.

After the club grew (80+) the board was too busy to do anything but the membership roster and general meetings, and frequently we didn't do that very well.

The last time the board of the MARS grande tried to take on more than running the meetings (the WMC) nearly half the board resigned at once. There were all kinds of rumors running around about why. IMO - they simply tried to do too much at once.

Personally, I'd like to see the club doing many more outside events. However, if I'm wrong and the membership doesn't want more outside events thats fine.

However, I don't want to hear anyone who voted against gearing up complaining that we don't do enough events outside of the general meeting.

As for the single point of failure analogy we've both been using, lets get specific.

Yes, all are eggs are in one basket Just kidding...

It all comes down to having a very high probably of medium damage or very low probability of high damage.

Board members transporting equipment can't make it or leave it behind all the time. Trailors stored in gated storage areas are rarely stolen.

In other words, if the likely happens we won't have the equipement for one meeting. If the unlikely happens we'll to replace approx $2K worth of gear and file an insurance claim.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Aaron

Aaron

See my reply to Pete directly above.

Also...

If the club revenues drop dramatically it is likely we'll get most of our trailor money back if we get a good price on a used one. However, we don't have to get our money back to survive, we only have to eliminate the ongoing expenses associated with the trailor.

"Something about not counting chickens untill the eggs hatch..."

We currently have approx 18,000 chicks in the bank and a clear understanding of how to grow our revenue stream. If the membership wants the board to take on more members or events they need to put their money where their mouth is.

Crash!!! Sorry, I fell of my pedestal

 

[airinhere]

Now we get to the real meat of the debates here.

We have a growing club, a reasonable amount in the bank and we need to look in what direction should we grow...

I still like the trailer idea, but after further thought, I do not think we would use it enough to justify the purchase and additional responsibility. Getting everything to and from meetings is a very real need as we continue to grow, but might not be reason enough to make such a change right away.

What about other activities? You mentioned
Pet Expo booths
Mini-Conferences
Sac-Zoo setups
etc

Do we still have the contacts to do these sort of things? What about trying to make a serious showing at some of the local events like reefapalooza, BACFM or more? If we get commitments and bookings for these sorts of things, then I think a trailer would become a necessity rather than a luxury.

If we are going to grow as a club then lets look at ways we can make the club more fun and more a part of peoples lives. The equipment we end up with should be determmined by the activities we pursue, not dictate what those activities might be.

Because we could always go the route of becoming a coral co-op and look more internally than externally. Imagine a small greenhouse fully stocked and equiped raising corals that we can all share and take home as they grow.......

 

[MrMikeB]

Although I do understand the need to grow as a club and do more for our members, I still fail to see how the expense for a trailer is necessary or how it will lead to additional members or more participation - especially when there are many viable alternatives that can accommodate the logistics of the equipment.

18k in the bank is a drop in the bucket. I for one would not be so quick to spend 1/5 or more of our ENTIRE funds on a single operating expense. It is pure overhead, it is unnecessary, and it will not impact our membership or promote our cause. The benefits just do not outweigh the cost. We are simply not large enough to go around spending money on items like this.

 

[mpoletti]

If we have that much in the bank than we should be able to find a bigger venue for indoor frag swaps.

I guess I am one of those that see 3k as alot of money to drop on a trailer.

I also would not support a greenhouse growing facility. I still think that our club can spend the money in better ways.

I would love to hear the experts in our hobby speak. I know that they have been to town as they have spoken to MARS in the past. Why not have them come back as our club is growing. I also bet that would increase the "veteran" participation in the club as well as increase the knowledge of the up and comers.

 

[pbetito]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11428567#post11428567 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marko9
If we have that much in the bank than we should be able to find a bigger venue for indoor frag swaps.

- Just you wait my friend. We will be spending some dough and hosting a HUGE frag swap February 9th The ones I am assuming you are talking about such as Pam's and Karl's were not sponsored by MARS and therefore we didn't bank roll them.

I guess I am one of those that see 3k as alot of money to drop on a trailer.

- I couldn't agree more



I would love to hear the experts in our hobby speak. I know that they have been to town as they have spoken to MARS in the past. Why not have them come back as our club is growing. I also bet that would increase the "veteran" participation in the club as well as increase the knowledge of the up and comers.


- I know that Bruce is working on this and doing research to get some heavy hitters back in the lineup

 

[mpoletti]

:bounce2: :bounce1: :bounce3: :dance: :thumbsup:

I tried to add some more but that is all I could.

 

[bored4long]

I love the discourse. Can the next thread be "What direction should the club go?" That one will be fun and exciting.

I fail to see the necessity of a trailer. I do see the value of one, but it would truly be a luxury at this point. As others have stated, if we started lots of extracurricular activities on a somewhat regular basis, we could revisit the purchase.

If indeed we are growing, I think the most important discussion we need to have is where are we going to have the MARS meetings. We are packed in Round Table these days.

OT: Who is in charge of the Website? I would gladly volunteer my time to help maintain or improve it.

 

[kdblove_99]

I would be opposed to a trailer purchase also.

I think more important is a new venue and i know it is not easy to find somethingt

I think we will see tomorrow how big we are for that room .

 

[dots]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11423853#post11423853 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pbetito
Doug... I do this out of love good buddy,

I love all of your ideas and read all your LONG but helpful posts, but I haven't seen you at a meeting in like.... we won't even go there. Please bring some of your vast knowledge and winning smile to a meeting. WE as MARS memebers must show up occasionally to promote the club as well. The meeting happens to be this friday, if you aren't busy I want to SEE you there. Half the battle is showing up and we as a club need some of our veteran leadership to make occasional appearances. The club is on the rise and while I love the new leadership and the proactive board, the presence of some of the real experts could do a lot to help.

Hope to see you soon,
Paul

I was waiting for a written invatation, and it looks like I just got one. Until two weeks ago I worked in Folsom and on Friday nights was the last place I wanted to hang around for two hours. Since I have gotten another job as an Application Engineer specifing pumps for use in wastewater......I imagine you will probably start seeing me more that I have the time now.

And if I see any of these "experts" I will bring them along as well, Im just a windbag with a box of water.

Thanks

 

[MandM]

I have to agree that the trailer seems to be more cost than benefit.

A few thoughts:

I think the club membership is already bursting the seams of our current meeting facility. It is hard to manage such a large meeting and I think that scares people off running for BOG.

The push for duty statements and BOG duties makes serving on the board look like being in the army. This is a hobby club. We need some guidelines and we do need to follow proper laws for a tax-exempt club but we are here to enjoy the hobby and share. I think the regimented approach needs to be eased off.

Let's focus on a few things we want to accomplish and have some volunteers form small groups to make them happen.

I don't think a primary goal of the club should be to increase membership at this time. We are not short of funds and are bringing in sizable amounts at the raffles. I'll start another discussion thread on the raffle.

If a board member is not able to attend a meeting, a volunteer could pick up the equipment or books to bring for them. I would be willing to do that anytime.

Let's consider dividing up the books or rethink the library process that we have. I like the idea of just notifying the librarian ahead of time and having the requested books only brought to the meeting. There are other options we may want to consider. Would it be feasable for us to ask Round Table to allow us to store a locked cabinet in that equipment room just for our books? Storing chemicals for tests would not be an option for them but storing the books for a small fee would be a resonable request.

 

[dots]

In reading the past night and days conversation unfold, I believe we are at the point to "park" the mobile for a moment as it is a small piece of the larger MARS picture. I see there is a lot of room for adding statements of direction and motive for the club. Perhaps, with the Board of Governors ultimatly responsible for ensuring and securing these goals as they are written, but add "some" executive power to the president and vice president officers so that within the bounds and restrictions of the "law" of the club that is protected by the BOG's, they propose a plan of action for the year working with the other elected officers to achieve these goals which is part of thier duties.

I would really like to see a long term goal for this club in size, stature in the reefing community, and knowledge base as an exemplary example of how one should be. I would like to see Sacramento be the nexus of the hobby if that is possible.......like I said, "long term".

I propose that after this ultimate long term goal is decided upon.....which I imagine will take some time........we can return to the finer, more imediate points in how to achieve these goals......ie: a trailer to spread the MARS gosple.

This summer, I nearly lost my tank due to some oversights on my part. I am now, looking at that step back as neccesary to take the two steps forward I am currently taking.

I am now viewing the events of the past 1-2 years for the club in the same way, and perhaps to truely "grow" the club, we need to start thinking bigger than that has been done in the past, find ways to not only recruit new members, but retain them as well (the harder part).

I believe offering "supports" for club members in times of need, such as "buddy programs", "tank moving assistance", and "focus groups" for special interest projects are a real possibility. However, that is the icing on the cake that we are still trying to bake, which will be sweet when we get to it.

I move that we continue this disscusion on the trailer when the bigger issues have been evaluated and made clear to all.

Though currently we are united, its a fragile union and we need a clear direction and proactive drummers to march towards those goals.

I am very excited and believe we are near a realization that we need to overhaul the finer points and duties of the club as we are about to get bigger than those britches can handle. My hope is that everyone else wants the same.

(I want BAR to be the little sister) nudge nudge

We need to create a clear course of action with goal points along the way.

Step 1. Was to increase participation on RC

Step 2. Was to create thought provoking conversation on RC

Step 3. Was to create a supportive enviroment on RC

Step 4. Was to "mend" the fences between members and the Board.

Step 5. Was to strenthen the ties between the clubs and LFS.

Step 6. Was to end non productive "gossip"

Step 7. Was to get the Board involved on the RC forum to create a cohesive group.

(Step 7 is why I don't go to meeting, I didn't want to step on any toes)

I guess my little experiment is up and the game is over. It is up to the rest of us to achieve the next step or leave it status quo.

This is the reason I write LONG responses, am a complete jackass, try to help as much as I can, and am forthright and maybe a little "emotional" at times to encourage others. I had while never letting my ego get in the way, because I never wanted to be looked upon as I had something to gain.

But in the end I have, and its MARS

(If this piece of work doesn't inspire you people, I don't know what will!!!!)

I can't wait for the day I can give "Yes", "No", "are you crazy" responses in the future.......as whoppers like this take an hour to set up in draft form to get my point across and would rather be talking about WHY MY SPS ARE FADED???

 

[dots]

Or we can let all this hardwork be undone and start calling each other names, in which it is ALWAYS easier to destroy than it is to CREATE.

 

[pbetito]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11430360#post11430360 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dots
Or we can let all this hardwork be undone and start calling each other names, in which it is ALWAYS easier to destroy than it is to CREATE.

I agree you MORON

 

[MandM]

Seems like the trailer is parked.

Maybe it's for the best...

 

[dots]

If credit is due at all, Paul, you are the match that started this fire. Your dedication, and hardwork is a big part of the state of mind people are in now. In fact, there is a core group of you I considered "noobies" as well as myself not too long ago, though I may still be, you and your "class" that all started around the same time had an enthusasim that inspired the others that were burnt out which had a domino effect. I am glad and thankful for your effort, perhaps you may just inspire me to attend some meetings........

Now just kiss and make up with Edwin, we need all the help we can get.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Mike

Mike

"I still fail to see how the expense for a trailer is necessary"

I didn't say it was necessary. I said it was helpful.

"how it will lead to additional members or more participation"

Again, having the all the gear necessary to put on a MARS event in a single easily transportable container deceases the logistics, transportation and setup time thus freeing the board up to do other work which benefits the members.

It seems obvious to me. I guess my arguement wasn't convincing. We probably won't get to it before you're on the board so you will get a chance to vote against it.

 

[mike1962]

I realize that this thread started out as a question about buying a trailer, but it also seems to have morphed into a question about what is the future or MARS, its priorities, and how can it be improved.

Thought I'd add my take as a relatively new member (since August). My hopes are that you can use my information as a newbie to help MARS continue to grow and be a successful club.

I originally found/discovered MARS through the website. I was interested if there was a local club that shared my newly found obsession. Where I could meet others and learn more about the world of Saltwater. I found the website to be not all that helpful and a bit cumbersome but did find the critical information about meetings. Then I found the forum on RC.

I have enjoyed coming to the meetings, I have always felt welcomed, and I have enjoyed the general format and topics in these past months. By and large, there is the sense that MARS members are enthusiasts that are happy to help out any fellow reef nuts who run into problems, or need advice. It is that kind of generosity of time and experience that keeps me coming back, and makes me want, in return, to contribute in some fashion to MARS. Hence my filming the Aragocrete Demo (yes, I know, I botched it first time around, :rolleye1: :hmm1: ) but still hope that I can contribute something as a member.

As a relatively new member I would really like to hear a few talks by some of the experts in the field. I am also open to anything that represents practical application or knowledge. While I am sure there is probably some redundancy for those who are more experience reefers, I suspect that most of us who are new to MARS are also relatively new to SW, and looking for good solid basic information on the setup, creation, and maintenance of SW systems. I've done tons of reading, but I aways seem to walk away from a meeting with something I didn't know before.

These past months we have had fragging demos, a talk on QT'ing, an Aragocrete demo, and from a newbies perspective, this is exactly what I'm looking for. I also really enjoyed the Tank Tour. It was highly informative, and a great way to meet other SW addicts outside the normal meeting format. Kudos

Just my thoughts, hope it helps.

 

[pbetito]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11430964#post11430964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mike1962
I realize that this thread started out as a question about buying a trailer, but it also seems to have morphed into a question about what is the future or MARS, its priorities, and how can it be improved.

Thought I'd add my take as a relatively new member (since August). My hopes are that you can use my information as a newbie to help MARS continue to grow and be a successful club.

I originally found/discovered MARS through the website. I was interested if there was a local club that shared my newly found obsession. Where I could meet others and learn more about the world of Saltwater. I found the website to be not all that helpful and a bit cumbersome but did find the critical information about meetings. Then I found the forum on RC.

I have enjoyed coming to the meetings, I have always felt welcomed, and I have enjoyed the general format and topics in these past months. By and large, there is the sense that MARS members are enthusiasts that are happy to help out any fellow reef nuts who run into problems, or need advice. It is that kind of generosity of time and experience that keeps me coming back, and makes me want, in return, to contribute in some fashion to MARS. Hence my filming the Aragocrete Demo (yes, I know, I botched it first time around, :rolleye1: :hmm1: ) but still hope that I can contribute something as a member.

As a relatively new member I would really like to hear a few talks by some of the experts in the field. I am also open to anything that represents practical application or knowledge. While I am sure there is probably some redundancy for those who are more experience reefers, I suspect that most of us who are new to MARS are also relatively new to SW, and looking for good solid basic information on the setup, creation, and maintenance of SW systems. I've done tons of reading, but I aways seem to walk away from a meeting with something I didn't know before.

These past months we have had fragging demos, a talk on QT'ing, an Aragocrete demo, and from a newbies perspective, this is exactly what I'm looking for. I also really enjoyed the Tank Tour. It was highly informative, and a great way to meet other SW addicts outside the normal meeting format. Kudos

Just my thoughts, hope it helps.

That was refreshing, helpful, and greatly appreciated. The Q and A is another place newer members can learn as well. Sometimes it requires a little nerve to ask a question among a room of complete strangers, but the more you do the easier it becomes
Thanks for the comments, they make me realize the board is a success on some levels and that people are getting something out of the meetings that they can't just find online at RC.

 

[KMP]

I have enjoyed coming to the meetings, I have always felt welcomed, and I have enjoyed the general format and topics in these past months. By and large, there is the sense that MARS members are enthusiasts that are happy to help out any fellow reef nuts who run into problems, or need advice. It is that kind of generosity of time and experience that keeps me coming back, and makes me want, in return, to contribute in some fashion to MARS.

Ditto!